Mon | May 18, 2026

Fabulous carnival make-up with Le Champ Cosmetics

Published:Friday | April 14, 2023 | 12:10 AM
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Christina Boyd’s make-up complements Yard Mas’ Athena beautifully. ‘As the Goddess of wisdom and warfare, this animalistic eagle look is a powerful sight similar to the majestic predator,’ says Ellington.
Jermaine Duncan
Christina Boyd’s make-up complements Yard Mas’ Athena beautifully. ‘As the Goddess of wisdom and warfare, this animalistic eagle look is a powerful sight similar to the majestic predator,’ says Ellington.
Yard Mas’ Athena is designed by Whitney Shand.
Contributed
Yard Mas’ Athena is designed by Whitney Shand.
Shanique Ellington, make-up artist and CEO of Le Champ Cosmetics.
Jermaine Duncan
Shanique Ellington, make-up artist and CEO of Le Champ Cosmetics.
A play on the crystalline look of ice with holographic gemstones and glitter shadows to match, is perfect for our Ice Queen, Deniesha Brown, whose make-up was done for Bacchanal’s Ice Breaker.
Jermaine Duncan
A play on the crystalline look of ice with holographic gemstones and glitter shadows to match, is perfect for our Ice Queen, Deniesha Brown, whose make-up was done for Bacchanal’s Ice Breaker.
Bacchanal’s Ice Breaker by Alejandro Gomez.
Contributed
Bacchanal’s Ice Breaker by Alejandro Gomez.
This look is ‘like a pirate’s dream of discovering gems and stones of all shapes and sizes,’ says Ellington of this make-up look on Abiana Watson that would pair well with Gen XS’ Sunken Treasures.
Jermaine Duncan
This look is ‘like a pirate’s dream of discovering gems and stones of all shapes and sizes,’ says Ellington of this make-up look on Abiana Watson that would pair well with Gen XS’ Sunken Treasures.
Gen XS’ Sunken Treasures by David Dewer is inspired by the historic Port Royal.
Corey Hamilton
Gen XS’ Sunken Treasures by David Dewer is inspired by the historic Port Royal.
This look, as seen on Lisa Sangster, has the power to excite just about everyone and would work well with Xodus’ Tutti Frutti.
Jermaine Duncan
This look, as seen on Lisa Sangster, has the power to excite just about everyone and would work well with Xodus’ Tutti Frutti.
Xodus’ Tutti Frutti by Lila Nikole.
Contributed
Xodus’ Tutti Frutti by Lila Nikole.
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The countdown for Carnival in Jamaica 2023 is on! Set to dazzle the streets of Kingston on Sunday, April 16, no costume is truly complete without a stunning make-up look to complement it. So we enlisted the expertise of Le Champ Cosmetics CEO and Mas Ready conceptualiser Shanique Ellington to give us the 411 on all things carnival make-up.

Living: What makes a fabulous make-up look for carnival?

Shanique Ellington: The best carnival looks always have a focal point. Whether it’s the dazzling eye-shadow, bold eyelashes, illuminating rhinestones or lips that pop. You want to make a statement with your look. Even natural looks can be glam.

L: What do you take into consideration when creating a ‘beat face’ for carnival?

SE: Skin type and preparation is very important for doing carnival make-up. We always want to encourage revellers to do proper skincare and grooming prior to getting carnival make-up done, for example, skin exfoliation, facial hair grooming, and adequate moisturisation. The make-up done is for long wear and will be more durable to withstand the high intensity occasion. Having [your] skin in the best shape possible makes for a successful make-up application outcome.

L: Do skin tones matter in choosing colours for make-up and as a make-up artist how do you decide what will work for your client?

SE: Only to a small extent. Some colours definitely look better with skin based on individual undertones, however carnival is such a colourful event so we want to bring out the best hues and not limit ourselves especially if it is expected to coordinate with the costume we love.

L: Why did you decide to create Mas Ready?

SE: I have always been a soca junkie and have personally jumped carnival in Jamaica for 10 years. So when I started the Le Champ Cosmetics make-up brand it came very naturally to do an activity focusing on carnival make-up. After all, they are two of my favourite things!

L: What can the clientèle at Mas Ready expect?

SE: We’re creating a relaxed environment at the BMW Autobahn showroom for revellers to get a full experience starting with food and drinks upon entry, carnival make-up, assistance getting dressed, complementary body shimmering from Le Champ Cosmetics, then a photoshoot by Ayothra Ltd to make memories with friends and loved ones just before hitting the road.

With Le Champ Cosmetics help we created stunning make-up looks from each Carnival in Jamaica band. Keep in mind the key to a fantastic and beautiful carnival make-up look is to have fun and experiment with different colours and styles until you find something that complements your costume and makes you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to take on the road!

CREDITS

Shot on location at the Gardens at the Pegasus

Make-up by: Shanique Ellington

Photographs by:

Models: Deniesha Brown , Abiana Watson, Lisa Sangster and Christina Boyd