Make-up artist by day, Make-up artist by day, DJ Lonz by night

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Fiction Nightclub, Ultra Inclusive, BNM, are some of the well-attended, must-go places on the weekly social calendar. If you have been to one of these lively entertainment spots, chances are you would have encountered the stylish petite-framed Loni Jones. One of Kingston's budding socialites, she is best known for her behind-the-scenes work as a make-up artist.

Jones has worked for several local and international productions such as Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall, E-mix and others, with her talent reaching as far as productions for BET and America's Next Top Model. Weddings are her specialty, as she has done numerous across the island. In fact, Loni does a considerable number of destination weddings on the north coast, and has worked at, and for, some of the islands biggest hotel chains. She has done make-up for celebrities such as hip-hop sensation Eve, but that's as much as she would reveal to us about her clientele when quizzed about her list. She jokes, "Wow, that list is endless. Do you want to know local or international?" Make-up artistry is something that comes naturally to the 28-year-old. She confessed, "I've always loved make-up. Even as a child, I'd play in my mother's make-up bag."

Tight-lipped about several top-secret projects that she is working on with independent contractors, the talented artist told Outlook that Kingston Bridal Week is one of her main projects. She is preparing for this big one, come September. Here, she said, brides-to be can come expecting to learn the fundamentals of bridal make-up to ensure that they look as special as they're feeling on their day. She, however, stated that it's not only about the make-up, but about the energy you bring to your bride client.

An artist for six years, we quizzed her about her secrets. Her favourite brand for now is Inglot Cosmetics, because it is inexpensive but looks and feels great. MAC, however, is her go-to brand because it "never fails in finish".

Jones considers herself a healthy mix of socialite and homebody because, according to her, "in life there should be a balance of everything". Her personal style is one that she says changes quite often. "I used to be very conservative, wearing jeans, heels and a tank top. Lately, I've discovered a whole new world of style and fashion which has transformed my personal style from blah to sexy," she stated. Also a television host working with BET's lifestyle series Splash, this young all-rounder described herself as an artist by nature and that her art isn't confined to one thing. For that reason, she has never doubted her abilities to do what she sets her mind to.

However, what many people don't know is that Loni also moonlights as DJ Lonz at the popular Fiction nightclub at Brand New Machine (BNM) Wednesday's. Complete with jewelled beats headsets, Jones performs musical art, moving the crowd with her house and techno mixes. She's always had an appreciation for music, and has dabbled in singing. She collaborated with the likes of Trinidadian soca heartthrob Kes, and Jamaican DJ Leftside. Loni's first major play-out was at Saints International commissioned StyleWeek all-white party called 'City Style' on Kingston's waterfront. Since then, she has played at several corporate functions. She will also be playing at the black-tie event at Kingston Bridal Week on September 14, in addition to doing a two-day make-up demonstration the following two days, September 15-16. What else didn't you know about Loni Jones? She wanted to become a beauty queen and confessed that she had even entered several pageants in the past.

grandison.garfene@gleanerjm.com

The glam make-up artistry of Loni Jones.

Below: Loni adding the finishing touches to a bride for her nuptials.

International recording artiste Eve all glammed up by Loni Jones during her last visit to Jamaica.

Loni Jones doing her thing.

DJ Lonz by night

Contributed Photos

DJ Lonz playing at this year's City Style all-white party during Saints International Styleweek.