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Toni Acey
Atlanta's Hottest Makeup Artist: Get tips, styling tricks, and behind-the-scenes tidbits from Toni Acey, makeup artist to the five fabulous ladies of The Real Housewives of Atlanta!

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Bravotv.com: How long have you worked in the industry, and how long have you been working with The Real Housewives of Atlanta?

I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 10 years now. This is my second season working with The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

What inspired you to become a makeup artist?

My own bad experiences with makeup artists inspired me to start doing my own makeup and it was then that I began to realize my gift for makeup artistry. It took a lot of coaxing from friends, family and fellow artists to convince me to pursue it as a career, but I have no regrets!

Jill Zarin, who stars on The Real Housewife of NYC, writes a weekly blog about the Atlanta wives. Last week she wrote, "I love everyone's makeup this season. WOW - you hot mamas really stepped it up!" What's the secret to being a good makeup artist?

Thanks Jill! The Atlanta Glam Squads work really hard and it’s nice to know that our work doesn’t go unnoticed! The key to being a good makeup artist is to listen to your client to gain an understanding of what they like and then use your expertise to add a little creativity to it. You have to trust the artist inside you because that’s the part that no one can teach you.

Are there particular features with each wife that you try to accentuate?

I have had the pleasure of working with all of the women of The Real Housewives of Atlanta during the past two seasons and they each have unique and beautiful features. One common feature that I really love to accentuate when I am working with the ladies is their eyes since that is what most people tend to notice first. For example with Sheree’s look, I love to play up her bronze skin tone by using light shimmery eye shadows for a clean daytime look. For the evening, we add a pop of color so that her eyes light up the room. Her favorite color on the eyes is a green metallic which I usually apply using an airbrush.

NEXT: Does Toni have a favorite Housewife?

Comments

32 Comments

: 11/12/2009 - 1:47am; Chamera Byrdsong; Mrs. Acey, what makeup lines do you use? I am starting out and want to find a great professional makeup line or women of color. If you could help me out I' really appreciate it. Your work is great!!!!

: 11/06/2009 - 6:58pm; redflowa; Love the makeup, love the wardrobe. Please tell me the secret to combating oily lids (primers don't work for me)

: 10/08/2009 - 2:20pm; conishkee; Well, Para Thomas does a fabulous job, hands down, on making up Mz. Lisa's face. I love the shadows used on her and, with the lashes and brows put together, it totally accentuates her eyes. They look alert and sexy.

: 09/28/2009 - 2:34pm; Viewer; Toni Acey is a great make-up artist and absolutely deserves her shine, but Lisa and Nene's make was done by Para Thomas this second season. We want to make sure we give credit where credit is due. Big up's to the ATL Glam squad. Mrs. Acey beats Ms. Sheree's face and Para is throwing down on Lisa and Nene. Great job to both you ladies!!! ATL Glam forever.

: 09/24/2009 - 6:23pm; conishkee; Hey Toni, I must say that I am impressed with your work because these ladies have come a long way since last season; not that they looked bad, 'cause they didn't, but the make-up they are sporting this season appears more elaborate, dramatic and downright sizzling. My favorite housewife's make-up, though, has got to be Mz. Lisa. OMG, when she's made up with the smokey eye look, extended lashes, eyebrows perfectly sculpted, lips glazed, and with her olive complexion, WOW!, it's just incredible to see. And she works it well. And with her long hair whipped for points, she totally rocks! It doesn't get any better than what we've seen on the screen this season. Actually, I'm going to try my hand at achieving the smokey eye look that she has 'cause I love it so much. Thanks for the inspiration and your creativity! You rock too!! (SMILZ)

: 09/18/2009 - 12:07am; jay; Is there one housewife that is harder to work with then the others....you do great work, but look what you have to work with their all so beautiful.
Jay

: 09/11/2009 - 3:21pm; La'Donna B.; Hey Toni! how are you? Im very impressed by your work. Im a licensed Makeup Artist as well and would love to get some pointers from you. I should be in the Atlanta area around November. Can you contact me please. Thanks!

: 09/10/2009 - 10:31pm; K.D; Toni< I have been praying to meet you, and to be trained by you! I have a burning passion to learn air-brush design. I need to know when you are hosting another workshop.Please contact me soon.

: 09/10/2009 - 7:51pm; Lara; What color does Kim wear on her lips for gloss, lipstick, and liner? What brand and color? I love it so much! You are a great makup artist!

: 09/08/2009 - 6:05pm; kay; I Love the show and hope to see another grat season. I love the whole package look of all the ladies, makeup and wardrobe. Which leads me to my question; Where are the boutiques Ne-Ne shop? In addition, I loved shawns clothing as well when she was on the show.....they dressed beautifully every episode.Please tell where these ladies shop for their wardrobe. Thanks n much sucess! ATL, gotta luv it!

: 09/08/2009 - 6:05pm; kay; I Love the show and hope to see another grat season. I love the whole package look of all the ladies, makeup and wardrobe. Which leads me to my question; Where are the boutiques Ne-Ne shop? In addition, I loved shawns clothing as well when she was on the show.....they dressed beautifully every episode.Please tell where these ladies shop for their wardrobe. Thanks n much sucess! ATL, gotta luv it!

: 09/08/2009 - 1:41pm; Petra from NYC; Love the Show!! Question for Lisa...Where did you buy those fabulous looking sunglasses you wore out to LA when you went to visit your family??!! How can I find those shades here in The Big Apple?!!

: 09/07/2009 - 7:15pm; Myesha; Joyce, the ladies were trying minx, you can check out the website to see who offers this service in your area. I Love everyones makeup!

: 09/07/2009 - 12:06pm; Portia Darville; I love the way yourepresent yourself on every show Nnee. And as for the Atlanta housewives you all are great in in your own way. I love this show, don't stop. A part of me wish I had a little bit of what you girls have. Been married for 23 years and have any of what you girls HAVE. I'm, and I'm a mother of four (4). BBut ill live some of my dreams by watching this great show.

: 09/05/2009 - 2:48pm; Weddingplanner; Atlanta Housewives staff- could you all ask Kim,and the other housewives where a couple of their favorite stores are to shop for those must have accessories...Like Kims Ruffle at the bottom black coat???? Where? and also What store did she find those big beautiful sliver earrings from?????? Thanks Please conprise a 2 store list from each housewife from Atlanta...We the viewers might be able to shop on line for a few of those same items and enjoy wearing something very very simular. Thanks

09/04/2009 - 5:41pm

Joyce

In the salon scene it was mentioned that something new was being applied too their fingernails, if there is a new product out for great nails I would like to know what it is
(not gel or acrylic nails)

THANKS

: 09/04/2009 - 7:36am; Arjai; I love the make up you use. Every week is something new for me. I just started wearing make up (late I know). I also live in the south and it is hot all the time. I sweat something awful. My question is this. Is there somehting that I can put on first that will make the makeup stay on my face? Also, I just want to thank you showing the world that you can be classy and not over done! Make up should enhance not overpower. You are truly gifted.

: 09/01/2009 - 1:56pm; Tonya from b'ham; Toni
I really like the way you have the Housewives of Atlanta makeup
looking so real and neat .I especially like the way you do lisa's eyes,because like Lisa i too have cat shaped eyes and I love a good smoky eye.If you can e-mail me some instructions I would appreciate it.

: 09/01/2009 - 8:21am; Ladybirdvee; I can always tell when Toni does the make up on the show and when she does not. Toni is a great talent and well grounded she is very talented and The Real Housewives of Atlanta should be happy she is on the set. If you have not been Aced by Toni Acey you need to be.

08/25/2009 - 8:58am

Jolieramize

Toni did my make up for my wedding and the make up of my bridal party. We looked wonderful BEAUTIFUL! If you haven't been Aced, what are you waiting on? I think Sheree's make up is always flawless. But what else do you expect? I wish I still lived in Atlanta so that I could be Aced all the time!

Go Toni!!!!

08/25/2009 - 8:53am

Jhernee'

Toni has definitely been an inspiration to me. Her story-line on how she's become an artist sounds so similar to what I'm experiencing now as an aspiring make-up artist. Toni's work definitely speaks for itself and you can almost look at a person and see that they've been ACED!!! To Toni, keep up the good work. It definitely motivates the up and coming as myself. You will see me in class soon!!

J-

: 08/24/2009 - 11:09pm; Tracy; I've been Aced and have to tell you it's the best I've ever looked! Toni Acey is an amazing make-up artist and I use her for photo shoots and performances for my artists. Have you looked at her portfolio?

: 08/24/2009 - 10:30pm; True; Toni Acey is the best in the business! I've had the honor of having my makeup done by Ms.Acey once (Yes I've been Aced!) and I must say she is The Greatest and very professional. Bravo made a great decision when they chose her to do the ladies makeup. Keep up the great work Toni and much more success to you.

: 08/24/2009 - 8:39pm; Necol7; WOW!! how awsome! I love Sheree's over all look... I mimic her make up style and her dress style. She and I are the same age and I like that she doesn't look like she is trying do the trends that twenty somethings are doing. She looks likes she is doing her grown woman thing and that is FAB!! Who gone check me boo?!
Love her.

08/23/2009 - 1:12am

Viewer

That man Kim was kissing, is that "BIG PAPPA'?

NENE you are a trouble maker this season, why?

NENE get over it when people are mad at each other they say the worst things ever, Sheree said stuff and Kim said stuff and so did you. If you really want to be friends "let it go", unless you just like the drama which i thing you do.

Kandi learn to speak clearly,98% of the time you have sub-titles

: 08/22/2009 - 10:02pm; LARRINA KINER; NENE YOU ARE MY FAVORITE, I WAS JUST WONDERING, DO YOU WEAR SPANXS?

: 08/22/2009 - 3:35pm; slinderone; kandi if you are happy with your man stay by his side. u and him against the world.

: 08/21/2009 - 10:16pm; Viewer; Nene I'm confused.Do you not know that Sheree is the trouble maker. Love the show!!!!!

: 08/21/2009 - 11:49am; TopNotch; lol

: 08/21/2009 - 11:00am; Shana; I must say that as an aspiring makeup artist, I respect Ms. Acey's work! Keep up the good work! She really has the ladies looking their best.

: 08/21/2009 - 10:06am; ebonie; Nene I think you are fabulous but I must say I also think you are a trouble maker.

: 08/21/2009 - 12:30am; P.; Ms. NeNe make-up was on point 2nite. The Colors used on her eyes were just wonderful. Loved it, Loved it. And Love it some more. And Dwight thats one pretty man!