Inspirational MUA: Kevin James Bennett

If you have been in the beauty industry for longer than 10 seconds, you should hear the reference "KJB" short for Kevin James Bennett. With over 30 years in the industry, two Emmy awards, 5 Emmy nominations, IMATS key speaker, In My Kit creator, educator, HSN presentor, there's no place KJB hasn't reached. His charm and ability to connect with any audience will leave you inspired as a makeup artist, business owner, and as a person.

Want to know exactly where KJB has been? Here are just a few Career Highlights:

Kevin James Bennett has been nominated 5 times and won 2 Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup.

2005: Launched IN MY KIT® (inmykit.com), the first online cosmetic review and buying guide dedicated to professional makeup artists. It features pro quality products that perform above standards in all media formats. It has become the pro’s product bible and gained international recognition as a beauty insider’s best kept secret.

2007: First appearance as an on-air beauty expert for HSN (Home Shopping Network)

2009: Hired as a consultant to transition HSN to full HD Digital Format, working with all departments (hair/makeup, wardrobe, lighting, video) on the conversion.

2010: Launched Makeup Art + Design Enterprises, a cosmetics industry consulting firm.
Introduced Cosmetics Junkie™, a blog dedicated to industry news, product reviews, tutorials and beauty advice.

2012: Became the first American recipient of the International Goldene Maske für Visagistik Award for excellence in artistry, industry support, education and mentorship. Other recipients include legendary Hollywood makeup artist, Michael Westmore.

2013: Launched the IN MY KIT® Facebook Group, to create a real-time conversation between consumers and professional artists. The group’s topics focus on cosmetic products, industry news and innovative application techniques.
(IMK Group membership exceeded 25,000 fellow cosmetics junkies earlier this year.)

2014: Keynote Speaker at the International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS).

2015: Launched THE WORKING ARTIST COMPANY with business partner Erica Carr. WAC offers premiere beauty events and education, featuring industry experts recognized for their outstanding teaching abilities.

"Kevin James Bennett is known across the industry as one of the most product-driven, business-focused artists of a generation. Not only is he an Emmy® Award winner and incredibly successful makeup artist, he is a leader and educator in all aspects of this industry, an inspirational voice and, without a doubt, one of the most intensive product experts. He gives you a wealth of knowledge every time he speaks…"

— Michael DeVellis

Executive Director, The Powder Group

"Kevin is a rare combination of understanding the needs of customers and understanding the needs of a company. His expansive cosmetic knowledge, eye for innovation and ability to anticipate trends make him one of the top developers in our industry."

— Poppy King

CEO/Creative Director, Lipstick Queen