Yesterday I met my make-up hero, Kabuki. It was surreal.

I know there are many great artists out there – But to me, Kabuki is top of the tops.  I’ve loved his work since his days on Sex and The City in the late 90s, before I had any idea who he was or that I would even want to be a makeup artist someday.  What I did know back then, was that at 17 I was growing up in New York and hitting the clubs, and my makeup was one of the things that helped me look old enough to pass through the velvet rope at some of the most legendary nightlife spots in The City.  During that time, I was always trying to emulate Carrie Bradshaw’s makeup, and I never stepped out on the scene without my clear MAC Lipglass (a staple of Ms. Bradshaw’s in the early days of SaTC).

Eventually I would discover my passion for lashes and lips and all things beauty, and would also discover the artist responsible for those Sex and the City looks – The looks that I tried so hard to copy circa 1998-1999.  Back then my friends were drag queens, I never dared to hit the dance floor without a feather boa, and my make-up always had to be fresh.  Glitter was (and still is) my favorite product to rock, only now that I’m 27 I’ve graduated to big girl micro glitter (a la Make-up Forever), and shimmer and shine – But all the while, never forgetting those nights and how they’ve played a part in my slightly ostentatious obsession with anything that sparkles.

With all of this being said, you can imagine the thrill it was to actually meet Kabuki.  THE Kabuki who is responsible for establishing those looks on SaTC that would inspire the way I wore my make-up during my adolescence.  The Kabuki, who constantly amazes me with his ability to get everything so exacting. His work is always just enough – Or just perfectly not enough.  His fantasy work leaves me speechless, and I can’t think of anyone else in this industry who is creating on his level.  Kabuki is a true innovator.

I met him.  It was a dream come true.  A moment that means more to me than anything you can imagine.  I was so nervous that I could barely speak, and when he asked if I had a card I nearly died – and proceeded to very awkwardly fumble through my bag while hoping he didn’t think I was some kind of nervous wacked out weirdo. The real kicker?  When it was all over, and I was left sitting on the bench waiting for the Macqua show to start, I got all sorts of teary eyed and was hoping no one noticed.  TOTAL GEEK OUT.  FULL FORCE.

I would say I’m mortified by myself, but I’m actually ok with my emotional overload.  I got to meet someone I genuinely believe is aces in this biz.  Someone who produces work I have nothing but solid respect for – Someone who is the kind of professional I dare to dream to be.

Staci, you made my day/week/month/year/ life with that introduction.  I am so grateful for that moment, and will never ever forget it.  Seriously.

It was rad.

Here is a little video I took at the Macqua show yesterday afternoon.  Make-up magic by Kabuki, and hair by the incomparable Staci Child.