Testimonials

 

“Jestina makeup artistry is very unique. She highlights and enhances your features while leaving you with your natural glow. Jestina is the go to makeup artist for all of my headshots. The Aware Cosmetics makeup line is delightful. Her runway lip glosses are highly pigmented. The long wear lip color glides on and seals in moisture.”

Kristin Farmer

Curly Contessa, LLC

I was introduced to Jestina when I was scheduled to be photographed for an “In Her Shoes” article for Southern Living Magazine.

She was hired as the stylist for the shoot. I had a really wonderful shoot experience because Jestina is professional, talented, warm, and really listens to what I want!  She did my makeup, steamed my garments and was an eagle eye for hours! She made sure my appearance for every shot was perfect. She’d politely halt the photographer if she spotted any part of my look out of place! Since then I have hired her for other projects.

With Jestina on the job, I don’t have to be concerned about any part of my appearance. She’s all over it and I get to stay fully present and enjoy  the project experience!!

She’s Priceless!!”

Valerie Collins Thomas

President & CEO of the VAL Group

“I am Aware. Jestina created a brand that exudes quality, professionalism, and concern for her clients.

Aware is a ministry that takes a beautiful canvas and enhances it to ensure you look and feel your best for your most precious and essential moments. When you book Aware, you can rest easy that the products and sanitation are of the highest quality.

I have used Aware Cosmetics personally and professionally, and Jestina and her team of professionals have knocked it out of the park. The only drawback is that she does such a great job you will have to add her to your monthly expenses.”

Natasha L. Rogers

Founder & Owner, twelve21

“I wish to thank you again for the helpful instructive makeup session. You are a great teacher as well as artist. It was so much fun to have a makeover! I was in much need of that for several reasons. And by the end of the day I was getting use to the new lash look.”

Verla Carr

“I am loving Aware Cosmetics Runway Lip glosses. I purchased a few and I am now a true believer! It is long lasting! Yesterday I drank coffee, water, ate lunch and it was still there. Pick one of her gorgeous colors and try it. I think you’ll like it.”

Jane Ambrose Button

Owner of Design2Market Success

“Jestina this Red Bottoms lip color is doing the most! And it’s staying power is amazing.”

Melva McCray Tate

Tate & Associates, LLC

“I appreciate you being a part of my wedding day. You did a fantastic job on my makeup. I felt so beautiful and received so many compliments on my makeup. You are truly talented at what you do. Our pictures turned out fabulous- you knew exactly what I needed, so thanks for the suggestions.”

Audra Bean-Willingham

Director of MarketingCushman & Wakefield/EGS Commercial Real EstateBride

“I can honestly say that I have worked with makeup artists all over the country and Jestina stands right up there with the best and the brightest. She knows how to bring out the best in people and is always the ultimate professional. I appreciate her talent, her work ethic and her consistency.”

Arlene Goldstein

Former VP Trend Merchandising & Trend MerchandisingBelk Inc.

“Jestina, as always….you know just what to do. I am always on cloud nine after you do my makeup. You have a way with color and make it into an art form. Working with you is a treat and a pleasure.”

Paget Pizitz

Co-Owner Fancy's on Fifth & MELT

“Love the bold, rich color of HAUTE, it lasts all day which is a rare benefit found in a lipgloss.”

Keisa Sharp-Jefferson

Founder, All Shea Naturals Products

“Jestina and I have worked on several production projects together, but most importantly my wedding! She made me look like a porcelain doll!”

Caprenia Anthony

Founder & Executive Director W.A.V.E. Inc.; Owner, CaPant Event Production Company

“When I’m booked on a job, the first thing I usually ask is “Will there be a make-up artist?”? Vain as it may be…. When I find out that the make-up artist is THE Jestina Howard- I KNOW I will not only be looking my best, but feeling extremely confident in my delivery of script… and having that confidence makes my job so much easier! No matter how early a shoot or what I may have been doing the night before (morning puffy eyes DON’T LIE) … I KNOW Jestina will be able to transform me to an on-camera talent with the most amazing, fresh, clean look… her work, her make-up artistry- is quite simply MAGICAL!”

Jennifer Price

Voice-Over Talent, Model, & Actress

“Jestina Howard, you are the best makeup artist (and person) ever. You made me feel and look beautiful on my wedding day.”

Kellie Cosby-Clark

CEO of App-Think; Bride

“I want to thank you so much for the wonderful experience and expertise that I enjoyed during our makeup session! Our first company photo shoot went so much more smoothly and definitely turned out far more superior than for us to have done our makeup ourselves. Your business is a much needed service and I have and will continue to recommend you specifically to my friends and clientele.”

Jennifer Gowers, CMP

President , GoPro Event Solutions, LLC

“I’m rolling into 2020 ready to shout out those entrepreneurs brave enough to step out on a dream and make it happen. Take makeup maven Jestina Howard. Her Strut lipcolor is errrythang! Been a fan of it for several years. (What God has for you, God has for you.)”

Chanda Temple

Senior Project Manager, City of Birmingham Mayors Office

“Jestina did my wedding makeup and I was BEYOND pleased. I felt like a movie star! Being in the bridal business I have seen it all and hands down Jestina is the most talented and best makeup artist to be found.”

Caroline Williams Eades

Owner, Carriage House Weddings

“Thank you for making Catherine’s wedding day so special for the both of us. You have such a calming presence when working on your clients, especially this mother of the bride who rarely wears makeup. You create such a natural flawless look that stays in place throughout the day. Thank you again for making us feel beautiful.

Dana Russell Wright

 

John M. Hill

VP – Corporate Communication, Regions Bank

“We have worked with Jestina in the video department at Regions Bank for a number of years. She is professional and proficient when interacting with upper management executives. We’ve also hired her to handle more elaborate productions involving multiple actors and on-camera talent. Jestina brings her A-game to every shoot, and has never let us down!”

 

M. Grizzle
“I just want to thank you so much for the WONDERFUL job you did on my daughter. You had such a calming effect on her and I am truly grateful for you and your talent as well as your compassion! She had a grand time and I know it is mostly due to the confidence you gave her!!!”

 

Dr. Mary Louise Guerry-Force
“Jestina, I have been enjoying my Aware Cosmetics products that you sent me. Most importantly, I have loved my updated look that you helped me with recently. I have tried every morning to use your techniques and methods and have become fairly proficient now with the steps as I go through the routine. I have gotten many compliments about my “new” look and I know I could not have done it without your vision.”

 

Jay Brackin
Director, Fashion & Print Divisions
Real People Models & Talent Agency
“If there could be one word to describe Jestina Howard both professionally and personally that word would be AWESOME!!!. She always brings a positive, warm personality with her on every project she does and she always make my people look beautiful to boot!It’s a win win situation……. Jestina is a rare find indeed!”

 

Birmingham Magazine
“Birmingham Magazine counts on Jestina as a crucial creative source. Whether it’s sharing fashion and makeup trends with us or putting that “just right”? face on our models at photo shoots, I always know that she will come prepared with everything we need- including a special sense of style and professionalism. The bonus is that Jestina is also completely awesome and fun to work with. When she’s working on our team, we know even a long day will be enjoyable and that everyone will be beautiful when they get up from her chair.”

 

Lynn Leishman
Former General Manager
Birmingham Weekly Paper
“Jestina Howard is an extremely talented, calm, cool and collected professional. I have had the pleasure of working with her not only with models on fashion shoots, but Birmingham Weekly’s annual Women’s Issue as well. She really knows how to bring out the best in each face she does- a true artist!”

 

Sheila Smoot
Former Commissioner Jefferson County, AL
Former WBRC FOX-6 TV News Anchor
“I use to dread taking promotional pictures while working on local television. No one could ever get my makeup to look natural. When the station hired Jestina, my entire look changed. She knew exactly what to do. With her touch, my makeup was flawless! For the first time my promotional pictures were exceptional. She is the best!”

 

Wendy Boyce Blazyk
Bride
“Jestina Howard is a true artist in every sense of the word. She applied my wedding day makeup and I was absolutely thrilled with the results. Her talent and eye for bringing out one’s features is truly amazing! Not only were the results beyond my expectations, but just spending the time with her while she applied my makeup was incredibly relaxing. Her extraordinary talent, calm demeanor, and kind spirit helped me feel calm, confident and very pampered before walking down the aisle. I felt like a princess and a movie star all at the same time! Jestina’s services should be one glamorous “must have” on every bride’s wedding day list.”

 

Barbara Solomon
Clinical Social Worker
Mother of the Bride
“You are a magician!! Jestina thanks again for your professionalism and for your incredible skill in making us all look so beautiful. I thought that Julie looked like a china doll and actually, when I looked at her after you had finished with her, I teared up – it really was the only time I actually cried during the day of the wedding day! Thanks again and I hope that one day we will day we will call you to come and help us again when our other daughter finds that special someone.”

 

Kristin Sprangers
Former Producer
Saks Inc.
“Every experience I’ve had with Jestina has been a positive one. She’s always willing to go above and beyond makeup, hair and styling. She’ll lend a hand during a shoot moving equipment or acting as another pair of eyes when setting up a shot. She’ll even be an extra in the video if asked! She’s flexible with her time which is a huge asset when shooting schedules or locations change unexpectedly or are planned with short notice. I can always count on Jestina to do a beautiful job on everyone. She brings professionalism and a positive attitude to the set, which makes it fun. Jestina is a true talent and asset to have on any production crew.”Â