#TBT: Doing Mike Tyson & Joan Jett’s Makeup
Mike Tyson and Joan Jett on the cover of InFashion, with makeup by Bobbi Brown. (Photo: Instagram)
As a freelance makeup artist, you never know what situations you are going to get into. Back in the ’80s I was asked to do the makeup for an InFashion cover shoot featuring Mike Tyson and Joan Jett. It was definitely an intimidating duo. When I approached Mike Tyson, who was at the top of his career at the time, he quickly shooed me away telling me there was no way I was touching him with my makeup brushes. I backed off and worked on Joan, who couldn’t have been nicer or more cool. With her spiky hair and love of leather, she was the epitome of a rocker chick. While I wanted to make her look fresh, it just wasn’t the look she was going for. Since it was the ’80s, there was major eyeliner, glossy red lips, and some serious contouring (or did I just forget to blend?).
When the pair was on set, the photographer told me to tone down the shine on Mike’s face. I headed over to try again, asking if he would just let me wipe down his face because it was looking shiny on camera. Maybe because everyone was around, he chuckled this time and let me powder his face with a powder puff. Mission accomplished.
I love this cover because it really captures that moment in time, spotlighting two totally different stars in their heyday. And while I wouldn’t do Joan’s makeup like that now, it captures not only her, but the whole ’80s vibe.
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