The smoky eyes have it. The high-gloss ruby red lips give it. The bronzed cheeks sell it.

We desire for participants to look and feel good at Fashion Fete all while exposing their faith-based brand, service or product to an audience of eager patrons – the main objective of Fashion Fete NYC.

The success of an event like Fashion Fete would be unattainable without the polished touches of a team of talented make-up artists.

“As a make-up artist, the focus is outer appearance and making sure everything is in place, but it’s definitely about the whole person,” said Chelea Lanham, a first time participant of Fashion Fete NYC. “My motto is I love making it easier for women to feel more beautiful, it’s from the inside out. If you feel beautiful, you’ll look more beautiful. Working from the inside out.”

Lanham emphasized that hydration and healthy eating habits are tips she gives her clients. Her motto aligns with the knowledge that healthy is beautiful, a mantra that Fashion Fete NYC is promoting this year. 

The 26-year-old is the current manager of Exhale Spa located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and a 2011 graduate of Empire Beauty School. As member of their makeup artistry program, Lanham soon developed a love and interest for holistic beauty.

“...Everything goes back to God,” said the current member of Christian Culture Center in Brooklyn, New York. “Being in the spa industry you learn how God sets up our bodies to make it take care of itself...”

Lanham, a believer in Christ since age 7, noted that the integrity of the event was her motivation to participate this year. She was drawn to the event after viewing the Fashion Fete promo shoot via Facebook.

Veterans to the networking event agreed that the mission of the show plays a large role in their decision to return.

“What keeps me coming back to Fashion Fete is the premise of the show,” said Tanaya Johnson, two-time chief makeup-up artist and the event’s make-up artist coordinator. “I love that Christians with a love of fashion and business can come together and represent the kingdom in a positive way. I appreciate the supportive attitudes and creative vision of everyone involved.”

Since the launch of Tanaya J Makeup Artistry over two years ago, Johnson has been involved in extensive freelance makeup opportunities. In the past, Johnson has worked with small designers and up and coming photographers on shoots that featured new designs. It is through her freelance work that she’s had the opportunity to work on events like Full Figured Fashion Week, Fashion Fete, Cosmetic Line 127 East and with celebrity photographer Nikki Gomez.

“I expect this year’s event to be spectacular!” she said. “I am hopeful that great connections will be made for everyone involved and doors will come swinging open!”

Fellow make-up artist Lanham also shared in Johnson’s excitement and expectations.

 “My heart is in ministry and seeing the kingdom grow. I definitely believe that God blesses you with gifts and talents...when God opens a door for you to use your talents for his glory that’s even more great.”

Other participating make-up artist includes Yasmeen Duncan. She is a freelance make-up artist and a veteran participant of Fashion Fete NYC.

“Fashion Fete 2012 was an amazing experience! The models, MUAs, FF staff were all very friendly, encouraging and supportive.  I truly enjoyed the harmony amongst the group,” said Duncan, who has worked on TV programs like BET’s 106th and Park. “I was excited and honored to have been selected to come back..I made a lot of wonderful connections last year, I had to come back and participate.”

Every model on the runway will wear the new make-up line of 127 East, official make-up sponsor of Fashion Fete. Additionally, make up sponsor Nadege Cosmetics will be providing make-up giveaways to attendees in the official Fashion Fete swag bag.

Fashion Fete NYC 2013 will be held at Tribeca’s M1-5 Lounge on August 19th. The third annual event is powered by The Vision 3 Group/ZionSociety.com and NEWDMagazine/NEWDradio.

Here's a sneak peek of the girls in action at the 2013 Fashion Fete promo photo shoot: