The Makeup Insider

The Makeup Insider

By Vanessa BarneyArtsFashion & Beauty
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The Makeup Insider episodes

  • Model Jess Rae King, gives insight and tips from the other side of the makeup chair.

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    This week we take a look at a different type of artist in our industry and  get personal with Aussie curve model, Jess Rae King.


    In the industry for over 15 years, Jess is a curve model (aka plus size model) whose size 10/12 body challenged the ‘cookie cutter’ description of what a ‘standard’ model was, and has taken the modelling world by storm after winning a Melbourne Spring Fashion week modelling competition while at uni. Attributing her success to agent, Chelsea Bonner, Jess is a body-positive, confidence-building, mental health crusader.

    Just earlier this year, Jess participated in the first ever, Curve Edit at Australian Fashion Week.  The event was the first runway of its kind, a dedicated show for models and fashion over an Australian size 10.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    A DAY IN THE LIFE.

    What was traditionally a juggle between being on set four to five days per week, plus content creation, plus media opportunities - has now transformed, thanks to the implementation and growth of social media, to a more balanced workload.
     
     With an agent for modeling and an agent for social media, Jess’ days, although chaotic, and different week-to-week, are manageable.
     
     “This week, I’m shooting here in Melbourne, but next week I’m shooting interstate. Last week was Fashion Week, so my feet really haven’t touched the ground. This job is ever changing. No two weeks are the same. That’s what’s drawn me to this industry, to this job. It’s so varied and always exciting.”
    Jess Rae King
     

    USING YOUR VOICE, FOR GOOD.

    Modeling traditionally, is kind of like being a mannequin. Being told what to do, how to do it and not speaking out.
     
     However, as the world changes, so too does the audience. What audiences really crave is authentic content, a moral-compass type of idol, and a platform where they can follow along.
     
     What attracted Jess to the industry was the idea of being in front of the camera and using that platform, for good.
     
     “I was really early on to the adoption of Instagram so I you know spent a lot of my time talking about my history of body image and mental health and disordered eating and at the time that was really kind of like lapped up by the Internet, the world. I think people were really craving seeing some sort of authenticity and you know different body types and stories that they could relate to.”
    Jess Rae King

    TIPS FOR MUA’S.

    Ever wanted to know what a model’s really thinking during your hair and makeup session? Jess tells us what she loves when she’s in the chair.

    1. When the mua takes their time with skin prep.
     2. Getting to see and use new products.
     3. Learning about new techniques and styles.
     
     Jess’s tip for models? Be present when you’re in the makeup chair. Try not to be on your phone, as it’s a wonderful time to learn, and to pick up new skills.

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    32 min
  • Automation QUEEN Charlotte Isaac explains how to get back 4 hours a week, through Dubsado.

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    The Makeup Insider is a weekly one-on-one podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney. This week we take a look at a different type of artist, Automation-Queen, Charlotte Isaac.

    Organised, tick. Talented, tick. Super friendly, tick. Meet Charlotte. An all-round organisational bada$$ who works with creative business owners to streamline their client communications.
     
     She talks us through why she’s obsessed with a tool called Dubsado (and she’s mildly confident you will be too!) that helps your business stay in motion.

    Charlotte also provides an overview of Business tools available on her website, to help your business succeed.

    Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.
     
     KEY TAKEAWAYS:


     What Is Automation?
     

    It’s cloning what you would normally do, without you having to do it.
     
     Let’s walk through an example for a bridal mua:
     

    1. Someone comes to talk to you about doing their wedding makeup
    2. You’ve got to make sure the date, time and location are organised
    3. You probably have to sort out some sort of contract, including requesting a deposit
    4. You might want to send them some information on how to get ready
    5. You might want to send the bride some skin care tips in the lead up to the wedding, and
    6. You might want to send them a reminder a week before the wedding.
       

    There’s A LOT of information and organising that goes into a job, and while it’s different for everyone, what is clear is that automating those 6 steps above makes your job (and life) a whole lot simpler!
     
     One of the biggest time sucks for mua’s is responding to emails. Most of the time new clients are messaging on a weekend, when they’re free - but you’re likely at a wedding or have just worked for 8 hours and you’re exhausted, and don’t want to check your emails and craft a reply.
     
     Imagine having that all set up to automatically respond in your tone of voice, for you - without you having to lift a finger!?


     Why Dubsado?
     
     Dubsado helps your business stay in motion. You can build relationships, schedule appointments and streamline your projects from start to finish.
     
     Plus, it’s especially good for mua’s because:
    1. It connects with Xero and QuickBooks (Accounting), Paypal, Square and Stripe (Payments), video conferencing apps, email providers and calendar apps.
    2. You can try it for free for up to 3 clients - indefinitely! Yes, no lifetime payment needed.
    3. You can request a client review a certain number of days after you finish working with them. Automating those pesky Google reviews and recommendations you hate asking for, but let's be honest, really need!
     
    Ps. Yes, we totally acknowledge it’s an usual name. Fun fact: it’s run by a husband and wife, whose son used to run around their house going ‘dub - sa - do’, so that’s how they landed on the name ;)


     How Do I Start?

    “I know it feels like a big job. You need to create a checklist of everything you want automated, then you need to create an account, and set up the system. Look, I’m not going to say it’s the easiest thing in the world to set up, but most clients say they end up saving at least 4 hours a week.”
    Charlotte Isaac

    Find out how you can get started at charlotteisaac.com/make<

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    32 min
  • From Bedroom Studio to Global Glam: Serena Wyllie’s Journey to Becoming the ‘Queen of Glow’.

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    The Makeup Insider is a weekly one-on-one podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney. This week: getting personal with Serena Wyllie, makeup artist, Sydney-sider and ‘Queen of Glow’.

    Growing up in a small country town, Serena established her business from her bedroom-turned-studio at the age of 16. From watching Chloe Morello on YouTube to travelling to the UK to complete a hair and makeup course. From completing Mia Connor’s mua masterclass, to Shannon William’s hair masterclass. And working her a$$ off travelling to remote locations in far North Queensland for gigs in between.
     

    Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out Serena’s key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.
     
     KEY TAKEAWAYS:


     BEING A SELF-STARTER.

     

    Replacing her bed with a lounge in her bedroom-turned-studio at the age of 16, Serena charged $30pp for makeup appointments. Using makeup from Woolworths and a purple eyeshadow palette (which she somehow made to work for everyone), she didn’t let her location stop her from turning her passion into a career.
     
     Using her full-time job to fund higher-end products for her Kit, Serena began working on bridal clients during her weekends - with one wedding leading to another. Building her portfolio of clients and work, she officially launched her career as a full-time mua on her 18th birthday.
     
     A lot of perseverance in the face of rejection and setbacks, and a whole lot of initiative is what you need as an artist to make it.
     
     “I took a leap of faith and I never looked back.”
    Serena Wyllie
     


     HOW DIFFERENT STYLES FIT.


     Not every brief is going to be the same, nor every client you work with. Understanding how to make a style work for you and how styles can be universally different across countries, is super important.
     
     For Serena, she completed her mua course in the UK in London. Where blow drys, ‘no-makeup’ makeup and red lips were the beauty standard. Fast forward to her time back in Australia, she quickly learnt that beachy waves (that ‘undone’ look) and bronzed cheeks were what everyone wanted.
     
     “That’s the thing with the industry. It’s like, you can never stop learning. Education is the best investment, try every six months to learn something new.”
    Serena Wyllie

     

    CAREER HIGHLIGHTS.

     

    What are some of your highlights as an artist? Is it your favourite gig, your biggest client, your first real break?
     
     Serena’s includes a wedding she worked on in Beirut, Lebanon. With her mum born there, it was really special to be flown over by her client for their incredible wedding, where she got to spend time meeting family and cousins, some of which for the first time.
     
     She also proudly states that working with Zoe Foster Blake at the age of 20 changed her career. Opening her eyes to a whole new world of fashion, celebrities and makeup - Zoe continues to be an incredible mentor for Serena, helping with her business over the years.

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    1 hr 34 min
  • Instagram & Tik Tok content creator Claire Bridgett shares her story.

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    This week: getting personal with Claire Bridgett, makeup artist and content creator.


     Inspired by beauty YouTube videos, Claire’s confidence in her natural makeup abilities sprouted early in her life. From doing friends' makeup to working at Mecca - she explains how her career unfolded.

    Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.
     
     KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    TIKTOK: NO ONE WANTS PERFECT.

    Claire gives us the lowdown on how to get high performing content on TikTok.
     
    1. Make it quick - 15 seconds is what TikTok values, but it’s been proven that 7 seconds is really the sweet spot.

    2. Use ‘trending’ soundtracks - if you use a song or sound that is popular, the algorithm recognises that and will increase the ranking of your post.

    3. Create punchy one-liners (aka clickbait) - using words that grabs your audience's attention, to really draw them in to your content, and want to find out more.
     
     People want to see you be authentic, like you’re talking to your friends. If you’re not educational or entertaining, you just won’t make the cut.
     
     Scroll through your favourite TikTok accounts and take note of what they do well and what generates high engagement (likes, views and comments).

    #1 RULE: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CUSTOMER.

    You know that saying, ‘the customer is always right’? Well, nothing rings more true when working in the makeup industry.

    Claire confides she has a TikTok for artists looking to break into the industry (and work for Mecca), with her hot tip, to: focus on your customer.

    “Yes, you need to be talented… but it’s not actually about your artistry skills. It’s really customers, customers come first, no matter what.”

    Claire Bridgett

    YES: KNOCKBACKS ARE HARD.

    Chumbawamba sang it perfectly, when they said, “I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down.”
     

    In the minute of the rejection, it can, understandably, feel like the worst moment of your life. Claire said she felt like giving up many times in her career, but knew she wouldn’t be happy until she landed that next position.
     
     In our world, as an artist, you’ll be exposed to many types of knockbacks. But what really matters is how hard you work towards your goals and how resilient you can be in the face of a setback.
     
     “Knockbacks are really hard a

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    1 hr 34 min
  • Cruelty free and environmentally conscious Melbourne based bridal MUA Kate McCleary shares her story.

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    This week: getting personal with Kate McCleary, a cruelty free and environmentally conscious, hair and makeup artist.

    Based in Melbourne, Kate understands the life of a mua is anything but straight and narrow. She starts off by telling us about a photo on her studio wall that is over nine years old and still one of her collection favs, boasting the importance of authentic collaborations, and why now is the time to ditch kits tested on animals and proudly join the cruelty-free artist community.

    Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.
     

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    CRUELTY FREE.

    If you don’t already check the fine print on your products, today is the day you start.
     
     I want to be clear on the definitions, as it can be tricky to navigate the cosmetic industry when trying to be cruelty free (and vegan!).
     
     Cruelty free means that the product was developed without any tests on animals. Whereas Vegan means that the product does not include any animal-derived ingredients.


     Making a conscious effort to choose cruelty free products from early in her career, and as an avid vegan enthusiast, Kate understands how challenging it can be. Having an open mind, doing your research and supporting a brand whose ethos is the same as yours is key.
     
     Kate’s go-to research hub is crueltyfreekitty.com, an American site with a large database of cruelty-free cosmetics.

    Her fav brands include: Illamasqua, Charlotte Tilbury, Hourglass, Chantecaille, RMS, Kevyn Aucoin, plus more.

    “Over the years I’ve waved goodbye to some of my most beloved brands. Many have been bought out by larger non-cruelty free cosmetic houses and even more have started selling in China where animal testing is mandatory. However, as a vegan, I believe we can live our life without harming others, so that is exactly what I do. Plus, our industry is rapidly changing, so you have to be on top of it to truly be able to service your clients.”
    Kate McCleary


     DESIGNING A LOOK.

    As artists, we crave that creative flair in our work. Whether it’s testing a new kit or being given free reigns on a shoot.
     
     Consulting a new client is quite similar to the service space of tailoring. Kate  thrives in creative opportunities where she gets to design a look. With her bridal work, she can be quite creative - often working with pops of colour.
     
     It can be rare in our industry to bring the whole look to life - the hair, makeup, clothes and styling, something she loves being part of.
     
     “When you look after the bride's hair and makeup, you get that really cohesive look and you’re able to look after them for the whole day” says Kate.
     
    Her  recommendation for those styling a full look? Practice, practice, practice! Practice on so many different types of people, different skin types, body shapes and hair types. Variety is key and whoever you can rope in from your circle to practice on, the better!


     ZERO TO ONE-HUNDRED.

    Are you chasing that moment that will catapult your career into stardom? Take it from zero to one-hundred?
     

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    1 hr 41 min
  • Geelong MUA Tess Holmes takes us through her path to success while juggling family life.

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    This week: getting personal with Tess Homles, hair and makeup artist, mother and masterclass host.

    Tess is responsible for the makeup on the cover shoot of ‘Then there was her’, Sophie Cachia’s biography, which just dropped last month and the many-a celeb glow-ups, including Sophie Monk and Jessica Gomes. 

    “You know, it never really gets easier taking photos of yourself for videos, or listening to your own voice for that matter” - remarks Tess.
     
    Encouraging mua’s unsure what to charge when starting out, Tess suggests starting at a base of AU$150 for an hour’s work. Once you work out your market, brand and followers - you can start to increase your price. You just have to gauge what’s right for you and start off somewhere.
     

    Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.
     
     KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    TRIAL AND ERROR.

    Makeup is art. It’s your own art, on a living canvas.
     
     Nothing is perfect until you practice - and as Tess says, nothing is wrong (I mean there’s not hitting the client brief - which is entirely a different story), but otherwise the best part about makeup is that you can really make your own look, because there’s no real right or wrong, it’s all about personal style.
     
    “It was all trial and error [in the early days]. It is all literally practice. You do something, then you rub it off. You know you can start again, and that is the best part about makeup.”
    Tess Holmes

    MAP TO SUCCESS.
     
     Didn’t meatloaf say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions? Well, along those lines are also striving make up artists hoping to make it in the big bad world.

    Tess mapped her way to success by creating a clear path of what she wanted, what she needed to do, and how to get there. Launching her self-titled makeup masterclass, Tess educates people on how to do their own makeup.
     
     Sponsored by Mecca and selling out EVERY TIME within minutes, Tess’ makeup classes are drawing people from all over Australia.

    While a masterclass requires a lot of work, it is very rewarding. You get to put your skills to good work by teaching a new generation of artists - you just need to find your niche.

    “I did my research and there was nothing out there [at the time]. There wasn’t anything for just your everyday person to learn makeup… So that’s where I started. I drew a map of what I wanted to create.”
    Tess Holmes
     

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    1 hr 24 min
  • Event MUA Nicole Aquilina talks about getting signed with an agent and moving into the commercial world.

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    The Makeup Insider is a fortnightly podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney. This week: getting personal with Nicole Aquilina, Melbourne events-based makeup artist.
     
    Inspired by Australia’s Next Top Model, Nicole was drawn into the creativeness of the makeup, beauty and events world.
     
    With 11 years’ experience across commercial, weddings and events - she’s sought after for her artistry expertise and is passionate about her clients and her work. 


     KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    SAY GOODBYE TO MIRRORS.

    Makeup often looks bad, before it looks good - you know. While there’s no rules in makeup, it pays to have a happy client. That’s one rule that Nicole swears by, ‘don’t do your client’s make up in front of a mirror’.
     
    With one of the biggest trends this season making a comeback is the winged eye-liner, mua’s know that this can often be a challenge. And having a client take a sneak peak before the final reveal, could be a real mood kill on set.
     
    You have to be confident in making the brief work for your client - and keep final looks as just that.
     

    SO TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT. WHAT YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT.
     
     The big takeout here: Ask your clients what they want. Better yet, get them to show you.
     
     When you work on a counter, like MAC (which Nicole coins was the gateway into makeup before social media), you get to practice on people from all walks of life. Different genders, skin tones, facial features - it teaches you what theory and school just can’t.  
     
    People often go to a makeup counter with pictures on their phone of looks they want to replicate, and you get to show them the products that match their skin to achieve that look. When you’re freelancing and you have a client that wants a certain look, the best way to get them to explain that ‘natural’ look they saw on instagram is to show you.

    “It’s so important to ask your clients what they want. Like so many people say they want natural, but when you ask them to show you a photo of ‘natural’, it’s of Kimmy K.”

    Nicole Aquilina
     

    IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP.
     

    After building up clientele over the years, Nicole wanted to make the switch away from weddings and move into more commercial work.

    Her problem? She didn’t have the network. She knew that she wasn’t personally at that point in her career where she could easily do it, and needed to ask for help.
     
     Nicole encourages mua’s to get the experience, build your networks and don’t take setbacks personally. It’s important to know that a ‘no’ right now, isn’t a ‘no’ forever - so just keep going and focus on self improvement.
     
     “I find it really hard to let go of control. [But] sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand a little bit and help you out.”

    Nicole Aquilina

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    1 hr 48 min
  • Carla Dyson shares how she build her bridal and commercial client base.

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    This week: getting personal with Carla Dyson, commercial and bridal international hair and makeup artist.

    If you follow Carla, you can see she’s always been a creative person. Her social media profile presents her career highlights, industry secrets, behind the scenes footage and how-to’s. Her top tip: work on speed. It’s important for clients and will generate higher ROI for you in the long run.

    Carla is a woman of many talents. In lockdown she launched her own business, The Creative Directory - a community of creatives to help other artists take their careers to the next level. She also kept a little bit of herself [C.D] within the brand, passionate that the business is built as an extension of her values.
     

    Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.
     
     KEY TAKEAWAYS:


     THE [NOT SO] GLAMOROUS LIFE


     Are you a workaholic? Reading this, are you also thinking about the 101 things you need to do to prepare for tomorrow’s shoot… your kit, the brushes, the client brief? Don’t worry. You’re not alone.
     
     Carla admits she’s always been a workaholic, always hustling and working as much as she could every opportunity she got.
     
     Our industry, though, is not always as glamorous as it’s made out to be. It’s actually quite a taxing job on your body. For one shoot, there might be 12 - 15 different shots, at different locations in one day. And that means changes for hair, makeup, decor, etc. which means you’re likely standing in heels for 8 - 10 hours a day!
     
     Carla understands the impact on your body, but boasts, “I love it. That’s why we do it. It might be taxing, but damn it feels good when you sit back and see what you’ve created. What you’ve been a part of.”

     

    THE INSTAGRAM BUSINESS
     
     Are you really reaching your key target market if you’re not using reels?
     
     Instagram, like many other social media platforms, constantly evolves. The algorithms change and there are new ‘best practice’ guidelines more often than we would like. But did you know that reels for instagram not only have incredible reach, they’re also more time-effective for YOU as an artist.
     
     We’re all time-poor these days, so we got Carla to explain how she creates while she works… You no longer have that 5-minute window at the end of the shoot to take perfect still shots, she said, instead, just hold your phone up and film as you do it. This filming can be used for reels, with the footage being much more authentic and real - exactly what your audience is craving.

     

    “Reels are raw. Using apps like Facetune set the wrong beauty standards, it’s not right. We need to make sure we’re posting stuff that is real.”

    Carla Dyson
     
     

    THE ASSISTANT CHECKLIST
     

    If you’ve got the time, do it. If you don’t have the time, make the time - or consider if this really is the right career for you.
     
    A common theme weaved through each podcast is assisting. It’s one of the only sure-fire ways in our industry to get the experience, get known and get jobs.
     
    When assisting, think of yourself as an extension of that artist for the day. You’re not your own brand (yet) and you will absolutely be put through the ringer. But tough love breeds tough artists and that’s exactly what we need.
     
     

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    1 hr 33 min
  • Pinky aka Nicole Thompson, makeup artist, author & mum shares her 20 year career journey.

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    The Makeup Insider is a fortnightly podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney. This week: getting personal with Pinkiiieee (aka Nicole Thompson), makeup artist, author and mum.

    With an eclectic career spanning 20 years, Pinky thrives on new challenges and has said yes to working all types of jobs from magazine, editorials and advertising, to body painting, celebrities and weddings. Challenged by the covid pandemic, she reassessed her work-life balance after child number two, and launched into freelancing.
     
     Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.
     
     KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    SLIDING DOORS MOMENT.

    From interior decorator, merchandiser and singer to rockstar mua, Pinkiiieee was inspired by her love of drawing and painting and a casual conversation with her boyfriend (now husband of 20+ years) who suggested she bring her passions in artistry to life.
     
     As an impulsive go-getter, after a brief stint of industry recon, Pinky enrolled in makeup college. Nearly quitting halfway through the first year after feeling like she just wasn’t getting it right, Pinkiiieee encourages artists to stick with it, especially when things seem tough - because that’s when your sliding doors moment often happens.
     
     “My first thought was (that) I loved all the glitter and shiny things. I loved the idea of special effects and doing movies… (but) I loved the pretty side too, the glamour of it all and making people feel really good…. I just became obsessed. I’m glad I stuck with it.”

    Pinky

    WHAT IS MEDIA TRAINING?
     
     With the increase in reliance on social media to elevate your artist profile, strengthen and widen your industry and client networks and basically act as a platform to land you consistent work - media training might be something to consider.

    Pinky first completed media training in New York, revelling that it was ‘quite intense’, but acknowledging the importance of understanding each platform from a PR lens, how to answer difficult questions, how to talk about a ‘product’ in the most interesting way and how to be consistent, concise and calm under pressure.
     
     Visual cues such as facial expressions, often tell a greater story than your words. When you’re active on social media, in front of the camera or talking about your product you need to be cognisant of all elements.
     
     “The first time I watched myself back I was mortified. It was in a room full of people… and I thought I was bright and bubbly, but my facial expressions made me look like a cranky b*tch!. It’s about the energy you bring when you say something that really changes what you’re saying.”

    Pinky


     BE IN THE MOMENT.


     Have you ever watched a Fashion Week reel on instagram and thought, ‘Wow - there are some crazy styles right now!?’. Part of the amazing culture of our industry is being in the moment, being part of something bigger.
     
     What a 30 sec roll looks like post-event, is often illuminated as a whole story, where you’re there. From the huge catwalk, to the themed decor, the lighting, the fashion styles, oh and we can’t forget the makeup! It’s no wonder many artists aspire to land these types of gigs.
     
     Pinky encourages you to be present in your moments. Be part of the action, the creativity, the people. Be part of what is being created that day and you’ll find more fulfillment in your work.
     
     

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    1 hr 49 min
  • Mr Maybelline for 10 years, countless fashion weeks & celebrities, Nigel Stanislaus has done it all.

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    This week: getting personal with Nigel Stanislaus, a Singaporean-Chinese hair and makeup artist living in Melbourne whose celebrity client list spans Bella and Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner , John Legend , Jenna Dewan, Tina Arena, Troye Sivan, Olivia Newton John, Peaches Geldoff, Ruby Rose and Michael Bublé.

    Born and raised by strong, resilient women, Nigel was compelled into the artistry life by the glamour, the strength, the flexibility and the attitude on how to survive, and how to thrive!

     With an impressive repertoire of clients, industry experience and portfolio of work:

     Editorials include L’Officiel , Harpers Bazaar, Elle, & Marie Claire. Former Mr Maybelline and  Asia’s Next Top Model Judge. NYC resident and makeup director to almost 200 shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.

    Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways and subscribe for future podcasts below.


     KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    SET YOURSELF A GOAL

    Whether you’re working to pay bills, unleashing your creativity or aiming to be top dog - it’s important to set yourself a goal.
     
     Nigel believes that if you manifest things, life will take you there. Sure there’s bound to be a few u-turns and bends in the road - but you will eventually get to your destination.
     
    Not sure where to start? For Nigel, it was the fear of failure that always pushed him to have a plan, show up, be present and be the absolute best that he could be. Start by writing out your goals for the next week, month or year ahead - and see where it takes you.

     

    LOVE WHAT YOU DO
     
     Artists love to be inspired by the world around them. Nigel is passionate about his work and enthuses that, ‘makeup should make you feel something, it should give you emotional energy - like you’ve been dancing for hours’.
     
    Our industry is tough, you need passion, skill and a whole lot of tenacity and grit to make it. Nigel (aka Mr Maybelline) always dons a big smile and love of learning.
     
    Inspired by boots he saw in Rome or flicking through instagram, Nigel’s life goal is to teach kids who want to do makeup to know that it’s a beauty blender. Whatever you’re feeling - angry, sad, scared, hungry, excited - just paint it out. Use your passion, use your emotion to give your work substance and you’ll always love what you do.

     

    “When people say, ‘oh, the glam is here’ to me, it’s not really like that. It's deeper, more personal... It’s business for me, it’s my career, it’s my identity - it is so much more than just magnetic lashes or painting someone..”

    Nigel Stanislaus
      
     GIVING BACK (TO ARTISTS)

     Taking kids off the street as his assistant, Nigel boasts that the hard work and commitment from those who assisted him out of High School, are the ones to watch out for in the industry today. These kids are now directors, artists in demand, entrepreneurs of up and coming brands… Giving back to the community and having young artists coming up the ranks around you is so important.
     

     

    The Hair Edit Waitlist 

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    2 hr 8 min

About The Makeup Insider

From the publisher's feed

The Makeup Insider is a weekly one-on-one podcast diving into the real life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance MUA Vanessa Barney.

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