I often get asked about my job and how to get into make-up. I always recommend a basic formal education in make-up to help you understand colour theory (vitally important) and bone structure and corrective work. I studied at London College of Fashion in the UK, in Special Effects for TV and Film which gave me in-depth knowledge and experience in all aspects of make-up. Even though I don't use the special effects often in fashion, I'm glad I have knowledge in applying latex applications etc, as I have been asked to block out eyebrows, paint bruises and make bald heads for various editorial shoots and body art!
I'm back in Australia (well I think I'm back, the jet lag still thinks I'm in Paris). My kit made it back I one piece with no eye shadow casualties to speak of. A great tip if you are travelling with MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Powders: put a cotton pad/round inside the case — it really helps stop any shattering when baggage handlers don't understand the word "fragile"!
It's now my final day in Paris and I have to face packing. Why is it that nothing ever fits in your case again, even though you have exactly the same amount of things you took in the first place?
My penultimate day bought me to the Chloe show located in a grand marquee set in the Tuileries .
One of the most anticipated shows of the week, Alexander McQueen, proved to be a real highlight. Key make-up artist Peter Philips designed two looks that were all about make- up perfection.
"The make-up mood was that of colour applied with tenderness," said Alex Box, key make-up artist at the Anne Valerie Hash show. Gentle layers of ochre, taupe and bronze creams were applied to create shadow that was so subtle you were drawn to the eyes but couldn't quite figure out why. A flash of MAC pigment in Pastorale provided a point of focus on the eye as did a broken winged liquid liner (MAC boot Boot black Black liquid liner) drawn from the inner corner to the wing. The layering technique was also applied to the lip with ochre, rust, crimson and wine applied in concaving softness and highlighted around the lip line with MAC liquidlast Liquidlast liner in cream around the cupids bow and Vanilla Pigment round the outer corners.
At Ann Demeulemeester, Rudi Kramers created a melancholy make-up in a cool palette of greys, mauves and lavender. The clothing and hair gave a richly textured rustic rendering.
The 18th century grandeur of the Westin Hotel in the centre of Paris provided a stunning backdrop to one of the most creative and fun make-up experiences I have ever had. Make-up director Pep Gay had a little help with the design from London primary school kids!
I love Paris. Did I say that already? I really love Paris. Everything is just so ... French! The little dogs in shops, stylish people everywhere, the architecture, the art — every corner you turn is picture-book perfect.
Welcome to Paris! I arrived late last night after feeling very old and craggy as the plane was full of the most gorgeous young models!
