Make-up International Magazine

A good few months ago now, I was briefly interviewed by the lovely people at Make-up International magazine, who wanted to know why I decided to start this blog and what changes I have seen in the industry of late.

It suddenly struck me, that having been in the beauty industry for ten years now, that A LOT has changed since I started down my chosen path. There was no Facebook, no Twitter, no Instagram, and in fact, the first contact I made with production companies was via written letter, with a composition card enclosed, enabling them to see my work immediately. 

I couldn't even tell you the last time I sent a letter, an email with a portfolio link, is now far easier and quicker than depending on the good old Royal Mail.

When I left the School of Make-up back in 2006, it was so important to have a network of fellow new artists as friends and this is exactly how I met my So Coco Rouge business partner, Robyn. After all, if you have had a bad day, haven't been paid on time or are having a wobble over which product to use on which job, who else could you turn to? Your lifetime buddy who works in a 9-5 job with a guaranteed income definitely isn't going to understand your woes that's for sure. Yet, nowadays many make-up artist friends are made over the airwaves- of Facebook and Twitter to be precise.

In the past, if I was intrigued by the latest products, I would have bought the item myself, walking blindly into a costly purchase. Now? I research the item online, read industry expert blogs and even send a tweet out asking for reviews. It's the same with techniques. Instagram has not only helped the consumer, but those step-by-step images can also inspire us professionals, especially when we find ourselves stuck in an ideas rut. 

I can still remember my tutor, Elaine Jones, explaining the latest change in TV, High Definition and how air applied make-up was gradually being introduced. Which was to the despair of some well established artists, who were much happier applying cosmetics with fingers and sponges, let alone an a brush or an airbrush. 

Now more than ever, I can see why we need to constantly follow trends, product developments and train in the latest techniques. After all, if we don't keep up surely we'll easily slip behind.

You can read the full interview in Issue 11 of Make-up International, available here. 

Eyeko

I first came across Eyeko, during my first ever QVC show. Whilst enjoying a pre-show cuppa in the green room, I stumbled across a group of stunning models sporting 'Mascara Wardrobe' t-shirts gossiping about which type of mascara they would be wearing during the show . A wardrobe of mascaras? This sounds good to me!

As a make-up addict, counting mascara as one of my desert island must haves (small eyes like mine NEED some lifting mascara!) I'm not only fussy about formula but even fussier about the brush applicator.

Luckily for me, over at Eyeko, not only is their formulas paraben free, conditioning and water resistant, they also have a variety of brushes I can choose from!

• Black Magic  for lift and curl, with a curved brush
• Skinny Brush for catching even the shortest of lashes, with a straight, slim brush
• Fat Brush for extra volume and thickness, with a large, dense brush
• Curvy Brush for a lifter, curled lash, with a unique brush with tiered bristles  

The packaging is also a big plus- these flexiable tubes mean you get to use all the product inside- something that can't be said of all mascaras! There is nothing more frsutating than trying to get those last 2mls from the bottom of a solid tube with your brush can't reach!

As an added bonus, this month Marie Claire, are giving away a Skinny Liquid Liner. The slender nib (similar to a felt pen) enables you to create delicate or dramatic feline flicks, with an rich intense colour and 4 shades to choose from!

Plus it's perfect for this mini heat-wave we are experiencing- this liner will not budge!

So, my tip for the day?! Pop to your local newsagents, pick up a copy, sport a cute 50's flick then go online and treat yourself to an Eyeko mascara using the extra cheeky discount code inside the mag! Then get out and enjoy the sun! (with SPF applied too of course!)

More Magazine Interview

What a sad day for the editorial industry.

This morning it was announced that production of best selling teen/early 20's glossy 'More Magazine' has been suspended, after a glorious 25 years.

Bauer Media made the announcement today, informing all fans that the last issue will be released tomorrow, April 23rd. No doubt this will be an issue many twenty-odd year old women will cherish.

My first memory of More Magazine, involves a boring maths lesson, lots of giggling and a rude awakening to the skills a Sex Education didn't teach!! Every fortnight my friends and I would reach into our pocket money and sneak out during our lunch break to the corner shop. 

Usually red faced from assuming the newsagent knew which page we would be flicking to first!!

I was delighted when, back in 2011, More writer Natalie Blenford contacted me about a feature called 'My Dream Job' , in which I spoke about my work at So Coco Rouge.

Looking back at this article today, it will always be one of my career highlights. It's not many of us that can say what they read at the back row of a maths lesson lead onto being featured in said pages of the magazine a matter of years later.

(And my this I mean the beauty pages, not the latter, much to my mums relief!!!) 

Here is the article- enjoy!

If you've already read Part 3 of our life and career guide, these girls will really inspire you to go for the job you've always wanted!

Now meet the more! readers doing their ideal job…

THE ENTREPRENEUR 
Name: Sian-Louise Auld Age: 24 Job: Co-director of So Coco Rouge 

The details: 'With my friend Robyn, I run an agency in Liverpool called So Coco Rouge. We have ten make-up artists in our team, and my job is to find them work and help them get established in the make-up industry, which can be very competitive. We send girls on fashion shoots, to TV sets and to events in Liverpool. We recently did the make-up for a new Dracula movie, which was great fun! I typically start work at 8am and work through till 8pm. Some days, I get the train to London to meet potential clients and do make-up myself on shoots. No two days are ever the same and I Iove my job!'

How I got here: 'I left school at 16 and went to night school to do make-up training and beauty therapy. I then did some work experience and that led to a place in a make-up school in Manchester. At the school, I met Robyn, and after five years of working as a freelance make-up artist, we set up So Coco Rouge in January 2011. We’ve got a great office at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural quarter, and it’s amazing running my own business.'

Top-tip: 'Find a partner to help you get your business idea off the ground. Robyn is my best friend so I can be completely honest with her about everything. Also, get help from a local business service, like Business Link. Writing a business plan and sorting out a bank account can be stressful, but there are people out there who can advise you on how to do it. Also, find a mentor. Keep in touch with everyone you do work experience with and ask for advice from someone who’s already doing what you want to do.'