This week I was privileged enough to interview Celebrity and Pretty Pink Princess make-up artist Olivia Naylor. Olivia has been a makeup artist to the starts for half a decade now having worked with the likes of Michelle Keegan, Helen Flanagan, Brooke Vincent and Sophie Kasaei. From flawlessly sculpted contours to her iconic highlighted looks there is no doubt about it that Olivia posses some serious talent when it comes to beautifying her clients. I wanted to dig deep and find out some top tips and tricks in hope that someday we ourselves may be able to master that flawless base and sharp tidy brow.
Hi Olivia! Growing up we all have dreams and aspirations. Was being a make-up artist always your ultimate goal?
Being a makeup artist has been my dream since as long as I can remember. There was times I tried to go along other paths for silly reasons such as doing a law degree but I've always come back to this!
How did you start your make-up carer?
I set myself goals. This is something I do all the time and have done all my life. Every time I achieve that goal I set myself another and work towards that. I started working on makeup counters and building up my experience and skill by teaching myself everything I know and learning off other artists and YouTube.
Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring make-up artists?
The best advice I could give someone wanting a career in makeup is be passionate and driven. Work hard on bettering yourself everyday and make sure you find your own style and work with that rather than trying to recreate other people's. A true makeup artist is an artist. It's not just about applying makeup for a night out, 90% of the female population can do that, its about truly understanding makeup and faces and images and having your own style and expression with that.
What is most rewarding and most challenging about your job?
Making people feel good is the rewarding part. I love looking at people's faces when they look in the mirror after I've done their makeup is a great feeling. In terms of challenging for me would be lack of time. I have a million and one ideas and only 24 hours a day !
Your recent work with Michelle Keegan was absolutely flawless and has been the talk of the town throughout social media. How did you go about choosing this look for her?
Michelle is so beautiful it was no hardship. Her features are so gorgeous any heavy makeup would be too much for her. Her skin is so tanned and has that beautiful Latino look about her I just kept it all very neutral and soft and flattering with strong but blended cheekbones and she loves a good contour like the rest of us. I was so thrilled how much everyone liked it!
We all worry about that dreaded flashback look in photos on a night out. What foundation would you recommend to avoid this?
If a foundation is too thick and has spf in then it can cause your face to look white. Also 90% of girls make the tragic mistake of tanning their bodies with false tan and then leaving their face white and applying a foundation 4 shades darker and expect it to balance.
When I go out I ALWAYS put Rimmel Instant Matte tan on my face on top of a moisturizer or primer. This stops the white face issue... Foundation wise I like face and body by mac and luminous silk by Giorgio Armani. Before purchasing go to the counters and check these are right for your skin. If not ask what alternatives there are that aren't too heavy or have spf in them.
Following on from this do you have any secrets to achieving that “flawless” base?
1. Know your skin!! Skin care is THE most important part of your makeup base. Make sure your skincare is tailor made to fit your skin.
2. Primer is optional. I personally don't often use primers unless people have texture problems or particularly oily skin. I believe that the correct skin care foundation and application of makeup will last with or without a primer.
3. Correct foundation for your skin in terms of coverage, finish etc
4. Correct amount of product and correct application of products and brushes are all essential. A lesson with a skilled artist will be valuable for so many people on this.
Lots of girls struggle to achieve that perfect brow. Do you have any tips and must have products that you would recommend to achieve this?
Brows are a tricky one for so many people. It's pretty much impossible to explain how to do a brow in words. There are SO many tutorials out there that are amazing and probably the best way for you to learn. Mac have some great pencils and eyeshadows to help you create a good brow. A good 266 brush from mac is essential and the girls on the mac counters will be more than happy to show you how to use them.
What are some of your favourite products in your make-up kit?
Face and Body Foundation by mac.
My brushes.
Mineralise skin finishes by Mac.
My Anastasia Beverly Hills collection of contour and highlight powders and eye shadows.
What is your favourite make-up brush and why?
That's completely impossible to say ha - MAC will probably always be my fave brand as I worked for them. But the more I research and try other brands the more I'm impressed with my findings. I think it's important to understand that brushes can do whatever you want them to. What I might use for an eyeshadow application. You might use for concealer. Or contouring. Or highlighting. Or lipstick application. There is no right or wrong with brushes and you can be as creative with them as you want to.
And finally, what make-up trends should we be rocking for winter 14/15?
Winter for me is all about berry colours for lips and cheeks. Smudgy liner as apposed to structured flicks I think is important. All dark smokey eyes as apposed to light on the inside dark on the outside.
Make sure you follow Olivia on social media -
Instagram - Olivanaylormua
Twitter - olivianaylormua
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