My Makeup Journey: A Spark of Creativity
I’ve always been drawn to the arts, whether it was painting, drawing, or even playing with costumes. So, it’s no surprise that makeup eventually found its way into my life. My first real foray into makeup was during my time spent with my ‘Bobby’ (my grandma) as early as about 5/6.
We would jump on the bus into town on a Saturday afternoon and it was the biggest treat to spend the afternoons mooching from counter to counter in Boots testing all the fragrances and trying out lippy colours on the back of our hands. It was the highlight of my week. Getting older I can remember using my baby sister Dalia as my muse and the New Romantics era and bands like Culture Club had me obsessed with transformation. The idea of being able to create something beautiful and artistic on the face was incredibly appealing.
My mum often came home from work leaving me in charge of my baby sis only to find her made up like a drag queen and instead of telling me off for rummaging without permission in her makeup draw she encouraged and embraced it. I loved that! Mum was a hairdresser and my dad a Saxophone player and brilliant musician so both parents believed in the ‘Love what you do Do what you love’ mentality and for that I am forever grateful. I had the best parents, nurturing and encouraging and I feel so blessed for that. It was an important lesson to pass onto my own daughter when she showed an interest and passion in baking from an early age!
At first, mine was just a fun hobby. I’d experiment with different looks, colours, and techniques. I’d spend hours practicing, trying to perfect my skills. But as I got better, I started to realize the power of makeup. It wasn’t just about looking pretty; it was about expressing myself, boosting my confidence, and even creating a sense of identity.
One of my favourite things about makeup is the endless possibilities. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. You can be as bold or as subtle as you want. It’s a form of self-expression that allows me to experiment and be creative.
Whether I’m going for a natural look or something more dramatic, I find joy in the process of applying makeup. It’s a way for me to relax, unwind, and connect with myself. It has been my therapy during all of life’s highs and lows and I’ve learned a lot about myself through this journey.
30yrs in the industry and the best bit is that I still love it and I honestly do not know where the time has gone.
‘Love what you do Do what you love’……… Thanks mum and dad xxxxx