TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Strictly Come Dancing and celebrity make-up artist Lisa Armstrong shares her top tips for breaking into the make-up industry and the importance of keeping hygienic

How did you first get into the make-up industry?

“When I was in a pop group, I knew make-up was always an area of the business that I had my eye on if and when the band split. In total I’ve been in the industry for about 25 years and in make-up for around 20 years now.”

Do you think make-up is still a hard industry to break into?

“Sometimes it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know and being in the right place at the right time – it’s about getting that lucky break. Once you’ve got that you do need to be skilled, as you’re only as good as your last job, and that is what is going to forge your career.”

Who are some of the celebrities you’ve worked with?

“I have worked with lots of incredible different people on Strictly, including singers Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud and Anastasia, as well as Michelle Visage and Abbey Clancy. It’s been a real array of people and they’ve all been a delight to work with.”

What is the most inspiring aspect of working as an MUA?

“Changing a client’s confidence within themselves. Often, customers sit in the chair not feeling very confident, but simply applying the tiniest bit of make-up, adjusting their brow shape or using a bold lipstick can make the world of difference. Changing their mindset of how they feel about themselves is part of the role of a make-up artist that I absolutely love.”

What are your most important tips and tricks?

“I would advise that you always start with the eyes. When I do it at work, or on a new client, sometimes they think I’m mad because I haven’t started with their face. By doing the eye make-up first, any fallout or mascara spillages that may happen are easy to clean up before you put the primer on and start with the face make-up application.

“Always apply make-up on clean, fresh and primed skin. There is nothing worse than rolling out of bed and putting your make-up on straight away. The skin needs to be primed first; a good primer will also benefit you by helping make-up to stay put.”

What are the key elements of natural, glam and fashion make-up looks?

“For a natural look, use foundation sparingly as you don’t want it to look too ‘caked’ on – you want to show off your client’s natural beauty. With a glam look, always start with the eye as dark colours can cause droppage on the face.

“When it comes to fashion looks, I like to use the same colour on the eye that I used on the lips as this helps tie in all the colours used throughout the make-up.”

As a pro make-up artist, what is your hygiene routine?

“Hygiene has always been an essential part of my day-to-day working practice to avoid spreading harmful bacteria onto a client’s face and around sensitive eye/lip areas. You can’t under any circumstance have a kit that is not immaculate.

“A make-up artist should always clean their hands between every client and the same principle should be applied for your make-up and tools. Always keep a product that’s easy to use in your kit, like Quick Dry Brush Cleaning Spray from Beauty Hygiene Plus, for when you have a quick turnaround of clients.”