Makeup artist interview with Amanda Bowen
Makeup artists love to know the inside scoop from other fellow makeup artists to learn from how they work and what tips we can pick up. It is a never-ending process of learning! Amanda has forged a career in make-up artistry for over 20 years and has worked at MTV with so many artists Stereophonics to Aerosmith. Currently working closely with Emma Willis on Big brother and her eyelash collaboration. Amanda’s work is always has a flawless base and finished with an editorial twist.
Amanada works closely with Emma Willis
Angela Scanlon for her
Emma Willis
1 How did you start out in makeup?
I was working as a graphic designer in Richmond for about 3 years until I was made redundant. I wanted to stay in the field but I had always had a passion for all things makeup/fashion/beauty so I decided to enrol in an 8-week course at Glauca Rossi School of Makeup.
I began testing & a couple of months later I got a call from them asking if I wanted to go for an interview with MAC which was coming to London. I jumped at the chance & landed the job of one of the first 4 MAC artists in Harvey Nichols. From that point onwards it was a dream. I was working on the shows for London Fashion Week, meeting awesome & inspirational artists who are to this day great friends & learning my craft on a daily basis.
One day I got a chance through a friend to work at MTV on their live shows which was the start of my freelance career & I’ve never looked back...
2 A day in the life of...What does an average day consist of?
My day to day can be pretty random as most freelance artists will agree!
My day could consist of a photoshoot, an event or a tv filming day. I do love my job!
3 What is your signature style in your work? Is this your favourite thing to do in makeup?
I think my style reflects my clients which is pretty cool, fresh with an element of trend thrown into the mix.
I like to change things up all the time & I am lucky enough to have amazing clients that trust me & let me do my thing!
Gorgeous glowing skin is my staple; I love a smoked out eye. I love a clean skin & bold lip.
Vanderohe
MAC Face & Body
Delilah Take Cover Concealer
4 Your favourite products :
Skincare
I love oils to prep skin. I’m currently using Vanderohe which is hand blended & 100% plant-based.
Foundation
Mac Face & Body, Becca Aqua Luminous and Suqqu
Concealer
Glossier Stretch concealer, Armani Power Fabri and Delilah Take Cover.
Mascara
Marc Jacobs and Chanel
Eyeshadow
Too many to mention!! I have an addiction for all cream eyeshadows
Brushes
Sonia G, My Kitco and Real Techniques.
5 What should every woman own in her makeup bag?
I always carry Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist & concealer!
6 What's your advice to someone wanting to be a makeup artist?
There’s no magic formula. Hard work & dedication is key. Working for a good makeup brand helps to develop your skills on a daily basis & gain inspiration from other artists...We are always learning.
Assisting other makeup artists will give you the skill sets necessary to develop you into the artist you want to become. Research!! Research is not about following Instagram trends, it’s about history...(research) the eras, the people, the styles that continue to inspire all artists.
7 What’s been your OMG wake me up, pinch me am I dreaming moment?
I’m very thankful for many moments. Working at MTV on all their shows & meeting amazing people I work with to this day. Every time a magazine cover I’ve worked on hits the stands! My work on Eylure packaging every time I walk into a drug store. So many things...
Garnier campaign
Emma Willis cover for Fabulous
Grooming for The Stereophonics
8 What is the greatest challenge you have overcome in your career?
I think my greatest challenge is continuing to make a freelance career for myself & building it through word of mouth. It’s taken 20+ years of hard work & I'm still here!
Social media is a newer challenge for me; it breeds anxiety that you’re not good enough, not successful enough, not busy enough. It plays on people’s insecurities & self-esteem, including me. There’s no easy road but I try not to get sucked in.
I still believe in being true to yourself & your craft is the way forward.
9 Scenario: You have arrived at a job, your case has gone missing at the airport. You have 15mins to grab essentials. What are your 5 essentials do you pick up to complete the look?
Blimey! Have you seen what I carry??😂
1. A face oil
2. Concealer for imperfections & you can dilute with a facial oil for a light base.
3. A cream colour base that you can multitask with for eyes, lips & cheeks.
4. A mascara, naturally!
5. A creamy eyeliner that you can smudge out for a heavier, smoky eye.
10 How do you like to organise your kit?
I’m not great at organising my kit because I’m always adding new things to it! I do use MyKitco clear bags & pods to organise my products which are great!
11 What trend should be left behind in 2019?
I would say the overuse of airbrushing tools & apps. Bring back skin texture!
13 Where can we follow you online?
My Instagram is @amandahbowen. My website www.amandabowen.com
Thank you for your time and sharing with us, it is greatly appreciated!
Love,
Lisa x