Makeup artist interview with Lo Moorcroft
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! This week we meet Lo Moorcroft, who is a makeup artist I met at MAC cosmetics in the mid 2000’s. Lois is a master of creating beauty looks that inclide impeccable skin and groomed brows to show off the models features.
How did you start out in makeup?
I always had a passion for creating as a kid, I would make up my own face using my Mums tiny selection of cosmetics and dress up as my childhood alter-ego Patricia. I longed to turn this creativity into a job in my teens and by the time I reached college I fought hard for a place at London College of Fashion on a NHD in Hair, Makeup and Fashion Styling. On leaving college I was so honoured to get a job with MAC where I quickly worked my way up to a role as Resident Trainer. I loved the brand and it's ethos so much that I stayed for almost 10 years. In 2013 I left to focus on my freelance career and haven't looked back since. I've worked on major fashion campaigns and runway shows and countless editorials; I've worked in music, TV, red carpet the list goes on... Ha!
Backstage at alexandermcqueen. Makeup designed by genius Lucia Pieroni applied by Lois
Lois working in the studio getting creative
Anna Friel for RTS Awards, red carpet makeup is one of Lois favourtie things to do, this was a career highlight for her.
A day in the life of...What does an average day consist of?
The one thing that I love most about my job is its unpredictability, no two days are the same!
What is your signature style in your work? Is this your favourite thing to do in makeup?
Now that's a tough one! It's constantly changing and evolving and with so much influence and my passion for research, I'm always changing my mind. The signature style I would say is seamless makeup, I love beauty looks but I'm definitely from the less is more camp! Enhancing a face with makeup and its tranformative and subtle quality is truly very inspiring to me.
Your favourite products :
Skincare Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Foundation Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser
Concealer Cle De Peau Beaute Radiant Concealer
Mascara Maybelline Push Up Drama
Eyeshadow Golightly by Stila
Eyeliner Coffee by MAC
Lip product MAC Retro Matte Lipsticks
Brush Tush brushes, No 8 and No 32 are my faves!
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Clede Peau Beaute Radiant Corrector for Eyes
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser
What should every woman own in her makeup bag?
Eyelash Curlers and lip balm
What's your advice to someone wanting to be a makeup artist?
Don't skip the basics, it's so easy to get caught up in the creativity. Understanding the basic structure of the face and how to transform it will make your more creative work really stand out.
What’s been your OMG wake me up, pinch me am I dreaming moment?
Working on my first show as a freelancer knowing all my hard work and my own ability had got me there.
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?
When you breakdown any makeup look there will always be a few key things that stand out and are truly visible. Pick the things that have the most impact. I remember a MAC show where MUA Topolino had been rumoured to have bought only a mascara, vaseline and palette of cream paintsticks, I loved that. It's so easy to get really excited about specific products, but it can really limit your creativity.
How do you like to organise your kit?
Very, very, very specific about how my kit looks. I'm so obsessed with where things go, and what product goes in which case. I have a very small kit by comparison. I have a small vanity that contains all my beauty essential, which I like to call my everyday bag, a skincare bag, a hygiene bag for tissues, cotton pads etc and a colour bag and that's pretty much it.
What trend should be left behind in 2019?
Everyone looks exactly the same.....
Where can we follow you online? @lomoorcroft I do make-up stories every Monday on my Instagram account, I spent most of my time posting to IG!
Thank you for your time and sharing with us Lois, it is greatly appreciated!
Love,
Lisa x