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 Faye Bluff, our paths crossed at fashion week and we have been in touch since. Faye’s flawless skin work is beautiful and uses this as a base to add interesting elements within the makeup to spice things up. She is also the founder of skill swap creative which is a network for professional creatives offering workshops to exchange skills, expertise and knowledge.

How did you start out in makeup?

I studied a diploma in hair & media makeup back up in Manchester and then went on to work for NARS on a counter in Selfridges. I always knew I wanted to get into fashion so I chose the brand carefully because I knew this could be an in - and it was! I worked my way up and became part of the events team, moved down to London and regularly represented the brand backstage at London and Paris fashion weeks assisting some of the most amazing artists in the industry like Val Garland, Andrew Gallimore & Lucia Pieroni. My time working with NARS was invaluable because I had so much access to different skin types and tones to practice on, you get quick very fast working on a counter! They also taught me invaluable backstage and on set etiquette, it was almost like a fast track into the fashion industry for me.

A day in the life of...What does an average day consist of?

I’m either going 200mph or 0mph. This is something I’m still trying to learn... balance! But if I’m working it’s early call times, long days, keeping on top of my kit, making sure it’s clean, organised and stocked up. Cleaning brushes. I try and give myself admin days and rest days, when you’re freelance it’s easy to get caught up in work but you’ve got to make hay whilst the sun is shining!

What is your signature style in your work? Is this your favourite thing to do in makeup?

I love skin. I obsess over it, I can only create a makeup “look” if the skin is as close to perfect as I can get it, otherwise I find it distracting. I like bold shapes and colours so if the skin is done well I find makes a canvas to properly showcase that.

Your favourite products :

Skincare 

NARS multi-action hydrating toner - the freaking best! 

Foundation 

Face & Body or NARS tinted moisturiser 

Concealer 

Dermacolour 
Mascara 

Mac extended play
Eyeshadow

MAC, Surratt, Shu Uemura, Anastasia, NARS - I’m not TOO fussy with shadows it more about the colour

Eyeliner 

Surratt auto-graphique liner for liquid, it’s heaven. Mambo from NARS is an all-time fave - it’s a beautiful silky, smudgy, rusty brown I use it all the time! 
Lip product 

Kiko scrub and peel wipes - or any scrub. You could have the most luxurious lipstick in the world but it’s still going to look like crap on a flakey lip

Brush

Surratt Smokey eye brushes Or a good old 217 from MAC
What should every woman own in her makeup bag? 

Eyelash curlers

What's your advice to someone wanting to be a makeup artist?

Do you, don’t follow everyone else, don’t ever stop learning and work really, really, really hard.

What’s been your OMG wake me up, pinch me am I dreaming moment?

To be honest, every time someone approaches me for a job feels if like a pinch-me moment. I’m from a little seaside town in North Wales and didn’t think I’d ever actually do the job that I’m doing. So it’s just great to get recognised and requested for your craft. I ticked off some real personal milestones this year though, I worked with mother, Pat McGrath, she’s just incredible energy and talent. I was also chosen to be part of the team for Chanel which has always been a dream of mine.

What is the greatest challenge you have overcome in your career?

Myself. I’m so hard on myself which can be exhausting but at the same time, it constantly pushes me to learn and improve. 

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?

Moisturiser - for removing, hydration, glow. A concealer that can be sheered out. Lipstick, probably a red, that I can use on the cheeks and eyes too. Gel liner, that I can paint and use for mascara if I need toAnd and eyeshadow palette - does that count?? 

How do you like to organise your workstation?

I use a case with all my basics in, I kind of know what I like now so I’ll mainly work from that, and then have all my extras for the specific job laid out next to it. I have a very specific way I like so set up Every time, that way when I’m pushed for time and have to work quickly I know exactly where everything is. I’m SUPER anal and organised when it comes to my kit.

What's your best kit hack?

Try not to overpack, it comes with time and experience but not having something is sometimes a blessing in disguise because it makes you think out of the box. 

How do you set up your work station?

Brushes, mini kit, hygiene at the front then everything else to hand

What trend should be left behind in 2020?

Doing makeup a certain way just, because... because you’ve seen someone do it that way so now that’s how you do it. WHY are you using that product, that brush, that technique?? If you don’t know why leave it in 2019! 

Where can we follow you online? 

@fayebluff on insta

Thank you so much for your time, Faye it is greatly appreciated!

Love,

Lisa x