Makeup artist interview with Phoebe Taylor
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 Phoebe Taylor, who I met at MAC and again on a show at fashion week many years later. Phoebe is an artist of many talents from a paired back beauty to the precise razor-sharp liner in addition to bucket loads of character, kind and always has you in stitches.
Marie Claire Hong Kong
Beauty by Phoebe
The Gucci Beauty Glitch Vogue Italia
How did you start out in makeup?
Well, I did musical theatre as a teen and always loved doing my makeup, so I guess there was a natural ability, I also loved to play dress-ups at home and just become characters. I never considered makeup as a career as I thought I was going to be an actress. When I finished school I took a year off and it came to me that I wanted to do a course, so tada! here I am 13 years later!
A day in the life of...What does an average day consist of?
Funnily enough, I don’t have an average day, which is what I love about my job! Having said that, it can be anywhere between working with private clients, shooting an editorial, ecomm or campaign, assisting other well-established makeup artist’s on campaigns, editorials or it could be fashion month and I am schlepping around a city like a madwoman with a kit in tow and some Redbull!
What is your signature style in your work? Is this your favourite thing to do in makeup?
I get asked this all the time and I put it down to more the subject aka the Face, as every face tells a different story and can suit different looks. I do love doing a beautiful dewy skin, a smokey eye and a liner — eek everything then ?!
Your favourite products :
Skincare - Embryolisse or Avene Cicalfate for moisturiser
Foundation - Chanel Vitalumiere, Nars Sheer Glow, Shiseido Synchro glow
Concealer - Nars Radiant Creamy concealer
Mascara - Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat lashes
Eyeshadow- Hmmmmm soooo hard I have a mix of everything, Anastasia, MAC, Inglot, Charlotte Tilbury
Eyeliner - Costa Riche from MAC, Illamasqua gel, DHC liquid pen
Lip product - I do love MAC lippies, oh and Makeup forever lip pencils
Brush- love Chanel brushes
What should every woman own in her makeup bag?
Lip balm and a fab mascara
What's your advice to someone wanting to be a makeup artist?
Do research, figure out who’s career you like and what section of the industry you want to work in, ask other artists about their careers, and get as many opinions as possible. Everyone will have a different experience however it’s great to hear to help you navigate what you want. I would also really ask the question WHY is it I am wanting to be an artist? Have a serious conversation with yourself, because like any creative industry it requires a lot of dedication and passion.
What’s been your OMG wake me up, pinch me am I dreaming moment?
Omg, there has been soooo many! I think when I got to do Courtney Love and Paris Hilton’s makeup, um being in Jean Paul Gaultier’s last couture show! Sooo mannny
What is the greatest challenge you have overcome in your career?
I would say comparisons, we always seem to compare ourselves to others and that’s a slippery slope. I think also suffering from a bit of imposters syndrome and being like “why me ?! Like I am not even good” I think as artists we care so much about art and putting our all in and it’s important to remember that you won’t always be everyone’s cup of tea and it’s not always personal, it’s just business and that’s totally ok!
HUF Mag
Atlas Magazine
Le Mile
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?
Well because I always hand carry my brushes I’m sorted there, but I would say -
Bobbi Brown Palette Moisturiser
Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes
Le maquillage pro cream palette for cheeks and eyes!
How do you like to organise your workstation?
Well it tends to change constantly, but so that I can avoid too much pack up I like all things in bags to stand up so I can see it and grab products quickly and try and pack it back at the same time (doesn’t always work out that way!)
What's your best kit hack?
Decant!!!! I love to have everything in one place (i did a whole series over the summer of me doing this tedious but necessary task on my Instagram)
What trend should be left behind in 2020?
Too much of everything- sharpie brows, baking, too much powder, too much highlight, grotesque lashes Bla bla bla!
Where can we follow you online?
Insta - @phoebetaylormakeup
Thank you so much for your time, Phoebe it is greatly appreciated!
Love,
Lisa x