Gemma Wheatcroft is an amazing makeup artist whose work spans TV, editorial, fashion and celebrity. She has recently been named the official makeup artist for the new, much anticipated, Rodial Makeup Range. I got the opportunity to catch up with her last week, discussing everything from her favourite makeup products to her top beauty tips. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our little chat...
What inspired you to become a makeup artists? And how did your career journey begin?
I consider myself an artist but my love of fashion and beauty became my passion when I started an art foundation in fashion and textiles. This passion grew as I completed an HND in fashion styling for hair and makeup at the prestigious London College of Fashion in 1999!
A natural talent and dedication inspired me to start assisting within the industry. It is here that I learnt some amazing techniques, gained invaluable tips and learnt some of the trades top beauty secrets! This allowed me to develop my own style and flare and, eventually, work with some of the industries greats!
What is your career highlight?
My career highlight is that I love my work! Travelling and meeting interesting and inspiring personalities. I must say I'm really enjoying working with Rodial and the brand's founder and Creative Director, Maria Hatzistefanis, on this exciting new makeup range. Seeing my work (on the new celebrity campaign) in full colour, in-stores, online and in the world's press, is 'the dream'.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the beauty industry?
My advice is simple, 'always say yes'. Yes to assisting, yes to low or no budget jobs, yes to staying until the bitter end of a 18 hour music video, yes to cleaning brushes, making tea, running errands, yes to test photographers and student fashion shows, yes to getting to and from jobs yourself and yes to last minute requests. You will learn so much from saying yes....on set etiquette, industry lingo, who's who, hands on experience, in-house secrets and behind the scenes tips.
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?
Bridgette Bardot! Her effortless and timeless beauty makes me unable take my eyes off of her. I often use her signature cat eye, sculpted cheekbones, sultry pout and tousled 'I woke up like this' hairstyles as inspiration for some of my celebrity red carpet and editorial looks.
What are your beauty kit essentials?
My makeup bag essentials, for quick day to night touch ups, are the Rodial Instaglam Magic Pen Eye Glow for instant 'wake up skin' highlighting and glow - nice on the cheek bones, Cupid's bow and great on the lids - and the Rodial Instaglam Magic Pen Corrector, to touch up under the eyes and conceal imperfections and blemishes.
I also have to have the Rodial Smokey Eye Pen in black to give me a quick, smudge free smokey cats eye and the Rodial Glamolash Mascara Skinny, to add extra flutter to my lashes! I also have a good brow gel to keep my eyebrows perfect all day and, without a doubt, the Rodial Glamstick in bite - a perfect nude that is like a lip balm, lipstick and gloss in one...the perfect tone and finish!
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| Daisy Lowe, the face of the new Rodial Makeup Range, rocking Gemma's favourite products |
What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?
Over-plucking your eyebrows......please let them grow!!! It's all about full, natural and bushy brows! They are the coat hangers to your face, after all!
What is your top beauty tip?
Use a good primer to hydrate and smooth your skin before applying makeup. This will help your makeup adhere to the skin and last longer, as well as boost radiance and plump the skin's surface, diffusing fine lines and moisturising dry areas of the skin for a more even and polished looking finish to your foundation! You will also find that powder products sit better on the skin and won't cake or streak. Your brushes will also glide over the skin, allowing you to buff and blend with ease.
