Rupert Kingston has spent years in the makeup industry, working with amazing beauty brands, high profile celebrities and numerous magazines. He is not only an established makeup artist, but the Creative Director and Co-Founder of the new British beauty brand everyone is talking about. Yes, you guessed it ... Delilah.
Like most girls across the UK, I have fallen in love with Delilah (I'm actually obsessed with the brand's foundation and blusher!). So I was very excited when I got the chance to chat all things beauty with Rupert...
What inspired you to work in the beauty industry? And how did your career journey begin?
I came from a painting and drawing background and was really inspired by theatrical makeup. Very early on (for a GCSE art project) I wanted to experiment with body painting, so I took a trip to London to visit Screenface. Walking into that little shop in Notting Hill was just inspiring, I bought some water based body paint and a bruise wheel (makeup for creating bruises); from then on I pursued a career in makeup!
I trained at the London College of Fashion in the early 90s, as it was one of the only makeup courses in Europe at the time. Once qualified I worked in television for a while, however it was only when I joined a creative agency that things really started to take off.
What is your career highlight?
Launching Delilah has definitely been my career highlight. We spent two years developing the brand, so to finally have it out there, with products receiving such lovely feedback, is a real dream come true.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the beauty industry?
The new generation of makeup artists are lucky because there are so many techniques and tips that can be learnt from watching YouTube videos.
If you want a career as a makeup artist, your skills will really develop by doing as much makeup as possible. It is also important to keep photographing what you've done, as you'll need a portfolio of your work on hand when you're trying to get jobs. It takes a long time to become well established, so be patient because it will pay off in the end!
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?
I have to say Kate Moss - I was lucky enough to work with her many years ago. She redefined our perception of beauty in the 90's and, three decades later, she is still working. I think she will be remembered as one of the most prolific models to have ever lived.
What are your makeup bag essentials?
I always carry a gel based moisturiser, something that delivers a lot of hydration but doesn't leave any emollients on the skin. At the moment I am using products from a US brand called Arcona.
Many of my clients are really dehydrated under the eyes this time of year, so before using concealer I apply a little of the Decleor Hydrotenseur Anti Fatigue Eye Serum 15ml (£27.65 feelunique.com / $52.00 dermstore.com). It really helps to smooth and hydrate the under eye area. The Delilah Farewell Concealer 3.8g (£24.00 Space NK) is so soft and creamy that it hides a multitude of sins without ever looking cakey.
What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?
So I have a bit of an issue with eyebrows that are completely squared off in the middle - sorry, but this never looks right to me.
My other pet peeve is when girls with great skin wear full coverage foundation - it's always such a struggle to get them to wear anything else!
What is your top beauty tip?
I always tell women that, when choosing a lipstick, they should wear a colour as bright as they dare - I really don't like any of the rules surrounding bright colours making lips look smaller. If you wear any colour with confidence, it always looks fabulous!
