Behind The Brand | Make Up For Ever

Date of Birth: 1984

Founding Mother: Dany Sanz

History: Dany Sanz's career started out in the world of art - working as a painter and sculptor, however it wasn't until she helped friends do full body makeup for a show that the idea of Make Up For Ever began. Considering theatrical makeup to be a means of artistic expression in itself, Sanz perfected the art of body painting. She became famous for her body paintings and these creations eventually caught the eye of professionals worldwide. Being a professor at heart, this recognition caused Sanz to create the first professional makeup school in Europe in the 70's. It was a huge success, thanks to the quality of Sanz's teaching, her nourishing of students and her amazing makeup techniques.

Interview: Caroline Barnes | MUA

Caroline Barnes is a makeup artist veteran who has worked with everyone from Emma Watson and Tori Kelly to Pixie Lott and Kylie Minogue. She has worked in the industry for 20 years, working with some of the best magazines and brands on the fucking planet. She is currently brand ambassador for Max Factor....you know, the makeup of makeup artists!

I recently got the chance to grill Caroline on all things beauty. Here's how it went down...

Interview: Laura Geller | MUA

Laura Geller is a veteran makeup artist who has worked with some of Hollywood's elite (Audrey Hepburn and Ginger Rogers and Paul Newman to name but a few). Her talent and experience lead her to create the much-loved makeup brand, Laura Geller.

I recently got the chance to grill Laura on all things beauty. Here's how it went down...

Interview: Sara Hill | MUA

Sara Hill is one bad bitch. She is a an award-winning makeup, magazine editor and brand founder who has worked with some incredible designers, magazines and celebs (Kanye West, Emeli Sande and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to name a few). She is the Editor of HOPE ST, an independent fashion and culture magazine, and she is the woman behind the Academy of Makeup - a school offering a selection of accredited make-up artistry and hair styling courses. However, if that wasn't enough life accomplishments for one gyal, Sara also founded Sara Hill, a fresh new Independent make-up brand you have to get acquainted with.

I recently got the chance to grill Sara on all things beauty. Here's how it went down...

Interview: Rupert Kingston

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.

Interview: Gemma Wheatcroft

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!

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.

Daisy Lowe is the UK Ambassador for Rodial Make-up. Rodial Make-up launches into Harvey Nichols from 7th November and on-line at rodial.co.uk.

Behind The Brand: BECCA

Date of Birth: 2001

Founder: Rebecca Morrice Williams

History: Like many beauty brand founders before her, Rebecca Morrice Williams started her career as a makeup artist. She became frustrated by her inability to find the perfect foundation, so in 1996 she set out to create one herself and did it, successfully. It took Rebecca and her business partner, Steven Schapera (CEO), six years of scientific research and development to create what is now known as BECCA.

The Australian beauty brand made its debut at London's Space NK in 2001, followed by a launch in New York's Bergdorf Goodman in 2003. Since then, BECCA's success has spread across the globe and the brand is now available across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. It is also a favourite amongst A-listers, including Miranda Kerr, Mary-Kate Olsen, Rachel Bilson, Natalie Portman and Queen Bey!

USP: BECCA is all about creating the perfect complexion and no other brand creates complexion enhancing products like them. As Rebecca Morrice Williams says, "The whole philosophy of BECCA is about creating a natural, flawless look. It's really about skin looking amazing - everything else is secondary".

Offerings: BECCA sell everything from lipsticks and complexion enhancers to multi-use tints and makeup brushes.

Hero Products: Shimmering Skin Perfector, Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation, Ultimate Colour Gloss and Beach Tint

Availability: BECCA is available around the globe. If you are based in the US, you can find BECCA in Sephora, b-glowing.com and dermstore.com. If you reside in the UK, BECCA can be found at Space NK.

Website: beccacosmetics.com

Price Points

Foundations: Up to £35.00/$44.00

Single Eye Shadows: Up to £20.00/$24.00

Blushers: Up to £25.00/$32.00

Lipsticks: Up to £19.00/$24.00

Tools: Up to £40.00/$49.00