Katie Aldridge is my next talented makeup artist who specialises in beauty, fashion and bridal makeup! Katie's journey in the makeup industry is a really interesting read and her passion is inspiring so I hope you all enjoy!
When did you realise you wanted to become a makeup artist?
It's difficult to say. Growing up, I was obsessed with the fashion industry but unable to pinpoint exactly what it was I found so intriguing. My school books were covered with pictures of Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista etc, (the 90's Supermodels) and my walls were filled with pages pulled from Vogue but it wasn't until much, much later in life I discovered the influence makeup and it's ability to change not just how a woman looks, but also how she feels. I suppose I fell into makeup and only then realised that it had been something I had always loved.
Where did you train and did you enjoy it?
I had no formal training in a college etc but as a makeup artist I consider every day a training day. You never ever stop learning and if you think you get to the point where you know it all, then it's time to get out. As I said, I fell into makeup, I was working for a cosmetic brand in Harrods, when I was asked if I'd be interested in applying for a regional artist position at Laura Mercier, I got the position and that's when I fell in love with makeup. A year later I was made National Artist, and found myself travelling globally teaching Laura's incredible philosophy. Whilst with the company I was trained by the best, including Laura
herself, and worked with some of the most talented artists in the business.
Was it hard to become established and get regular work?
It is incredible hard and I'm still working at getting "established" and probably will always want more work! haha! You have to network constantly, never take constructive criticism to heart, practise on anyone that'll let you, assist other artists and always be a nice person to work with. Your attitude on set is just as important as your talent.
What is your favourite style of makeup to do?
Oooh, that's tricky. I love different eras of makeup and how the shape of a brow can suddenly take the face back to the 20's or 40's. I love playing with contouring to change the shape of a face for photographic work, inspired by Kevin Aucion's Face Forward book where he changes one celeb to look like another. The man was a genius.
Is there any style of makeup you hate?
No, not at all. There are makeup errors that get me a little worked up, such as someone's face being a different colour than their body but no actual styles that I hate. Each style has it's place in the many different facets of makeup.
What are your future goals in your career?
There are a few thing I'd like to work on in the future, I have a very exciting project for this year that I'm in the planning process of at the moment which is under wraps until I have it all in place. Also, this year I want to work on building my skill set, and teaching myself a few new techniques. In the long run, well, a Vogue cover will always be the icing on the cake. But for now, I'll settle with regular work and learning from the talent I meet along the way.
What is your top makeup tip?
Concentrate on the skin! Whether we are talking about personal makeup or on a model, actress or client, the skin must be prepared correctly! Foundations, concealers, correctors will not sit perfectly if you haven't taken time to perfect the texture of the skin. Also, check the makeup from every angle, because the camera will! And, invest in good brushes! Ok, I'll stop now.
What has been your favourite makeup trend in 2012?
I love that everyone has embraced the dark lip. It featured on many fashion shows this year and it's incredibly sexy with barely anything on the eye. It's been refreshing to step away from the smokey eye and nude lip that everyone has been hooked on for the last 100 years. It was clean, simple yet incredible effective.
What are your favourite high end and budget brands?
High end: Foundations, concealers etc - Laura Mercier, Kryolan.
Colour - MAC, Illamasqua, Kryolan.
High street: No7 for foundation etc, Lisa Eldridge has revolutionised the brand.
Sleek, BarryM for colour
You can also find Katie in the following places:
Thanks for this, really inspiring!
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