Behind the scenes with Abbie May Hopkins
Abbie May is well known on the beauty scene and can often be found on the red carpet getting the likes of Vick Hope all glammed up.
Abbie has been the super talented artist behind some of Vick Hope’s most beautiful looks. Keep reading to find out what inspires her to create these looks and how she got started as a makeup artist.
How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?
I have been in the makeup industry for 7 years now. I started a hair and media makeup course at my local college and took it really seriously. I was even freelancing whilst I was there.
I knew people in the music industry and my first ever clients were the likes of Melissa Steel and Karen Harding which was so cool as they were both poppin’ in the charts at the time and everyone loved their songs.
Who are some of the people that have inspired you throughout your career?
One person who has inspired me is my good friend Regina Meessen, who is a hair stylist I work with on a regular basis. She has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone with makeup, helped me overcome obstacles I have had to face and gives me constant great advice when I need it.
Many of my clients also inspire me, Vick Hope being one of them, for speaking up about sexual discrimination within the entertainment industry.
What do you love most about makeup?
I love working and meeting new people. I love trying out new products, using them on different skin types/tones and learning about product knowledge.
Being freelance is great is great too as I pretty much do what I want when I want – I sound like a right boss don’t I haha!
If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be doing?
There are a few things I would love to do; one would be music management, which is something I am planning to go into once I create my own makeup brand.
I would love to work with new young talent closely from the start of their careers, create them their own brand, make great music and see the success grow.
Which items do you always have in your makeup kit?
MAC cosmetics mixing medium in ‘shine’ is my ULTIMATE favourite product to use on beauty/editorial shoots and I have even used it on some red-carpet clients. It creates a natural glossy/highlighted look on the skin and looks beautiful.
If you could give any celebrity a makeover who would it be?
Rhianna, definitely! She has had so many iconic makeup looks over the years. I would have to seriously sit down and create something she hasn’t had before to create a new trend – something I am aiming to do in my career for a big celebrity.
What has been your craziest moment on the job?
Probably when I was on the red carpet for THE BRIT’s this year, I was doing Maya Jama’s makeup. I’m a huge fan of Katy Perry and she smiled at me! I am not one to usually be star struck due to the nature of my job, but I have adored her music since I was young. 😍
What is the most important beauty advice you could give to someone?
Experiment with colours and textures on the skin, push boundaries and don’t be afraid of what people think. DO YOU. I always tell people, it’s only makeup, you can change it so don’t be afraid of trying something new for once.
What is your favourite CODE Beautiful product?
The VLM mascara, because it does what it says, it volumizes and lengthens your lashes! It doesn’t flake off onto your cheeks half way through the day, it’s easy to use and my lashes don’t feel dry or irritated which other mascaras have done in the past.