CONFESSIONS OF A MAKEUP ARTIST: BEKKI MITCHELL
You might recognise Bekki from your TV screens, she’s recently been spotted on MTV getting Charlotte Crosby all glammed up for hew new show, ‘The Charlotte Show’. She’s certainly no stranger to the Geordie Shore crew and has also worked with Marnie Simpson and Chloe Ferry.
We got in touch with Bekki to find out who her biggest inspiration is and the unexpected job she could see herself doing if she wasn’t a makeup artist.
How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?
I’ve been a makeup artist for 6 years now. I originally trained as a hairdresser then went on to train in makeup so now I do both (best decision I’ve ever made)!
When I first made the decision to venture into makeup I had no idea that being a makeup artist was a job. I couldn’t believe that you could call being on a photoshoot or a red-carpet event work! I stumbled across Cassie Lomas Makeup Academy on Twitter and instantly knew that was where I wanted to train. I have to say that without Cassie and the team I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Who has inspired you throughout your career?
One of my biggest inspirations at the moment is Jen Atkin, she continues to spread love and positivity throughout the Glam industry whilst creating some of the most beautiful and classic hair styles, and also running a host of super successful businesses!
Makeup wise, I absolutely love Patrick Ta, his makeup is insane, I have followed him for years and have always admired the glowing skin and perfect smokes he creates every time.
Right from the get go of my career, Cassie Lomas herself has been a huge inspiration; her beautiful makeup work along with her kind nature and ambition is something everyone in the creative industry should look up to.
What do you love most about makeup?
Definitely the freedom, you can be whoever you want with makeup and I think that in 2018 that is so important. If makeup gives people the confidence and happiness to succeed in how they want life to be then why not!
If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be doing?
I’d like to see myself working for MI5, decoding messages and cracking codes. I LOVE playing detective, maybe even in the SAS!
Which products do you think should be a staple in everyone’s makeup bag?
In every person’s makeup bag there should be 3 products. Dr Paw Paw Lip Balm, CODE Beautiful Mascara and Benefit Gimmi Brow Gel. I can’t go anywhere without a lick of mascara, plenty of lip balm and a groomed brow, these 3 things never fail to make me feel human!
What has been your craziest moment on the job?
Well a makeup artist never tells! But I’d say one of my favourite moments at work is always when I get to see artists perform on a huge stage in front of thousands of people after I’ve just made them up. I love it!
What is the most important beauty advice you could give to someone?
Don’t over complicate things. Don’t contour what doesn’t need to be contoured, don’t mask skin that is already perfect and BE YOURSELF, do what you love. Trends change daily, and you’ll be chasing your tail trying to keep up.
What is your favourite CODE Beautiful product?
Definitely the mascara, I’ve been using it for years and nothing gives you the length and volume that CODE VLM does. I’ve also recently been trying the lip plumper and it’s insane! I have big lips naturally so never tried a lip plumper, but this is so good, it gives you such a beautiful fullness to the lips.