CONFESSIONS OF A MAKEUP ARTIST: EMILY CLARKSON
You might have spotted her having an absolute ball on set with actress, Michelle Keegan, but did you know she was the talented artist behind Charlotte Crosby’s makeup on the cover of her book, ‘Brand New Me’?
We got in touch with Emily Clarkson to find out which celebrities makeup she’d love to do and why her job is so much more than just doing makeup.
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 just over 7 years now. I actually trained with my sister who’s a hairdresser, she wanted to go and see a new makeup school that had opened in Manchester so I went with her for some company, next thing you know I’ve signed up to a makeup course with her!
I hated doing any natural makeup at first, I just wanted to paint everyone’s face full of glitter and do crazy makeup!
Who are some of the people that have inspired you throughout your career?
Oh gosh, SO many people inspire me! I learnt everything I know by assisting Cassie Lomas, I was so fortunate to assist her and watch her at work, it really gave me the best introduction possible coming into the fashion industry.
Cassie taught me that this job is so much more than doing great makeup, it’s about going above and beyond for everyone you work with.
What do you love most about makeup?
My favourite thing about makeup is the confidence it can give someone. I love that I can help contribute to someone feeling great about themselves – that’s definitely the best part of the job!
If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be doing?
What a good question! After watching ‘The Wedding Planner’ with Jennifer Lopez when I was younger, I. made so many books with different flower arrangements and bridal dresses in!
I also did textiles for my A levels, I was terrible at making things but I loved designing and ideas so it would definitely still be something creative.
Which products do you think should be a staple in everyone’s makeup bag?
I think the staple products everyone needs in their makeup bag are; a good brow products, a radiance cream for under foundation to look super glowy and of course, a red lip!
Those three things are so simple and can change your mood completely.
If you could give any celebrity a makeover who would it be?
There is a list of celebrities I’d LOVE to work with, the top of that list is Margot Robbie… she’s absolutely beautiful!
What has been your craziest moment on the job?
There has been so many ‘pinch me’ moments in this job. The one that firstly springs to mind was being able to do London Fashion Week about 2 months after I’d trained to be a makeup artist.
It was the most nerve racking makeup I’ve ever done! So many photographers were taking photos backstage whilst I was trying to do a perfect bright pink lip, acting like I wasn’t having a mild panic attack inside!
The backstage photo of my model from that show was used by Bourjois online everywhere, I even have it framed in my house!
What is the most important beauty advice you could give to someone?
The most important beauty advice I could give is definitely to invest in good skincare, drink lots of water and get a good night’s sleep!
Those three things are the foundation of looking and feeling good, then the makeup will look flawless.
What is your favourite CODE Beautiful product?
At the moment it has to be the 3 in 1 lip liner! It’s such a beautiful shade and really long lasting. I’m obsessed! 😍