We had the pleasure of hearing the latest makeup trends from Nicole Thompson, a.k.a. Pinky, at the M.A.C SS2014 Trends presentation…
We had the pleasure of hearing the latest makeup trends from Nicole Thompson, a.k.a. Pinky, at the M.A.C SS2014 Trends presentation.
This gorgeous woman – a M.A.C Senior Artist based in Australia with ten years makeup artistry experience, is now the Makeup and Hair Director of massive Australian TV show, The Voice, so she is well-versed in how hair, make-up and fashion all combine to create a look.
She is clearly a very stylish lady herself and we loved her own look, with signature pink hair and cool catseye glasses, pictured below. I must ask her what shade of pink lipstick she’s wearing herself. So pretty!
Nicole took us through how to create the pretty face – and beautiful highlighted skin – that you see on Jasmin pictured above left, using M.A.C cosmetics. In short, the recent emphasis on brows has shifted to lashes – mascara and fake lashes- and a move away from smoky eyes.
Before we started, I took a sneak peek at the make-up artist kit laid out beautifully on the bench. This is everything she used to create the two faces, on a lighter and a medium skintone. The lipsticks are (L-R) the oft-used magenta Up The Amp and extremely popular hot pink Candy Yum Yum.
Below: N Model Management’s Yasmin in dress by Zambesi, and Lucy, also from N Model Management, wearing Jimmy D.
Model #1 Lucy (pictured on right)
Nicole had prepped the model’s face with M.A.C BB Cream, and used Luna Cream Colour Base to highlight with a soft brush (188 Brush) as the softer the brush, the lighter the amount of product that goes on. Nicole likes to just hit the top of the cheekbones, blend out a circle on the cheekbone, bridge of nose, and top of bow of lip. Apparently, make-up artists always use Luna and Strobe Cream backstage, religiously, on models.
Tip: For powder, use a smaller brush than you would think. Apply your powder at the end of the make-up application, not immediately after applying foundation or BB ceam, so it has time to settle in and isn’t as shiny, so your make-up won’t slip. This will make it last a lot longer.
On eyelids, Nicole used Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Platinum Love. On the lips, she used Up The Amp lipstick applied with a 242 brush as it’s a bit bigger and holds more product.
Tip: The more product you have on your lip brush, the easier it is to get a clean finish. Really load up your brush.
Lastly, Nicole finished with Strobe Cream brushed onto arms, legs, and neck.
Tip: Brush Strobe Cream on top of all make-up on the face, if you want a super-highlighted look. Use a 168 brush for this.
Model #2 Jasmin (Pictured on left)
To get Jasmin’s look, Nicole utilised some M.A.C cult favourites, including Face+Body, Peaches Cream Colour Blush, Haute & Naughty Lash mascara, Groundwork Paint Pot, and Strobe Cream.
Tip: Nicole really loves using Face+Body as a tinting product, and says she applies it on her legs when she’s wearing a dress for an instant tanned look. You can go a bit darker than you think, as it’s so sheer when it’s on.
Using a big brush, so less product goes on (see above) Nicole blended C6 and C9 shades of Face+Body.
Tip: Brush Face+Body where the sun would hit, to use it as a great bronzer. It gives a tanned look without the powdery look – or tandoori chicken look!
Nicole used Casual Colour, which is coming back soon as a limited edition, and shade Keep It Loose; a gorgeous peach.
Tip: This season, Nicole noticed at the international fashion shows that make-up artists were bringing the cheek down to the low of the cheeks, sitting underneath the apple of the cheek.
Tip: Use a Cream blusher such as Peaches not only on cheeks, but on eyes for s ubtle, no-make-up tint. It’s not overly glossy, but gives a hint of a sheen. She used Paint Pot in Groundwork, a light tan shade with 1990s references if you can remember makeup back that far! (I can.)
Tip: You can even use Groundwork with a nice, soft brush to bronze on lower cheeks. It won’t move, so Nicole said if someone had oily skin, this is what she’d use.
Below: What we got to take home to play with at M.A.C trends media workshop: Haute & Naughty Lash mascara, white Kohl eyepencil, Strobe Cream, Peaches Blush, Blacktrack Fluidline, Groundwork Paint Pot, Carbon Eyeshadow, and the M.A.C Trends reference book. Stand by for a post soon about the four major trends for SS14.
And lastly, here’s a gratuitous cake shot – cos we love cakes. Sweet treats for our afternoon tea from Catroux bakery. Takeout to make out – I mean, makeup!
Follow Nicole Thompson on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MAC_Nicole_T and her at website www.nicolethompson.com.au
Megan Robinson, 3 February 2014
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