Inspiration comes from everywhere.
I’m often struck by the spontaneous and surprising ways I get inspired for looks, products and shoots that I’m working on.
I seek out beauty in all its forms.
But I’m also inspired by the women around me.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible women who are changing the game. Not just in the beauty industry, but also in our personal lives.
I’m blessed to be surrounded by brilliant women. In my life and in my career, I’ve seen the amazing impact women can have.
Firstly, I must give praise to my amazing mum. She was a stewardess in the 1980’s, which was a very glamorous job. She always made a huge effort, and as I watched her apply her make up, and put on her uniform you could see her own confidence grow. Watching her transformation each day, inspired me as a woman and to help others find that confidence.
I’ve also been inspired by two leading lights in the beauty industry. These two women have paved the way for make-up artists like myself.
Pat McGrath has been proclaimed “the most influential makeup artist in the world” by none other than American Vogue’s illustrious editor Anna Wintour.
Pat is one of the most sought-after makeup artist in the world and she has spent two decades concepting, launching and developing luxury cosmetic brands, countless runway shows, breakthrough advertising campaigns and editorial spreads.
Think of any trend of the past two decades and it is pretty much guaranteed Pat is behind it.
Raised by her single mother in Northampton, Pat’s first forays into makeup were inspired by Jean who was a dressmaker who introduced her to the world of hair, makeup, and fashion.
“She trained me, basically, to do the shows, right there... look at the pattern, check the fabrics, look for the makeup and begin,” she told journalist Sarah Mower of British Vogue in 2007. Time magazine also reported that McGrath’s mother would mix the pigments for her own makeup, as there were few options for dark skin at the time.
Alongside Pat, I absolutely love Australian makeup artists Rae Morris’ work. She is an absolute whirlwind who has written three makeup books, was spokesperson for L’Oreal for ten years and launched a range of sell-out makeup brushes.
Rae's work has graced the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, illuminating the faces of Naomi Campbell and Cate Blanchett and she’s created an innovative line of make-up brush sets.
These women are constantly reinventing and reimagining makeup and inspiring me and so many others.
Incredible, inspiring women – don’t you love it!