Interview with Alison Cameron

Drumrolls please......yesterdays bag spy was with the very talented makeup artist, Alison Cameron, and here is the second part with her personal interview.

1) Tell me a bit about yourself personally

My name is Alison Cameron, I’m a freelance makeup artist and I’ve been doing makeup for about 4 years starting my career out at MAC Cosmetics.

2) What led you to become a make up artist? Who or what inspired you? Did you always want to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance?

I have always had a “good” eye for colour and like most girls I love fashion but what led me to pursue makeup as a profession believe it or not is photography! I love beautiful images and I love the way my makeup can accentuate or manipulate an image and pull it together to be eye catching and thought provoking. I’m inspired by my surroundings, colour, texture, moods, the atmosphere and the electricity of an environment, a smile a look, the wind the sea….everything! I’m also inspired by Pat McGrath, she is black, self taught with a fine art background and highly influential and successful. True genius….I’ve always been into makeup but started out as a professional dancer (10years) but when I felt I had had enough, I looked to pursue other endeavours and realised I had a natural aptitude for makeup J

3) Did you attend makeup school or you are a self taught makeup artist?

I’m completely self taught although I owe a lot to my wonderful and talented colleagues at MAC over the years who by inspiration have helped my to become a better artist

4) What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?

The most exciting aspect I think is the realisation that your concept that started out as a tiny idea in your head has become a very real and successful translation whether it is video, print, catwalk or a beautiful bride!

5) What areas of makeup and media do you frequently work in?

I frequently work with brides, fashion and editorial. Wherever the wind blows!

6) What is the most exciting or challenging opportunity you have had as a freelance artist?

The most exciting and challenging aspect that I have had so far has been heading a team of makeup artists for a fashion show. Everything from designing the look to managing the backstage makeup area was exciting and rewarding

7) How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? How do you incorporate them into

your makeup repertoire?

I love looking through magazine and pulling out ideas that inspire me. I look for reoccurring trends then work out how to translate that into my own personal style of makeup.

8) What sets you apart from other makeup artists?

I can only try to be me but I pay extreme attention to detail and look at my opportunity to work as a team as collaboration with a common end goal rather than a chance to show off my makeup.

9) Do you think women of colour need special attention with their makeup? What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?

I think that women of colour have had a raw deal over the years and we need to make sure that the colours and textures we choose suit us as individuals rather than as an ethnic group. To achieve a perfect look flawless look be prepared to learn about your skin and its undertone. Black skin is often lighter in the centre of the face and darker around the edges which may require 2 products (sorry :-( ) to look seamless and natural; otherwise a lighter colour used all over can look ashy on darker areas. Pay attention to your brows making them look lovely and neat and that will pull your whole look together. Also invest in a good blusher to bring some dimension back to your skin. Often women of colour focus on the foundation and leave the skin looking perfect but flat. Blusher makes our faces look 3D!

10) What makeup brands do you feel works best on our skin

I think MAC and Bobbi Brown have the most sophisticated colours and textures for ethnic skin and it gives us the chance to play with colours that we wouldn’t traditionally associate with black skin. Clarins does excellent skin care and will really change the texture, clarity and quality of your skin making it vey smooth and supple.

11) Are there any makeup or skincare tips you would like to share with our readers?

Always moisturize, even if your skin is oily! Find a good moisturiser that will hydrate your skin…whether it’s a light gel based texture for oily/combination skin or a rich creamy texture for dryer skin. It will greatly enhance the look of your makeup. It doesn’t have to be expensive and it will keep your skin looking younger and smoother for longer. Exfoliate and definitely use an eye cream as they do work and make a difference. When I’m working on a model or even a bride, I pay special attention to the cleansing and moisturising of the skin…it changes everything!

Thank you so much Alison for taking part - you were lovely to work with and thanks for the foundation tips as well - i will be practising!! Ladies please check out her website to see her fantastic work www.alisoncameronmakeup.com/.

Xoxo