Mirror Mirror

It is a downright beautiful Sunday, and with only one more magazine editorial to edit, I'm glad to say I am able to take things at a bit more of a relaxed pace than my recent hectic weeks. I know a big massive fry up is on the cards once my old man rises from the dead!  

From time to time, I have the pleasure of working with three of my favourite make-up artistry students, Katie Sproull, Rachel Newton and Eilish Barrett, of whom are now at the stage in their course where they must complete a "graded unit". A graded unit is a module that requires each student to study and develop a concept, keep a scrapbook of progress and portray their looks through three photo shoots each. Each and everyone of these young ladies approached their graded unit with such passion and vigour, I felt it would be a real shame not to tell you all about them!

Katie Sproull

Model: Nicole McCubbin

Katie's chosen inspiration for her graded unit was the dramatic and illustrious make-up label, Illamasqua. Katie took inspiration from the fantasy undertones, bringing in hints of tribal and illustrating with interesting face designs, choosing to use the entire face as a canvas as opposed to keeping the make up limited to the lips and eyes. I have always relayed that Katie's strength excels in skin prep and coverage - skin rarely, if ever needs to be retouched later in Photoshop when I shoot with Katie, which, as you could imagine, is invaluable to a photographer as it saves a great deal of time! Katie also drew inspiration from Illamasqua's new collection "Human Fundamentalism" and brought some fantastic colours to the shoot reminiscent of a throwback to the electro-rocker 80s. 

Model: Lauren Kate Haggarty

Katie is always a pure and utter pleasure to work with. Having only been studying make-up for a year, she has excelled both in skill and confidence and developed into a budding little Bobbi Brown! Bringing fantastic banter to the shoots, models always get along well with her and brighten up my mornings. I am so glad to have bumped into her at my school's fashion show just over a year ago!

Rachel Newton

Model: Kirstin Gribbin

Following the popular trend this year, Rachel also opted to seek inspiration from Illamasqua. To be honest, I would not have expected anything else. Having only worked with Rachel on a few occasions, I've become accustomed to her very distinct style - in fact, even Corrine has mentioned an ability to recognise Rachel's style herself. Rachel Newton is not for the faint hearted - she unafraid to use the boldest, brightest and biggest colours and techniques in the book. Once the reigns had been let loose on Rachel, I had walking art buzzing around my studio - that is the only way I could describe it. The models looked absolutely nothing like they did when they first walked through the door. Rachel's vibrant personality shines through her work - she's zany, passionate and honest. 

Model: Jennifer Gribben

I do not think I've ever met somebody so excited to crack on with their graded unit. Given that Rachel still has one more year of college to go, I am eagerly anticipating what the coming months will bring. You can check out more of Rachel's work on Facebook, here.

Eilish Barrett

Model: Sula Powell, Jewelley: Riptinka

The beautiful Eilish Barrett chose the theme of Vivienne Westwood, and being honest, it was by far my favourite to shoot. Eilish secured stunning locations and concepts to convey and even managed to rope in my talented client and loyal friend, Katie Reekie at Riptinka. Eilish impressed me no end - she had everything prepared - from hair extensions, to nails - even making dresses and shoulder pads to complete the looks. It was a true storm of creativity - and it transformed Eilish into more than a make-up artist - she was a stylist as well. Eilish's final shoot just blew me away - with Katie making a dress out of raw material and pins - it was a feat to make Vivienne herself proud! Eilish stuck to using reds, pinks and purples and paid proper homage to the Vivienne label itself. As a person, Eilish is incredibly modest and very mature for her age. I think she has all the right qualities to progress within the fashion industry very quickly. I am so keen to get cracking on a rather big shoot we've got under our hats, but as for what is it - you'll just need to wait and see! 

Model: Stefania Zoletti, dress by Eilish.

You can view more of Eilish's work here.