A little while ago I posted an interview with stylist Caroline Sullivan on what it’s really like to style shoots and the secret tools she uses. Here is my chat with hair and make-up artist Lou Box on must have products, why those early mornings are worth it and her guide to creating a dewy finish fresh for spring. Enjoy!
What are your vital tools for a shoot?
“In order for make-up to look its best it’s important to have good quality brushes. You can buy the most expensive make-up but if your brushes aren’t good quality it will never look perfect! My favourite brush brand is Shu Uemura but The Body Shop do the best high street brushes.
For hair, kirby grips and hairspray can get you a long way! Diva hairtools are great for heat styling as they reach 200 degrees. I really rate their wands and use them on virtually every shoot. The Tangle Teaser brush is great for getting through knots but the greatest hair brush brand of all is Mason and Pearson – phenomenal for dressing hair! Kent do a great affordable alternative bristle brush.
If you colour your hair or use heat on it regularly it’s important to look after it by using premium products and I truly believe that you get what you pay for with hair products.
Keratase make great shampoos, conditioners and heat protectants whilst Bumble and Bumble are brilliant for styling products.”
What’s the best part of your job?
“I just love it all! I wake up in the morning and think how lucky I am to be doing something that I love so much. You meet amazing people and get to work on amazing things, I’m living the dream!
But it isn’t as glamorous as people think, yes it has it’s moments but I also have to pick out eye bogeys and cover big spots! It is hard work too – you often have to get up very early and finish very late but doing something you love is worth the work, it is life changing.”
Where do you get your inspiration?
“The make-up artist Alex Box is endlessly inspiring and a master of her craft.
I also look at the catwalk looks and then tweak them for my commercial shoots, some of the runway looks are bonkers and completely unwearable but I love them just as much as the more natural, classically beautiful looks. For SS12 I particularly loved Proenza Schouler, for their pretty pink blusher and heavier brow.
I subscribe to Vogue, Elle and Grazia; and bi annuals such as Pop and i-D are always really inspiring. Pinterest also helps to inspire me for nail art – there are so many creative people out there!
I would one day like to do some YouTube makeup and hair tutorials, it’s just finding the time and a willing model!”
What products could you not live without?
“Bobby Brown has a classic palette and I like a classic look for myself. I’m not particularly daring when it comes to my own face! I never wear lipstick but then I LOVE a bright or bold lip on a model! I really should make more effort with myself!
I tend to wear a lot of Illamasqua too – the pigment in their product is super strong and they have some cracking products for contouring and highlighting.
A cheeky makeup artist tip is a little known product called Lucas Papaw – it’s as popular as Vaseline in Australia but it’s only recently been available in the UK. It’s very similar to Elizabeth Arden 8hr cream but sinks in faster and is much more reasonably priced!”
What products should we use to get a dewy finish seen in magazines?
“Strobe Cream by Mac is pearly and gives a fantastic glow, but is only really for pale skin. For darker and olive skin Nars Orgasm Illuminator is lovely. Apply to the top of your cheeks, brow bone, down the bridge of your nose and on your cupids bow. Always use a cream blusher, they blend in nicely and make your cheeks look fresh and plump.”
Many thanks to Lou for talking to me, the make-up was immaculate on the shoot and I even managed to end up with Lou curling my hair for my evening out. Well there have to be some perks don’t there?!
You can follow Lou @LouMakeupME and check out her work here!