This week, as we get ready for the festive season, my mind turns to makeup and skincare. Getting the right look for Christmas party season, and making sure your skin doesn’t suffer as a result of all these late nights and cocktail fuelled events.
Ariane Poole
So I am excited to have interviewed Ariane Poole in our latest “ Meets” series. Ariane is an international make-up artist and has been in the fashion and beauty industry for over 25 years. I love that Ariane’s philosophy on make-up is that “you that should notice the woman not the make-up; everyone should compliment YOU on how great YOU look!” Amen to that sister!
Here’s our interview with Ariane. We’ll be reviewing some of her products from her Ariane Poole* makeup range, in the coming weeks so make sure you have your eye’s on our beauty section.
Q. What encouraged you to get into this industry and what was your route into it?
I have loved makeup since I was 3 years old. That’s when I got my first pretend makeup set. My mother was a model in the 60’s and I used to love to watch her put on her makeup.
I started doing makeup on my friends in high school, then I did a degree in Cosmetology (in Canada you had to have that qualification just to work behind the makeup counter).
I was headhunted by Biba in the late 70’s to be their makeup artist. When I arrived in the UK in March ’79 I was one of about 10 fashion/beauty makeup artists in the whole country. We really had to convince magazines that they should book a makeup artist.
Q. What is a typical working day for you?
There isn’t a typical working day. Each day is so different that’s what I love about it. One day I’ll be giving a talk, the next day filming, then another training makeup artists, creating new products and shades for my range and writing. I can honestly say I have never been bored in my over 35 years doing this job.
Q. Where are you based, how much of an inspiration is your city and what are your favourite cities around the world?
I am based in Amersham in Buckinghamshire in the UK. It’s in the countryside. Nature inspires me. I love how different seasons highlight and enhance colours and textures around us. I love to travel. Each place I go to has it’s own unique feel. I have just come back from India, I loved it there it was so colourful. I love Florence, Paris, London, Vancouver, Melbourne. I love seeing the different architecture, landscape, jewellery, flowers & food. Yes even food inspires me. And I adore flowers!
Q. Have you seen the beauty industry change in the last few years? Have you had to adapt?
The beauty industry has changed a lot in the last few years. The good bits are that being a makeup artist is seen as a real job, there are some great bloggers that share information via so many media avenues. I love the YouTube tutorials.
The not so good, is that many of the new up and coming makeup artists rely on Photoshop to make their work look good then they fall apart when they have to do someone for real like a press calls, fashion shows or red carpet events.
I am constantly growing and adapting especially with products and technology moving so fast. The one thing I am very pleased about is that I can also call on some of my skills that I learnt as a young makeup artist such as HD makeup as we didn’t have Photoshop.
Q. What’s the most rewarding part of your work? What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
The most rewarding part of my job is making women of all ages look great! I love it when I show a woman how to do their makeup and they love the way they look (especially if they had lost confidence) because they have used products and techniques I have created.
My greatest accomplishment so far is my 3 fabulous daughters, creating a makeup range and still working in a job that I LOVE.
Q. What is next for you? What are your goals for 2023?
In 2023 we (I have fabulous new business partners) are planning to launch into more retail outlets both in the UK and abroad. We are going to be doing more video tutorials, seminars etc. We are going to be really busy all over the world.
Bonus Question – if you didn’t do the job you do now – what would be your dream job and where?
I would have holistic centres for women dealing with everything to help you look and feel good about yourself. Nutrition, cooking, skincare, exercise, makeup, image, truly everything for Mind Body and Soul. I would have them all over the world.
I strongly dislike the term Anti-Ageing. I feel it has a negative feel. I am all about “Positive Ageing” Helping women look great and embrace what ever age they are. I do this at the moment through the products in the range and the techniques I have created.
You can find out more about Ariane Poole and her cosmetics range Ariane Poole* here, she also runs classes where you can enhance your makeup skills.
Keep your eyes peeled on our beauty section in the coming weeks as we test out Ariane Poole* products. Plus Ariane Poole* is running a competition at the moment via facebook, check it out here.
