Jaclyn Hnitko takes out Battle of the Brushes 2011

Last Thursday night, July 14, the first ever Battle of the Brushes makeup event was held at Kit & Kaboodle Supper Club in Kings Cross, Sydney. Two makeup artists went head-to-head to battle it out for the title, but it was Jaclyn Hnitko who reigned surpreme.


Winner Jaclyn Hnitko and her model

Battle of the Brushes was created and produced by event organiser Mark Barwald. His aim was to create an event that would help raise the profile of makeup artists in the beauty and entertainment industry.

“Our mission was to create value, and with the wonderful support of our sponsors, Battle of the Brushes provided a totally unique and engaging event to promote makeup artists and the beauty industry as a whole,” said Barwald.

After weeks of calling for entries and short-listing finalists, two names were drawn from a bag on the night and contestants had only a few short minutes to prepare before they battled it out.

The two names that were drawn were Trish Sousa and Jaclyn Hnitko. The two girls were provided with professional models, identical M.A.C makeup kits and a brief that kept with the venue theme: Studio 54 meets Shanghai Nights – high-octane evening glamour with a nod to sultry eastern delight”, and 40 minutes to create an editorial-quality look.


Christopher Hanna stylists

While the girls battled it out, Kit & Kaboodle treated guests to canapés and DJ Kristy Lee provided the music.

The judging panel was made up of Jennie Lewis Teal, Deputy Editor of Professional Beauty magazine, Lauren King, Deputy Editor of INSTYLE magazine, Susan Markovic, owner of Makeup Mode, and Kate Giese the Acting National Training Manager and Senior Manager of Retail Operations for M.A.C Cosmetics.

Hnitko has been working as a makeup artist for the past four years and studied at the Makeup Technicians College. “I have done makeup for special occasions and weddings, and some editorial, but my favourite is definitely editorial work. I love the team approach. I also love dewy skin, so I use a lot of creams and highlights to contour,” said Hnitko.

Sousa has come from a TV background where she was working with prosthetics for approximately four years. Since then, she’s been freelancing and trying to network with some of the top agencies. “It (Battle of the Brushes) was such a great opportunity and you never know whether you will win unless you try,” said Sousa.


Trish Sousa working her magic

After much deliberation, Kate Giese announced Jaclyn Hnitko the Battle of the Brushes winner for demonstrating excellence in makeup artistry and creating a flawless editorial look.

She will receive an editorial feature in both INSTYLE magazine and Professional Beauty magazine, a beauty photoshoot giving her total creative control to expand her portfolio, and a website valued at $4000 from Project Creative. Both contestants were also presented with a beautiful professional brush kit courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics.

Official hair sponsors for the event were KMS California along with Christopher Hanna Platinum.


Chic models and the final makeup looks

Based on the success of the inaugural event, Battle of the Brushes will be held again in 2012.
Sign up for updates at www.battleofthebrushes.com.au.

All photos by Brandee Meier Photography.

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