Makeup artist, Liz Kelsh, has tended to the faces of some of the world’s most famous names and worked behind the scenes of the most sought-after fashion shows. We catch up with the highly successful makeup artist to talk contouring, career highlights – and the power of a good set of makeup brushes.
We love a bit of inspiration from a top makeup artist and who better to ask than, Liz Kelsh. This highly skilled makeup artist’s portfolio reads like an Academy Awards guest list. Jennifer Anniston, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Hawkins, Vanessa Hudgens and Kim Catrell are just some of the famous faces Kelsh has worked with. She has worked on top magazines (think Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan and Vanity Fair), And her backstage fashion show cred is equally enviable. Kelsh has worked on shows for the likes of John Galliano, Stella McCartney and Robert Cavalli.
With all this under her belt, Kelsh is the perfect person to has collaborated with Manicare for the launch the brand’s new makeup brush collection. Looking for a new brush in your collection? This latest release boasts improved bristles, tapered ferrules, lightweight handles and a new professional design.
We sit Kelsh down and ask her all our burning questions.
What are your must-have products in your makeup kit?
“I’m a total makeup junkie but if I had to pick five it would go like this: 1. mascara 2. concealer 3. brow pencil 4. luminizer 5. black eyeliner,” says Kelsh.
If there could only be five, which essential brushes should every makeup artists have in their kit?
“The eye blending brush, smudge brush, stippling brush, foundation brush, slant brush,” says Kelsh. “The [new Manicare] makeup brushes have been designed to achieve a professional finish. With just a few key brushes you can blend, smudge and shade shadow seamlessly and achieve skin perfection with the foundation and fibre-optic brushes. The comfortable shorter handle means you can get up close.”
What is your favourite makeup look right now?
“I love that colour has made a comeback both in eyeliner and mascara, its a great way to have fun with your makeup,” says Kelsh.
What has been a career highlight for you so far?
“I brought out a book last year called Makeup by Liz Kelsh, that was definitely a highlight for me,” says Kelsh.
You have tended to some very famous faces. Do you ever get nervous? Or is it business as usual?
I’m very fortunate that a lot of my clients have been with me for a long time, ten years plus so usually its more that I’m excited to see them rather than a nervous feeling,” says Kelsh.
There must be some stressful moments backstage at shows. How do you deal with the pressure?
“Preparation is the key to managing backstage drama,” says Kelsh. “The more homework you do before, the more smoothly things will go on the day. That and having an amazing team.”
What is the makeup mistake many makeup artists make?
“None, everyone knows all makeup artist are perfect!” says Kelsh.
Contouring and highlighting are enduring trends. What are your top tips?
“Always contour and highlight in great light and check your makeup in profile before to make sure everything is blended masterfully,” says Kelsh.
What would be your top 3 tips for makeup artists just starting out?
“Practice on anyone and everyone, always push yourself, and treat every client as if they were your favourite,” says Kelsh.