The New Zealand Makeup Podcast

In this episode, Auckland-based makeup artist Shane Cyrus delves into his career evolution from aspiring hairdresser to trusted makeup artist, sharing the motivations behind his shift to makeup artistry. We uncover his experiences at makeup school, the pressures of perfectionism, and his eventual entry into the professional world with MAC. Gain insight into his international retail experience as he compares the client interactions and artist communities between Melbourne and New Zealand, and between MAC, Mecca, and Sephora. Shane touches on the considerations and joys of transitioning from working at MAC to freelancing, including the impact on Shane's personal and professional life. The episodes highlight Shane's personal growth, client interactions across diverse backgrounds, the world of fashion test shoots, and the realities of setting freelance rates. Shane's reflections on creative partnerships, career milestones, and future prospects provide a glimpse into the life of a dedicated and passionate makeup artist navigating the fashion industry's exciting yet challenging landscape.Timestamps(00:00:22) Meet Shane Cyrus(00:02:44) From Hairdressing to Makeup(00:04:15) Makeup Education: Finding One's Stride(00:06:45) Launching a Makeup Artistry Career(00:11:46) Shane's Retail Odyssey(00:13:02) Melbourne's Artistic Vibes(00:15:08) Transitioning to a New Chapter(00:16:23) Returning Home for Family(00:18:18) Transitioning to Freelance(00:19:03) Transition to Mecca Makeup(00:22:43) Navigating Makeup Industry Loyalties(00:26:54) The Value of 'Faking It'(00:27:18) Creative Motivation in Freelancing(00:28:32) Creative Control in Makeup Artistry(00:30:54) Art Beyond Skill in Makeup(00:31:56) Embracing the Freelance Journey(00:35:44) The Role of Instagram in Business(00:37:17) Diversity in Makeup Artistry(00:41:32) The Art of Test Shoots(00:45:33) The Art of Fresh Collaborations(00:49:09) Parris Goebel Masterclass Project(00:53:51) Anticipating Creative Endeavours(00:55:22) Invoicing Woes for Contractors(00:56:10) Freelance Rate Strategies(00:56:56) The Final Three Questions

Get ready to dive into the glamorous world of red carpet beauty with iconic kiwi makeup artist Amber Dreadon, a.k.a. Amber D! From her days at Smith and Caugheys in Auckland to celebrity events in LA, Amber pulls back the curtain on her vibrant journey and the art of keeping it fresh in the fast-paced makeup industry. Discover the secrets behind collaborating with celebs like Lorde and staying inspired in an ever-evolving beauty landscape. Amber opens up about the personal challenges and professional victories transitioning to life in the US, adapting to different work cultures, and relying on her network. Her experiences underscore the importance of preparation, collaboration, and the constant hustle to keep the wheels turning in LA's competitive scene. Get a sneak peek into the intricate process behind beauty campaigns, the art of social media content, and the quest for innovation in a saturated market.Whether you're a makeup enthusiast, aspiring artist, or just love a good behind-the-scenes scoop, this episode is the perfect blend of professional insights and personal stories that will leave you feeling inspired. (00:02:01) Early Makeup Influences (00:05:51) From Art to Makeup Artistry(00:07:36) Leaping into a Freelance Career(00:11:30) Navigating New Beginnings Alone(00:12:32) Securing a US Artist Visa(00:13:55) Landing An Agent in LA(00:18:57) Rewards and Challenges of Freelancing(00:23:38) Maintaining Professionalism with Clients(00:27:56) The Power of Publicists(00:28:58) Preparing Celebrity Makeup Looks(00:34:16) Behind Beauty Campaigns(00:38:19) The Power of Preparation(00:39:33) Timing for the Perfect Glam(00:43:49) Tips for Building a Makeup Career in LA(00:51:46) Maintaining Passion in Makeup Artistry(00:53:40) Evolving Trends in Beauty(01:02:15) The Final Three Questions

In this episode we kōrero with the incredibly talented Richard Symons, a multidisciplinary makeup artist whose journey has taken them from art school in Auckland to the high-pressure world of fashion and editorial makeup. Inspired originally by Lady Gaga's 2009 "Paparazzi" video, Richard's work celebrates transforming non-traditional beauty into art.We cover a lot of ground: from Richard's early fascination with their mother's makeup, to their transition from makeup school to freelancing and photography, breaking into the industry with sheer persistence and networking. You'll hear the details of their experience and *spoiler alert* triumphant win on "Glow Up," the challenges of working grueling 14 hour days, and their thoughts on the evolution of New Zealand's beauty industry.We also dive deep into some personal topics—Richard's experience with gender inclusivity, the impacts of COVID-19 on retail makeup, and their current role as a brow trainer! Plus, we talk about balancing creative work with personal well-being, and why setting incremental goals can be more fulfilling than chasing fixed ones.So grab a coffee, sit back, and enjoy this insightful and fun conversation. And if you enjoyed Richard's story, please take a moment to rate or leave a review for The New Zealand Makeup Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring content!Timestamps(00:00:31) Makeup Career Inspiration(00:03:50) Art of the Unconventional(00:04:57) Childhood Memories(00:06:42) Post-Makeup School(00:10:59) Glow Up Experience(00:24:10) Memorable Projects(00:26:50) Breaking Barriers(00:28:29) Supporting Diversity and Inclusivity(00:29:27) BDS Movement(00:34:06) Gender Fluidity in the Beauty Industry(00:36:16) Drag Makeup(00:39:18) Post-Glow Up(00:41:17) Current Role(00:43:04) Freelance and Creative Work(00:46:19) Goals and 1% Improvements(00:48:11) Creative Inspiration(00:54:48) The Final Three Questions

In this podcast, renowned makeup artist Nikki Lovrich takes us on a captivating journey through her remarkable career spanning several decades. From her humble beginnings learning skills from her hairdresser mother to becoming one of New Zealand's first freelance makeup artists, Nikki shares intimate stories of her experiences in the fashion industry. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of working with a new generation of creatives to build the industry from the ground up, and how she adapted to significant changes in the media landscape over the years. Nikki also shares valuable insights on navigating various roles, maintaining high standards, and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the makeup industry. Throughout the episodes, she reflects on her role as a pioneer, setting trends and promoting a more natural approach to makeup application. Nikki's passion for her craft shines through as she recounts creating diverse looks for photoshoots and using makeup to transform people's lives on the TV show "10 Years Younger in 10 Days". With a focus on resilience, preparation, and showcasing her diverse skills, Nikki's story is an inspiration to aspiring makeup artists and anyone pursuing their dreams in the creative industry.(00:00:24) From Fashion College to Freelance Makeup Artist(00:07:54) The Rise of New Zealand Fashion(00:09:15) Navigating Changes in the Makeup Industry(00:12:35) The Importance of Inner Confidence(00:14:27) Adapting and Thriving as a Freelance Artist(00:16:26) Unforgettable Photoshoots in Exotic Locations(00:17:45) Origins of Influence(00:19:11) Navigating Pricing for Product Promotion(00:20:35) New Zealand > Money(00:22:40) The Natural Makeup Pioneer(00:26:50) Staying Inspired and Learning in Makeup(00:29:10) Makeup Trends: Products Over Looks(00:30:43) The Art of Transformative Makeup(00:36:56) The Art of Multitasking in Makeup(00:42:05) Reflections on a Makeup Artist's Journey and Resilience(00:47:32) Maintaining High Standards in Makeup Artistry(00:49:07) The Final Three Questions

Sita, a talented hair and makeup artist based in Tauranga, New Zealand, shares her inspiring journey from working in a small-town hair salon to becoming an internationally experienced makeup artist. Throughout the podcast, Sita discusses her experiences working abroad in Austria and London, building her business in Tauranga, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning from a sole trader to a company. She also shares valuable insights on setting rates, building a reliable team, and the importance of eco-friendly and long-lasting makeup products. Sita's passion for her craft shines through as she discusses her creative freedom in non-wedding events and styled shoots, while still appreciating the natural, glowy style of the wedding industry. With plans to grow her business, Beauty Tribe, and manage her side hustle, Beauty Mat, Sita's entrepreneurial spirit is truly inspiring.(00:00:26) From Art to Makeup Artistry(00:03:14) From Europe to Freelancing in NZ(00:08:41) Building a Makeup Business in Tauranga(00:09:34) Setting Rates and Managing Client Content(00:11:50) Eco-Friendly Makeup in New Zealand(00:15:30) The Beauty Mat(00:16:25) Transitioning from Sole Trader to Company(00:20:01) Balancing Profitability and Competitive Pricing(00:21:16) Building a Reliable Makeup Artist Team(00:24:16) Building a Makeup Kit Abroad(00:25:08) Makeup Artist Work Abroad(00:25:46) The Creative Role of a MAC Product Specialist(00:26:28) Embracing Creative Freedom as a Makeup Artist(00:28:17) Growing The Beauty Tribe and Future Aspirations(00:29:46) The Final Three Questions(00:33:03) Setting Up a Beauty Studio Space

Meet our latest guest, Chelsea McEwan Millar, a dynamic force in the skincare and cosmetics industry. As the COO of Go Native, a local supplier of natural and organic skincare and cosmetics ingredients, Chelsea is a true expert in the field. With a lifetime of expertise inherited from her family business, Chelsea possesses an intimate understanding of skincare ingredient percentages, preservatives, and solubility, making her a trusted source of knowledge.Join Chelsea as she shares her journey of creating homemade makeup and skincare products. Drawing inspiration from her visits to makeup stores, which she describes as akin to an artist visiting an art gallery, Chelsea explains how easy and fulfilling it can be to craft your own beauty products at home.At the heart of Chelsea's work lies a commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. From packaging to ingredient trends, Chelsea explores the role of sustainability in small cosmetics businesses, offering valuable insights into creating eco-conscious beauty products that leave a positive impact on the planet.Delve into the world of cosmetic innovation as Chelsea introduces exciting ingredients like natural retinol alternatives Bakuchiol and new 'NovoRetin'. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for DIY beauty, Chelsea invites you to explore the endless possibilities of skincare formulae.Join Chelsea McEwan Millar as she opens the door to a world of ingredient knowledge and empowers you to take control of your skincare and makeup routine. With her experience and expertise in ingredients, Chelsea can inspire you to elevate your skincare game to new heights.(00:00:41) Meet Chelsea McEwan Millar(00:06:01) From Skincare to Makeup Formulation(00:11:46) Skincare Myths and Misconceptions(00:16:49) Decoding Cosmetic Ingredients with Marie Rayma(00:25:29) Keeping Up with New Ingredients(00:29:56) Sustainable Packaging and Ingredient Trends(00:35:58) Skincare Innovation: Novoretin and Vitamin C(00:39:45) Exploring Natural and Sustainable Cosmetic Ingredients(00:47:12) Empowering DIY Skincare Enthusiasts(00:49:52) Diving into DIY Skincare Formulation(00:53:56) The Magic of Barbary Fig Seed Oil(00:53:58) The Final Three Questions

Meet our latest guest, the multifaceted Karina Sanasaryan. Karina brings a wealth of experience as a freelance makeup and hair artist, owner of ‘Makeup Station’ with teams in Auckland and Christchurch, and as the Head of Wigs and Makeup at the New Zealand Opera. Celebrating ten years in the makeup scene, Karina recalls her journey, starting with a makeup course at The Makeup School and then taking the leap into business ownership during COVID times before rising through the ranks to HOD at the New Zealand Opera. The conversation explores the preparation process for opera productions, the importance of hair in stage performances, and the challenges of working with quick changes and wigs in an industry lacking specialised stores. Karina shares insights on managing personalities backstage, ensuring quality control, and the joy of mentorship, stressing the importance of nurturing the next generation of artists. The episode touches on the realities of working in theatre, including the lower pay scale compared to other areas in the industry and the limited job opportunities.Don't miss Karina's insights from behind the curtain on industry resources, managing a creative team, and her love for backstage life!(00:00:38) Introducing Karina Sanasaryan(00:01:54) Memorable Moments in Opera & Musical Theatre(00:03:42) Starting her Career in Makeup(00:08:29) Discovering Makeup Station(00:11:34) Preparing for NZ Opera Shows(00:14:31) Assembling an Opera Makeup Team(00:19:03) Challenges with Opera Wigs(00:22:26) Quick Changes in Musical Theatre vs. Opera(00:26:40) Becoming Head of Department(00:30:34) Learning Wig Making for Opera(00:32:45) Essential Wig Design Tools(00:35:52) Go-To Makeup Resources(00:37:35) The Necessity of Cross-Communication in Opera(00:41:10) Quality Control Responsibilities(00:43:42) Difficulties in Theatre/Opera Makeup(00:45:34) Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists(00:50:59) The Final Three Questions

Kimberley Coleman is the owner and operator of the award-winning Lady Lash Studio in Christchurch. Kimberley discusses her journey of building a successful lash salon and how she began with the modest goal of contributing $150 a week to her family's finances. The episode delves into the educational aspect of Lady Lash, which not only teaches lash extensions but also emphasises the importance of being an effective teacher. Highlighting the lack of government regulation in the industry, Kimberley stresses the necessity of insurance for protecting businesses and staff.The discussion covers practical advice for makeup artists, including the crucial recommendation of using a lash cleanser for lash and eye care to avoid infection. Kimberley also elaborates on her inspiring ‘Let's Go Wahine' mentorship program that combines beauty training with activities such as yoga, surfing, and self-development to boost confidence and make a positive community impact.Sustainability in the beauty industry is a key topic, with Kimberley sharing insights on eco-friendly products in the lash world and the importance of recycling and reusing. Speaking from her own experience as a mother and an enthusiast of outdoor sports, she offers advice to other artists on balancing professional hustle with personal life.Looking to the future, Kimberley expresses her ambition to have the salon operate independently, allowing her to focus on expanding the ‘Let's Go' program nationwide, empowering young women across New Zealand. The episode concludes with a reflection on the supportive nature of New Zealand's beauty industry and the mutual benefit of fostering a supportive community.(00:01:21) Kimberly Coleman: NZ's Top Lash Salon Winner(00:03:06) A Decade of Lash Studio Success(00:08:48) Expert Tips on Lash Extensions(00:14:00) Balancing Local Preferences and Global Trends(00:18:07) Challenge of Dealing with Dirty Lashes(00:21:35) 'Let’s Go Wahine' Mentorship(00:28:01) Sustainable Practices in Lash Business(00:32:01) Juggling Business, Roles, and Family(00:35:41) The Power of Acting on Ideas(00:38:58) Future Aspirations for the Salon Business(00:40:12) Empowering Young Women with 'Let's Go Project'(00:41:54) The Three Final Questions