Amanda Clarke Celebrity MUA
After meeting the incredible celebrity make up artist Amanda Clarke during her photoshoot for the Daily Mail, MIBA co-founder Estelle Keeber couldn’t wait to find out more about her amazing journey and of course… share it all with you guys.
Amanda really understands the juggles of being a mum in business… read how she goes from doing the food shop to jetting off to work with HUGE celebs all around the world in today’s blog.
Where did your passion for make up start?
I always adored pretty old fashioned sweet shops with jars of candy, bold colours and clashing pattern stripes, and shapes of sweets. The arrays of colours throughout the year like a spring had arrived in November! The brightly coloured candy was like walking into a artist studio full of creativity.
I loved all the technicolour films as a child especially in far to reach places off the beaten track with real adventures, my love of exploring had begun. It must have been just a given that my favourite school subject would have been art, to really show my creativity and individuality.
All my school reports from primary school always said, “Amanda was very talkative and loves art!” - (always an A)
My thoughts by the time I was choosing my career path at secondary school was “How will I get paid to happily talk all day, paint and travel the world?”, I wasn’t quite sure how, but I knew I was going to do it.
So what happened next?
My thoughts were cruise ships, so I studied to become a beauty therapist and worked in a hair salon learning my trade. My advice to anyone who wants to start within the industry is to train finding the right courses and find teachers who can help you get started.
Each course I enrolled upon lead to another gaining more experience in hair, wigs, special effects make up in TV, Film & Fashion. Over a period of 4 years I felt ready to give up my part time day job as an office temp in Regents Street, London. I had also learnt about business during those years.
Training and gaining new skills is so important. The knowledge of skincare and beauty products which have evolved and become so much better over time, however, the basic No.1 beauty tip is don’t bake yourself in the sun especially without protection on your skin. Always cleanse & remove makeup with a gentle touch not to drag the skin.
Talking of skincare what one product can you not live without?
If I had to choose one product I cannot live without would be my absolute favourite Rosalique Skin Primer, it’s so perfect like a little miracle as it beautifully evens out skin tone whilst it corrects colour balance to match your own shade giving your skin a radiant glow and hiding imperfections. Plus it has SPF 50. It’s my everyday go to product and I love using it on photoshoots too.
Edit from Estelle – Amanda gave me this product after our shoot and its bloody amazing!
Any top tips for busy mums who want to look great for the school run?
I’m a working mum of three and I know that time in the morning is tight when wanting to look at least refreshed at the school gates, allowing yourself 3-5 mins for a speedy beauty look, use your fingers for application start with;
- Moisturiser (this can be tinted BB cream, etc)
- Dab concealer in corners of eyes (C shape)
- Light dust of powder in T Zone if needed
- Pop of blusher or sweep of bronzer
- Hint of mascara
- Tinted lip balm
What trends should we be checking out in 2020?
New trends in 2020 are more effortless chic, with beautiful cream eyeshadow that doesn’t crease and glow sticks like Chanel have created, although a dewy healthy look using fingers and sponges for blending many of these products are also semi matt so no need to worry about looking too shiny, although I personally love loose powder and will also use a little as I want longevity throughout my day. Eyebrows have become softer too and harsh eyeliners blended creating a subtle blur effect.
With all of the incredible stars you have worked with which one stands out for you?
One of my favourite all time shoots was on a James Bond set with the glamorous Shirley Bassey, in a fabulous ball gown with security close, keeping watch over all the diamonds she was wearing! I was standing in front of her doing final makeup checks when she burst into song singing Diamonds Are Forever. Wow!
Best client for me would have to involve travel, therefore reflecting back on my music days touring with world with M People and Janet Jackson it was incredibly exciting, exhausting and exhilarating all of what I had dreamed about rolled into one.
Having said that I never did the cruise ships to travel with work until years later, I spent 2 weeks in the Mediterranean on a super yacht with the best client ever! That really was the cherry on the cake for me. As a young girl this was a dream and one of my career aspirations.
Lets talk Instagram… how do you use it for your business?
Instagram is an essential tool for business as it offers an insight into your personality and style of work. It’s become your very own visual business card, it’s an amazing way to stay connected. Although I don’t think you need to get caught up in numbers & followers. Some of the most respected & talented artists who are exceptional may not have largest followers, so this shouldn’t be a guide line to how good someone is.
Talk to us about work life balance and why you think your career has been so successful.
Being a successful businesswoman is knowing and understanding your business and what your client wants from you. Each client has different needs and requests, literally going the extra mile and being 100% committed and consistent will gain you an excellent reputation and trust.
I decided to move from the London where I am most days and live by the sea. Creating a healthy lifestyle for my family, I have managed to balance home & work.
Being flexible is key, changing plans last minute, cancelling dates with friends & family. So having great organisation skills and keeping it stress free.
One moment you’re doing your grocery shopping and the next you’re packing a bag for a flight on the same day. Having a good network of people & family around you is vital, It’s not for everyone but I absolutely love it still after 30 years!
So there you have it…. the secret life of a celebrity make up artist revealed… well kind of.
Massive thank you to Amanda for 1) making me look incredible for our shoot and 2) for taking the time to chat with us about her journey!
Until next time… much love
Estelle AKA Insta Queen x