Behind the makeup

We caught up with TAFE SA beauty lecturer and makeup artist Grace who worked behind the scenes during the Adelaide Fashion Festival with Dale Dorning - creating the gorgeous makeup looks paraded on the catwalk.



What was the highlight for you working with Dale at the Adelaide Fashion Festival?
Dale is well recognised within the industry of makeup and also the celebrity world and having observed him I have a higher respect for his skill, professionalism, mentoring and imparting information. He has a great skill of producing effective makeup without looking made up. Having worked on the many parades (indoor, outdoor, day and evening) he has helped me see makeup for the various events through his eyes.


Favourite event?
Boutique Runway at Bonython Hall, the makeup was perfection. The ambience of the hall followed through with the look that was created - flawless skin, vibrant purple glitter on lower eyes and nude lips.

Describe working behind the scenes at the TAFE fashion parade?
Dale and I had reproduced the looks prior to the event. Each look was passed onto the individual makeup artist, so at the event the backstage everyone was calm and confident. We had lots of talking and laughter with each other and the models. We mostly worked on different makeup areas – production line style - so we had every model looking the same.


What do you love about working in the beauty industry?
I love working in the beauty industry as we are forever learning and expanding our knowledge with new services and products. I really enjoy the client interaction and providing not only services but my knowledge onto them.

Tips for students wanting to work as a makeup artist in the fashion industry?
Explore the industry and chat with professional makeup artists .Try to shadow them during their work so that you can see the various talents they all have, try to help out or just observe the behind the scenes at fashion parades or photographic shoots, so you can build your knowledge. Get confident in all areas of make up – practice, practice, practice until you get confident.


What beauty product can you not live without?
Tinted moisturiser – fantastic base for any look.

Trends for summer makeup?
Colour –lips and nails, either soft colour to bold and bright.