After being made up by make-up artists around the world during her successful modelling career, Sue Moxley was inspired to become involved in make-up herself and worked her way up to the top of her career as a valued make-up artist to many celebrities. In 2007, she launched her own collection of make-up ‘Famous by Sue Moxley’ which is sold exclusively in Superdrug and has proven to be extremely popular. Sue currently writes a beauty column for several online blogs and magazines, so it’s an absolute pleasure to have been able to interview her this week. Sue was kind enough to answer my questions, which hopefully will be helpful to any aspiring make-up artists!
What inspired your interest in the world of make-up and beauty? I know you have previously had a very successful career in fashion modelling – was it this experience that developed your interest in make-up?
Yes, I used to think I could do a better job than the makeup artist that was making me up! I learnt a lot by being made-up by artists from all over the world
You have a variety of celebrity clients under your belt at the moment, but is there anyone in the public eye that you’d love to make over?
Carol McGiffin from Loose Women – she needs more makeup and a new hairstyle!
Some say that Kate Middleton’s ‘natural’ make-up has inspired others around the UK, do you agree or do you think there are other people in the public eye that have inspired how we look at make-up?
I think girls do aspire to look like celebs and copy their style/makeup so I think whoever is in the press at the moment will inspire girls! Whether it is Cheryl Cole , Amy Childs or Kate Middleton! However, I must admit I do like to see girls with their own unique style , who are brave enough to put their own stamp on their makeup!
You are currently in the process of creating a line of beauty products inspired by the hit show The Only Way is Essex, do you believe that ‘dramality’ programmes like TOWIE have changed the UK’s makeup style?
I don’t know if they have changed the UK’s makeup style but as I said they definitely have influence especially with teenage girls!
Do you think it’s just as important to have the right ‘tools’ in your make-up bag, as it is products?
I believe it is very important to have the right tools to apply makeup as it is impossible to do with fingers what you can do with brushes! They make blending easier and make sure that you apply eye and lip makeup accurately. It is like brushing our hair with your fingers – you don’t get quite the same results.
Your make-up collection Famous by Sue Moxley is currently stocked exclusively in Superdrug stores across the country, if you could recommend any two products from your range, what would they be?
I think my brushes are one of my favourite products from my Pro-tool line and any of our eye shadows from Famous fantastic pigment!
What’s your favourite beauty tip? Or the most useful beauty tip you’ve ever heard?
Don’t smoke, keep your face out of the sun and moisturise everyday! This will keep your skin in tip top condition and keep you looking younger for longer.
You have said that eyebrows are very big this season, and are the frame to our faces. For someone that doesn’t know where to start with their eyebrows – what would you recommend them do?
Invest in having them shaped professionally you can then keep up the good work yourself!
What is currently in your make-up bag? And what beauty product couldn’t you live without?
My makeup bag is a nightmare it has far too much in it! I have always used Total finish foundation by Kanebo which is very hard to get – (only available in Harrods), Famous shadows, a couple of gel eye liners, and about 6 lip pencils! The list goes on forever! I couldn’t live without my eyebrow pencil though, as it can always double up as eyeliner!
What main tip would you give to any aspiring make-up artists?
You have to work really hard, do things for free and assist other makeup artists! You will learn your trade that way and get to know the business and build up contacts!
And finally, have you got any other exciting projects lined up for the future?
Famous is having a relaunch in the spring new products, packaging and new stands!
I have also reviewed two products from Sue’s lovely collection. The first of which being ‘Sunset Strip’ eye shadow and liner kit, which I absolutely loved. The kit contains six beautifully bright colours, a dual eye shadow brush and Magic Touch Liquid. At first glance I thought it was simply another eye shadow kit, just with more vibrant colours – however when I read the back and discovered that not only were these eye shadows but eyeliners as well! To transform the desired eye shadow into a liquid liner, you dip the Magic Touch Liquid in the eye shadow and apply on your lid. I’ve never come across this before, but I think it’s a fantastic idea – because all too often do I want to experiment with more vibrant liquid eye liners but don’t want to pay extra for lots of different colours – this way, you can dip the liquid into any colour on the palette and transform it into an eye liner to test out. Sorry, I might be mumbling but I’m in awe of such a fantastic idea. I know personally that I haven’t seen any other products on the market like this before! You can buy the eye shadow kit from Superdrug branches across the UK – if you like bold, statement liners and shadows – I would definitely recommend this as there’s nothing else like it on the beauty market at the moment.
The second product I reviewed was a lovely pink pigmented shimmer brick! For those of you who are a little unsure of what a shimmer brick is – it is basically a fool-proof way to add dimension to your cheeks and really show off your cheekbones. The range of different tones in the shimmer brick mean that you don’t have to apply a separate bronzer and blusher – as this has just the right mixture of the two. Personally, I think it gives a really lovely, rosy and dewy glow which can’t be achieved by mixing your average bronzer and blusher. You simply sweep your brush across the shimmer brick and apply to the apples of your cheeks. I found that it really did highlight my cheekbones, as the colours aren’t too harsh on the skin – but just give you a much healthier looking glow. I often find that after applying foundation, I look quite washed out and pale – so I think this is exactly what I need to give me much needed colour to my face! I’d recommend it to those who want to highlight and define their cheekbones, but don’t want the hassle and fuss of applying different bronzers, blushers and highlighters!
I also have several other products from the Famous by Sue Moxley range that I am currently testing out – so I will give you all feedback in the near future! If you want to find out more about Sue, her Famous collection or her new TOWIE inspired collection log onto her website – here!