6 things for movie makeup artists to do this weekend (London edition, July ‘24)
1. Pick a movie to watch from Time Out’s list of 100 best movies of all time
You could watch Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’ from 1958. Not only a brilliant film but also excellent reference for 1950s makeup and hair.
Or Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’? (Heeeere’s Johnny!) Or ‘The Zone of Interest’. A Nazi Holocaust movie that won the Oscar this year for Best Sound. Watch it and you’ll see why.
I’ve picked three quite dark movies but there are some lighter options on the list including ‘Singing in the Rain’ and ‘Toy Story’. Some of the toys have hair so it’s still research!
https://www.timeout.com/film/best-movies-of-all-time
2. Head over to Selfridges Oxford Street flagship store and stock up your kit in their newly revamped Beauty Hall.
Earlier this year the store underwent a multi-million pound renovation to add more counters and services. 74 brands such as Chanel, Prada, Dior, Dries Van Noten, Hermès, and Le Labo also provide more than 2,500 refill options so you can reduce your plastic consumption.
Virtually try on some cosmetics at the Charlotte Tilbury counter or attend a mini makeup masterclass. Visit Refy World at The Beauty Spot, Selfridge’s new experiential pop-up space and sit and play with new products.
You dont have to splurge. You could ask for some samples and try them out in your kit. You could get a makeover to pick up tips from the other artists there. You could call it a ‘research trip’ to see which products you like and then make a list and buy them online with your pro discount 🤫
3. Visit The National Portrait Gallery and check out the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024
We are make up artists which means we are also painters. Go and have a look at some of the incredible portraits that have been entered into the competition this year. Some are abstract, some are amazing hyper-realistic photo style paintings. See how other people paint realistic wrinkles and skin fx.
While you are there, take a look at the free collections and explore period hair and makeup from throughout history including the Tudors, the Elizabethans and Victorians. Pick up some picture postcards in the book shop for reference on your next film.
Both the Portrait Award and the permanent collections are FREE to visit.
4. Research short courses and book on to improve your skills.
Do you feel unconfident with period hair? Have a look at The Wig Room Training Academy. No experience with Afro hair? Research the excellent courses at Kevin Fortune Hairstyling Academy. Want to learn Prosthetics? The Prosthetics Studio have some really great courses for all levels.
Dont put it off because you might get a job. If you think that way you’ll never do it. Get it booked and commit to learning something new. If its expensive, look at bursaries to help you afford it. Even learning something new for one day will open up more work opportunities for you.
Subscribe to this blog to get future course lists and recommendations straight to your inbox.
5. Network with other like minded professionals
Follow I Didn’t Read The Script But on Instagram, a book club for the film and tv community set up by makeup artists Sophie and Lily. There’s a new book to read every month and a meet up at the end to - in their words - “meet up, talk books and have overall nice vibes”. They’re currently reading ‘I Who Have Never Known Men’ by Jacqueline Harpman. Grab the book this weekend and binge it just in time for their next meet up on 26th July.
Or make new connections at Beyond Beauty - A Networking & Style Event for Women.
On Friday 12th July, sip a cocktail and listen to a talk on ‘Personal Branding for Career Success’ plus receive a hair Consultation from a celebrity hair stylist and pick up some new tips.
You never know who you might meet at a networking event and it could potentially lead to some future work.
6. Go for Charlie & The Chocolate Factory afternoon tea at One Aldwych.
If you’ve been working hard lately and you’re feeling a bit fancy, treat yourself to a Willy Wonka themed afternoon tea at One Aldwych Hotel in London. Not strictly makeup, but its film related so I think it still counts!
https://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/charlie-the-chocolate-factory-afternoon-tea