INFLUENCER
Have you met... RAE MORRIS
Renowned as one of the most influential makeup artists in the world, Rae Morris is not only a number one best-selling author, but also four times Australian Makeup Artist of the Year, the longest serving Makeup Director for L’Oreal Paris (2003-2013) and has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame. The Brisbane born beauty shares her top tips and tricks, and why she “can’t deal” with metallic lipstick.
By Michelle Ruzzene
Rae Morris’ book Makeup Masterclass.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MAKEUP?
YOUR ADVICE TO BUDDING MAKEUP ARTISTS?
Naomi Campbell started my career. Accidentally. I was a hairdresser and I got asked to touch up her lipstick at the Model of the World pageant in Istanbul in 1993 after she had a ‘disagreement’ with her makeup artist. I was photographed doing her makeup by the paparazzi . Next thing I knew, my picture was plastered all over the tabloids and my makeup career had officially begun – I was booked out as a makeup artist!
It’s important what you surround yourself with creatively. Look at only the world’s best artists and content. Become the best makeup artist you can possibly be and forget social media and likes. Be patient. From the time you pick up a brush, you will need minimum five years’ practice before you get paid as an artist. 01.
Extra moisturiser. Lots of it! Brow mascara, eyelash mascara and a multi-use cheek and lip tint. My favourite is the Trinny London Lip2Cheek in Veebee, which is a summer sunset coral shade that is great for pale skin. And always the Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier. Not only does it have a mattifying, but is made from medical grade silicone, so protects your skin from things like windburn.
WHERE DID YOU LEARN YOUR SKILLS?
I was trained by the legendary late Richard Sharah, who was David Bowie’s makeup artist. He was often described as the ‘Picasso’ of the makeup world. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
Every single day is SO different. There used to be some form of continuity. But these days I do everything - from working with and educating plastic surgeons and dermatologists to launches, writing books, designing brushes, shooting editorially, cleaning out my makeup kit, being a mum - and sitting in a corner crying because I am so tired!
02.
MOST REWARDING PART OF THE JOB?
03.
THE WORST MAKEUP FAUX PAS?
The creative side – especially when I shoot beauty editorials and see them published. But everything I do, I do because I love it. It’s not money that motivates me, it’s the creative aspect.
Shimmer where there’s fine lines involved – shimmer will just enhance them. Metallic lipstick – can’t deal with it. If you have wrinkled or lined lips, shimmery, glittery or metallic lip shades will just make them look way wrinklier. And another thing with glittery lipstick – as soon as the gloss dries, the glitter has nothing to stick to and therefore falls all over your face. YOUR TOP MAKEUP TIPS?
IF YOU WEREN’T IN BEAUTY, WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU?
My dream job would be a forensic psychiatrist. Or a travel reviewer. But only for seven-star hotels.
01. Rae Morris touches up Retail
YOUR BEAUTY ICON?
02. Naomi Campbell kickstarted
It has to be Julia Roberts. She has the most gorgeous smile, and she ages gracefully.
03. Trinny London Lip2Cheek
98| RETAIL BEAUTY WINTER 2021
YOUR GO-TO WINTER BEAUTY LOOK?
Beauty editor Michelle Ruzzene’s makeup using Trinny London products Rae’s career in makeup. in Veebee.
Know when to put the brush down. Don’t ever lighten or bleach facial hair - just remove it. If you want to look youthful, put your blush higher. Bigger lips aren’t necessary youthful. When we age the corners of the lips sag, however lips look more youthful when they are lifted in the outer bottom corners. To make a lip look youthful, when applying lipstick to the bottom lip, always cut up before the lip corner – think of maintaining a ‘U’ shape. www.raemorris.com