best of both
in conversation with Liana Loughlin
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the best of both story is born out of liana’s nostalgia for a particular scene in the iconic hannah montana movie. watching the poignant scene where miley changes out of her hannah persona into her toneddown miley attire inspires the two looks.
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the story looks at the themes of the movie while also recognising loughlin’s own journey from a super glam instagram style of practice to celebrating the model’s natural features more, with a heavy focus on skinlike skin.
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leah wears a colourful and youthful makeup look which incorporates that familiar y2k aesthetic we recall from movies growing up in the early 2000s.
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“I know changing can be scary, but it’s a part of growing up. It’s how we find out who we are and who we’re gonna be.”
- Hannah Montana
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Can you tell me about your journey into becoming a makeup artist? What inspired you to pursue this career?
I think from a young age I had a fascination with makeup, I’d always watch my mam doing her makeup and some of my favourite memories were helping her pick new lipstick shades and trying them on at makeup counters. Whenever I could get my hands on makeup I’d experiment with the colours on myself, my mam and my friends.
I always struggled in school with what I wanted to pursue and it wasn’t until year 11 that I considered makeup artistry as a career. It hadn’t really been offered as an option to me like many other creatives will find. I went to Newcastle College to study hair and makeup and started working in a salon until COVID restrictions came into place. I think COVID was my turning point into really pursuing makeup as a career as up until then I hadn’t considered uni as an option for myself. When I came across UAL l I knew I had to push myself to try as the past two years in college had been some of my favourite academic experiences, the work no longer felt like work to me as I was doing something I was passionate about.
What types of makeup do you specialise in?
In the past I’d say I worked a lot on glam looks for girls back home on nights out and proms and I still have a love for this kind of makeup but I also wanted to work in a more experimental industry so over the last 3 years my style has evolved into more editorial makeup. I think my speciality is making skin look like skin, for every shoot, I always aim to enhance the model’s natural features rather than making them look like someone else.
What do you enjoy most about being a makeup artist?
I love that every job is different, you get to meet and work with like-minded creatives who are all pursuing something they’re passionate about. I also love the playful element of the job, there are always new products, colours and makeup styles to try and all of them work differently on different people which makes it more unique.
Can you share some highlights or memorable moments from your time studying makeup artistry?
I think it would have to be working my first LFW show, being backstage in such a professional setting was definitely out of my comfort zone to begin with but I wanted to push myself so that I got that first-hand experience. I’ve also loved seeing my journey from first year to now in terms of confidence in my ideas and place within a team.
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Who are some dream clients that you aspire to work with within the industry?
I’d love to work with the Pat McGrath team, they’ve always been my favourite place to find makeup inspiration and they continue to inspire me with their innovative ideas and techniques.
Can you talk about your experience working as part of a team, such as with photographers, hairstylists, or fashion designers?
To begin with I found myself taking a step back when working with a team as I was always hesitant to speak up with ideas as I was so new to the industry however with more experience I found my feet and felt more confident sharing my thoughts with the team and helping in other areas. I also love the collaboration element now and taking on jobs that challenge my own skills.
How do you approach working with different skin types, tones, and facial features?
I found coming into the industry that a lot of MUA’s either didn’t cater to all skin tones and types altogether or didn’t have the correct knowledge to shade match clients with undertones, how the makeup would look on camera or how certain shades flatter some skin tones more than others. For me, these are some of the most important skills to have as a makeup artist and make it my top priority to cater to everyone. I also love to see clients and models who look like themselves after having their makeup done, to me there is beauty in unique features and skin tones.
What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists who are just beginning their training?
Try not to compare yourself (or your kit) with others, everyone is at a different stage in life. keep experimenting with different techniques and styles until you find your thing and always try to put yourself out there, and connect with everyone on set because connections are the most valuable asset in the industry.
Share a movie you LOVE?
Has to be the Hannah Montana movie hahaha, so nostalgic and the scene where she’s doing her makeup from a pink box is probably why I’m a makeup artist today, younger me was obsessed!
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look 2 captures the essence of femininity and focuses on natural enhancement of the eyes and the skin, over the art of concealment. the stark contrast between both looks demonstrates the ability for character building through make-up artistry.
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hansveni wears a neutral look with a winged eye - a style of make up that moves away from play and instead enhances the natural features of the wearer.
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“Well, I know you know who I am.”
- Hannah Montana
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Make up Artist: Liana Loughlin
Creative Director: Miah Weir
Photography: Miah Weir
Photography Assitant: Tony Moniva
Models: Leah Marie Neathey
Hansveni Dave