INFLUENCER: JACKSON ROBERTS

By Michelle Ruzzene

I wear many hats within this specific role for Caudalie. Focusing on education which can be from onboarding, product knowledge, sales techniques to coordinating and hosting PR events, visual merchandising through to sales tracking and stock management. Over the past four years my role continues to grow to cater to all areas within the ANZ market.

I unknowingly started my love for makeup and the artform by doing art throughout school. Not being able to find a medium that I was truly happy with the outcome. Once I moved from my country birth town, I stumbled upon makeup and the beauty industry. Becoming friends with makeup wearers, and quickly realising I had a natural talent for it. My love for beauty started when I began to have issues with cystic acne, and I enrolled into a beauty course that covered makeup and beauty. This really blended in my love for the beauty world in general, and I haven’t looked back since.

With makeup, I was mostly self-taught, apart from the week course that was in my beauty certificate. That taught me the basics of hygiene which I am so glad to have learnt early in my career. I learnt the most when I started a job within a makeup retail store. This was such a great crash course on different skin tones, looks and personalities. After completing my beauty course which gave me a great overview on beauty practises, I further did my own research for product knowledge, and the science behind products. I much preferred this sort of the beauty world rather than completing beauty services on clients, apart from makeup application.

My typical day varies. Most days start with getting my makeup appointments out of the way before going to check VM and stocks. Some days I am spending all day educating Sephora staff across ANZ and SEA, hosting events or sitting on my laptop trying to make the best possible PowerPoint. I am very lucky to have a job that keeps me on my toes across so many different areas that separates from a typical 9-5. As a creative, I need to be doing different things to stay motivated and driven.

Being able to align both my beauty and makeup education into all areas of my career proves extremely effective as I am able to find treatments for specific concerns, rather than covering. But, also offering that knowledge on how to cover while waiting for that skincare to kick in.

Being able to develop someone to further their knowledge in beauty is something that drives me. I may not be the best, or most knowledgeable person, but I love being able to develop someone to become that person. That gives me so much joy to see the lightbulb switch on.

Before I found the beauty world, I was very interested in psychology. Again, being able to develop someone and take them from A to B is extremely fulfilling for me. I did grow up also wanting to do architecture, but soon realised math is not my strong suit, so that soon changed!

There are different avenues other than just application! Don’t be afraid to look at all options within the makeup and beauty world. Having a job within the beauty industry, which may be admin through to education can really keep you motivated because you have that consistent income to be able to allow your weekends for application clients. Don’t feel like you need to live the risky, paycheck to paycheck on the road to be a successful artist. It takes time, but it’s important to keep motivated! A steady income helps.

I have been loving the stripped back skin, with the focus on the eyes OR lips. Finding the good blend between being able to let the skin breath, but have that strong focus is something that always looks great. Hydrated skin, cream products and strategic powder placement will be your best friend! DO NOT FORGET SUNSCREEN. This will offer you a blurred, glowy complexion while protecting.

The Beauty Elixir from Caudalie. This is one of my ride or die products. I use it in my skincare application as a toner to tighten pores and treat blemishes, and also use it as a makeup setting spray on my clients. The fact it’s so multipurpose is a huge stand out! Great if you don’t have a lot of time or the budget for multiple skin and makeup items.

I think a big faux pas is thinking makeup has rules. The great thing about the art of makeup, is just that. It’s an art form. As long as you’re using correct hygiene, you have free reign. That’s the most exciting thing about it. Don’t take it too seriously! It’s trial and error. It may work for me, but not for you and that’s okay.

• If you have issues with blemishes, you don’t need to cover the entire face if you want your skin to breath. Spot conceal and use a light weight foundation. Focus on your healthy skin. Blemishes can be covered if you want them to be!

• Individual lashes are the way of the future. A bit harder to apply, but so seamless! If one falls off, you won’t even notice.

• Skincare is your best friend. you will see the biggest difference in application once you find your right fit.

• Oily skin needs hydration! Let’s aim to balance the oils.

• Fluffy brows are always a hit to have a more youthful and refreshed look.

• Remember to have an open mind while being influenced.

• Try multi priming! Your skin has different concerns in different areas.

• Colour correcting works best if you use just enough to kick away most of the colour of concern. The goal isn’t to completely cover the concern in this step! That is where spot concealing comes in.