Meet my Makeup artist, Tracey
I first met Tracey in 2019. I wanted to find a makeup artist who would help to make my clients shine and bring out their confidence that so often gets a bit of a battering when you become pregnant.
Tracey did this and more. She is the kindest and bravest person I know. She started working with me whilst battling breast cancer, but she didn’t let it stop her. She’s bright and bubbly and has an amazing eye for detail.
She will arrive early to get set up and then stay for the duration of your session to re apply makeup, change your hair style and help me with your gowns…and she does all this whilst chatting and smiling away, you can’t help but smile and laugh with her! She puts even the most nervous mum to be at ease.
I wanted to write this blog to show you all just how amazing she truly is, so please do read below and get to know her a little bit better:
Can you tell me just a little bit about yourself?
I’ve been a makeup artist for 28yrs this year. I did a degree and diploma in hair styling and added this to my bow and started hair 15yrs ago. I’ve been in the film and television for most of my life, however, doing photographic shoots, modelling and fashion events, has grounded me and appreciate my job a little more. In 2018 I was credited as am ‘International’ Makeup Artist. What an achievement for me and all those years of hard work. Today I am concentrating on Weddings, Photography Shoots and a little bit of film
You’re a bit of an animal lover, tell me about your fur babies.
I’m passionate about my fur babies. I have a chocolate Labrador retriever, 2 Ragdoll cars and a Maine Coon kitten
When did you know that this is what you wanted to do?
I wasn’t very academic at school, but loved drawing and painting. When I left school I worked for Este Lauder and Clarins and loved the combination of both. Whilst doing this, I was also a model and a Supporting Artist and the mix of the two took me to working both in front of the camera and behind the lenses too. I trained as a Makeup Artist and love my job
How long did it take you to train to be a hair and makeup artist?
My training took 3 years to do my Makeup Diploma and I do regularly take refresher courses. Having been trained by Este Lauder I was aware of a lot of the techniques used. My hair course was 6 weeks at the London College of fashion.
What’s the best thing about your job, what do you love most?
The best bit about my job, is making people look good and feel amazing. I love meeting new people and work the best I can, to give them the look they would like. I love using bright colours to create exciting makeup looks and hair style. My absolute favourite is doing a Brides hair and makeup for the biggest day of their lives.
You’ve worked for production companies...Who was your favourite actor/actress to work with?
I am in the industry of film and television and my favourite Actor was Johnny Depp. He was so laid back, funny and down to earth. My favourite actress was Renee Zellweger
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you while at work?
The funniest thing that’s happened to me at work was when I was working on Fantastic Beasts. While working, we have ear pieces and walkie talkies, so we can all stay in touch on and off of set. After I had finished the wig for one of the actresses, I desperately needed the loo, so ran off to the porta loo. When I got back on set, everyone had heard me, as I still had the ear piece in!!!! Embarrassed wasn’t the word, but I entertained those who heard me.
You’ve recently undergone treatment for breast cancer...what would you say to someone who has recently been diagnosed?
I’m one year cancer free and what a hell of an 18 months I’ve had. My advice to someone with a positive cancer would be to listen to your body and rest when you need too. I would also make sure you speak to someone, so you can talk about your fears and upset. I’m going to be doing another job along side my current work. I’ve just passed my Cancer Care Diploma with a distinction and will use this along side my experience with hair, makeup, fashion, reiki and a whole host of things that I used. It’ll be a one to one journey that I will share with my client, giving them all the help and support they need
Can you tell me a bit about how you’ve been raising more awareness?
I have an Instagram page tits_up_uk where I blog my journey and raise awareness. I’ve also done interviews for radio and television, along with written publications including Women’s Own a few weeks ago
