Make-up artist and entrepreneur Phoenix Renata created Phoenix Cosmetics at the tender age of 21, and now her gorgeous retro inspired stores are popping up all over the country.

After a breath-taking show at Fashion Week, BeautyBible caught up the talented Phoenix for a chat to beauty and business.  

How did you get into the make-up industry?
When I was at high school I did a part-time make-up course, then I left at 16 to do a one year diploma in make-up artistry. I started quite young. At 21 I opened the first Phoenix store. Before that I spent a few years travelling overseas to research and develop products, and to write my business plan.

What is does a typical day involve for you?
I’m in the office in Kingsland, always busy doing something. I could be working on developing new products, doing staff training, or working on displays for the stores.  Also I’m often doing make-up for a look book or a photo-shoot.
 

What is your top makeup tip?
When makeup artists are working on a client they are custom blending colours and foundation, so getting a perfect colour match for your foundation is really important. So is application. Polishing and buffing the product into skin will give a natural finish.

You have ten minutes to get ready in the morning. What would you do?
First I would get my brows looking good (I always have my tweezers handy). Then I would apply Phoenix custom blend foundation, mascara and blush (cream or powder depending on what my skin is like at the time).

What is your desert island product?
Phoenix Custom Blend foundation. It’s water based and blends beautifully. And you can’t go wrong with good tools.

What is your favourite make-up brush?
The Phoenix buffing brush is absolutely beautiful and works products into the skin for a flawless, natural finish. It can be used for liquid foundation and powders.

What is next for Phoenix Cosmetics?
We’re opening a store in Wellington this week, and we’re also opening in Tauranga and Melbourne which is very exciting.

Who has inspired you in business and in the makeup industry?
In business it would be Annah Stretton who I work with. And in makeup, Helena Rubenstein has been a big influence.


Interview by Stephanie Coulter