Beauty Bible recently got to chat to the very talented Kate Squires - Senior Core Creative Makeup Artist for Napoleon Perdis on her return from New York Fashion Week...

 

How did you get started in makeup?
By doing a course at the Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy and discovering a real passion. I'd been curious about makeup artistry but never really gave art a go.

 

What are your Creative Influences?
Art and design, colour theory, beautiful women and at the moment Lomography. (Lomo Fish Eye Compact Camera from Superette $119.)

Out of the shows you worked on at New York Fashion Week which was your favourite and why?
Tony Cohen!!! The skin, the eyes, the clothes, oh my! It was crazy backstage but I had the pleasure of seeing the show come to life on the runway from the second row and could not believe it had been a part of the efforts backstage. The runway was covered with black rose petals which added a feminine touch to the monochromatic colours featured in the collection.

Top five Napoleon Perdis products?
Light Patrol Luminizer Palette, Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation, Luminous Lip Veil Coral Island, Neo Noir Liquid Eye Liner, Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Primer.

When it comes to makeup what’s one thing women often get wrong?
Not wearing enough mascara. Most women apply only a very light coat which does not make the most of their luscious lashes. Apply 2-3 coats, but keep the bulk of your product at the roots of the lashes. Applying too much product to the tips is what causes them to clump - don't avoid them as you will not build length, but do not go over board!

Favourite face feature?
The eyes, and even more the iris. I am fascinated by the iris and Iridology! As a makeup artist I love playing up the eyes; lengthening, extending and contouring someone's eyes. It's amazing the effects you can achieve.

Favourite makeup look/trend?
Fresh skin is an international trend that all the designers wanted at NYFW. My favourite trend at the moment is strong contours. I love working this into all of my looks whether it's a strong effect for fashion or sculpting for the everyday woman. When using sepia tones, it also adds warmth to the face and looks just beautiful when done correctly.

Career highlight?
Working  three shows at NYFW,  and featuring in Vogue Australia's 'Career Confidential' in their coveted September issue.

Number one beauty tip?
Exfoliate once a week. Too many women come to me with dull-looking skin which I know could instantly be brightened by a quick exfoliation. Avoid harsh scrubs as they can do more harm than good in the long run.

Your most exciting celebrity encounter?
Liza Minnelli – I didn't actually meet her but was standing about a metre away. She had such presence, such an aura. To be in the company of someone so influential was sensational.

Goals for the future?
More shows at NYFW, keep working towards the European shows, developing relationships with more celebs and touring the world as a makeup artist.

What does beauty mean to you?
When I think something is beautiful, it takes up a special place in my mind - I want to look at it, feel it or really think about it. Sometimes the most quirky and unexpected things can be beautiful as they take you by surprise but you can't keep you mind of them. A beautiful thing will leave you with a sensational feeling of peace, energy and happiness.

Check out some of the super hot backstage images from New York Fashion Week below!

Kate Squires (Senior Core Creative Makeup Artist), Napoleon Perdis and Nicola Snell (Core Creative Makeup Artist)

Nicola Snell backstage at Tony Cohen and Kate Squires backstage

Napoleon Perdis backstage with Carmen Electra and Models from Tony Cohen show

Like this? Be sure to check out our interview with Rebecca Prior who is the Chief of Makeup Services/International Makeup Artist for Napoleon Perdis.