Mairi MacDonald MUA: Q&A
Name: Mairi MacDonald
From: Oban
Job: Self-employed salon & bridal MUA
1. Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your job?
I work in a salon called Sapphire on a self-employed basis, but I also travel for bridal parties which is the best part of my job. Being self-employed is hard especially with two kids but meeting all my lovely clients that allow me to do what I love makes up for that.
2. What is your favourite and least favourite thing about working with clients?
My favourite thing about working with clients is getting to meet so many different people and seeing how happy they are at the end of their appointment. My least favourite thing is that I find it hard when I have brides who elope or book last minute weddings and we aren’t able to do a trial as I always worry if they will be happy, but it always works out thankfully.
3. What is one thing that you love about being an MUA?
I love being able to help my clients build their confidence in applying their own makeup and offering them advice on products to buy.
4. Your favourite style of makeup to apply & why?
My favourite style to apply is bridal and natural glam. I love to enhance the beauty that is already there, but I also love to do creative looks on myself when I can.
5. Favourite product(s) in your kit & why?
There are so many to choose from! I love the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation because it has the coverage but doesn’t look cakey, it just looks like skin. I also love the Vieve blushes and Skin Dew, the blushes are so pigmented and look so natural on the skin and Skin Dew gives such a gorgeous natural glow to the skin.
6. Do you prefer neutral makeup or colourful makeup? What are your favourite colours to work with?
I absolutely love neutral makeup because it suits everyone but playing about with a pop of colour now and again is fun! Pinks and purples are my favourite.
7. What are your top 3 products in your own makeup bag & why you love them?
My top three makeup products in my makeup bag would be the Lord & Berry Fluid Foundation because of its light natural coverage, the NYX Cosmetics Micro Brow Pencil – I love the pencils for my brows because mine are so thin, and the Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick in the shade Weirdo, it’s the best black lipstick I’ve ever used!
8. Who in the industry inspires you & why?
Sarah Hill really inspires me, I just really love the way she does skin. I also love Jamie Genevieve, she is the natural glam and glowing skin queen! I was lucky enough to win a spot on her Vieve Zoom party during lockdown when she launched her brand. It was the most amazing thing – I never thought I would have that opportunity!
9. What advice would you give to an aspiring MUA?
My advice for any aspiring MUA is just go for it, don’t let anything or anyone hold you back if this is the career path you want to take. Also, don’t compare your work to any other MUAs – we all have our own style of makeup that makes us unique from one another.
10. Where do you see your business in 10 years?
I hope that in the future my wee business is more established than it is today and that I’m recognised a little more for my bridal work, maybe have a few photoshoots under my belt, too!
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