Name: Molly Macfarlane
Age: 24
From: Southampton
Job: Personal Shopper at John Lewis Beauty Society
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Beauty Society?
I’m so lucky to be able to use all the beauty brands in John Lewis and give my unbiased, honest opinion to Beauty Society clients. We also do a lot of social media work, I’m loving getting to grips with it all and learning new things. I’m also beginning to do some freelance photoshoots, too.
What is your favourite and least favourite thing about working with clients?
I love that clients can become your friends, when you find something in common with each other and it sets the ball rolling – all of a sudden you have an amazing new person in your life. My least favourite thing would have to be the aftermath [of appointments], deep cleaning brushes is the worst thing about this job but has to be done!
What do you love about being an MUA?
I love that every day is guaranteed to be different. You’re always going to be updating your skills and challenging yourself in new ways – which is perfect for me as I’m someone that needs a lot of variation at work.
I’m obsessed with anything glowy, I love creating a glassy skin with sparkling eyes. Any fairytale or fantasy makeup gets me so creative!
What are your favourite products in your kit & why?
The Kevin Aucoin Glass Glow Face Illuminater in Crystal Clear is amazing – it creates the most dewy, wet-looking skin. The Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Powder Pink is also great, it’s so versatile – you can use it for bridal makeup or build it up to create a more editorial look. I also have to mention the Lemonhead.LA Spacepaste, I don’t get to use it very often but whenever I do I’m obsessed with the results.
What are your top 3 products in your own makeup bag?
I’m the type of MUA that gets bored doing makeup on myself but loves doing it on other people – so anything quick and pretty is great for me. I recently got the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint and really like the healthy put-together look they give me with minimal effort. The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm also gives such a cute finish and will always be a favourite of mine.
Do you prefer neutral or colourful makeup & what are your favourite colours to work with?
I’m somewhere in between, I love soft, colourful makeup and anything pastel and peachy is my favourite.
What was the first product you ever bought?
This is shameful to admit – Dream Matte Mousse by Maybelline, we all did it!
Who in the industry inspires you & why?
Donni Davy – the makeup designer behind the series Euphoria. I love the series but I love the makeup in it even more! Her talent for taking a plot and creating makeup and hair looks that work so perfectly is unreal.
I also have to mention my lovely tutor Paulina, not only is she incredibly talented but she is also extremely kind and shows that the best way to get far in this industry is to be a good person that people love to be around.
Where do you see your business in 10 years?
I would love to be a makeup designer for TV and Film. Even though I did my HNC in Fashion Makeup, I feel like the skills are so transferable. I’ve already managed to be on set for a music video and felt really prepared.
What advice do you have for an aspiring MUA?
I think as long as you are doing what you love you can’t go wrong. Get to know everyone and have a positive attitude – even in stressful situations.
For more information on studying with us at GlamCandy, click here.