Kikii had a pleasure of interviewing Suzie Gee. She kindly reviewed our products and we were hooked on wanting to know more about her life as a make up artist.
What is Beauty?
Beauty to me is feeling confident and beautiful in the skin you were born in. I think it's such a personal journey for a woman to reach this point - but one that brings such freedom.
What has been your highlights as a make up artist?
I have so many! But I would say my career highlights have been: working on set for Italian Vogue for Val Garland, Winning my Midland Fashion Award in 2017, and watching my first ever film as Lead Makeup Artist air on the BBC.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywhere! From other artists, history, nature or just a new colourful eye shadow pallet that encourages me to reach for a brush and create.
How long have you been a MUA and how did you get your start in the industry?
I've been a Makeup Artist now for 5 years and the second I graduated makeup school - I was itching to make a name for myself in the industry. For a long time I was working full time in a 9-5 office job alongside makeup in my spare time in order to support myself and grow my business. It's safe to say I spent a few years exhausted and very stressed! But I quit my full time job when I knew the time was right - and I've never looked back.
How much has the industry changed since being an MUA?
Hugely! When I first started there weren't many makeup artists in my city, so it was a great time for me to be able to build up a clientele and a trusted name for myself. Now there are so many - and the competition is far greater! I would say it seems more difficult for makeup artists starting out to be able to stand out from the crowd.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career?
Finding my voice, and my niche. The makeup world is very crowded, and my biggest challenge has been finding the particular thing that sets me apart from others. I've always thought 'I need to be the next Val Garland' or 'I need to do makeup like her in order to be successful' or 'I have to do this style in order to get likes on social media!'
The second I realised that I am completely unique in my passion, my creativity and my style - and that I don't have to fit into any kind of mould - that's when I was able to start thriving and enjoying what I do.Trying to be somebody else is exhausting because you were never born to be somebody else - and it will never feel right - no matter how hard you try.
What do you love most about KIKII?
I love that the founder - Sharn - is a makeup artist herself! I always love a brand that is created by a makeup artist - because they understand what we need in order to make our jobs easier. You can see that in the products - especially the kit bags - which are now the only things I use to put my kit in! They are really high quality, sleek and professional looking - not to mention the organisation is very satisfying!
They are really high quality, sleek and professional looking
Suzie Gee
Why is it important to be organised as an MUA?
This is so important! It shows your client that you are professional and clean, that you take your job seriously. It makes your job easier because you are not faffing around looking for a product for 10 minutes! It has a place - and you know where to reach for it. This makes you faster and more efficient. And these are the qualities that are important to clients / brands / people that you work with. It's surprising how many makeup artists don't take these things seriously - and as a result they will not get the recommendations or the call backs that we rely on in this industry
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other MUA's?
I would say my signature look and style is based around skin. This all stems from my passion of women feeling comfortable in the skin they were born in.
Therefore I try not to mask heavy products or thick layers of foundation to hide the natural beauty of a woman.
I like to create glowy and breathable bases, that women can look in the mirror and feel naturally enhanced, but still looking like herself. I feel this really helps women to fall in love with themselves - as they are. Because suddenly they realise that they do not have to hide, they just have to know how to apply their makeup properly - to show off their best features - and enhance who they already are.
Share something you would like the world to know about you
I am a Christian, and my faith plays a huge part in my job and my passion towards women feeling comfortable in who they are!
What famous artists have influenced you and how?
Lisa Eldridge is one of my makeup heroes. Her book 'Facepaint' sparked a fascination in me for the history of makeup and women - and the impact it has had on our lives. She is loyal, honest, classy and incredibly talented. I'd love to work with her one day
What do you love most about make up?
Everything! Is that too simple of an answer? I could write a novel on this!
I love it's history, how it influences the world we live in, how it empowers women, how it evolves so rapidly, how purchasing it never gets boring (seriously - it's a problem!) - I just love it.
What’s the most important beauty advice you can give to a woman?
Find what works for you. Get to know your face, your skin type, fall in love with your best features. Then you will be able to be smart with your purchasing and makeup / product application.
Work with what you were given! Don't try and hide. The things that make you different, are the things that make you beautiful.
How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles?
Social media is a great platform, because now all the latest trends, fashions and styles are available at our finger tips!
However, I try very hard to steer clear from lots of Instagram trends that people have created just for views. Like DIY hacks... some are genius but some are... questionable. You do not need to contour with a shoe, I promise you.
Suzie Gee
Where can our readers find you?
In Starbucks - probably.
Only joking! (but, very true).
You can find me on instagram @suziegee.mua
or my website: www.suziegeemakeupartist.com
Drop me a message or email! I always love talking makeup