Artists & Muses

Shirley Simpson

September 21, 2022

Renowned makeup artist Shirley Simpson talks to us about what it means to be a makeup artist.

Makeup by renowned Makeup Artist Shirley Simpson

Q.

What made you want to make beauty your life? How did you get into this industry?

A.

Got onto makeup when I worked at Pavement mag in 98. Wanted to move on and needed a new career. Figured I was good at painting my own face, so how hard could it be? Self taught. Had an actor friend who helped get me a job onset... worked as one of the original counter girls (with Emma) when Mac was launched in Auckland in 1999.

Q.

What inspires you about beauty?

A.

I get inspired by musos/creatives ...make up wise i love what Lochie Stonehouse does, so creative... I could never!

Pro Tip

Shirley recommends feeding the skin with a nourishing oil and massage at night and before makeup.

Q.

Favourite beauty tips?

A.

Eat good foods, cut the processed crap, sugar and seed oils. Sauna. Exercise. Hydration. Nourishing oils for the skin.

Q.

What are your predicted trends for 2023?

A.

I try not to take notice of trends... I love the make up that my daughters and their friends do, so creative and interesting... But just do what makes you feel good, even if it's 1985 blue eyeliner. Always on trend though is good natural fresh skin... Do what you can to achieve this and of course use Aleph foundation!

Q.

Where do you see beauty going in the future?

A.

Natural and sustainable HAS to be the way of the future.

Makeup by renowned Makeup Artist Shirley Simpson

Q.

Best beauty hack?

A.

Fresh skin from within. Curl your lashes. Light buffed foundation. Feed the skin with a nourishing oil and massage at night and before make up if possible.

Q.

Favourite Aleph product?

A.

The Concealer/Foundation. Actual fave. Consistency, colour, spreadable, buildable, nourishing. The only foundation I've ever truly loved.

Featured Makeup Artist

Shirley Simpson

A specialist at natural-looking makeup with a wealth of experience in film and fashion, Shirley Simpson likes to make models look fresh and amazing, rather than covering faces with every product available.

Portrait of makeup artist Shirley Simpson

Featured Products

 
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Onyx
Gel Liner

£26

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Lift/Lengthen
Mascara

£28