He’s one of the most sought after make-up artists in the world. His work has graced the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, W and Cosmopolitan to name a few. He’s worked with hundreds of A-list celebs including Jennifer Aniston, Elizabeth Taylor, Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez. HE is COLLIER STRONG; celebrity make-up artist, cosmetics consultant and spokesperson.

Whether he’s working as the lead make-up artist for Emmy-nominated reality show Project Runway, preparing faces for the red carpet or collaborating with some of the biggest names in the biz, Collier’s refined talent and signature look have captured the hearts (and faces) of thousands around the globe.

In the midst of his busy schedule, I had the chance to catch up with Collier for an exclusive interview, where he shares with me some of his top make-up tips, favourite products, fall beauty essentials and much more!

When did you know you wanted to become a make-up artist and where did you get your start?

I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist when I was very young. I’ve always been artistic and drawing came very naturally. I was also really good at creating characters during the halloween season. It was a very natural progression for me to go from doing hair to doing makeup. I knew I wanted to work with “movie stars”, so I moved from West Palm Beach to LA where after years of struggle I landed an agent with the Cloutierremix agency and within the first month I had done Elizabeth Taylor and Raquel Welsh. A dream come true.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice I received was when I was just starting out, and that was to be nice to everyone because you never know who they may be.

What do you draw on for inspiration?

I feel that I’m surrounded by inspiration as an artist. The world around us is an awe inspiring place. The shows are a way to focus on current trends.

What are three products you can’t live without?

The 3 things, work wise, I can’t live without are my brushes, Voluminous mascara by L’Oreal and Make Up For Ever camouflage cream.

What is the one product you use most on your clients?

Ardell individual lashes. They look completely natural and give eyes that pop that mascara alone can’t always do.

Can you share your top make-up tip?

Less is more. I know its very trendy right know for women to wear a ‘full face’ of makeup, but that to me is erasing all of the natural beauty and drawing on an illustration of who you are.

Do you have any tips on how to find the perfect shade of foundation?

This is every woman’s struggle. I’ve find that it’s rare that just 1 shade works so you may need to mix 2 shades. To start, you should match a color to the skin tone of your chest area as well as your jawline, then choose somewhere in between. You want your face to match your body.

What are some fall beauty essentials?

A berry lip and cheek stain are essential. It gives you a flush of color and looks fresh!

SHOP COLLIER’S FAVOURITE PRODUCTS

 

Thanks for visiting! xo, Kiki