BAHM Magazine has been keeping an eye on Bryanna Angel for some time, So we contacted her recently to ask her some questions.
We see that you won “The Most Published UK MUA Award” consecutively for 3 years running 2014, 2015, 2016. Although your work has graced Vogue many times, we love your latest Beauty editorial work that appeared in Italian Vogue. Tell us what was the inspiration for the minimal but edgy looks you produced for that beauty spread in Vogue Italia?
I’m passionate about skin, I wanted to show creativity in simplicity, beauty in a minimal form. Shapes that follow the focal points of the face. Eyes, brows lips but in a simple elegant way, yet still keeping the modern graphic lines seen in 2018 catwalks. Focusing on skin work adding freckles and highlights for a healthy glow.
You have a busy schedule as you makeup work is in demand. We see your work on the runways of the world. You travel the world from London to European destinations creating the most beautiful makeup on celebrities and models. How do you pick and choose which jobs to take on?
I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I can pick and choose which I feel is rare for a makeup artist in the industry, I think Team is important to me, I work with some amazing creatives who each have their role in making a mood board come to life ,making each shoot unique. I try and pick work that gets me thinking, I have a passion for ethical brands and what they stand for so these brands normally take priority. I want to create so I try and pick work that challenges me or the industry, A no makeup makeup is one of the hardest a makeup artist can do, it uses more products, experience and skill than any other style, your instinct says put on more but your mind says no let’s carefully look for the light, highlight and shade where’s needed. Because of this I try to work in different lighting conditions for variety and challenges, light changes so no two jobs are the same.
You are popular with fashion designers. Your work has appeared in both Italian and Spanish Elle Magazine – all stunning. Your makeup is so on trend that is seems to lead as opposed to follow. What is your secret?
I very rarely look at other makeup artist’s work for inspiration, I have a lifetime love for art. I study artists and sculptures my favourites being Picasso, Fabian Perez, Carne Griffiths, Monet, Doriana Popa, sculptor Rory Menage. I look at paintings also details on clothes, shapes and colours. Nature also has a big influence the shades and textures in seasons.
BAHM Magazine staff had read a lot of your magazine interviews and makeup reviews you have done concerning makeup trends and brands. You are also the brand ambassador for several brands. Tell us about that.
It’s always an honour when brands pick you, especially when its brands you’re passionate about and products sit pride of place in your kit, you grow to love, rely on, and trust. I’m currently working alongside some amazing brands such as Get-set-go Bags, Cover FX, Smak Brushes, Funkon Fashion. Trying new products seeing if they can fit my aesthetic or kit, trying them in ways that companies are hopefully pleasantly surprised by the outcomes as I know my styles quite different.
What colors will you be applying to faces for Spring 2019?
Glitter, stones, and colour washes seem to be very much on trend for 2019. All applied in a minimal contemporary way. Clear glossy skin, brushed up brows, and subtle metallics, strategically placed,
We see you did the makeup for the Cannes Film Festival and Miss England. Tell us what you loved about that.
These are feel good jobs, I do these as I find them quite rewarding. There’s a sense of achievement and accomplishment with these clients because so much hard work and preparation has gone into getting to these events, having to win multiple shows to rank up to these prestigious events and take part. I love being part of the process and getting to follow their journeys.
How long have you been a make-up artist?
In total about 20 years but actively 17. Training in full media makeup and hair, SFX and male grooming. I started in television and theatre but as time passed I could feel fashion was where my passion lies. The colours and textures also the change from season to season and how some trends unexpectedly recycle. No two days are the same.
What inspires your makeup art?
Definitely art and shapes, I find myself sat with closed eyes thinking of the face shape and clothes, then my mind goes into overdrive. I’m also collectic, I go around to galleries, shops, and craft centres, picking up little trinkets or shaped objects I can use or add to makeup to create shape or texture.
What kind of work really excites you?
Working with new designers definitely, they’re still raw and passionate. They’re not tainted by commercial or sales yet, so they’re experimental and open minded. I drive home after a day’s shooting feeling I’ve done my best work and feel creatively satisfied and happy that there projects will stand out over others .
Who is the client that truly inspires you?
This is definitely a hard one as I work with some amazingly creative people. If I had to pin-point any out of the many, I’d have to say there’s actually two that stand out the most. Both photographers, David PH Hyde and the other Martin Martinez (s_martinezphotography). Both think outside the box and look at light in a completely different way to any other clients . They’re experimental and create trends rather than follow. They’re quite unique creatives and very mentally fulfilling to work with. Both feeding my passion for unique contemporary makeup.
What is your favorite kind of makeup? Definitely skin work. I love making dull tired skin look glossy fresh and well looked after. Models often turn up tired and their skin stressed from being constantly worked on. I get out my oils and creams massage it in, then correct, conceal, buff, then gloss. I love adding the colours and tones that brighten and complete the natural healthy looks like it’s straight from a skincare advert.
Make up trends have evolved so much over the last 10 years. What do you forecast as the big makeup trend 5 years from now?
Textures and originality, as more and more designers and brands become ethical. I feel makeup will become more about the senses and art. The more natural products used to produce fashion the more makeup will become organic yet creative. Combinations of gloss and matte, light /dark organic products, and shapes applied with emotion and artistically. I think the stereo typical edited model will go out the window and real skin colours and shapes will become prominent. What was once seen as a defect in need of cover, will be framed on the face pride of place. Natural beauty, warts and all. So, grow the brows, stop the contour, and create a masterpiece that matches your mood.
As a makeup artist who works doing a lot of celebrities and models what are the most important things you do to prep the skin for makeup?
Skin prep is one of the most important parts of makeup. Without a well-nourished base there’s no point. Each MUA has their own routine and product preferences. Mine’s no exception. I remove all makeup using an exfoliating wipe and tone the skin, removing all dead skin and dirt in pores with pixie glow tonic toner. Then, with a clean brush, I apply Embryolisse cream all over the face neck and ears, paying attention to dry areas. Once absorbed, I apply Limelife by Alcone over the cheeks and forehead, paying attention to the folds in the nose. Then, I prep the lips with Dr Paw Paw, rubbing it in with the tips of my fingers. Skin prep is complete and ready for makeup application.
When it comes to makeup for print work, what is it that makes your beautiful work stand out so much?
Personality, research, and TLC, I think. I’m addicted to product knowledge, trying testing, pushing each product to its limit. Also, multi-tasking products, using lipstick for blushes and eyeshadows, brow products for mascaras, skincare for highlighters. My work reflects my personality I look for perfection or as close to as I can get. The more tedious the job the more I enjoy it. I also look at a face and imagine it printed on A4 white paper thinking about the lighting, photographer’s style, and equipment. This helps me achieve my complete look.
What advice would you give to makeup artists that want to break in to the Fashion, Print and TV industry?
It’s a long process. Careers are not made over night. I think the most important thing I learned and can pass on is stick to your aesthetic, find your style, enjoy it, and master it. Once it’s mastered, your work will stand out. I also think a knowledge of lighting and cameras helps you understand how the end result will look on camera or in print. Keep up to date with product knowledge and fashions. But, most of all love your craft.
Follow Bryanna Angel on Instagram @bryanna_angel_mua
