Your Sussex Wedding Magazine – Interview by Ivana Sidey
Beauty editor Ivana Sidey was so excited to catch up with one of the industry’s most trusted make-up artists, Tracey Gray Mann. Here’s what she had to say….
When did you decide ‘okay, this is it, I’m going to be a professional make up artist?’
Looking through Vogue and being inspired by an editorial I saw in the magazine. The photo was by Alex Chatelain and the makeup was by Linda Cantello.
Tell us what a dream job is for you?
Somewhere in an exotic location with a great crew and lots of time to create unforgettable images.
What are the three tools in your make up kit that you can never, ever be without?
Prep, blot and blend sponge (Barely Cosmetics), cotton buds (Muji), eyelash curler (Shu Uemura) which I might not use, but it’s always good to have one if you need it.
Advice for young make up artists who are just starting out and want to be where you are, at the top of the industry?
Remember its not always about the make-up. It’s a collaboration. Work as a team and when its your time to shine, be creative, decisive and fast.
What is your favourite quote?
“Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that big black space where the audience is.” – Mae West.
Where do you get inspiration from?
Portraits in art galleries, photography books, colours in my garden.
Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
Helmut Newton for his images. Serge Lutens for the makeup looks he created for Shiseido. Malala for fighting for education for women.
What do you love and hate most about make-up?
Love putting it on. Hate taking it off although meticulous and respectful cleansing is vital for perfect skin so definitely worth the time and effort.
What’s the difference between everyday make-up and something for an important occasion like a wedding?
It takes more time applying makeup for an important occasion like a wedding. It doesn’t necessarily mean wearing more. It’s about prepping the skin and applying the makeup in a way that will last throughout the day. You want everything to look flawless in those iconic photographs.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
A halo – lol
What beauty advice should every woman know?
Listen to your skin and nurture it. Change your routine with the seasons.
What are the most common beauty mistakes?
Wearing too much makeup and following trends that don’t suit you.
What five products should we all have in our make-up bag?
Lipstick, mascara, concealer, individual cleansing wipes (Lauren Napier), oil absorbing sheets (Mai Couture).
Any advice with putting together a five-minute face for women in a hurry?
Always start with clean, moisturized skin. After that anything you apply will blend easily. Choose one thing to stand out, eyes, lips or skin. Focus on that area and make sure it looks perfect.
How do you think make-up has changed in the past 15 years?
There is a huge availability of beauty products on the market today. Women are more educated these days with access to tutorials online. Ingredients are key. The use of organic and all natural products has become mainstream.
What trend or colours or techniques can we all look forward to?
One of the most interesting trends to look forward to is the use of negative space to create an unexpected or artistically relevant shape. For instance, where the sweep of an eyeliner goes, this space is kept clean with eyeshadow above and below accentuating the shape it created. Metallic shadows, glitter and berry lips are all on the horizon.
For more information, visit http://traceygraymann.com
Posted: Friday, 30 June 2017