Q&A Nicole Thompson | Make-up Artist
Senior Make-up Artist Nicole Thompson from MAC says don’t be afraid to be what you are and be that perfectly. Get some expert tips and other advice in your walk of life from Nicole this month.
Name: Nicole Thompson Nick name: Thommo/Reggie/Pinkie
Profession: Senior Artist M.A.C Australia
Location: Sydney, Australia
Passion: To not live a life wondering what could have been… and just do it!
I get my inspirations from:
Everywhere in life – people I have met, places I have been – I just have to remember to take photos!
How I got my break:
My first Fashion Week experience was an extremely quick lesson on the hard work and dedication that is needed to be a successful Make-up Artist. I developed relationships during that week with people who are as inspirational and influential now as they were then.
My top tricks of the trade:
The number one rule is: there are no rules. Make-up is a form of expression – explore, play and remember that make-up wipes off!
My style in a sentence:
A colourful Cocktail of Dame Edna, Carrie Bradshaw and Lucille Ball!
Bet you didn’t know I can:
Recite all the lines from River Phoenix’s last movie “The Thing Called Love”…. Ahhhh, many hours spent singing along with my sister. Wait… is that something to be proud of?
My latest project is about:
I have just begun my most recent tour of Masterclasses for M•A•C. These are Make-up Classes designed for Members of the MAC Pro Program. This round is all about sharing the Backstage Secrets from RAFW SS10 – trends, tips and tricks – lots of fun make-up to demonstrate!
My last purchase: Fire engine Red hair dye – time for a change!
My current favourite mecho item: The amazing collection of Finsk Shoes – hot!
Pssst… One time I…
As I hunted for the perfect Wedding outfit, I purchased 8 different pairs of delicious shoes with a promise to my husband to be I would return the 7 that didn’t match the dress. None of those pairs were ever returned and he is none the wiser!
Travel destination and tips:
New York City! Lucky Chengs Drag Cabaret restaurant, 24 First Avenue, NYC; My husband and I spent a fabulously hilarious night there on Valentine’s Day one year – complete with Cocktails, Dress-ups and back flipping Drag Queens… so great!
The mecho team invites you to continue the conversation below with Nicole during June… Make it fun! Post comments with your own free personal Gravatar
NOTE: ARCHIVE ONLY from June-10. You may leave a comment but please note Nicole is no longer actively responding to any questions post 30 June-10.
If you enjoyed this feature, you may want to Sign-up to our free mecho e-newsletter for our latest style updates, giveaways and other juicy stuff. Don’t forget to check out our current Competitions & Giveaways
Join us on: 
Discover More Stylish features below:
LINK
MORE
GUEST BLOGGER
6 comments
6 Comments Add your own
1.
Amy | June 1st, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Hi Nicole, do you only use MAC since you work for them? How about privately? Also, any tip of best lipstick/gloss to wear when you go to cocktail parties where you drink/nibble and talk a lot?? Amz
2.
Hannah | June 2nd, 2010 at 9:21 am
Is there an expiry date on make-up? How long is recommended to keep blushes, lipsticks and eye shadows safely?
3.
Nicole Thompson | June 5th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
1. Hi Amy!
I use a LOT of MAC – its the best! even before I worked for them I was always in at the MAC Counters stocking up – they always have the most genius colours!
OK..so best lipgloss/lipstick when you are eating….hmmm
I really love to wear a strong lip colour like a Pink or a Red as a stain..it lasts longer. My favourite Red is MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick, it is matte which means a stronger durability as well. I like to smear it on heavily and then blot with a tissue. Do this a few times in layers and trust me – you’ll have a hard time getting it off!
If you are a gloss girl – go for the classic MAC Lipglass. They are like a liquid lipstick and they last so well on the lips! Super shiny in a HUGE range of colours!
2. Hannah! The shelf life of a Make-up Product is generally about 3 years. This you should without doubt stick to for Creams and Liquid products, however you can stretch it a little bit with Powders and pigments.
But really, time for a fresh exciting look after 3 years I say!
xx
4.
Cat | June 10th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Hi Nicole,
Are you setting or following trends? What’s your call for make-up this season?
CatX
5.
Sarah | June 23rd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Hi Nicole,
Just curious about your start in the make-up industry!
Why did you decide on becoming a make-up artist/where did you learn, where have you worked or what have been some highlights of your career etc?
Sarah
xx
6.
Nicole Thompson | June 30th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Hi Cat!
As the Global Backstage Make-up Authority MAC are SETTING TRENDS! Creamy, glowing amazing skin is a big trend with a huge focus on Prepping and Priming the skin, soothing and moisturising before you even get to the make-up application! Get into MAC and have our skincare and Priming products tried on you!
Bold eyes either by graphically lining with a bold colour or doing a beautiful blown out choclate smokey eye! show your personality with your make-up this season!
Great Questions Sarah!
I started in the Make-up industry 7 years ago and fell in love straight away! my Husband actually suggested it to me as a Career and I just leaped in!
I studied at the Australian College of Make-up and Special Effects in Sydney and did a year long Certificate IV in Make-up, coving a broad range of topics and rally dabbling in everything!
My favourite Make-up to do is Avante Garde, creative, extremely playful Theatre style make-up but then I also have an appreciation and love for making a person look and feel their best with not too much product at all!
Being a part of the MAC Team has been invaluable – i have learned so much every day from the Artists I work with and have had some amazing experiences!
Highlights for me in my Career as a Make-up Artist are having worked on Cirque Du Soleil in Japan, Leading the team Backstage at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, Making-up some fabulous Celebrities and Personalities over the years, but my favourite has definately been the chance to be part of the MAC Pro Team working at the International Collections in Europe – I get so happy and excited I have cried! I have been inspired so much…
Thanks!
x Nicole
Leave a Comment
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed