The New Zealand Makeup Podcast Grand Illusions and Existential Angst

In this podcast, renowned makeup artist Nikki Lovrich takes us on a captivating journey through her remarkable career spanning several decades. From her humble beginnings learning skills from her hairdresser mother to becoming one of New Zealand's first freelance makeup artists, Nikki shares intimate stories of her experiences in the fashion industry. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of working with a new generation of creatives to build the industry from the ground up, and how she adapted to significant changes in the media landscape over the years. Nikki also shares valuable insights on navigating various roles, maintaining high standards, and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the makeup industry. Throughout the episodes, she reflects on her role as a pioneer, setting trends and promoting a more natural approach to makeup application. Nikki's passion for her craft shines through as she recounts creating diverse looks for photoshoots and using makeup to transform people's lives on the TV show "10 Years Younger in 10 Days". With a focus on resilience, preparation, and showcasing her diverse skills, Nikki's story is an inspiration to aspiring makeup artists and anyone pursuing their dreams in the creative industry.

(00:00:24) From Fashion College to Freelance Makeup Artist
(00:07:54) The Rise of New Zealand Fashion
(00:09:15) Navigating Changes in the Makeup Industry
(00:12:35) The Importance of Inner Confidence
(00:14:27) Adapting and Thriving as a Freelance Artist
(00:16:26) Unforgettable Photoshoots in Exotic Locations
(00:17:45) Origins of Influence
(00:19:11) Navigating Pricing for Product Promotion
(00:20:35) New Zealand > Money
(00:22:40) The Natural Makeup Pioneer
(00:26:50) Staying Inspired and Learning in Makeup
(00:29:10) Makeup Trends: Products Over Looks
(00:30:43) The Art of Transformative Makeup
(00:36:56) The Art of Multitasking in Makeup
(00:42:05) Reflections on a Makeup Artist's Journey and Resilience
(00:47:32) Maintaining High Standards in Makeup Artistry
(00:49:07) The Final Three Questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sita, a talented hair and makeup artist based in Tauranga, New Zealand, shares her inspiring journey from working in a small-town hair salon to becoming an internationally experienced makeup artist. Throughout the podcast, Sita discusses her experiences working abroad in Austria and London, building her business in Tauranga, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning from a sole trader to a company. She also shares valuable insights on setting rates, building a reliable team, and the importance of eco-friendly and long-lasting makeup products. Sita's passion for her craft shines through as she discusses her creative freedom in non-wedding events and styled shoots, while still appreciating the natural, glowy style of the wedding industry. With plans to grow her business, Beauty Tribe, and manage her side hustle, Beauty Mat, Sita's entrepreneurial spirit is truly inspiring.
(00:00:26) From Art to Makeup Artistry
(00:03:14) From Europe to Freelancing in NZ
(00:08:41) Building a Makeup Business in Tauranga
(00:09:34) Setting Rates and Managing Client Content
(00:11:50) Eco-Friendly Makeup in New Zealand
(00:15:30) The Beauty Mat
(00:16:25) Transitioning from Sole Trader to Company
(00:20:01) Balancing Profitability and Competitive Pricing
(00:21:16) Building a Reliable Makeup Artist Team
(00:24:16) Building a Makeup Kit Abroad
(00:25:08) Makeup Artist Work Abroad
(00:25:46) The Creative Role of a MAC Product Specialist
(00:26:28) Embracing Creative Freedom as a Makeup Artist
(00:28:17) Growing The Beauty Tribe and Future Aspirations
(00:29:46) The Final Three Questions
(00:33:03) Setting Up a Beauty Studio Space

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet our latest guest, Chelsea McEwan Millar, a dynamic force in the skincare and cosmetics industry. As the COO of Go Native, a local supplier of natural and organic skincare and cosmetics ingredients, Chelsea is a true expert in the field. With a lifetime of expertise inherited from her family business, Chelsea possesses an intimate understanding of skincare ingredient percentages, preservatives, and solubility, making her a trusted source of knowledge.
Join Chelsea as she shares her journey of creating homemade makeup and skincare products. Drawing inspiration from her visits to makeup stores, which she describes as akin to an artist visiting an art gallery, Chelsea explains how easy and fulfilling it can be to craft your own beauty products at home.
At the heart of Chelsea's work lies a commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. From packaging to ingredient trends, Chelsea explores the role of sustainability in small cosmetics businesses, offering valuable insights into creating eco-conscious beauty products that leave a positive impact on the planet.
Delve into the world of cosmetic innovation as Chelsea introduces exciting ingredients like natural retinol alternatives Bakuchiol and new 'NovoRetin'. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for DIY beauty, Chelsea invites you to explore the endless possibilities of skincare formulae.
Join Chelsea McEwan Millar as she opens the door to a world of ingredient knowledge and empowers you to take control of your skincare and makeup routine. With her experience and expertise in ingredients, Chelsea can inspire you to elevate your skincare game to new heights.
(00:00:41) Meet Chelsea McEwan Millar(00:06:01) From Skincare to Makeup Formulation(00:11:46) Skincare Myths and Misconceptions(00:16:49) Decoding Cosmetic Ingredients with Marie Rayma(00:25:29) Keeping Up with New Ingredients(00:29:56) Sustainable Packaging and Ingredient Trends(00:35:58) Skincare Innovation: Novoretin and Vitamin C(00:39:45) Exploring Natural and Sustainable Cosmetic Ingredients(00:47:12) Empowering DIY Skincare Enthusiasts(00:49:52) Diving into DIY Skincare Formulation(00:53:56) The Magic of Barbary Fig Seed Oil(00:53:58) The Final Three Questions
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet our latest guest, the multifaceted Karina Sanasaryan. Karina brings a wealth of experience as a freelance makeup and hair artist, owner of ‘Makeup Station’ with teams in Auckland and Christchurch, and as the Head of Wigs and Makeup at the New Zealand Opera.
Celebrating ten years in the makeup scene, Karina recalls her journey, starting with a makeup course at The Makeup School and then taking the leap into business ownership during COVID times before rising through the ranks to HOD at the New Zealand Opera.
The conversation explores the preparation process for opera productions, the importance of hair in stage performances, and the challenges of working with quick changes and wigs in an industry lacking specialised stores.
Karina shares insights on managing personalities backstage, ensuring quality control, and the joy of mentorship, stressing the importance of nurturing the next generation of artists. The episode touches on the realities of working in theatre, including the lower pay scale compared to other areas in the industry and the limited job opportunities.
Don't miss Karina's insights from behind the curtain on industry resources, managing a creative team, and her love for backstage life!

(00:00:38) Introducing Karina Sanasaryan(00:01:54) Memorable Moments in Opera & Musical Theatre(00:03:42) Starting her Career in Makeup(00:08:29) Discovering Makeup Station(00:11:34) Preparing for NZ Opera Shows(00:14:31) Assembling an Opera Makeup Team(00:19:03) Challenges with Opera Wigs(00:22:26) Quick Changes in Musical Theatre vs. Opera(00:26:40) Becoming Head of Department(00:30:34) Learning Wig Making for Opera(00:32:45) Essential Wig Design Tools(00:35:52) Go-To Makeup Resources(00:37:35) The Necessity of Cross-Communication in Opera(00:41:10) Quality Control Responsibilities(00:43:42) Difficulties in Theatre/Opera Makeup(00:45:34) Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists(00:50:59) The Final Three Questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kimberley Coleman is the owner and operator of the award-winning Lady Lash Studio in Christchurch. Kimberley discusses her journey of building a successful lash salon and how she began with the modest goal of contributing $150 a week to her family's finances. The episode delves into the educational aspect of Lady Lash, which not only teaches lash extensions but also emphasises the importance of being an effective teacher. Highlighting the lack of government regulation in the industry, Kimberley stresses the necessity of insurance for protecting businesses and staff.
The discussion covers practical advice for makeup artists, including the crucial recommendation of using a lash cleanser for lash and eye care to avoid infection. Kimberley also elaborates on her inspiring ‘Let's Go Wahine' mentorship program that combines beauty training with activities such as yoga, surfing, and self-development to boost confidence and make a positive community impact.
Sustainability in the beauty industry is a key topic, with Kimberley sharing insights on eco-friendly products in the lash world and the importance of recycling and reusing.
Speaking from her own experience as a mother and an enthusiast of outdoor sports, she offers advice to other artists on balancing professional hustle with personal life.
Looking to the future, Kimberley expresses her ambition to have the salon operate independently, allowing her to focus on expanding the ‘Let's Go' program nationwide, empowering young women across New Zealand. The episode concludes with a reflection on the supportive nature of New Zealand's beauty industry and the mutual benefit of fostering a supportive community.
(00:01:21) Kimberly Coleman: NZ's Top Lash Salon Winner
(00:03:06) A Decade of Lash Studio Success
(00:08:48) Expert Tips on Lash Extensions
(00:14:00) Balancing Local Preferences and Global Trends
(00:18:07) Challenge of Dealing with Dirty Lashes
(00:21:35) 'Let’s Go Wahine' Mentorship
(00:28:01) Sustainable Practices in Lash Business
(00:32:01) Juggling Business, Roles, and Family
(00:35:41) The Power of Acting on Ideas
(00:38:58) Future Aspirations for the Salon Business
(00:40:12) Empowering Young Women with 'Let's Go Project'
(00:41:54) The Three Final Questions


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Stacey Banfield, the founder of Soleil and Soul and an accomplished bridal makeup artist in Aotearoa. Stacey shares her journey from leaving school at 16 to work on a makeup counter to becoming one of New Zealand's top wedding vendors without the need for traditional advertising, relying instead on word-of-mouth recommendations.
Stacey highlights her passion for the transformative power of makeup and explains her preference for freelance over counter work due to its flexibility and freedom from workplace pressure. She emphasises the importance of customer service and interpersonal skills, criteria she priorities in her team of artists.
Discussing entrepreneurship, Stacey outlines her experience in starting a beauty brand, including the time and significant financial investment required to launch a product that aligns with her commitment to sustainability. Sustainability is a core value for her brand, which she strives to uphold in both formulation and packaging.
She offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs based on her own experience of self-funding her business and the meticulous process of finding the right formulator. Stacey also delves into her unexpected role as a social media influencer, which emerged organically from promoting her work and business online.
Furthermore, Stacey shares a personal security concern that arose from working alone, the importance of maintaining booking information for safety, and her aspirations to scale back Saturdays while expanding her beauty brand into the Australian market. She dreams of her products being sold in major retailers like Mecca or Sephora.
Don't miss this intimate conversation with Stacey as we explore her journey from makeup artist to visionary entrepreneur, delving into the highs, the lows, and everything in between on the road to creating Soleil and Soul Beauty.
(00:00:41) Meet Stacey: Bridal Makeup Artist(00:04:30) Makeup Courses and Career Beginnings(00:06:12) Choosing Makeup Artistry(00:08:38) Transition to Freelance Work(00:10:37) Customer Service for Makeup Artists(00:12:30) Filling the Market Gap with Soleil and Soul(00:14:47) Innovative Brush Cleaner Solution(00:22:09) Sustainability in Beauty Brands(00:26:43) Connecting with a Formulator(00:28:57) Investing in a Beauty Brand Launch(00:35:45) Growing a Social Media Following(00:39:16) Dealing with Safety Concerns(00:42:25) Work-Life Balance in Freelance Makeup(00:45:54) The Three Final Questions
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.