Our Interview with Make up Artist ELLIE BALFE
Ellie Balfe is an 'award- winning', Irish Make Up Artist. As well as having applied make up to most of Ireland's well known faces and on celebrities as big as Courtney Cox, Ellie's work is rarely out of the public eye. Her artistry has appeared in pretty much every fashion and beauty releated publication in the country, both in print and online and many times on TV shows such as Off the Rails. We were thrilled to catch up with Ellie to find out a little more about this busy and successful make up artist.
Q: What inspired you towards a career in the beauty industry?
A: As a little girl I was always interested in dresses and used to make scrapbooks of ones that caught my fancy. As I grew into my teens I became fascinated by the fashion world. The emergence of the Supermodels in the early nineties sparked something in me and I knew I wanted to work with makeup to create lots of beautiful looks. In my last year of school I saw a brochure for the Dun Laoghaire College of Art and Design and they were advertising the launch of the new course in Makeup for film, TV, theatre and fashion. It was a Eureka moment for me! I applied along with 2000 others for 20 places and thankfully I got in. The course was full time for two years, I loved it and haven't looked back since!
Q: Make up artistry is hugley creative – you must be a very creative and artistic person – do you have any other creative outlets other than your work?
A: I do consider myself to be creative, you can learn so much technique but it really comes alive with the extra creative ingredient. I come from a very creative family so it's in the blood I suppose. I like to paint and from time to time I get a big canvas and go wild with acrylics - it's very therapeutic. Not that I have the time now that I'm a Mum! I also enjoy writing and my blog, 'Ellie Loves' started as a hobby but now has quite a large following which was s surprise and delight! (pic: Ellie's work) Q: Do you find it frustrating to walk down the street and see badly applied make up on women?.
A: I must confess that yes, I do! Generally I'd like them to wear much less foundation and eye liner and introduce some subtlety to their look.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most common make up mistake that women make?
A: Without a doubt, the most common mistake is using the wrong foundation- too heavy, too dark and the wrong formula. People should remember that your makeup should be working for you not against you. So it's worthwhile to take the time to learn what your skin's needs are and find the right foundation that corrects any flaws but looks as natural as possible. I can't stand seeing young girls covered in mask-like foundation- they are ruining their prettiness!
Q: What would be your ultimate skin tip for women?
A: Exfoliate with a gentle AHA product and use an SPF of 15 or higher every day regardless of season. These two processes will ensure that your skin is smooth and clear and protected against premature aging.(pic: Ellie's Work) Q: Do you pledge allegience to a particular product range or do you tend to mix and match products that you feel are of the best quality?
A: I totally mix and match! I don't believe in being loyal to one brand, it's too restrictive and there is no one superstar range (unfortunately!) I use a huge mix from the cheapest pharmacy brands right up to premium lines. I really love to show women how to get a bargain though and I do think that you can fill a makeup bag with excellent products for under €100 if you know what to look for. I teach this on my Beauty on Your Budget course which is popular as people obviously don't have the spending power that they used to, but they don't want to sacrifice their makeup routines.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A: I have had several highlights to be honest, all of varying degrees but all important to me. I have won awards for my makeup skills in competitions but particular things that stand out are that I was thrilled doing Courteney Cox's makeup in London and her saying that she loved it. I loved launching my own makeup courses. I love writing my blog and all the great feedback that comes from that and I love everytime someone likes their new look that I have designed for them - I never get tired of it!
Q: Who in celeb land would you most love to makeover if given the opportunity?
A: I would like to give Katie Price a makeunder! And I would really like to do Linda Evangelista's makeup - that would fulfil a long standing dream!
And now for Some Quickfire Questions!!
(pic: Ellie's Work)
Tea or Coffee?
Tea
Corrie or Eastenders?
Eastenders
Liquid or mineral make up?
Liquid (always)
If you could only have one item in your make up bag what would it be?
Cream blusher (good for eyes and lips too)
Describe yourself in three words….
Loyal, a dreamer, optimistic
One interesting thing we may not know about you is……
I would be an interior designer if I were to start all over again
What TV show’s are on your ‘sky plus’ planner?
One Born Every Minute
Top three TV Presenters …(from anywhere)
Davina McCall, Graham Norton, Stephen Fry
Music on your ipod right now….
Adele
Your style would best be described as…….
Classic
How do you start a typical day?
Too early as I'm up with my toddler! Porridge, tea a quick check of Facebook and Twitter and I'm ready to enter the world.
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure? Baked Mont D'Or cheese and a crisp, hot baguette with a glass of red wine.
If you could go on one date with anyone in the world right now….who would it be and why?
Javier Bardem (sorry Penelope) Because of his brooding Spanish intensity - need I say more!
Any exciting plans for the weekend?
I'm going to a party in the RHA on Friday night that my other half is DJ'ing at and after that it would be nice to catch up on some sleep - unlikely with an almost- two year old though
www.elliebalfe.com
www.elliebalfe.blogspot.com
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