For those who like to get creative with makeup, Halloween, not Christmas, is the most magical time of the year. Whether it’s gory, ghoulish, cartoonish, or out-of-this-world glamour being sought, makeup can create the Halloween look of their dreams.
But there’s more to Halloween makeup than painting on some fake blood. To find out how to create a look that lasts all Hallows’ Eve, Retail Pharmacy Assistants spoke with makeup guru Michael Huxley, founder of one of Australia’s leading makeup schools, Huxley School of Makeup.
Stocking up on supplies
For helping someone select makeup, applicators, and accessories for Halloween or costume makeup, Mr Huxley has some advice.
“Firstly, consider the end result in relation to your or your customer’s skill level, and of course, the purpose for the makeup,” he said. “Is the customer creating a terrifying zombie? Or maybe they’re impersonating their favourite celebrity. It’s all about the look.”
An experienced makeup artist may already have the tools and accessories to complete the project and be looking to buy specific items to finish the look, Mr Huxley adds, whereas an amateur might seek to create a complete look, working with limited skills and a budget.
Mr Huxley also recommends asking plenty of questions and that you should “get excited and share in the fun with your customers”.
“Most makeup that’s used to create Halloween looks can be useful throughout the year in a regular beauty setting,” he said. “It’s not all blood and guts.”
Preparation is key
Skin prep is always essential when applying makeup. However, it’s especially important to ask your clients whether they have any allergies when it comes to costume makeup, says Mr Huxley.
“Some ingredients, such as liquid latex and other adhesives, are used for their special-effect qualities during Halloween,” he said. “When in doubt, always consult with a professional and read the application instructions.”
Post-makeup skincare
As much as we may love our Halloween look, it’s not something we want to be wearing the morning after. So, what’s the best way to remove heavy costume makeup?
“I love using an oil base makeup remover to help emulsify heavy makeup,” Mr Huxley said. “I always double cleanse. Some of my favourite cleansers are from La Roche-Posay. There are so many incredible brands that offer beautiful cleansing solutions.”
From a sales perspective, it’s essential that you get to know your client to help them make the best choice for their skin.
Mr Huxley again recommends asking “lots of questions” and finding out what the customer is currently using or what they’re looking to achieve, before suggesting a skin care system.
“You don’t need to be a dermatologist to help a customer navigate the pharmacy and find what actually suits their needs,” he said. “Of course, we love our ‘derms’, so when in doubt, always refer your customers to a doctor or the senior pharmacist.”
Inspiration
There’s no shortage of Halloween inspiration to be found online. For this Mr Huxley recommends checking out the @huxleyschoolofmakeup Instagram, Facebook and TikTok sites.
“There are also resources on our website for creating Halloween looks,” he said.
For those wanting to take the next step in creativity, he points to Huxley School of Makeup’s wide variety of courses and workshops.
“Up-skilling with makeup artistry is a great way to open new career doors and explore your creativity,” Mr Huxley said. “Whether you’re keen to become a professional makeup artist or just to learn how to flawlessly slay a Halloween look on yourself, the Huxley School of Makeup has a program for you.”
Learn the art of creativity
Mr Huxley’s career has taken him around the world and allowed him the opportunity to work with some of the largest brands in the world, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Mercedes-Benz, and countless others.
He founded Huxley School of Makeup 10 years ago, since when the school’s students have gone on to work in all makeup artistry fields, including film, TV, fashion, cosmetics, bridal, drag, theatre, and more. They’ve been employed on productions such as Baz Luhrmann’s epic bio flick, Elvis, and fashion campaigns in Africa.
Mr Huxley is a five-time winner of the <itals>Business News Australia<itals> Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Arts & Culture category. The school is now ranked in the Top 10 makeup schools in the world by Google and has taken out several high-profile industry awards.
“The Huxley School of Makeup is more than a makeup school – it’s an experience,” he said.
For information regarding workshops, group classes, corporate events, production, or nationally accredited courses, contact amy@huxleyschoolofmakeup.com or visit huxleyschoolofmakeup.com.
This feature was originally published in the October issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine.
