Mia Connor, a former ABIA Makeup Artist of the Year, will be demonstrating her signature look – the wing shadow eye – at Beauty Expo Melbourne.
In the interim we sat down and asked her a few questions about her career, favourite beauty products, and the look that has helped her gain over 90,000 Instagram followers.
Can you tell us about your beginnings in the industry?
About 15 years ago I did my first makeup course just to learn how to do my own makeup – I was always quite artistic growing up so I guess this was my outlet for that. I didn’t have any intention of becoming a makeup artist, yet here I am!
Was there a ‘wow’ moment that you can pinpoint where you knew your career had changed?
About four years ago when I started being asked by other artists to run masterclasses and teach them my style of makeup. I had attended other artists’ masterclasses but never dreamed I would be running my own.
Can you identify any trends that you predict will be huge in makeup and beauty for 2018?
Much softer, fluffier brows – unkempt and natural.
What do you think is the hardest thing about being a makeup artist?
Cleaning makeup brushes – haha. But seriously, it would probably be the need to be very good at reading people, what they want and making sure you are on the same page.
What do you love about your job?
I love being creative and making people feel good about themselves. I love, love, love teaching people and sharing my knowledge, especially when I see that light bulb moment of “I get it”. I love seeing slight accents of my style in other artists’ work that I’ve taught.
What is your proudest career moment?
Winning ABIA’s makeup artist of the year in 2015 and doing my first tradeshow on centre stage – public speaking has never been a strong point so it’s almost laughable I do this as a job now!
Do you have any favourite products that you use religiously?
MODELROCK individual lashes
Glow by Becca Cosmetics using Champagne Pop Pressed
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser
Erin Bigg Cosmetics Cream Liner in Onyx
Poni Cosmetics Brow Magic
Do you have a ‘dream client’ whose makeup you’d like to do?
I’m obsessed with Elsa Hosk and Emily Ratajkowski at the moment and would LOVE to have them in my chair.
You have a very impressive Instagram account with more than 90k followers – do you have any top tips for keeping your social media accounts relevant?
It’s quality over quantity so make sure content is the best it can be. Post regularly during peak times – I like Sunday evenings the best.
At Beauty Expo Melbourne, you’ll be teaching your signature ‘Wing Shadow’ look – why do you think this is an important technique for makeup artists to learn?
It’s a clever technique to alter any eye shape to be more elongated and lengthened. It looks much more difficult to achieve that it actually is and is a great eye look for a time-poor makeup artist.
You’ll also be holding an intimate Q+A session at Beauty Expo Melbourne – what is it that you’d like makeup artists to feel they can ask you?
Absolutely anything at all, from product knowledge to techniques, to marketing and social media. The more questions the better – I will put the kettle on. Haha.