MAKEUP ARTIST AMANDA BELL
Makeup Artist Amanda Bell
Amanda Bell is an incredible makeup artist with more than 20 years of experience. She has also worked as a beauty writer and award-winning product designer. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Grazia, Stella, Tatler, Glamour, Elle, iD magazine, Red Magazine, KULT, Nuit Magazine, The Times, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal. She worked also with many influential brands like NARS, Chantecaille, Becca, Kiehl’s, Pixi, Laura Mercier, Lancome, Sisley, and Shu Uemura.
When did you know, you wanted to be a makeup artist?
I was always obsessed with magazines and makeup (even as a small child) I would memorize the names of the photographers/models /make up artists/designers and films were always such an inspiration: Blade runner/Paris Texas and Vintage Hollywood. But it wasn’t until I was about 19 years old and studying art that I really had a sense of my love for makeup becoming a career.
Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
Makeup artist s: Way Bandy, Serge Lutens, Topolino, Pat Mcgrath, Val Garland and of course my friend Yasmin Heinz.
But photographers like Helmut Newton, Paolo Roversi, Bruce Weber, Tim Walker and Annie Liebovitz for her Vanity Fair Portraits…like X rays into the soul.
How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?
I have been in the industry for 23 years and I started assisting immediately, I have freelanced and have also balanced that with working with product development and also working directly with brands as well as teaching make up artistry in London at the renowned The Session School.
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
I have a very painterly approach to skin, even if it looks bare, I will have prepped the skin and created a flawless base that looks like perfect skin. I love viewing the face as the ultimate 3-dimensional canvas., I frequently custom blend and mix products like an alchemist to get the perfect look/finish so each look is unique.
What’s your favorite makeup product?
Please can I have 2…1 is an oil, I am fastidious about skin prep as the secret to great make up and I use the Rose oil from Pixi on literally every person in my make up chair- I use it neat to hydrate the skin/mix it in with foundation for extra radiance and sheer concealer out with it. Rose Blend Oil.
Make up wise it is an eye pencil that is Vegan but has a pro finish, I smudge it out across the lid for a slightly lived-in cream eye shadow, I apply it to the lash line and blend it out or I apply it with a liner brush for a precision liner…Endless Silky Eye Pencil
What does beauty mean to you?
It is so far reaching and can be found everywhere…in nature…in art..…in perfect and imperfect faces, in acts of kindness and in the soul. Beauty is something that can be perceived as shallow but beauty is personal to all of us and can be so moving.
Which are the colors for this season?
Metallic Smokey eyes have depth and lustre. Glowy Flawless skin that has flattering lit by candlelight effect and for lips instead of full-on Berry shades a little more interesting rich/deep vintage inspired Rose shades on cheeks as well as lips and beautiful nudes like an enhanced lips color…think young Bardot.
Which are the must make-ups every woman should have in the makeup bag?
Eyelash curlers (I like the Kevyn Aucoin), Lip Balm- a natural one that you can use through the brows/as a subtle highlighter/gloss on the lid & of course nourishment for the lips. Clean q tips, organic hand sanitizer (I like Aesop), blotting papers, your preferred statement lipstick…mine is a red-red lipstick and an eye pencil, so that you can take a simple day time look to a beautiful intense look with 2 products.
Tell us about Pixi Beauty
Pixi was founded by a Swedish makeup artist Petra Strand 18 years ago…she wanted to create products makeup & Skincare packed with botanical extracts that treated and nourished the skin. That was multi-purpose to create a flawless look but easy to use…inspiring for the makeup artist and customer alike.
How did you come across with Pixi Beauty
I met Petra about 23 years ago in London before Pixi existed and I loved the approach and attention to detail she had as a makeup artist. She impressed me so much that I knew Pixi was going to be fantastic!
What do you like the most about Pixi Beauty
Because of Petra the ethos of the brand has not changed or deviated from the original message, it is cruelty-free yet pro-quality with beautiful shades that gently enhance yet there is always amazing pops of color too.
To know more about Amanda, please visit: Amanda Bell
