Jemma Kidd has fashioned herself a little beauty empire with her interest in makeup being sparked when she was working as a model. While taking a course with a professional school of make-up in London, she became Mary Greenwell’s no.1 assistant for five years, helping her in show in Paris, Milan and London.Jemma was signed by the makeup giant Max Factor in 2000 for a three year contract as their UK spokesperson. In 2004 Jemma was signed up as the UK Spokesperson and makeup artist for Rimmel London as well as representing Stilla in the USA as their Pro-professional.
And now Jemma also has her own school of make-up in London where she teaches her students how to become makeup artist and we got five minutes with Jemma to find out a bit more about her.
1.How did you get started as a makeup artist?
I grew up around the industry because of my younger sister Jodie’s modelling career. I had always been creative and felt ‘at home’ backstage at fashion shows – the creativity, the vibe, the buzz, the people, I just loved it!
2.How did your makeup school come about?
It was an idea that came to me after an Indian girl flew over from Deli to be taught by me for a week so that she could work in Bollywood. When I was a session make-up artist I used to get inundated with requests from friends to do their make-up and constantly got asked by mothers to show their daughters how to apply make-up. I realised millions of women wear make-up, but very few of them have been taught how to apply it. I felt there was a need for a place where women could come and learn about make-up without the pressure to buy.
3.Any trips planned to Australia?
Yes, hopefully next year! I love meeting our Australian customers, they are always so open to experimenting with colour and trying new looks.
4.Is there anything new and exciting coming up for JK in 2011?
Absolutely! I’m extremely excited about the new collection for spring/summer, it’s inspired by the seventies revival on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs and Badgley Mischka, glitter accented eyes, blush applied high on the cheekbones and vibrant gloss-slicked lips. The collection includes travel-friendly eye and lip kits, gorgeous blush palettes and uber glamorous shadow dust duos to take you effortlessly from day to night.
5.What’s your best beauty tip?
Women often use make-up as a mask but the key thing to remember is less is more. Use make-up to accentuate all your best features, not as something to hide behind.
6.What is your favourite product from your range?
I love all the products from my range, I spent months developing each and every shade and formulation to make sure they were perfect so it’s difficult to choose just one! I’m always stocked up on the Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer, it gives you and instant healthy glow and has a real cult following.
7.What are your favourite things you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t get much spare time at the moment; with one year old twins and two Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies, my life is very full! I love horse riding and compete in dressage. I also own show jumpers with my husband – going to shows to see them jump is really fun!
8.Which celebs love your products & what products do they love?
There are many celeb fans … the most recent is Dannii Minogue who is a fan of the JK Jemma Kidd Show Stopper Year-Round Body Glow – a lightweight body make-up which provides instant colour and a natural healthy glow. It’s so versatile, I’ve even heard that Enrique Iglesias uses it!
9.Do you have a favourite place you love to travel to?
Barbados is very close to my heart as I grew up there and it’s where my mother and sister live. I love Italy for its food and beauty, Africa for its wildness, big skies and of course the animals.
10.What do you love best about being Jemma Kidd?
I love seeing women’s reactions after I’ve done their make-up; it can give them a confidence they never knew they had. I also enjoy the perks of the job, like all the amazing new products I get sent to try out!
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