9 minute read
ABIA 2023 BRIDAL/FORMAL MAKE UP ARTIST OF THE YEAR Pearlin McCarthy
By Chereine Waddell
In a triumphant moment for the beauty industry, Carramar-based makeup artist Pearlin McCarthy has clinched the prestigious title of Formal/Bridal Makeup Artist of the Year at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards.
Her journey, marked by dedication and artistry, has now elevated her to the pinnacle of national acclaim. In an exclusive interview, we explore Pearlin’s remarkable career trajectory, her distinctive approach to bridal and formal makeup, and the insights she shares on staying ahead in this dynamic industry.
Congratulations! How does it feel to receive this recognition from the beauty industry?
Thank you so much - it’s still so surreal. It’s funny as I looked at this award years and years ago when I first came to Sydney in 2017 to support other WA makeup artists at the ABIA Awards that had entered and thought - WOW, they must be so amazing to be a finalist and to actually win that would be one of the pinnacles of success.
I never thought it could ever be me. It wasn’t until 2019 when I had the opportunity to present the award on behalf of a WA sponsor that I had a really good look at the trophy in person and I thought to myself - I WANT ONE OF THESE!! So, I tried entering in 2021 and 3 years and 3rd attempt later - here we are! I have a trophy of my own with my name on it!
Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to specialise in bridal and formal makeup artistry?
My journey into the beauty industry was an unexpected yet transformative evolution. Raised with an emphasis on a university degree by my Singaporean parents, I initially pursued computer science but found myself yearning for creativity.
A compromise led me to Graphic Design during my university years, and my introduction to makeup occurred through my mother’s encouragement to join a Nutrimetics Party. Becoming a consultant allowed me to delve into makeup artistry, prompting me to acquire my Certificate 2 in make-up.
Amidst the complexities of life, including marriage and motherhood, I navigated a challenging career path, working as a graphic designer, engaging in sales, and eventually finding solace and passion in makeup. Facing financial hardships, I embraced the hustle, offering makeup services alongside various freelance gigs.
This journey, marked by perseverance and dedication, eventually blossomed into a thriving business, with Bridal and Formal makeup emerging as my specialty. My journey expanded to include hairstyling, adding another layer to my services and fast forward to today, where I find immense satisfaction in my work, especially when my clients feel truly beautiful on their special days.
What is your signature style?
I don’t really have just one style and am versatile in all skin types/colours. I have spent a lot of time and energy making sure that what I provide is all inclusive of a wide variety of skin colours. My strengths lies in creating looks that suit the individual person rather than it be a cookie cutter look. I pride myself in being able to create natural as well as glam looks so I guess my signature style is in fact versatility.
How have you worked with clients, photographers, and other professionals to create stunning bridal and formal looks?
Collaboration is crucial. During wedding off peak season, I like to tee up colabs with other creatives to create looks that I think future brides and clients would appeal to. I think this is also super important as it helps me to refine looks and work on any new skills and styles.
Definitely skin prep and skin care is one of the most crucial steps of enabling makeup to stay looking flawless all day. Determining what type of skin my client has as well as how their skin reacts and develops throughout the day is also super important.
I like to make sure I ask plenty of questions to determine this, such as what type of products and foundations do they currently use, how does it wear all day, do they find their skin going oily throughout the day etc. This then helps me choose what type of foundations to use and whether blotting and powdering touchups later are required.
My favourite go to foundation currently is Nars Light reflecting for that soft dewy look and a combination of Estee Lauder and Nars Natural Radiant Longwear for a more matte finish. I also love to mix Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter into my foundation application to create a gorgeous glow.
How do you approach customisation to ensure your clients look and feel their best on their special day?
I encourage all my clients to create either a mood board of images that they can send to me or show me at their appointment. I like to go through each image they have and ask them what it is about that image that they like, so it’s clear to me what they are expecting. Then from there, along with asking the right questions about their normal and going out makeup routine, I can create the look they want. Getting to know what they expect, as well as what they are used to, is key to making sure I’m on the right track.
I like to check each step along the way, to make sure that I am also heading in the right track. It’s easier to rectify things along the way then overwhelm them at the end especially if makeup isn’t something they are normally comfortable wearing.
How do you leverage social and online platforms to showcase your work and connect with clients?
I think the biggest thing about social media is to showcase not only your work but you as a person consistently. I like to not only show what I’ve been creating for my clients but also what I do day to day as a makeup artist and as a mum and wife.
I try to post on my feed as often as I can, but juggling mum life and work life is hard when both are so full on constantly. Stories for me are the fastest and easiest way for me to engage and stay constant. I also like to put out polls from time to time in my stories as it helps me engage with those that are watching my stories and its gives me an idea of what they are thinking too which is useful.
Reels are also a huge drawcard for the beauty industry as this fast-paced industry means people are absorbing information fast. So catchy and quick reels are what I feel are the best way to convey my work on social media when I do post on my feed.
How do you stay up to date with the latest bridal and formal makeup trends, and how do you incorporate them into your work?
A lot of makeup trends are on social media platforms, so I spend a lot of time checking out what is trending and what is popular. Any looks that I love I either save so I can incorporate that into a client look or if I am unfamiliar with a technique, I use it for inspo for my next collab so I can practice the look.
I’m also a huge fan of education so I follow artists that inspire me and if they ever host a masterclass, I make sure I try to attend. I’m no stranger to flying to different cities to make sure that happens as education is key to keeping up to date and on trend.
What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists looking to excel in the bridal and formal industry and possibly eager to earn recognition like the ABIA award?
My biggest advice is education, practice and putting yourself out there. You need to invest time and money in yourself in order to excel and you need to also put yourself in situations that encourages you to grow even though it may feel uncomfortable at the time. I started out entering local makeup competitions in Perth, then travelling interstate to Sydney for the Live Competitions and then I leapt into entering the ABIA awards.
It was scary and I had to deal with the fear of not being good enough and being “judged” but it was through all these avenues that gave me the drive to be a better artist, to learn from constructive criticism from the judges on where I can improve, and to be humble as you’re never too good to learn or be better.
What are your future goals and aspirations within the industry?
Firstly, I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years and as much as I love being an artist and being on the tools, I don’t want to be 50 (which is only 7.5 years away too - Help!!) and doing the heavy, long hours and mostly weekend work I’ve been doing. My future goals are to hopefully create some sort of educational avenue so I can still do what I love but also try and share it in some way and scale down my hours.
By winning awards like this, it gives me and my business so much credibility which is a great steppingstone in creating more publicity so that I can reach a wider audience, something an online education experience for my business will benefit from.
Secondly, my love of art also brings me joy, so I’m wondering, as a few of my fellow artists has suggested, that I should enter the other makeup category of ABIA which is Fashion Editorial and maybe sometime in the future, I will also have a gorgeous trophy for that category too! Here’s hoping!
