Amanda Greaves

Model: Gaia Cauchi Photography: Gary Bugeja Make-up: Amanda Greaves for make-up campaign-revolution

Model: Floret Photography: Matthew B. Spiteri Make-up: Amanda Greaves for make-up Polisart

What do you love most about makeup?

I love everything about it, I love the reaction when a client is finished, the confidence it gives. I love the before and after, but what I love the most is that I can express myself with it, it is the only time I can get lost in a different world and there are no questions asked.

How would you describe your signature look?

I love clean looks, I love the skin looking healthy and not overdone or caked up. I always aim for glowing skin as after all makeup is there to enhance. My mantra is always less is more!

Everyone can look like an artist, with the proper self-care.

What is beauty for you?

For me, beauty comes from within, it means feeling comfortable in your own skin and appreciating your imperfections and feeling good about yourself, whether it is because of makeup or nice clothes or exercising, it is having confidence in yourself.

Does everyone look better with makeup?

When applied correctly yes, I think the right amount of makeup makes everyone look prettier and more confident.

To what extent do you feel that with some effort people may look like artists?

Everyone can look like an artist, with the proper self-care. That is one thing that I always tell my clients: take care of your skin. A good skin care is so important as without it, your skin will look tired and dehydrated and will show even with makeup on. Proper grooming is important too, get your hair done, spoil yourself with a weekly blowdry, get your nails manicured, eyebrows tinted. It is the small details and self-love that makes us look exquisite.

American makeup artist, entrepreneur, and voice actress, Michelle Phan once noted that, "makeup is not a mask that covers up your beauty; it's a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside." To what extent do you agree?

Well I completely agree, makeup can be very expressive. Let's face it, when a woman feels confident she will dare to wear a red lipstick, but when she is not feeling herself she might opt for something more subtle. If you look closely at individuals makeup can describe them. In fact when I am doing a client, I like to converse with them so I get know what type of person they are, whether she is confident in her own skin or whether she is a bit reserved. That way I can adapt the look and make the client feel confident with the final result.

Models left to right: Roxanne, Gabriela G @models M and Hannah @ supernovamodels Photography: Matthew B. Spiteri Make-up: Amanda Greaves for Mvintage

Beauty Instagram profiles have become a major influence to the beauty industry. What are the pros and cons of such trend?

Well, I must admit I love some of the trends and loathe others. Instagram makeup is heavy. Do you imagine yourself going out with a look that takes 3 hours to achieve? Or do you think that the baking method is good for editorial shoots? Or being a bride with heavy looking makeup? I myself sometimes create Instagram looks but literally to just take a photo, post and remove it. For every day, some looks are just not doable. I follow a lot of beauty instagrammers but only let fellow makeup artist influence me.

Any makeup tips for the autumn season?

Well, this autumn's trend is with a main focus on the eyebrows. Let them be wild, ungroomed, as feathered brows are the hottest thing right now! If you love eyeshadow, go for nice warm shades, with hint of oranges and warm browns. If you are an eyeliner person this is your time go ahead do a double wing. Skin should look healthy, glowing and rosy and gloss is back on ladies and gentlemen who want their lips to look hydrated.

What advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and career as makeup artists?

It’s all about heart and passion! Mixed with ambition and the will to succeed. Your education doesn’t stop at the end of your course. You’ll learn the technical aspects of your profession in school, but you’ll refine your skills in your day-to-day work with clients. So get out there, practise. Keep up with trends, stay focused, believe in your techniques, create new ones. And most importantly no matter how far you go, never forget where you started!

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

INTERVIEW WITH Clayton BALZAN

Before you see the covers, editorials, and advertisements comes the artists that curate them including the hairdressers. Clayton Balzan is one of these artists. He is considered by many as a true talent and one of the major exponents of the local hairdressing industry. He first discovered his passion for hair as a teen and since then has come a long way having worked with some of the most well-known names on the island. Atelier caught up with

Clayton to talk about what attracted him to the world of hairdressing, what makes hairdressing such an exciting profession, and his role as vice president of the Hair & Beauty Federation, Malta.

How did it all start?

Fashion was always an area I was keen on. I fondly followed fashion related TV programmes and that further instilled in me an interest to know more about the sector and a want to pursue a career in fashion. However, it all started when I was twelve years old. I attended several after school private classes until I finished secondary school when I started working and followed a City and Guild Diploma to specialise further in hairdressing.

What makes the hairdressing industry such an exciting world to work in?

I absolutely love everything about my job! In fact, I don’t consider my craft a job, I think of it as a privilege. I’m extremely fortunate and blessed to be able to do what I love every day. When it comes to untamed creativity and personal fulfilment, hardly any profession in this world compares to hairdressing. Each day is filled with new challenges and clients who genuinely appreciate your work. You are, after all, the one who makes them look and feel wonderful!