Nikki Lovrich is one of the most well-known make-up artists in New Zealand, with over 25 years experience in the fashion, beauty & film industry. Her work involves Makeup & Hair for top fashion & bridal magazines, as well as TV commercials, advertising campaigns and fashion shows. We stole five minutes with Nikki to see how she started in the industry, her ups and downs and what make-up trends she predicts for season ahead…
When did you know you wanted to be a make-up artist?
I come from a very artistic family and as a child I was an excellent artist, constantly drawing and painting faces of glamorous 1970's style girls. I was constantly inspired by my stunning hairdresser mum, who was never without false lashes and a fabulous hair-do, along with amazing outfits that she would make herself.
My style icon of that era was Cher and I would watch her show every Saturday night, then carefully replicate her dramatic make-up using my mums extensive Mary Quant collection. At twelve years old my blending was perfect and I had a natural instinct for make-up and hair. Needless to say my career path was formed very early!
What was your first big opportunity?
When I left school I went to fashion design college and worked part time in top a model agency as a booker which is where I got my start in the industry. After completing a modelling course I showed such a natural talent for make-up that I ended up working in the training rooms teaching make-up classes, which is where I perfected my craft.
One of the girls I was teaching was the fashion editor at More Magazine (huge back in the 80’s!) and she spotted my skills and starting booking me as a make-up artist on fashion shoots. I put together my working make-up kit in my mums’ leather Samonite travel case and headed to my first big job which was a magazine cover and editorial with a fluro fashion theme. I still remember the thrill of seeing my work on the news stand next to the latest Vogue...
There were only a handful of freelance make-up artists in those days, so my work picked up very quickly. Before I knew it was jetting to the Islands on a location shoot and getting to shoot with all the top photograpers.
What are the best/worst parts of your job as a make-up artist
When I look back at my three decades in the make-up business I can see very little negative. Because I have worked at such a high level for so many years, I have always had an incredible variety of jobs which means I never get tired of what I do. Every week is different & I still love the transformative art of make-up as much today as I did in the beginning. My job now entails so much more than just makeup as I do wardrobe styling on just about every shoot I work on which involves lots of preproduction. I also have my beauty writing, public speaking & a bit of TV work too, as it’s nice to have the variety.
I think the best part about being a make-up artist is having the ability to make people not only look good, but feel transformed. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the simple art of make-up can literally turn someone lacking in confidence into a new woman.
What advice would you give to aspiring make-up artists?
The phenomenon of the You-Tube tutorial has meant that young girls are getting better & better at doing their own make-up, needless to say budding young makeup artists have a lot of competition! However you need more than just the ability to apply makeup. Good makeup artists need to be able to interpret a face and know exactly what will suit that person. Not every client is a super model either so the job can be challenging to say the least.
If you feel that make-up is your passion, then dedicate yourself to the craft and become as good as you possibly can. Get out there and get noticed and the rest will follow... And remember - practice makes perfect. It takes many years to perfect the classic liquid eyeliner flick and precise red lip.
Where do you see the trends going for Autumn/Winter 17
Dramatic make-up is back for next winter. We have seen so many incredible metallics on the runway recently, with flashes of intense golds and coppers making a comeback. A sculpted cheek and strong rich lip is also a hot look for next season, as well as graphic eye liner. The classic smoky eyes never go out of fashion, but you can play them up next winter with a hit of sparkle across the lid for added glamour.
What is "out" for Autumn?
Full coverage foundation paired with strong contouring has been the trend for a while now, but a more natural looking skin is definitely becoming more desirable, with highlighting taking over from sculpting. Lots of the celebrities have been embracing a ‘No Make-up’ look of late and I can see that trend growing.
In my work I always create the perfect canvas by using a light liquid foundation combined with a dusting of pure mineral powder - this is so much more flattering than a mask of heavy foundation. My favourite make-up look combines a dewy complexion with sexy 60’s style liquid liner and arched brows, rosy cheeks with a touch of highlighter and a nude glossy lip.
