5 MINUTES WITH ILLAMASQUAS AMBASSADOR FRANCES CUTRI

Illamasqua recently announced that Frances Cutri was to be the Australian Brand Ambassador. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to ask the talented make up artist a few questions about all things beauty and here is what she had to say!

How did you career in the beauty world begin? And any tips for those wanting to become a make up artist?

My Career in the makeup world begin by actually being a hairdresser first, I started doing makeup at the same time and discovered that was where my passion was. I applied for a casual position for a cosmetics brand in Myer and with hard work and dedication I have the position I have today doing everything I ever dreamed of.

My advise would be to start with trying to get a position in retail makeup as it gives you the best practice as you do so many different faces everyday. Some of the best makeup artists are self taught, its not always about doing the most expensive courses.

Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?

To be honest I get inspired all the time by so many different things, I change my own personal style because of it. Some of the main people would be Alex Box (Illamasqua's creative director), Sydney's diverse style of people, I love 90's fashion models and constantly look up editorials from the 90's for inspiration, My best friend and very talented Makeup artist Mikele Simone (Illamasqua Australian brand manger).

What is the best piece of beauty advice you've been given?

Always clean your skin very well and keep it hydrated. A flawless makeup always starts with a perfect canvas.

Illamasqua have some beautiful products. What are your top 3 picks and why?

Illamasqua's Hydra Veil- it instantly perfects dehydrated skin and boosts the skin with lots of hydration giving you a smooth and flawless canvas to apply foundation.

Illamasqua's Skin Base Foundation- Cant live without this! I am a lover of perfecting skin and this is the only foundation I have used that does exactly that to any skin type effortlessly! It also keeps your skin hydrated and doesn't clog my pours.

Illamasqua Lipsticks- I always have to have some colour on my lips! I love Illamasqua's lipsticks because they are strong, true to colour and stay on. I love using them as a cheek stain when I need a little blush on the go.

How would you describe your signature look?

My signature look would have to be a warm smokey eye, I love any shade of warm eyeshadow from red to chocolate brown! I always contour my face with bronzer and love a great highlight. I like my foundation to look natural never thick and I wear all shades of lipstick. I guess I like to describe my overall style as polished with an edge.

Mastering liquid liner can be tough - any tips for achieving the perfect flick? 

Illamasqua's Precision ink liner makes doing a liner flick extremely easy! The fine tipped brush allows you to great the most precise line. 

What are the staple products you think all women should have on hand?

Two great lipstick shades that take you from day to night, a bronzer and Illamasqua's Gleam in Aurora it is a cream highlighter that is perfect to refresh your makeup and add extra glow for night time.

Lastly, AW14 is finally here - what are your favourite make up trends for the cooler months? 

My favourite makeup trend for AW14 is a smokey eye and nude lip! I predict we will being seeing a lot of this in the coming months!

What are you favourite Illamasqua products?

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN

Make sure you head over and enter my latest international giveaway for your chance to win your choice of a YSL Rouge Volupte 

*product provided for consideration - honesty as always!