... Lipstick, Powder & Body Paint: Charles Fox Makeup Marathon Weekend

For the last couple of years the Charles Fox team have held Master classes at the Royal Opera House. Charles Fox Ltd is owned by the Makeup Brand Kryolan and they have always played a part in my role as a makeup artist from training to working in makeup to putting student kits together. They offer the staples that everyone should have in their kits.

I have known Vicky who heads the team at Charles Fox for many years, like her mum Ann she is a big part of Charles Fox and they head up such an amazing team of hard working creatives. I go into Charles Fox quite often for work, Sarah and Irene are always so helpful and friendly and always find what I need. Its a family run business and that is evident in the way the shop runs, really friendly and welcoming.
When Paul Merchant joined the team a few years ago he wanted to bring in new ideas and promotions and this is where the idea for doing a Masterclass weekend at the Royal Opera House came about. Its a great weekend, seeing a range of demonstrations and talks by fellow creatives in all walks of the makeup industry. It also gives you an opportunity to catch up with fellow peers and learn about new products available at Charles Fox.

Special Effects demo by the very talented

Stuart Bray

I have attended these events for the last 3 years, the first being held to celebrate over 135 years of Charles Fox in Covent Garden. The Royal Opera House is such a prestigious and beautiful building. Hosting seminars in there is a dream as there is such an amazing atmosphere due to the Opera and Ballet studios, photographs hanging in the corridors displaying the legends of the past. It is an exciting place to host these seminars. When I was training in Makeup I was lucky enough to undertake work placements at the Opera House under Ron Freeman who was a legend in his time, held high standards and disciplines and I learnt a great deal from him.

This weekend was so interesting with demonstrations by Gary Cockerill showing us what he is known for, making women look beautiful.

Work photographed above by Gervasio Larrivey, a makeup artist from Argentina known for his use of theatre themed makeup

Body Painting above by the lovely and enchanting Mona Turnball.

The day also featured prosthetic applications by Stewart Bray, makeup by Carol Brown and Amber Sibley talking about heading the team for the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

I really enjoyed the above photographs of demonstrations by Jo Sugar using her airbrush in a creative way. Airbrushing and paint effects by Jo Sugar, was a real pleasure to watch her work.