Kate Conkey is recognized as one of Ireland's foremost make-up artists with a portfolio that encompasses almost a decade of editorial, commercial and private work in Europe and the United States. She has trained with some of the world's most influential make-up artists including Laura Mercier and Louise Constad, and has worked for international cosmetics house, Christian Dior.
Q Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you if are a self taught makeup artist?
A I am self taught by several make-up artists. I started as a model and really paid attention to what the good makeup artist used their techniques, how they felt when they worked on you. I assisted for free, worked a good deal for free, and finally got my break with Morgan the Agency. Rebecca took me on board 9 years ago and I have not looked back. But I never stop training and learning. There is always something new to try when it comes to makeup.
Q Did you always want to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance? Who or what inspired you to become a makeup artist?
A Modeling led me to makeup. It was an unexpected path in my journey. The makeup was always the most interesting part of a job for me. Soon enough, I realized modeling was not it, but the makeup was.
Q What is your favorite low cost beauty product or range?
A Max Factor makeup
Q Is there any real benefit in buying expensive products over the cheap equivalent?
A honestly feel that with today’s technology, high street brands often rival the expensive equivalent. When it comes to colour selection in foundations and powders, the expensive companies tend to fair better as they make many shades to suit nearly all skin tones, depending on the brand. And there might be a specialty item that only the top beauty houses create. But after that, it is down to preparation and application more than the expense of the makeup itself
Q What’s your favorite budget beauty buy?
A Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara. I love it.
Q What is a really quick inexpensive way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
A Black eyeliner smudged to the upper and lower lash line. Another coat of mascara, sheen or shimmer applied to upper cheekbones and to center of eyelids, lip color – either gloss or something really dramatic. That routine should take 5 or 10 minutes max .
Q How about the mineral makeup trend? Are these products better or easier to use than standard sponge or finger application? If yes when would you recommend using them?
A Mineral makeup is very beautiful on the skin, but no better than several of the liquid and compact foundation formulas that are on the market today. With Mineral makeup the colour payoff is intense, and it is light reflective, which will always enhance the look of the complexion. I like to buff mineral foundation in with a chubby Kabuki style brush, or dust it delicately with a large, fluffy brush over a sheer foundation.
Q What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?
A New people, new setting, colour use, playing with textures and products, making women feel beautiful, collaborating with creative people in fashion to create a bit of fantasy. I love my job and I cannot believe I get paid to have so much fun.
Q What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?
A Cleanse gently and wear SPF moisturizer everyday, no matter the weather. Always remove your makeup at night, no excuses. I keep a pack of Olay wet cleansing wipes next to my bed for those late nights where you just fall into bed. I wipe my face clean while falling asleep.
Q What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with makeup? What’s the worst thing a woman can do to her skin?
A Wrong colour (too dark or too light), too heavy, too much eye makeup on older women, poorly shaped brows. Skin hygiene is critical – a simple cleaning and moisturizing routine is so essential. Eating a really good diet 95% of the time also makes a difference.
Q What are the differences between applying make-up on models and on real women?
A Models are real women too, let us not forget. In the context of the fact that a model’s job is to look perfect in some way, a makeup artist can do nearly anything and it tends to look good, or cool, or even ugly but somehow wearable. With real women, you have to asses their best features and work beauty magic from there. It tends to be much more corrective that artistic.
Q What brand/type of concealer is your favorite for covering up the after effects of a late night out i.e. under-eye circles, blemishes?
A I like Max Factor Pan Stik makeup for under the eyes. The pink based shades help counteract the grayish purple shadows. Blemishes tend to look better when concealed with a yellow based concealer. I like to use a specific concealer designed to cover tattoos. It hides everything.
Q Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?
A Trust in the journey and trust your gut instinct. Life always gives you exactly what you need. It is never a mistake.
Q What tips and advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists just starting out?
A Work hard, assist for free, take a degree makeup course, learn hair basics, be on time, be incredibly persistent, look well groomed instead of overdone (the makeup artist is not the star), practice good hygiene always, make your client feel special and looked after.
In conversation with Georgina Heffernan.
