Words: Samantha Harman
The Discover team were lucky enough to experience a makeup lesson with Jacqui McElroy, owner of Brighton Makeup School, who offers one-to-one and group sessions.
With 22-years experience in the business, starting in Hong Kong, Dubai, Ibiza and London, Jacqui certainly knows a thing or two about how to paint faces. During her early years she assisted Charlotte Tilbury and her client list is impressive and reads like a who’s who of stars.
The MUA went on the UK and European tour of The Pussycat Dolls, (she wouldn’t gossip – we asked!) has worked with footballing megastar Christiano Ronaldo and Welsh icon Sir Tom Jones, to name a few. She has also worked on some high-end ad campaigns including Coca Cola, and Mixmag shoots in Ibiza making up the models’ faces – so it was safe to say we were in good hands and also slightly jelly of her amazing adventures…
First in the chair was Lynnie, our sales manager, who by her own admission has never really bothered with makeup, not knowing what shades to use or how to apply it. She wanted a natural look as she isn’t keen on feeling ‘caked’ in products. Jacqui understood the assignment and used a light foundation and concealer to hide any dark circles. The overall effect was soft, glowy and youthful. A liner and copper colour was used to bring out the vivid blue of Lynnie’s eyes to great effect and a small amount of blush and a lip product used that was like a gloss/lipstick hybrid. The finished result was stunning. (As seen)
Next up was Serena, who having recently returned from a sunshine holiday, had a mismatched skin tone between her face and decolletage. Jacqui evened this up so her face matched, giving a glowy, soft appearance. The makeover was literally just to enhance what Serena already has and the result was both subtle and elevating. A skin diagnosis was also given for moisturing products, from one of the high-end products favoured by our MUA.
Both of the Discover ladies absolutely loved the experience and left armed with a list of products used with a good idea on how to recreate the look themselves. These classes are perfect for small groups of any ages – from young females wanting a dramatic Prom look, Hen and birthday parties getting ready for their big night on the town to older women who may have lost their makeup mojo. The lessons would also make a wonderful gift.
Jacqui is an incredibly warm and interesting person who made us all feel very welcome and relaxed. We cannot recommend her enough, make sure you get yourselves booked in for an afternoon of fun and pampering!
