If you’re a beauty fanatic then the thought of being a full-time make-up artist (or having one as a best friend) is probably pretty high on your dream job list. But for the talented Elsa Morgan, she gets to live out her dream every day as the Australian Make-up Director for L’Oréal Paris.
Sydney-born Elsa started her career in Los Angeles, practising and perfecting her art until she made the move to Paris, working with some of the world’s best professionals and across a range of publications such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s BAZAAR and marie clare. Now, Australia is lucky to have Elsa back working in Sydney alongside L’Oréal Paris, creating the latest looks and providing us with an insight into everything the make-up world has to offer.
Elsa is currently elbow-deep in make-up brushes, preparing for the upcoming Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF); but luckily for us she was able to take some time out to talk through the latest trends, her top beauty tips and must-have make-up products.
bh: It’s a pretty incredible job putting together all the make-up looks for the VMAFF runway. Is there a specific ‘stand out’ make-up trend for next season?
EM: Yes, the strongest beauty trend for winter 2014 is definitely the winged eyeliner – that gorgeous black line reminiscent of the 60’s.
bh: Oooh we love that look! But do you think we’ll be seeing it off the runway on everyday women?
EM: Absolutely! The great thing about winged eyeliner is its versatility – it works equally as well on the catwalk as it does in everyday life. It’s up to you how you want to adapt it; you can wear it subtly for a day at the office, or go bold and glam for a night out.
bh: A lot of women find the winged eye quite intimidating to achieve – do you have any tips for making the application easier?
EM: My number one tip is to find the correct liner. I particularly recommend L’Oréal Paris Blackbuster – it’s brilliant and makes lining your eyes so simple. To make creating the ‘winged’ part a bit easier, I suggest looking straight ahead in the mirror, lifting your chin a little, and imagining an invisible line that stretches from the outer corner of your upper lash line all the way to the outer edge of your eyebrow. Next, use your eyeliner and follow that invisible line, drawing a small dash from the outer corner of your lash line towards your brow. Once your wing is as long as you’d like it to be, you can bring your liner back down towards the outer corner of your lashes, creating a little triangle. But remember, don’t worry if it’s not precise – you can always use a cotton bud and some make-up remover to perfect it at the end – you just need to grab your eyeliner and go for it!
bh: Do you have any other make-up tips you can share with us today?
EM: Are you free for the rest of the day? [laughs] Ok, well one of the best tips I can give is to prep your skin properly before you apply your make-up. Moisturiser under your foundation – and primer too if you need it to really last – is an absolute must.
My other tip would be to always curl your lashes before applying mascara – it will really help open up your eyes and enhance the affects of your mascara. Another great tip is to use like with like when it comes to the consistency of your make-up. So instead of using a liquid foundation, followed by a powder, and then applying a cream blush, use all your cream-based products first and then apply your powder products afterwards.
bh: What are your must-have make-up products at the moment?
EM: I absolutely cannot live without mascara, and my new favourite is Butterfly Wings by L’Oréal Paris. I also love a beautifully shaped brow and for that the L’Oréal Brow Artist is great. It has a pencil on one end and a wax tip on the other so you can set your eyebrows into place once you’ve drawn them on. My third must-have at the moment is BB Blush – it’s quick and easy to use and perfect for dressing up the skin.
Stay tuned to see some of the fabulous make-up looks Elsa will create for the VAMFF runway next week!
Do you love the winged eyeliner look? Have you been able to master applying it on yourself? Which of Elsa’s tips will you be trying at home?
