Makeup Artist Amber D Has the Dream Job

For aspiring makeup artists, New Zealand-born Amber D has the dream job. Now based in Australia, she has an extensive background in makeup artistry: with clients including Lorde, Steven Tyler and Rita Ora. She has also worked behind the scenes on New York, Paris, Milan and London fashion weeks.

Currently in New Zealand touring with Lorde, Amber shares the story behind her career trajectory, and secrets behind her success.

“I decided to become a makeup artist when I realised that I could combine my love of drawing and fashion,” Amber says. “I like treating the face like a canvas and bringing beauty to a look as well as being able to appreciate the styling on photoshoots and catwalk shows.”

“No day is a typical day. For the past year I have been on tour with Lorde so my days have involved a lot of living out of a suitcase, many airports and a tour bus. The actual doing makeup each day probably takes about an hour all up.

“I get to do makeup for all concerts, TV appearances and a few photo shoots here and there as well, so I utilise loads of various skills you need to know as a makeup artist – from working with high definition television to applying makeup that will stay on for a two-hour concert.”

Original article by Anna Lee, The New Zealand Herald, October 28, 2014.