The Pink Ladies Diary: November 2010

Friend of Phoenix Cosmetics – Grace, a Star Makeup Artist from Blenheim

Read about Grace Simpson's successful time at Phoenix's Fashion Week show and her relationship with Phoenix Cosmetics

Grace blows a kiss on the runway at Phoenix's debut Fashion Week show 2010.

How did you get involved working with Phoenix Cosmetics?

I met Phoenix when she was tutoring at the makeup academy I trained at in Auckland. We stayed in touch over the years - then a salon where I was working at the time in Blenheim got news that the makeup line they were carrying was no longer available in NZ…so I jumped at the chance to bring in Phoenix Cosmetics! Working with the products and being in regular contact with Phoenix sparked up a lot more excitement again including some amazing makeup opportunities. In 2009 I was invited to join Phoenix and her Pink Ladies for Queen of the whole universe in Wellington then again for Fashion week in Auckland. When Phoenix told me her plans for her debut makeup show this year I couldn’t have been more thrilled and didn’t hesitate for a second to accept her invitation to get in on the fun!

Phoenix Renata and Grace getting ready for the show.

How did working at Fashion Week differ from your experiences in Blenheim?

In Blenheim I generally work on my own and it’s usually for special occasion makeups such as weddings and school balls. I do get the chance to do some creative work including the odd fashion show around here however these jobs are generally on a much smaller scale and the makeup looks are just a tad more subtle than those in Phoenix’s makeup show!

One of Grace's makeup looks.

What was the atmosphere like working backstage?

Fast and exciting, there was a lot going on…what with all of the different looks for the 5 different shades of summer…the body art, the false lashes, the flowers, the jewels and sequins and there were people everywhere…makeup artists, assistants, models, dancers, actresses, hairdressers, camera and film crew…I loved it! There was still order to it all though and everybody knew what they were doing so there was no need to panic!

What did you enjoy about working with the Pink Ladies?

Being inspired together and sharing the same vision…these are things I miss being down in Blenheim working on my own! Also every single pink lady that I have met is a treasure and a joy to work with, so just being able to share the same passion and have a laugh together amongst the madness of it all is a treat in itself.

How was working on NZ celebrities/models different to working on clients/friends?

It was pretty cool working on Shorty Street Stars as although I don’t always admit it I am a secret fan from way back. But other than the novelty of seeing people from off the telly, it was no different…all of the models were really lovely.

Grace with Kimberley Crossman

Tell us about your favorite part of the day?

Walking down the sparkling pink carpet at the end of the show! I felt so elated looking at the faces in the crowd…they were in absolute awe of what they had just seen and experienced which made me so proud of Phoenix and what she has achieved. I was completely filled with joy for having been a part of it all with a grin on my face from ear to ear!

What was the biggest challenge for you?

Probably catching up with what was going on when I arrived in Auckland the night before the show…as I had missed out on the whole build up and all the practices and run-throughs etc so I just tried to pay very close attention to everything that was being said and done around me so I was on the same page as everyone else. That and being confident…telling myself that I was going to be able to do what was required of me!!!!

What were your expectations of Fashion Week and were they met?

I expected to have fun this year as well as working really hard and gaining priceless experience. I knew this year was going to be unique as Phoenix’s show was not like any other…I absolutely had fun and although it was hard work and everybody was under pressure…the fact that the show was a one in a million visual extravaganza just made it all the more rewarding.

What did you think of the Phoenix Cosmetics makeup looks?

They blew me away…every model was showcasing a ‘feature’ look…this is what made it so breathtaking. And so much was covered, from the brave, bold and whacky to all that glamour, sparkle and romance!!

And lastly, what is your favorite Phoenix Cosmetics product?

The Buffer Brush - hands down. The novelty hasn’t worn off creating an instant flawless complexion, every time.