KIM BROWN
THE SCIENCE
THE MOST
GLAMOROUS
by Camilla Pinto
Kim Brown is a twenty-nine years old British hair make up and styling artist graduate of the Special and technical film make up effect course at Stanford College in Lincolnshire in the Midlands, North London. She lives in Bethnal Green, London.
Kim is an easy going, very reliable, competent, organized, funny and interesting person.
At Stanford College she learnt the basics of the make up course. Apart from attending the course Kim studied Art and sketched in the same time. Currently she still sketches. The tutors at College were very inspiring, particularly Mr. Hughes. She assisted a tutor with the make up for the film "Batman". After graduating, Kim went to Athens in Greece for the Mega Channel television programs based upon the musical FAME.
Then she returned to London in order to contact make up agencies for them to view her portfolio for short films. She assisted a few make up artists such as Val Garland and Sam Bryant. She is currently at Premier Agency in London.
Kim Brown's day begins at nine in the morning whereby she looks at the clothes used in shoots, consults all members and comes up with an idea as to how to convey the intended image. Then polaroids are taken. Often one does not see the clothes before the shoot actually takes place therefore it means that all the team need to be prompt to invent the task on the moment. Kim usually finds this easy. However the make up needs to be checked in order for it to be coherent with the look. During the day six to eight pictures can be shot. Kim needs to talk to the photographer and stylist to reach a successful effect. This very sensible and professional girl finds it easy to combine all the creative elements. There are times in which she finds out about the shoots the day before or couple of days in advance. Kim's day finishes at six in the evening. No matter how stressful work may be, Kim enjoys it a lot. She travels and enjoys Fashion shows in particular Preen at London Fashion Week.
In order to create a look, one may want to know a few hints. First of all one needs to perceive the kind of style the period of time is influenced by, for instance there has recently been 1960's influence with hairstyles reminding of Brigitte Bardot, then one researches films, art, what will suit the clothes and the models' face.
In her free time Kim goes to art exhibitions for example at the Saatchi Gallery, Tate Modern, Proud Gallery and refers to books on photographers such as Man Ray, Sarah Moon, Steven Maisel and Andy Warhol. However in terms of everyday make up Kim suggests to drink lots of water in order to have a good skin regime, that enhances one's best features. In terms of shoots, make up may tend to be a lot more theatrical for it tends to make a statement. It becomes an art form that often may never work for real life. The key element in make up is foundation that needs to make skin uniform in a natural way as if the face were a canvas onto which one paints. Kim Brown's style is strong yet gorgeous. She works for quite a few magazines, such as ELLE UK, Marie Claire UK/France, Wallpaper, as well as others. She has applied her art techniques on music celebrities such as Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Valance and U2. She has worked with photographers such as Dan Smith and Vikki Grant. To follow her make up touch was required on Fashion shows such as those of Andrew Groves, Preen and Tatty Devine and many others. Kim makes up both the faces of celebrities and models and explains that the make up she applies on to celebrities has to please them, whilst the beautification effect she gives to models allows her to have more of a say.
Ph C. Pinto Print voile silk dress Alexander McQueen
On shoots Kim usually takes all her make up tools with her. She uses MAC foundation face and body (32 euro) which she finds easy to apply using finger tips and a sponge and cream eyeshades. If one wanted a touch of glamour, MAC is a good make up brand in the main cities and also offers a personal makeup by appointment. Another beauty product she often uses is BENEFIT bad girl eyeliner to define the eye. Among her make up artists likings is Pat Mc Grath who is creative consultant of Giorgio Armani make up. To make up one's lips more noticeable naturally one may want to use LIP VENUM by POUT shop which can be found in Covent Garden, London which gives them a glossy finish. On the cheeks she uses LUMINISIER SCREEN to achieve a rediscent effect. Kim outlines one needs to be careful with the blusher as it may not give the ideal effect. Usually one of her really simple make up effects she applies on the eyelashes is mascara. Nobody desires to look like a Christmas Tree though everyone wants to appear at its best. Afterall everyone needs a bit of glamour to keep positive.
Pursuing the career of a make up artist is tough and competitive. There are times when one needs to be logical that in the event of not being demanded for her skills, there will be a next time. According to Kim the hardest time is when one starts working. For a year or two the make up artist works for the industry and in the same time needs to find one's self a second job particularly if one is selfemployed because the art world is often undermined by financial insecurity. The topics one needs to attend to become a makeup artist are the course on cosmetic science, one of the best is run at London College of Fashion, the London Institute in London as the BA (Hons) Costume, Technical Effects and Make-up for the Performing Arts are useful.
Kim Brown does not really picture herself working in an office. She would like to see her own small make up range hopefully sold in Selfridges' or Liberty's. Kim Brown is an up-and coming make up talent with a promising future ahead of her.
Kim’s tools shot by C. Pinto in the backstage.
For this season she suggests a natural look.
A smiling KimBrown in her flat in
London portrayed by Camilla Pinto
