Since when have you been working as a makeup artist and hairstylist? I started working in retail cosmetics in 1999. I worked my way up to counter manager, and I occasionally freelanced on the side. I have been focusing just on my freelancing for approximately 4 years.
When did you know that this career was for you? I have wanted to do makeup since I was a teenager. I always loved doing my friends' makeup. I'd try to steer them away from their blue eyeliner and encourage them to use more neutral colours. I was torn at the end of high school between going to university, or studying makeup, as I had imagined myself working as a makeup artist. But I studied Environmental Science at University as I was good at maths and science, but I left when my desire to do makeup became too strong.
Where does your inspiration come from? I am often inspired by fashion-clothing colours, textures and styles. But I am also inspired by makeup itself. The colour of a product can set of a whole idea for a look or a shoot. I've had one nail polish give me inspiration for a few totally different shoots! But for my bridal and corporate makeup work, I am inspired by the face of my client, and what will work to enhance their features.
Describe your own beauty/skincare routine - I have very dry skin, so I use Jurlique Replenishing Cleansing Lotion, then Jurlique Rosewater mist or MAC Fix+ spritzed on to the skin. Then I use Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, and I moisturise with Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Cream. I exfoliate only once every fortnight, and use Hydra Intense masque from Lancome as often as I feel I need to. I cleanse with Clarisonic a few times a week for a deeper cleanse, it leaves my skin feeling really soft and radiant. My lips get dry if I don't look after them. I am loving La Roche-Posay Ceralip and Mecca's new Lip De-Luscious Overnight Lip Conditioner.
What is your favourite feature about yourself and can you recommend any products to enhance one's natural beauty? I am obsessed with brows and I am lucky mine grew back after some over plucking when I was younger. They look pretty good now, although I do tint them and pencil them in to enhance them.
I think natural beauty comes from within, if you are a happy and kind person, it shows on the outside. Although a bit of blush and mascara helps too!
List your top 3 make up and/or beauty products-
1. Lancome Hypnose mascara in Noir (I don't leave the house without it).
When did you know that this career was for you? I have wanted to do makeup since I was a teenager. I always loved doing my friends' makeup. I'd try to steer them away from their blue eyeliner and encourage them to use more neutral colours. I was torn at the end of high school between going to university, or studying makeup, as I had imagined myself working as a makeup artist. But I studied Environmental Science at University as I was good at maths and science, but I left when my desire to do makeup became too strong.
Where does your inspiration come from? I am often inspired by fashion-clothing colours, textures and styles. But I am also inspired by makeup itself. The colour of a product can set of a whole idea for a look or a shoot. I've had one nail polish give me inspiration for a few totally different shoots! But for my bridal and corporate makeup work, I am inspired by the face of my client, and what will work to enhance their features.
Describe your own beauty/skincare routine - I have very dry skin, so I use Jurlique Replenishing Cleansing Lotion, then Jurlique Rosewater mist or MAC Fix+ spritzed on to the skin. Then I use Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, and I moisturise with Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Cream. I exfoliate only once every fortnight, and use Hydra Intense masque from Lancome as often as I feel I need to. I cleanse with Clarisonic a few times a week for a deeper cleanse, it leaves my skin feeling really soft and radiant. My lips get dry if I don't look after them. I am loving La Roche-Posay Ceralip and Mecca's new Lip De-Luscious Overnight Lip Conditioner.
What is your favourite feature about yourself and can you recommend any products to enhance one's natural beauty? I am obsessed with brows and I am lucky mine grew back after some over plucking when I was younger. They look pretty good now, although I do tint them and pencil them in to enhance them.
I think natural beauty comes from within, if you are a happy and kind person, it shows on the outside. Although a bit of blush and mascara helps too!
List your top 3 make up and/or beauty products-
1. Lancome Hypnose mascara in Noir (I don't leave the house without it).
3. Mecca Lip De-Luscious Overnight Lip Conditioner or Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (It's too hard to choose)
Is there a piece of advice you'd like to give any up-and coming makeup artists? Assist someone who's work you admire. I didn't know about assisting when I first started, and I think I would have had a lot more confidence those first few years had I assisted another artist.
Have a look at Amy's portfolio here and follow her instagram account @amykennymakeup
I'm looking to feature creatives more regularly on this blog, so if you work in the fashion industry, feel free to drop me a message here