Beauty Beat: Sydney Makeup Artist and Beauty Blogger Marisa Robinson

For this week’s #beautyinspo, Sydney-based makeup artist Marisa Robinson offers us a dose of real-life advise and beauty tips that you can’t miss out on. Apart from her effortless skills in the beauty field, the professional makeup artist is refreshingly realistic about the industry she is in, and advocates the importance of being passionate about one’s career more than anything else. If you haven’t followed her beauty blog, it’s high time you should start for a wealth of beauty tricks, swatches, makeup tutorials, and more.

Marisa happens to be an avid Shopper, having actually ShopandBoxed more than 5 times from the USA just to get her hands on the latest makeup items that are unavailable in Australia. Scroll down to find out what’s in Marisa’s beauty bag:

1. Tell us more about what you do.

My background is actually in marketing and for the past 10 years I have been in different jobs, industries and been blessed with some amazing opportunities. But deep down I always had an entrepreneurial urge to break out and do my own thing.

So when I began to feel this restlessness a few years ago I knew I needed a change and it was time to try something new. That was when I started doing some research and figuring out what I was really passionate about — and makeup was high on the list!

I enrolled at The Australasian College Broadway to take on their Diploma of Specialist Makeup Services which ran every Saturday for two years. This was perfect as it allowed me to still work full-time during the week.

But as the course went on, I found myself thinking of makeup more and more and I knew I needed more time to focus on honing my craft. So halfway through the course, I started working part-time in my marketing job and got another part-time job at a makeup counter.

Today I am a fully qualified freelance makeup artist, and also a part time digital marketing specialist, beauty blogger and social influencer. I feel privileged that I get to share my makeup experience with others via my blog and my artistry skills, while making people feel beautiful for their special occasions.

Image: Marisa Robinson

2. Why did you choose to become a makeup artist?

I have always loved makeup but when I enrolled for Specialist Makeup Services course at college, I didn’t really have any expectations for it to turn into a career. I honestly just wanted to try something new, learn some new skills and meet some new people. But it opened a door to a whole new world which not only includes makeup artistry but also beauty blogging and being a social influencer — both of which allow me to fulfil my love of makeup and digital media!

Image: Marisa Robinson

3. Do you specialise in a certain sort of makeup look or style?

The makeup I enjoy creating most is wedding and special occasion makeup. I love being part of someone’s special day and making them feel good through the power of makeup. It’s always exciting to experiment and create looks on myself for my blog and YouTube channel too.

4. Any advice for aspiring makeup artists?

My favourite quote is by Theodore Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This definitely hit the nail on the head when I first started out in the industry. I am so inspired by amazing beauty bloggers, vloggers and makeup artists but it got to a point where I started to compare myself to them. I was comparing myself and my skill set to artists who have been in the industry for more than 10 years, so I definitely had self doubts thinking that I wasn’t good enough as them. But I forgot to realise that they had all worked incredibly hard to get to where they are today and I am sure they faced some struggles on the way.

So instead of comparing myself to other people I started comparing myself to me. I kept a mental journal of goals and milestones I’d achieved, no matter how big or small, just to look back and see how far I have come. I compare photos of past makeup jobs I’ve done and I can see the improvement in my skills and technique. Doing this has made me realise I have achieved a lot, that practice makes perfect and I am growing stronger everyday.

A good tip is to compare yourself to who you were and what you did last year. If you’ve been working hard I guarantee you will see an improvement. Don’t be too hard on yourself – and if you haven’t, use this as a stepping stone to achieve your next goal!

Another motto I constantly believe in is: “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.” Truer words have never been spoken. Since going freelance I have worked harder than I’ve ever worked before, sometimes through to the early hours of the morning not realising what time it is because I love what I do. It brings me so much happiness to work with my clients and bring their visions to life, to work on my craft and create content which I hope inspires others.

There is a reason I started doing this and it is the same reason I have put my whole heart and soul into it. Not a minute spent on it feels like work and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Images: Marisa Robinson

5. What are the top 3 must-haves that a makeup artist needs in her kit?

• Moisturiser/primer: Well-prepped skin is the key to a flawless complexion! I always carry M.A.C Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel in my kit for an instant boost of hydration.
• Illuminator: To achieve a lit-from-within glow, add a couple of drops of illuminator to your favourite foundation. I love using CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops and NARS Illuminator. You can also apply it on the high points of the face for a gorgeous, dewy glow.
• Lashes: Having voluminous thick lashes is the easiest way to take your makeup look to the next level. If you aren’t a fan of full lash sets then adding a few individual strands of lashes to the outer corner of your eyes will really make the eyes pop.

6. What’s your favourite café or suburb where you live?

I live in Sydney’s Inner West so I am definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés and restaurants. But at the moment my favourite place is Tella Balls Dessert Bar in Dulwich Hill. I have a super sweet tooth and love their Nutella filled treats especially the Tella Ball Slider.

7. Who do you follow on Instagram for great makeup tips, gorgeous flatlays, etc?

I love following other makeup artists and beauty YouTubers such as Chrisspy, Desi Perkins, Huda Kattan, Lauren Curtis, Chloe Morello. Not only is their work amazing but they are major goals in terms of influencer success.

 

Watch Marisa achieve a quick and easy smoky eye look in this makeup tutorial:

 

ShopandBox Marisa Robinson’s beauty picks from USA:

1. Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer, USD30, + Add To Wishlist
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, USD21, + Add To Wishlist
3. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick, USD17, + Add To Wishlist
4. Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops, USD42, + Add To Wishlist
5. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Revitalizing Eye Mask, USD12, + Add To Wishlist

Discover more of Marisa’s work at her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.

 

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