Meet make-up artist Filomena Natoli

Tell us all about yourself

"My name is Filomena Natoli, I'm a make-up artist in the fashion world and I also work as a make-up artist for celebrities to prepare them before a red carpet or event. My interest in fashion began in my teens, and my passion for make-up was revealed at the age of 16. That's when I knew I'd become a professional make-up artist. And here I am."

When did you realize that make-up could become a profession?

"At the end of the 90s, the make-up profession was still very confidential, nothing to do with today, when it's attracting more and more people. I really became aware that it could become a career over time, when the assignments started to come thick and fast."

How has your relationship with make-up evolved over time?

"When I started out, everything revolved around ultra-glamour, it was the era of 'too much is better'. Then fashion evolved, and as I gained confidence in my tastes and skills, my approach gradually became more minimalist, more subtle, but also more assertive. I still like to create bold looks, but for me, make-up isn't just about that: there are so many other ways to express yourself."

Photo credit: Hourglass

What do you love most about your job?

"The transformative power of make-up: the ability to truly create beauty, to give confidence. I also love the travel this profession offers me and all the encounters it has enabled me to make. It's all part and parcel of the magic of this profession."

How would you describe your vision of beauty?

"Timeless beauty, focused on the skin."

Which part of the face do you prefer to make up?

"At the moment, I particularly like to apply make-up to my lips: it's what immediately wakes up my face. On the others, I love working on the complexion; creating a 'beautiful skin' effect always gives me great satisfaction."

Photo credit: Daniel Hanslow

If you had to describe your make-up signature?

"I don't like to be associated with just one style, because every face is unique. But I think I'm often recognized by the way I apply make-up to my complexion."

What's in your make-up bag at the moment?

"Many Victoria Beckham Beauty products, including the Foundation Dropscorrector The Concealer Pen concealer and Lip Definer.
I also love the Soothing Sun Relief Cream Sun Rice & Probiotics SPF50+ Beauty of Joseon SPF, the Goodnight Lip Balm by L:a Bruket, and the Bio-Collagen Real Deep Sheet Mask by Biodance.

Photo credit: Hourglass

If you had to describe your make-up signature?

"Only three?! I would choose the lip pencils Lip Definer and for the eyes the Satin Kajal Liner Victoria Beckham Beauty, as well as the concealer The Concealer Pen. "

Photo credit: Bec Parsons

Photo credit: Annie Reid

How does your work backstage differ from your private sessions with clients?

"Backstage is a totally different experience: everything is much faster, the look is already defined, and my role is to direct my team so that the desired make-up is perfectly executed and on time, sometimes on more than forty models! It's an incredible adrenalin rush.
With celebrities, it's the opposite: it's a slower, more intimate moment. I often have two to three hours of preparation between make-up and hairstyling, then a little time to immortalize the result."

Photo credit: Hourglass

Have you noticed any striking trends on this season's catwalks?

"A return to minimalism, with more streamlined looks with a focus on the complexion and this idea of perfect skin. It's an aesthetic that still speaks to me. These discreet make-up looks that leave all the room for the collections."

Photo credit: Daniel Hanslow

What's your ideal make-up routine?

"I prefer not to overdo it. Three products are enough to prepare the skin, sometimes with a facial massage or a gentle tool. Too much accumulated care and superimposed textures can interfere with make-up, cause linting or unbalance the skin. I always adapt my preparation to the needs of the moment.

What's your best tip for those "off" days?

"Pretend you look good! A tinted moisturizer, a little bronzer to restore colour, and an illuminating balm for a "post-facial glow" effect. Simple, fast, effective."

Any advice for those exploring their identity through make-up?

"Go for it! But don't forget to take care of your skin first."

See Filomena Natoli's entire portfolio on her website www.filomena.com.au/

On her Instagram account @filomena_makeup.

Filomena's selection

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