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Mikey Phillips – The Genuine Article!

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I first got talking to Mikey Phillips on Twitter last year, he was one of the first people I got talking too about my passion which is beauty and skincare.

We are often found swopping skincare tips like two excited little kids!

I remember discovering that my Collagen Shot tasted delicious in a cup of green tea and couldn’t wait to tell him!

I also remember a tweet he sent me saying, ‘Babe, how long do I have to leave this Collagen Mask on for’? I didn’t pick it up until an hour later and I thought oh no, is he still lying there waiting for me to answer him!

Anyway, let’s have some fun with the adorable Mikey, let’s find out some gossip about this top celebrity make-up artist!

Mikey Phillips

Hi Mikey, thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed for The Genuine Article on www.crystalandvanilla.co.uk. As a much loved celebrity makeup artist, I know my readers are going to love learning a bit more about you!

Hi Jo you are so welcome!!!!! I’m excited let’s do this!!!!

2. So Mikey, what made you decide you wanted to become a make-up artist?

I first started my career as a performer! Can you imagine lol, so I went to drama school and ended up on stage and even have a gold album! That’s a whole other story.

I then fell into makeup by mistake after deciding to step away from the entertainment side of the industry. I started assisting artists and even got a job on a Bobbi Brown counter on Oxford Street which was an amazing place to learn how to makeover real women.

I say I’m a self- taught artist but I have done mini courses along the way and you also never stop learning, but I also think you either have it or you don’t. Luckily I do … lol

3. You began your career back in 2004 and you’re self- taught in your craft, how did you teach yourself to become so good at making your clients look so polished?

I think it comes from wanting to empower women! The two most influential women in my life are my Mum and Sister, they are both feisty, strong and independent women.

I love making women feel and look the best that they can and in whatever I do, I love to push the boundaries and not conform to what is maybe expected.

Working on a makeup counter was a massive learning curve as you are working with real, everyday women with real issues and I think that is the greatest test for any makeup artist!

Anyone can make a model look amazing as they have the face for makeup! Being able to transform someone is a real art and test of skill.

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4.   You’re brand ambassador for New CID Cosmetics (a range that I love) and you regularly appear on QVC UK with the founder Kelly Colman. What is it about this brand that made you decide to represent them?

I had met Kelly probably 4 years ago at one of her London studios and we hit it off straight away.

I hadn’t heard of New CID or tried any of the products so Kelly sent me a selection to try. I fell in love with the concept and the quality of the products. High performance makeup, that’s long lasting and delivers professional results.

Whenever someone sees my kit, it’s always the CID that stands out as it is different to most brands. There are key items that I would always use and can’t live without. I think CID have innovation, quality and are a forward thinking makeup brand that is constantly evolving.

5.   Come on then Mikey; give me some secrets as to what’s in your kit bag?

He he he, ok I can’t live without New CID Primer, Daniel Sandler Invisible Blotting Powder, Bobbi Brown Pro University Pallete, MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, Illamasqua Gel Liner, YSL Touche Eclat, Mac Pigment and Salon System Lashes.

These are things that would forever and always be in my kit and used on pretty much every job that I do.

6.   So it’s the night before a shoot, how do you get yourself and your kit bag ready?

Ha,ha,ha, ok well I never sleep, which is really annoying as I have a fear of not hearing the alarm! I do pack the night before as I have OCD so I’m usually really organised!

I pack according to the brief and over pack just in case.

I also lay an outfit out so I can literally throw it on.

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7.   You get to the shoot and you notice that your client isn’t looking their best, have you got a wonder product in your collection that you know will save the day?

This happens a lot! So in the kit, I would maybe use a Collagen Shot face mask, Hydraluron Moisture Booster, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream and GlamGlow face mask, all of which bring the skin back to life leaving it hydrated and glowing.

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8.   You’ve worked your magic on so many celebrity clients, who would you like to get your hands on that you haven’t already and why?

That’s easy!!!!!!! It has to be KYLIE!!!!! I’m obsessed!!!!! She is outstandingly beautiful and is not afraid to change and play with her look.

She is able to pull off almost anything which is why she has been so successful for so long.

9.   Mikey, like myself I know you like your skincare and you like to try lots of different products. Have you a favourite brand and why?

I’m addicted to skincare!!!! Go to products would be Strivectin cleanser and moisturiser, la Prairie Eye Complex and Anti -Ageing Longevity Serum and bedtime the amazing Cult 51 night cream.

I also drink Collagen Shots or Skinade once a day to help maintain from within.

10. So Mikey, tell me about your style. Are you designer, high street or a bit of both?

I’d say mostly high street, I love Zara and All Saints. Probably designer would either be bags or shoes, I love Mulberry and Christian Louboutin.

My style is very out there I think, I love to mix up styles and trends and stand out from the crowd. I love tight fitting and tailored over loose and baggy and don’t get me started on an animal print!!!

11. I’ve heard that you’ll be back soon on ITVs ‘This Morning’ as part of the ‘Style Squad’.I love it when you transform all your ladies into more beautiful versions of themselves. So what do you enjoy most about being part of this team?

I love This Morning and was really proud to be part of the show and its awesome team.

Yes this summer will see the return, I think the success has been transforming these real everyday women and educating them on how to totally transform themselves. In doing so, we’re changing how they feel and look.

12. Mikey, where do you call home?

Home is definitely London and I live in the very beautiful Battersea Park… although my birth home Wales will always have a special place in my heart.

13. When you get some time off, what do you like to do to relax?

When this does actually happen, I love nothing more than not even washing, throwing on a onesie, yep a onesie which is animal print and doing absolutely nothing at home! Catching up with TV shows or films, if I do drag myself out, I love going to the cinema.

14. Do you like to cook or are you a dining out kind of guy?

I like both!!! Dining out, I love Gaucho, Hakkasan and a really good indian, at home I cook a mean spag bol or green thai curry!!!

15. When I go out for a meal, I always look at the dessert menu first because I have a sweet tooth! And I always eat my pudding with a teaspoon because it makes it last longer! What do you like to eat when you go out?

Jo you know me too well!!!!!! I’m hooked on anything chocolate!!!! So any dessert with chocolate is a winner!!!! Food wise I love steak or fish but to be honest, just food in general! If it’s good I’ll eat it, lol.

16. Mikey, I’m going to ask you to spill some little beans here! Have you any temptations that you can’t resist?

Ha ha ha, too many!!!!!! I’ve gained a few pounds lately as I could hear the biscuits calling my name from the cupboard!!!!!! I have a very sweet tooth so if anything sweet is in the house, I can’t have one or a piece of something, I must have it all!!!!!

I also love spending money and treating my loved ones especially!!! I’m very generous and I do like the finer things in life.

17. My special song is Poker Face by Lady Gaga, it reminds me of my 40th Birthday when I went to Vegas. Have you a song that holds special memories for you?

You’ve probably guessed by now but my life has been lived with a Kylie soundtrack!!!! So through every era, every drama, the good the bad, Kylie has always been there to help me though 🙂 oh and the odd Spice Girls track!

18. In what is a relatively short number of years you’re built up an enviable career, so what’s next on the Mikey list of things to do?

It is crazy when I look back, but I also never really appreciate things as I’m always onto the next job or the next project!

I would love my own TV show, it has to be done and there’s nothing really like an educating makeover TV show on TV.

I would love to work with KYLIE and possibly work on my own line of makeup or skincare … there’s so much still ahead I feel like I’m only just beginning.

19. Mikey, thank you so much for taking time out to have a chat with me. I know you’re jetting off all over the place at the moment, so I really appreciate you sparing some time for me. I hope we can meet up again one day, you’re a delight to be around.

Anytime for you lovely lady!!!!!! Loved meeting you at the QVC Beauty Bash and I’m so proud of all that you are achieving since then.

Mwah

Mikey xx

If you loved reading all about Mikey and want to find out more about him then you can follow him on Twitter @MakeupbyMikey

His website address is www.makeupbymikey.com

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