Women Who Triumph: Emma Chen, Hair and Make Up Artist
Posted on July 29, 2020
Conversations with women, Empowerment, Triumph
Tell us about your career journey as a hair and makeup artist – what sparked your passion?
I actually wanted to do photography when I left school but couldn’t afford to enrol in the course, so my mum actually enrolled me in a hairdressing apprenticeship. I ended up working in salons for over 8 years, I had always liked doing hair but ever felt like it was my true calling. Wasn’t until I did a make-up course for fun (I never expected to become a professional makeup artist) that I kind of fell into the industry and it felt like it was what I was meant to be doing - hairstyling and make-up artistry is where my passion lies.
Tell us about the hair and make-up look you created for the Triumph shoot, and what key products did you use?
I wanted to keep the looks for the campaign really minimal and just really enhance the girls natural beautiful features:
1. For glowing skin, I used the BECCA Ignite Liquified Light Highlighter
2. For brushed up brows I used the Makeup Weapons Brow Balm
3. For tousled, effortless hair I used the BondiBoost SeaSalt Spray
What are your three top products to have in your make up bag?
BECCA Lipstick Love in shade Bare – it’s the perfect peachy pink for every day. A pressed powder to lock down my T Zone. The O Cosmetics Treatment Fusion Foundation.
What’s your favourite hair and beauty trends for 2020?
Brushed up brows, bronzed skin and less heavy eye makeup and contoured lips.
What was your favourite Triumph style from the day?
A good t-shirt bra is essential in my day to day life! I’m loving the new Body Make-Up styles we photographed on the day. The fabric was incredibly soft to touch and they looked great on the models. These are definitely on my lingerie wish list!
What advice can you give women who aspire to become a hair and makeup artist for photoshoots?
Persistence is key, I still face rejection on a daily basis so you have to have drive and determination to build the brand you’ve always wanted. I'm a big believer in manifesting your reality.
What is your definition of a strong, triumphant woman?
A woman who is confident, and always continues to love herself first, regardless of the adversity thrown her way.