MAKE-UP HAS ALWAYS been my thing”, explained Lauren Austin.
The 24-year-old mum of son Jaden has her hands full – not only with her full-time make-up profession but she also does nail waxing. Other than that she also makes jewellery and designs and sews clothing.
Lauren grew up in St Joseph, Trinidad with mum, dad and brother, Adrian. She moved to Barbados with son, Jaden and husband Ryan, who is a spinner with UWI and Combined Campuses and Colleges cricket team.
“My passion has been make-up. From at a very young age I was very artistic and loved using my hands to create and challenge myself in anything I do. Nail art was the first I got into and I loved it but I wanted more,” she said. Always willing to learn, Lauren came across her new motivator Arlene Villerule, a talented make-up artist in Trinidad, whose work inspired her to become what she is today.
Lauren isn’t contented on waiting for clients to come to her. She has put out her feelers and landed quite a few gigs. She is the executive make-up artist in Barbados for Ambrosia Cosmetics, which is a Trinidad-based brand she is hoping to introduce this year to Barbados.
“I am currently doing the make-up for Island Queen 2012 reality show and I did make-up for the music video In Love for singer Wesu.”
She is also working with Trevor Pretty for his musical Love, Life And Happy Endings. She is developing the looks and also working with him on artiste development projects.
Lauren is big on Carnival, being from Trinidad, and is co-owner of the Crop Over band, Fantasy.
“My work is different and I believe that when I’m doing a job whether it’s a paying job or a favour I do it to the best of my ability and I enjoy doing it. Art/make-up is my passion I love it I won’t trade my profession for the world.
“My favourite product in my kit would have to be my concealer, mascara and amplified by Arlene Villerule (waterproof eye shadow primer) but I must say I have recently discovered gel eyeliner and I love it dearly. But as a makeup artist I personally would advice the ladies that there is nothing called ‘too much moisturizer’.”
For Lauren, a woman should always have their face powder and a popping lip gloss in their purses for touch-ups. Her one tip that a woman can used to enhance their natural beauty: is a black mascara.
“I can’t think of a world without make-up but if there were, my substitute job would be doing nails, hair and designing which I already do.”
