Final touches put in place as countdown begins to Scotland's top make-up artist awards

Jul 19 2012 Exclusive by Joe McGuire

IT was mascara pencils at dawn for a group of talented young artists in the city this week.

Eight finalists for Scotland’s first-ever Make-up Artist awards were in Glasgow to show off their skills in the build-up to August’s competition.

Event organiser Angel Dairo, of Model Scotland, said: “As a former model, I know there are lots of competitions that recognise excellence in modelling.

“But I was surprised to discover there was nothing recognising make-up artists, so I decided to organise something.”

Angel, who will be providing models for the event, added: “Make-up artists put on the final touches. They make the model’s look come alive – without them everything seems static.”

The finalists will include self-taught artists and others who have trained professionally. They will be judged by a panel including Brit Award judge and record label owner Asher Halle, financial consultant Paul Wilmott and Sola Oyebade, of African Fashion Week.

Make-up professional Yasmin Mahmood completes the line-up.

The best brush-wielder will win £500 cash, £500 vouchers and a chance to work at London Fashion Week.

 

With the competition just three weeks away, we caught up with the finalists to find out their thoughts.

For some, a win would open doors in a highly-competitive industry, while others want to inspire their peers.

And for Cumbernauld resident Afueh Atuahene, the competition could be a passport to the perfect education.

The 23-year-old, who just graduated from a make-up course at Coatbridge College, said: “It’s been my dream to study at St Martins College of Fashion. I’ve been doing everything in my power to get myself out there and I think the competition could really boost my chances.”

Afueh wants to learn about prosthetics and special effects though fashion is her first love.

She said: “I feel this competition is good for Glasgow. It’s enticing people to take an interest and I think when the competition is underway and the industry see how well everyone does, it’ll give the city a better profile.

“If I can put Glasgow on the map as a cosmopolitan city for make-up, I’ll be happy.”

At just 19, Giffnock resident Mariyah Ahmed is one of the youngest in the competition.

She studies forensic sciences to keep her mum happy – but it’s make-up she wants to make a career out of.

The former Woodfarm pupil said: “Through Facebook I get steady work each week – getting paid to paint people’s faces is a dream. Just getting to be a finalist is a huge compliment but if I win that would be great.”

Nazia Jamshaid’s dream has already come true – a career in make-up after having children at a young age.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to do make-up but I’ve never been able to because of the kids. Now they’re at school I can pursue it and do some-thing I’ve always wanted to do.”

The STMAC 2012 is on Friday, August 10 at the River Palace. Tickets cost £15 to £30. To book call 08456803645.