Margot Muse: Amber Carroll

Our Margot Muse this month is Amber Carroll. Amber is a highly respected makeup artist, working in the industry for over 20 years. A key figure backstage at fashion weeks across New Zealand, New York, Sydney and Bangkok – she has worked with the legendary Bobbi Brown and many of Australasia’s leading photographers. We caught up with Amber to find out a little bit more about what she does and the power of makeup.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am 45 years old with two children. Life is very busy with two young children and all the juggles that brings. I was born in Australia and migrated with my mother when I was very young. I lived on Waiheke Island growing up which sounds idyllic, but I couldn’t wait to leave it for the city lights! (hindsight) Most of my adult life I have been a city dweller finding that the suburbs are not for me. I am a foodie and a lover of eating out and trying new restaurants. I also love to cook for myself, my family and friends. I crave my own company and  am a lover of long walks and listening to music. I am addicted to quite a few podcasts also.

What Do You Do?

I am a Mother, Makeup Artist, Wife and food lover.

What do you do in your life for self care and for keeping yourself fit and healthy in both the mind and body?

Walks in the sunshine, laughs with my girlfriends, weights and HIIT classes at the gym. I also find it important to schedule in alone time and also time for my husband and I to connect.

“Sometimes you don’t feel your best, but you can slap on a bit of a face and it can improve your mood and well-being.”

What does the word ‘Beauty’ mean to you?

Such a loaded word. It can mean many things. Beauty is a level of self knowing and attitude and being at peace with yourself. Beauty can be a great blow-dry or haircut, a great cashmere jumper, an elegant older lady that has a certain quiet confidence in herself. Beauty is many layers and many things to me daily. Nature is also beauty which I try to inhale daily.

Tell us about your makeup classes.

I like to pass on my knowledge and help others to feel good about themselves and feel empowered in their daily routine. Sometimes you don’t feel your best, but you can slap on a bit of a face and it can improve your mood and well-being. There are so many products out there these days that I like to refine and simplify for women. I don’t make it overly complicated. I do both private and group classes and can either come to you or welcome you into my makeup studio based in Freeman’s Bay.

What advice or offering would you give about makeup for the over 40’s?

Invest in yourself at this age because you are totally worth all the pampering. Get the facials, look after your skin, go and get a makeup lesson so you arm yourself with the right products. Less is more at this age!

A Dewey finish foundation/BB cream (think light but effective) with a great bronzer and blush is a must. Never avoid a bit of cheek colour to add radiance. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful lip colour or a liner to fill the lips out and you should always invest in a decent mascara. Skip the powder. It’s all about radiant Dewey skin!

Are there any essential products or brands you suggest as essentials for your makeup kit?

I really mix it up with my products and use a mix of brands. I love the Hourglass products for brows, bronzers and blush. I love NARS for eye palettes as they have the best colour pigment, and their bases and foundations are also beautiful. Use a great serum or facial oil for dewiness on the skin prior to applying your base. The Chantecaille lip chic are stunning on all lips and they’re nice and light, almost like a lip balm texture so they never feel sticky. The MECCA brand brushes and lip liners and glosses are great inexpensive staples in any makeup kit!

How can people get in touch with you?

Through my website www.ambercarroll.com or through my work instagram @ambercarrollmakeup .