{WHO} Samantha Lee

{WHAT} Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist

{WHERE} @samanthaleemua

What are you currently listening to/ reading / watching?

Listening to LÉON Bridges, reading The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin S Sharma and watching Homeland.

Tell us about your first interaction with beauty and makeup 

I had an interest with makeup in my teen years but after school worked in administration. I finally took the leap and studied at The Academy of Makeup and worked for MAC Cosmetics.

How did you find the transition from working at MAC Cosmetics to freelancing? 

This transition was a little hard at first. I learnt a lot working at MAC and loved the people I worked with. It’s obviously attractive to work for yourself and I had a passion to work in wedding and the entertainment industry. 

Is there a specific trick or technique that you learnt from your time at MAC that you have brought with you into your freelance makeup career?

Yes. My brush hygiene and the practice of decanting product etc. And creating a Smokey eye using Khol pencil!

What is your must-use product when it comes to bridal makeup? 

A long-wear foundation that will last the whole night. I love Estée Lauder double wear. 

What is your favourite makeup or skincare product of 2020? 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter 

If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

BECCA.

What is your skincare routine consisting of in recent times?

Trying to keep things simple haha cleanse, Vitamin C, SPF, moisturiser and face masks. Lots of face masks!

Do you have a drugstore dupe of a high end product that you love? 

Revlon Candid Glow Foundation

What can we expect Samantha Lee to be doing outside of makeup? 

I have a little 8 month old girl so running around after her. Also trying to finish painting my house, I am currently going through a phase of painting features black!