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Makeup artist Michelle Devereux has returned home after 25 years of living overseas in Milan, Zurich, Munich and Sydney and is bringing good looks to the Waikato masses.
Cambridge-born Devereux has been back in New Zealand for about nine months and has set up a store and beauty school called The Makeup Studio, in the heart of Hamilton.
"Our biggest hit so far has been the one-on-one sessions," Devereux says. "It's like a two-hour makeover where the women bring their makeup bags and I go through them. You should see some of the cosmetics - they're five years old and crusty!
"And we get everyone from women who've never known what to do with makeup but always wanted to, through to women who are quite makeup savvy but who want a new look."
As for herself, Devereux says she can't help but experiment with all the new colours and products she stocks in her boutique.
"Sometimes I'll wear something like green eyeliner down the street just to see how people react, but on the whole I advise people to wear what suits their own face and what's appropriate."
Who are your favourite designers?
Collette Dinnigan, Miuccia Prada, Diane von Furstenberg.
What's your biggest indulgence?
New skincare and makeup products. I've just invested in two lines that are new to New Zealand, Cargo and Pout. I also have a skincare line called Joey NY which is quite different to anything else I've tried. Very luxurious! I can't stop there though and am trialling some other ranges which I won't be able to resist if they come up to scratch.
Your favourite shop?
Ginger & Smart in Sydney, because they use beautiful fabrics, their accessories are luxurious and they also make a gorgeous range of scented candles and body lotions.
Your best beauty tip?
Use a sunscreen, even in winter. Look out for ones that are non-greasy or already added to a foundation or moisturiser.
How do you define the word fashionable?
Picking the season's looks that really suit you, not just wearing trends for the sake of it. This goes for makeup trends too. It's good to take note of the latest makeup looks but sometimes you need to adjust it for your particular skin colour or eye shape. If you're not sure, seek advice from an expert.
What is the biggest beauty mistake you have made?
No mistakes, only experiments.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Push-up bras. They look cheap. Most clothes look better on smaller-breasted women anyway so why ruin it by pushing them up and in your face?
Any style icons?
Twiggy, Bianca Jagger, Ann-Margret, Elizabeth Taylor. They all have a unique beauty of their own and pay particular attention to their makeup. They also all have amazing eyes which is why they've all got strong eye makeup happening.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Bianca Jagger's from the 70s and 80s because she had that whole, slinky, disco-man-style thing going on. And she always wears the clothes, they never wear her.
Most cherished item?
A vintage 30s gown embroidered with pure gold thread that I bought in a market years ago.
Most stylish city?
Milan. Everyone looks fabulous even if they're going to an office job. Fashion is important to the Milanese and they have impeccable grooming. The men, in particular, always look so well groomed, great hair and skin as well as clothes.
Best city for fashion shopping in the world?
It's between Milan and Paris. Milan is classic and Paris has some more quirky, eclectic shops .
Silliest trend you've heard of?
Big, dark eyebrows. A look meant only for a fashion shoot.
Best trend of this season?
Old Hollywood glamour: black eyeliner and red lips.
Best music for getting dressed by?
Amy Winehouse. I love blues and soul, and she inspires me to go that extra mile with the eyeliner.
Never caught wearing?
A dark line around my lips.
