Expert make-up artist Serena Wyllie shares her story and tricks to achieving her signature bronzed glow….
“I love doing makeup which focuses on enhancing opposed to masking the skin.”
The renowned ‘Queen of Glow’ is best known for her Aussie bronzed, dewy make-up looks as showcased on her Instagram. Her skin first approach has enabled her to have a sought-after niche to distinguish herself. Serena advises every aspiring MUA to find their niche style, emphasises the importance of social media presence to establish yourself and reveals how she progressed from doing make-up in her bedroom to make-up on editorials for Australian Vogue.
By Hannah Tappin
Serena Wyllie is a 22 year old Australian make-up artist, who’s focus on skincare and natural bronzed skin, has landed her features in; Vogue Australia, celebrity clientele for Red Carpet events, an established social media following, international bridal services, global brand campaigns and since covid-19, online teaching and masterclasses. Having lived and practised makeup in both the UK and Australia, Serena’s innovative approach combines her favourite aspects of how makeup is typically worn in both places. Her looks embody both the quintessentially British, minimalist approach to makeup, with barely-there skin products and the enviable sun-kissed tan every Aussie it-girl has naturally. Myself and Serena chatted about her essential product buys, her make-up no no’s!, how to get the best photos as an artist to showcase your looks and finally she shares her advice if you’re new to the makeup world.
Hannah: First of all, how did you become a professional make-up artist & build your brand starting from just 17?
Serena: Initially make-up started as a hobby for me! I started in school doing make-up for my friends which I didn’t even consider at the time would turn into my career. One of my friends started up a Facebook Page for me dedicated to my makeup, I was very nervous to put myself out there as I grew up in a tiny country town. After her encouragement I was convinced and launched the page! From there I started doing weddings in the town, and grew very organically. I knew I wanted a creative job, but until that point, I hadn’t considered that my passion for doing my friends makeup in my bedroom, would later lead me to where I am today!
When school finished, I aimed to travel for a while and go to Europe, including the UK, to explore my passions and interests, using all my self-earned savings!. I took the plunge to move away from the small town in which I grew up in! In the final year of school, I built up my business and worked so hard so that once I finished, I could travel. I had an established clientele at this point. However, I knew I needed to expand and grow it to make enough to live off my passion.
“Prior to the course, my make-up style was so much heavier. So I decided to combine elements of the UK and Australian make-up trends which led to a bronze glowy in-between.”
Once I came back from overseas, I regrouped and moved to a bigger city working Monday-Friday (40 hours). During this time, I was working a day job that I didn’t particularly enjoy but I did make-up on the weekends. I worked as a receptionist to pay my rent, but of course makeup was my passion. I think being unhappy in the day job at the time further fuelled my drive and motivation to follow my dreams of becoming a makeup artist full time. At the time I was travelling all over Queensland doing Weddings and events. It was in these days while starting out that I faced doubt and criticism. Instead of listening, I chose to follow what my heart desired. I believe that anything is possible if you want it enough!
In this time I started up an Instagram account to build up my business further. I decided then I wanted to have some sort of make-up qualification and also learn hair styling at the same time. I found a course in London that offered both in the same course. So for a good year and a half I saved while doing my Monday-Friday reception job, baby-sitting and make-up on the weekends so I could afford to do this course which I was set on. I have always been fiercely independent, so it was important that I made it all happen for myself.
While studying in London, I found the reality of living and working as an artist in London was not how I envisioned it. I realised how how expensive it really was and a lot of the fashion industry was unpaid work. This was not feasible for me at the time (considering I spent my last week living off frozen meals). But in the end it all paid off. I am very thankful that I did my course in the UK, I returned home and worked even harder to grow my business and establish it further here. It was also at this point that I found my signature natural, glowing make-up style. My most requested look. Prior to the course, my make-up style was so much heavier. So I decided to combine elements of the UK and Australian make-up trends which led to a bronze glowy in-between.
Hannah: What is your favourite part of your job?
“I love doing makeup which focuses on enhancing as opposed to masking the skin.”
Serena: The best part would definitely be the satisfaction from making people feel amazing! I love doing makeup which focuses on enhancing as opposed to masking the skin. I love how when I create a look, they feel beautiful, still like themselves, but with a little bit extra enhancement. I also love having the opportunity to meet the people I do and travel to exciting new places!
Hannah: Any aspects of your job that you don’t like as much?
Serena: I love my job so this is a very difficult question! My schedule is very hectic and disjointed at times which can make it tricky to juggle personal life alongside work. I work 6 days a week with a lot of hours, which makes achieving balance harder.
Hannah: Yes, I think in modern society achieving a work balance is proving difficult, Especially in creative industries!
Serena: Yes, especially as I am so passionate, it often leads to me accepting every job which can lead to burn out!
Hannah: How has Covid-19 changed the ways in which you work as a makeup artist?
Serena: Obviously my travel has been affected, especially for photoshoots and events which have been quieter due to restrictions imposed. I was booked to do a wedding in Europe in June, that I was really looking forward to, which has been postponed. Despite always being pedantic about hygiene when working, I think now more than ever, I have taken relevant precautions between closely booked clients, which can be stressful alongside wearing face-masks etc.
Hannah: Speaking of change, what do you think the future will look like for makeup artists? Any new development or areas of interest?
“I think there will be a gravitation towards digital in many industries including makeup, especially in the realm of online learning.”
Serena: Yes, for sure! I think there will be a gravitation towards digital in many industries including makeup, especially in the realm of online learning.
Hannah: Absolutely! I guess what we are doing right now, an interview from the other side of the world on zoom, reflects this change!
Serena: Yes, I’ve had a lot of requests to zoom since the pandemic. I think I will look into advertising client makeup lessons and masterclasses online via zoom now as I have less client and travel related projects currently.
Hannah: Speaking of digital, how do you think social media has helped create your brand?
“Everyone has their own niche style which makes them unique which is very important to communicate on social media.”
Serena: The growth of my business pretty much came from Instagram! Since starting out from my bedroom at home, social media facilitated my growth on an international scale, which I do not think would have been possible without utilising the platform. I didn’t think the extent of my growth from social media would even be possible, its more than I could have dreamt! Largely from targeting relevant brands, getting exposure, networking online, all of which Instagram played a huge part in. Also, posting my tutorials on socials, developing my consistent signature style on Instagram and being known for it! Everyone has their own niche style which makes them unique which is very important to communicate on social media. All of which has hugely helped shape my business.
Hannah: With regard to your signature look, if you were trapped on a desert island with only 3 products in which to create it, what would they be? I’m sure that’s a tough question!
“Every girl always needs bronze and mascara and she’s ready to take on whatever comes her way.”
Serena: Ooh that’s hard! Funnily enough I’ll take a look at what I have in front of me as my favourite products are always out! I would definitely take the Chanel Tan de Soleil, as it is multi-purpose on the cheeks, eyes and lips. I would also take a BB cream, with SPF 50 as that’s critical for sun exposure and practical as well as providing a good base coverage. Finally, a good mascara! I think every girl always need bronze and mascara and she’s ready to take on whatever comes her way that day.
Hannah: Moving away from talk of being trapped on a desert island! Are there any aspects of your job which are different to what you expected before getting into makeup?
Serena: I’ll be honest, I didn’t really have any expectations going into makeup. Now, I would say I have very high expectations of myself in how I perform on the job. However, the reality of all these expectations I put onto myself is that success doesn’t happen quickly and neither does my desired end result. I think sometimes I exceed what I set out to and feel so proud of what I have created and other times I can be disappointed when the final look hasn’t mirrored my vision of what I wanted/expected.
Hannah: You have done work ranging from editorial in Australian Vogue (see images above), to Red Carpet looks, Bridal and now in-person and online masterclasses, what do you enjoy doing most?
Serena: I actually love the variation of work within my job. I like juggling the mix of all these different fields of work which makes for a refreshing changes in my schedule. If I had to pick one look to create, it would be the natural beachy look.
Hannah: Your natural signature look emphasises the importance of skincare. Why is skincare so important to achieving your beauty looks?
“My philosophy is that if your skin is good, your makeup will follow and you can use less of it and it will sit better”
“Skin first, then the rest secondary”
Serena: For me, good makeup starts with skincare. My philosophy is that if your skin is good, your makeup will follow and you can use less of it and it will sit better. Usually, a lot of time is taken on the skin at the start of a gorgeous glowing look because your skin is the canvas that guides how your makeup will look. Skin first, then the rest secondary.
Hannah: Your Instagram often features Aussie Model Muses with glowing skin and colour pop beauty looks, is there a secret to taking a flawless makeup selfie?
“Sunlight is also really beautiful in achieving a lit from within glow.”
Serena: I love a good open doorway, natural lighting or a window. Alternatively, direct sunlight is also really beautiful in achieving a lit from within glow.
Hannah: I think Australia is the perfect place to have golden hour lighting due to its gorgeous weather!
Serena: Yes, we are lucky, regardless of summer or winter seasons, the sun is always here. I guess in the UK the option would be to use a ring light, however I think It can risk looking artificial.
Hannah: Speaking of artificial makeup, is there anything you would consider a huge makeup-no no? I hope I don’t already do it!
“Powder on powder really dries out the skin.”
Serena: I think a really big one is an overload of powder makeup! I think powder on powder really dries out the skin. Equally bad, is poorly applied fake tan!
Hannah: Phew!I don’t think that I overuse powder, admittedly though I have had a few fake tan mishaps in the past! Finally, to round up the interview, what advice would you give to aspiring make-up artists?
“Develop your work by putting your own twist on things. Mainly follow your dreams, work super hard and be kind. Above all, be fun to work with as that gets you pretty far.”
Serena: Believe in yourself, even if someone else doesn’t. I faced criticism at the start, definitely believe in yourself. Practice, practice, practice on anyone you can! If your starting Instagram, post your work consistently and begin to formulate and establish your own distinct signature style. Develop your work by putting your own twist on things. Mainly follow your dreams, work super hard and be kind. Above all, be fun to work with as that gets you pretty far.
Hannah: Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions. Some great pointers in there! To see more of Serena’s work, learn useful tips and find her MUA model masterclasses, look no further than Serena’s highly established Instagram @SerenaWyllieMakeup. Trust Me, it will help you achieve the no makeup-makeup, glowing skin you’ve always dreamed of!