From beauties to beasts

By Colette Warbrook

As a make-up artist, Rachael Cahalin may find herself working on a film set one day and with a bride-to-be the next. The 31-year-old, who lives in Newcastle, has a partner, Phil Bland, aged 33, and she also does manicures, pedicures, massage and reiki

What did you do before becoming a make-up artist?

I studied management design and communication at the University of Central England in Birmingham, and I then worked for Staffordshire University as an administrator.

I'd always been interested in make-up, though, and I've always liked the design and artistic side of things, and also fashion.

Where did you do your training?

I trained in massage in around 2004, in my spare time, while I was working full-time.

For the make-up I trained at the School of Make-up in Stockport, again in my own time, and that was about three years ago.

Tell me about your film work.

I did the make-up for a feature film produced by Reels in Motion, a company based in Stoke-on-Trent. The film is called Pulp and it opened the Stoke Your Fires Film Festival this month. 

It's about comic book geeks and the shooting took place in Birmingham and Staffordshire.

I had to do a black eye for a couple of the scenes. Mostly, though, it was normal make-up, but heavier and with shine control.

With the male actors, you make them up but as if they're not wearing any make-up, so it's very natural for them.

With film work, continuity is crucial.

What are your tips for shine control?

Use a mattifying primer before applying foundation, and after the foundation use loose or pressed powder, probably translucent. But if you want to give yourself a bit more warmth, go with a colour similar to your foundation.

I also use blotting paper, usually by MAC, which is great on film sets, so the actors don't get overloaded with make-up. 

When did you set up your business?

In March 2011, I left the university and went completely freelance.

With the make-up, I offer a mobile service, so I work with a lot of production companies, wherever the filming is taking place.

If I'm doing bridal make-up, I go where the bride is getting ready on her wedding day. 

I do manicures and pedicures either mobile or from my treatment room in Oakhill, where I also do massage and reiki.

I offer make-up lessons as well.

What other work have you done?

I did a music video recently for the dance DJ Ashley Wallbridge.

The track is Keep the Fire and it was shot at a farm in Cheadle, which was good fun. 

The theme of the video was a kind of underground fight scene. 

The make-up needed to be quite natural but there were a few guys who had to look sweaty to make them look like they'd been fighting. 

I also made-up two girls for this video, one with smoky eyes and the other more innocent, natural and sporty looking.

I also helped out with the fashion show for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice recently.

What type of make-up to you use?

I use lots of different ranges, including the brands MAC and Illamasqua.

I carry quite a lot of different things with me, just in case a client is allergic to something. I like to have a variety.

What beauty product can't you live without?

A good moisturiser, definitely.

I use a night cream and a lighter moisturiser for during the day, both by Neal's Yard.

Rachael Cahalin has a treatment room in Fremantle Road, Oakhill and also works mobile. To find out more, email info@rachaelcahalin.co.uk or call 07974 471225.