From thousands of entries, our judges had to choose just four finalists for our CLEO Make Me A Make-up Artist competition. The finalists will be in the running to win $10,000, thanks to Priceline, and a six-page photoshoot in CLEO. It’s going to be one tough competition.
AMELIA AXTON
“I was so shocked to find out I was a finalist. I thought it might’ve been a mistake! To have my work published in CLEO would be an amazing opportunity to meet people in the industry.”
Where are you from? “Marrickville, NSW.”
Why do you want to be a make-up artist? “I’ve always been an artist and had a natural creative flair. I love the fact make-up is social – being able to work with so many creative minds and meeting amazing people is so inspiring, and, all the while, I still get to paint a real-life canvas.”
Whose make-up have you always wanted to do and why? “My mum’s - she never wears make-up and she hates the idea of it, especially around the eyes, so I’d love to do it for her and make her feel like a superstar.”
AVA BELLE
“I screamed when I found out I was a finalist, and then I cried for half an hour. It means so much to have my work recognised. This competition is a great launching pad into the industry.”
Where are you from? “Bondi Beach, NSW.”
Why do you want to be a make-up artist? “Being a make-up artist is not just a job, it’s a creative lifestyle. It has introduced me to new cultures, interesting people and places. I enjoy being part of a team that’s working creatively towards a common vision. The transformation process inspires and excites me.”
Whose make-up do you most want to do? “[Australian actress and model] Alyssa Sutherland’s, because I adore her freckles, red hair and killer cheekbones.”
PHOEBE GOULDING
“My cousin encouraged me to enter the competition. If I win, it would mean I could go overseas to assist, which would be a great opportunity.”
Where are you from? “Black Rock, Vic.”
Why do you want to be a make-up artist? “I love being creative, and it’s even better collaborating with other artists to produce amazing work. I also love giving people confidence in themselves, that they are beautiful.”
Whose make-up do you want to do? “[Australian actress and model] Gemma Ward’s. I love unique faces – her face is so beautiful, yet strange. And with make-up, you could make her look angelic or crazy
with an attitude.”
JACLYN HNITKO
“I thought it might have been a mean prank when I found out! I jumped up and down with excitement. I really want to do editorial work, that’s my main goal.”
Where are you from? “Wentworthville, NSW.”
Why do you want to be a make-up artist? “So I can work in the industry most girls dream of! I’d love my creativity, skills and knowledge to be seen in various forms of work, from beauty to advertising.”
Whose make-up do you most want to do? “Lady Gaga’s as she is very open-minded and a trendsetter. Plus, her high profile will be able to propel my work into the mainstream and give me either positive or negative feedback
(hopefully not negative!).”