Issue 4 - Coverwest magazine

With summer seasonal make-up dilemmas upon us,
we were delighted to speak to leading international
make-up artist Attraca Courtney - who created
the make-up looks in the photography featured.
Following Attracta’s recent trip to New York,
Glenda McCauley caught up with the
Aghadrumsee-born make-up artist to talk beginnings,
beauty tips and the art of making-up top supermodels...
Tell us how you first got involved with make-up artistry?
I trained at the Glauca Rossi School of Make Up in London
completing a Diploma in the Art of Make Up Artistry. Thereafter
I assisted, for a short period, world renowned make-up artists Pat
McGarth, Val Garland, Lisa Eldridge, Tom Pecheux to name a few, on
the Haute Couture and Pret A Porter fashion shows in London, Milan
and Paris.
From Fermanagh to London and beyond, when did big things
start to happen for you?
In September 1998, worked on my first fashion editorial story for the
avant-garde ‘Frank’ magazine in Notting Hill titled ‘Soho Boho’, with
the model Maggie Rizer who went on to become one of Amercia’s top
supermodels.
Following on from this, I worked on numerous fashion stories for
British, Russian and Greek Vogue and other international fashion
magazines, travelling to beautiful locations all over the world, working
with some of the best teams and publications in the industry.
Describe a typical day/week in the life of an international
make-up artist:
Very early starts! Which can mean flying to the far side of the world to
get that perfect location to translate the new fashion statements from
the catwalks. Whether on location or in the studio, the creative team
always meet up to decide on the theme of the story, then I decide on
the make-up direction to ensure it is compatible with the overall feeling
of the shoot and it complements the model and direction of the story.
There can be many hair and make up changes prior to starting to shoot
to ensure that the story will eventually translate to the magazine or
brand we are shooting for.
You have worked with many designers, companies and celebrities
– what have been your favourite jobs?
I always love working on the fashion shows leading the make-up team.
There is always an amazing creative atmosphere working backstage with
some of the most creative teams, beautiful clothes and models in the
world. Working on the shows always allows me creative freedom and
expression, to be six months ahead of what is happening in fashion, hair
and make-up. Thereafter I am regularly asked for quotes on key makeup
trends for the coming seasons.
What is your favourite kind of make-up shoot?
I always work to create the most beautiful direction in the make-up,
taking into consideration the hair and fashion styling. Any make-up
style can be beautiful when worn with confidence by the model.
You have written for All Access as a Beauty Director and have
interviewed many visionaries in the industry – tell us a little
more about your role:
When I worked for the luxury magazine All Access, I was very keen to
interview the key people behind leading beauty brands to share with the
public their passion and history.
I am always very inquisitive about the brands and products I work with
to ensure I only use the best products that can deliver the most beautiful
results, and when I “quote” on a product it is because I totally believe in
it. I take a great responsibility in my role to give an honest opinion so
the public can be assured my advice is valuable to them when they go
to purchase new products.
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