StyleNest caught up with Terry Barber, Director of Make-up Artistry at MAC to talk LFW, lippies and London’s best hot-spots.
When it comes to make-up, the latest trends and how to get the look yourself Terry Barber certainly knows a thing or two. Terry has worked with MAC since the 90s yet still manages to find the time to work the shows and with some of fashion’s biggest designers. Terry’s CV is impressive to say the least and has worked on shows thanks include Alexander McQueen and Westwood as well as with iconic models such as Linda Evangelista.
Terry chatted to StyleNest about the shows he has coming up, his all time favourite MAC product and where he likes to to hang out in London when he’s off duty.
Can you confirm any LFW show’s you’ll be working on?
At this point Jean-Pierre Braganza who I have worked with a few times before and J JS lee I will be working with for the first time.
What makeup trends are going to be big this season?
The eye is back. It’s more sophisticated, looser and effortless. In make-up terms, rather than a clean, very done eye it’s a statement smudgy eye. Grown-up grunge meets vintage gypsy.
What shows do you always look forward to on the LFW schedule?
London has so many great designer right now. I particularly love Mary Katantzou, Jonathan Saunders and Giles. I particularly loved Giles’ show last season – it was what can best be described as disco Jacobean.
When you’re not working hard at the shows where do you like to hang out? Where’s best to eat and drink during LFW?
I love Caribbean food and my favourite place is in Camden, Cottons. I recommend the curry goat with rice and peas. After a hard days work at the shows there’s nothing better.
Will you be hitting the Fashion Week parties?
The LFW your schedule is pretty fierce. With early call times and long hours I like nothing more than returning home to my gorgeous staffy, Talullah and having a quiet drink and wind down in my local pub in Belzise Park.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Fine art, the movies of the 40’s and 50’s, music and its icons.
Describe your survival guide for LFW.
Berccoa and coffee.
We loved the statement lips from last season, how can women work this into their every day look?
The important thing is to keep the rest of your look simple. A slick of mascara and a very small amount of foundation is all you need, make the lip the focus. Some people like to use a brush or their finger but I like to use the stick itself and dot it along the lips before smudging with a finger. This give a beautiful kissed-off look.
Do you have a favourite designer you have worked with?
Back in the late 90s and early 00’s I worked on the McQueen shows with Val Garland. This was the era when fashion shows really became a production. Working on them felt like a film set – truly dramatic and an incredible time in fashion.
What’s the ultimate MAC beauty product that every woman should own?
It has to be Ruby Woo. I can spot it a mile off when I see it on someone. It really is the most perfect shade of red – so flattering, so recognisable.
How will you relax once the madness of Fashion Week is over?
It’s actually very hard. I’m straight back into my work with MAC, writing trend reports and working on the new season ahead.
What can we expect to see from you in 2013?
What I love about MAC is the unique collaborations we continue to do. We have Carinne Roitfeld coming up who epitomizes the smoky/grown-up grunge eye. MAC is famous for collaborating with iconic and unexpected beauties and we have more to come in 2013. I will also be moving house to Camden (with Tallulah of course), it’s where I first lived when I moved to London and I’m looking forward to being in the buzz of it again after living in leafy Belsize Park.