The Art of Flawless Make-up
An interview with Gerda Miller
By Brigitta Rebecca Kessel on Sep 1, 2014
What comes to your mind when you start thinking about make-up? Definitely not what make-up artist and model Gerda Miller would suggest you try. Her favourite quote comes from Tim Burton,"I find that when you put make-up on people it actually frees them...", here's our chat with her about the art of make-up.
Hēdonē: Hey Gerda! Where are you now?
Gerda: Hey! At the moment I am based in London, but I like to think I am on the journey of my life.
What makes your work special?
My work is special because I love to create something that touches hearts, minds or both.
How would you describe your make-up style?
My style has been described as dark and creepy but with a touch of cuteness and a hint of playfulness. Personally I don't feel I can describe my style because everyone sees it differently, people find details in my work that they like and can relate to.
In your opinion, what is the most popular style of make-up in London?
At the moment it's all about looking natural, flawless skin and neat eyebrows and for colour and character, bold strong lips.
What has been the highlight of your career?
At the moment I would say my exhibition One Side of the Story. It was back in 2012 and the show premiered in Estonia. It has left a big mark compared to everything else.
Joker
Net-a-Porter "Sheer Fantasy"
Exhibition Room nr. 23
KISMET Magazine
HALO collection
Beauty
Vintage
London
Photographer Jason Lawrence
Photographer Keir Harris
Photographer Judy Varenne
Photographer Heikki Leis
All photos courtesy of Gerda Miller
One Side of The Story by Gerda Miller
Model Gerda Miller / Photographer Judy Varenne
If you look around, would you say women know how to do their make-up or do we need to pay more attention?
Since Youtube tutorials became popular I think women are more aware of how to take care of their make-up looks. I'd say most girls rock it!
What do you think are the best colours for a blond, brunette and a redhead?
Well it varies according with their eye and skin colour. I would say brown/golden colours go with everyone, that is the safety net we can all turn to.
What is important to remember when doing make-up?
Everything starts with flawless skin, so girls make sure you have good skincare rituals.
We girls always have too many brushes in our make-up bag and don't know what to do with them. How many should we have? What kind?
I'd say 9-10 brushes are good enough. The brushes I'd recommend would be foundation, powder, blusher, concealer, eyeshadow, blending, angled (for your eyebrows), eyeliner and lip brush. I usually recommend to have a clean mascara brush also to fix your eyebrows and blend out mascara.
When doing our brows, we always want to have the perfect natural look, how can we achieve it? Pluck more or don't pluck at all?
Oh that's a forever lasting battle (laugh). I recommend to grow them and then to find a shape you like, draw it on your eyebrows with a darker colour (make sure they are symmetrical) and then just pluck the extra hairs out and you'll have a beautiful eyebrow base to draw your perfect brow on top of.
Are you more of a lipstick girl or a gloss fan? Why?
Definitely a lipstick girl. I find all lip glosses sticky and I make such a mess every time I wear one.
What is your favourite brand? Why?
I don't really have a favourite brand, different brands have different product's that are good. At the moment I am using a lot of Make-up Store products because I work with the company.
Who is your style icon?
I get asked that question often and to be honest I don't have one. My style changes with my mood and seasons. If I'd have to pick someone I admire I would say Gwen Stefani. She can pull of wearing really boyish clothes and still look like the ultimate woman.
What are the trends in make-up for the upcoming season?
Flawless, glowing skin. You can be playful with eyes or use really light and highlighted colours and the same with lips. It is also getting more and more fashionable to have clompy lashes.
What is your favourite beauty magazine?
L.O.V.E.
What are your tips for having the perfect make-up look?
Take care of your skin! Eat healthy, hydrate and then comes your make-up.
How do you take care of your skin?
Exfoliating, moisturising masks two times per week, drinking lots of water and eating healthy. For example, I eat a lot of greens, fish, seeds and nuts.
Sun is a very big issue in the health and beauty world, what is your favourite product to protect your skin from the sun?
My favourite one is Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ for face and body. It's good if you have tattoos and it's also waterproof.
How would you suggest taking care of our skin on a daily basis?
Every evening take off your make-up with products made for it and not with baby wipes. Cleanse and use a toner. Don't forget to use a day and night moisturiser, they are different and both really important for your skin. Don't forget the neck and décolleté!
Hēdonē is the magazine on the quest for pleasure. What is your ultimate pleasure?
Dinner with good company.