Serena is a pro makeup artist from Brisbane. Her Instagram page is sitting at a whopping 81 thousand followers and it’s no wonder why. Her technique is simply stunning.

I’m very excited to have Lou Lou Lips as a sponsor for Serena’s upcoming
masterclass for 2019 and I was lucky enough to ask her a few questions about her life and career so far.

You can book tickets to Serena's Masterclass here

Hey Serena! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for our

Artist spotlight!

So I recently found out that you’re only 20 years old! What’s more amazing is that I learnt this info from Zoe Foster-Blake’s Instragram story in which you did her makeup!

Your makeup has been shared by the likes of Benefit, Laura Mercier and Nars so it comes as no surprise that you’re working with for some of the top stars, models and brands. Congratulations!

Before we get onto the questions, firstly tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been beauty, makeup and skincare obsessed!  I started my business at 17 years old. Once I finished school, I moved from a small town to the city, worked 3 jobs in my first year to get by, with a goal to one day take on my passion full time. In this particular year I was doing close to 70 hour weeks! RIDICULOUS I know!  At age 18, I took a major risk and leap to focusing on what I love full time and haven’t looked back! When applying makeup I love to enhance natural beauty, I love fresh skin, sun kissed cheeks and glossy lips. 

Favourite movie?

A star is born 

Red wine or white?

Red 

Morning person or night person?

Both! I am definitely a night owl but I still love an early get up... It always makes me feel so much more pro active! 

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

New York. It’s my favourite city! 

Where and how do you work best?

Some of my best work has surprisingly been in stressful timeframes where I haven’t had the time to think too much into the look. I find sometimes  if I over think the makeup look I just over complicate it (and end up not loving it as much)

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Passionately pursue your dreams. As long as you have a vision and a plan, as long as you put in the hard work things will work out. 

Favourite quote? 

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?

My biggest makeup inspiration is Nikki Wolfe! Her looks are always so creative and flawless. What inspired me? Growing up, i loved chatting to all of my mums clients in her salon.  I loved getting into all of her products from a very young age, my mum may or may not have had to to put a lock on her makeup cabinet to keep me out! I would make any excuse to be in her salon, so I feel I was always bound to find myself working in the beauty industry or at least something creative as I’ve always loved art. 

What is your favourite makeup look to do?

My favourite look is a bronze eye and dewy skin. A statement bright orange-red lip is another favourite. 

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Establishing a clientele in a new city. I grew up in a small country town, so it was starting from scratch in a city where I didn’t know a sole that has been my biggest challenge so far. 

What has been your biggest win so far?

Of course the incredible honour of doing my beauty idols hair & makeup, Zoe Foster Blake. 

What’s your best advice for handling criticism?

You know what, this isn’t an easy one. This one is something I still constantly remind myself to work on. As a makeup artist, it’s our goal to make everyone happy!! We are naturally people pleasers!! I’ve learnt in a short amount of time that we can’t make everyone happy and not everyone will love what we do. This concept is the same for everyday life, you just simply cannot please everyone. What I have learnt is while criticism at the time isn’t a great feeling, there’s always a new day. When facing criticism, I think being confident and kind in the moment to rectify and then remembering there is always a new day is what helps me overcome criticism.

What’s next for you?

I would love to able to keep working on my masterclasses, I would love to host Australia wide and eventually internationally. I love teaching, I have a huge passion for sharing my techniques and how I create my work.

If a young girl or boy walked up to you asking for your advice on life, what would it be?

Follow your dreams. Work hard. Never give up.... And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!! 

What is your favourite Lou Lou Lips lipstick and why?

DEA DIA, it’s the perfect peachy nude that is so versatile and compliments many looks.

For us, lipstick is something which gives us that extra boost of confidence, what gives you confidence to take on each and every day?

I like to set a goal for each day, whether it’s big or small. Most of the time I write them down, when I revisit them and see that I have accomplished it, it gives a great sense of confidence and accomplishment!! 

 Follow Serena's journey on Instagram here