Glitzy Secrets Chats To Hairstylist and Make Up Artist Richard Harvey

Richard Harvey, the talented hair stylist and make up artist responsible for making our gorgeous models look even more beautiful, chats to us about his inspiration, trends and Bjork!

Getting to know you…

Tell us a little about what your job entails?
As a freelance Hair and Makeup Artist, represented by Nemesis Agency, my job is exciting and varied; everyday is different. I travel all over the country to work on advertising shoots, celebrity shoots for your favourite weekly mags, monthly glossies and stage shows and I also work with ‘real’ people for magazines and newspapers. Although my schedule limits the number of weddings I am able to work on, I also specialize in bridal hair and make-up.  I am very lucky to love my job and the buzz it brings. I realized recently that all my friend know a lot about my job, as they’re always interested in who, when & where I have been doing my hair and makeup yet, but I know little about their professional careers. Most people don’t like to talk business outside working hours so I feel privileged to have a job I feel so passionate about.

What led you to pursue a career in hair styling / make up?
My interest in hair, make-up, fashion and colour began when I inherited my mum’s Avon kit! As a creative child, I was encouraged by my equally creative mother. I was always drawing and painting so when my mum became an Avon lady, it was, to me, a natural progression and extension of my art. From then on, anyone that would sit still for me, particularly my patient sisters, would have a French pleat or braids and some very bright 80’s makeup.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I liken my inspiration to an itch! Recently, with Marcel Waves trending highly again, I had dreams about shooting this fabulous 1920s hairstyle and just had to organize a creative shoot with a Photographer friend. With fashion and looks change and evolve continually, I have to keep up to date. Movies, catwalk trends and good solid fashion magazines are fabulous sources, with Art Directors, Photographers and Stylist’s referencing these continually on shoots. Last season, I wouldn’t have got far without knowing about the use of ‘jewel colours’ or the DVF coral lip from the season before!

What would you say is your signature style?
With most brands, I have to say the 85% of the hair and makeup I do is pretty and soft, aimed at a feminine, commercial market. However my creative side is reflected in my quirkier work, which can also be seen in sections of my main portfolio, and it’s this that shows clients and brands my unique, diverse style. For me, my style is about enhancing and highlighting natural features of the face; colour clashing a blue eye with a brown shadow, contouring and playing with matts and sheens.  I believe make-up and hair should enhance your natural beauty, rather than correct or transform you into someone unrecognizable.

Looking at your work…

Where can we see your work?
In magazines from Grazia and Cosmopolitan to Heat and Hello, red carpet events such as The National TV Awards and The Soap Awards to leading brands from Bourjois and Hugo Boss to Wella and Volkswagen. TV includes Hollyoaks and Coronation Street and I worked with many celebrities from Michelle Keegan and Sammy Winward to Rio Ferdinand and Louie Spence!

What is your biggest achievement?
My personal highlight so far has to be working with Bjork for her x7 Biophillia album concerts, early this year. For years, I have admired her creativity and loved her music. As a Hair and Makeup Artist, I am asked two questions regularly. Number 1: Will you come live with me? And, Number 2: Who is the celeb you would most like to make up. Let’s just say my dream came true!

If you could work with absolutely anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
I have a ‘thing’ for red heads and, at the moment, I would like to do Florence and The Machine. As a boy of the 80/90’s, I always thought that Sarah Ferguson was beautiful when she was styled; I always remember a Vogue editorial that took my breath away as a kid, so if I had a time
machine, it would be her, and an early Madonna.

An insider’s look…

What would you say is the important factor when choosing your wedding hair style?
I believe, on your wedding day, you should look like a very polished version of the ‘normal’ you. It’s definitely not a time to experiment with fads and styles! If you’ve never worn a Burlesque inspired look, then your wedding day probably isn’t the best time to start. I personally adore a polished look with vintage twist. Look to the Hollywood greats, such Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, for inspiration as their style is timeless and will never date. And hair worn in a half up and half down style is a great ‘do to soften the face and add glamour from height and movement.

What are next year’s hair and make-up trends?
We’ll see lots of soft beach hair with movement, curls pulled through but height also. The focus on textures will continue too, with braids, plaits and twists. Bridal styles often mirror the red carpet, with celebrities such as Eva Langoria, Cheryl Cole, Eva Mendes, Adele and Kate Winslet key influencers.

What is the best advice you would give to a bride to be and a fashion follower?
For a fashion follower wanting a guide on how to achieve a particular style for a night out, YouTube can show you how to recreate commercial looks very easily. For a bride, find yourself a hair stylist who can do ‘hair styling’ very well. Ask to look at their portfolio as many of hairdressers don’t specialize in styling or hair up, and ask recently married brides for recommendations. It’s always valuable to collect pictures of styles you like, types of curls you prefer etc. As an example, there are so many ways to curl hair, from a tight ghd, tongs or height forming heated rollers, that it helps to have clear picture to refer to and saves time too.

Find out more about Richard Harvey:
Website: www.richmakeup.co.uk
Facebook: Richard Harvey
Twitter: @ritchiemakeup

Richard Harvey’s work can be seen throughout our website. We think you’ll agree his talents show off our costume jewellery and hair accessories beautifully!

Tags: hairstylist, interview, make-up artist, richard harvey