Freelance Make-Up Artist Barrie Griffith – Profile
Tell us a little about yourself?
Originally from Liverpool, I left home at the age of 17 to work in Paris at the Moulin Rouge as a dancer. After a 10 year dancing career I began to channel my creative skills into Make-up Artistry. I returned to London in 2000 and have lived here ever since.
Did you always want to be a makeup artist?
Yes, in the back of my mind I always had ambitions of becoming a Make-up artist. Whilst I was working as a dancer in Paris and having watched the showgirls create their stage looks, I started to learn make-up artistry though friends and colleagues. I am totally self-taught.
What was your first make-up job?
I was very fortunate through friends to have my first make-up job at London Fashion Week at the Ben de Lisi, Mark by Mark Jacobs and Westwood fashion shows.
Can you tell us about a memorable moment you had while doing makeup?
Working on Vivienne Westwood’s Opus book was a truly memorable project. The book is characterised by a gallery section of stunning portraits taken on the rare Polaroid 20 x 24 Studio camera. The book weighs an astonishing 20kg and is one of the largest fashion books ever printed. Each Opus edition is strictly limited to 900 copies worldwide, divided into nine editions of 100.
I was lucky to have worked with the likes of Jerry Hall, Kate Moss & Sarah Ferguson on this prestigious project.
What are some of the challenges facing men/women in the Makeup Industry?
It is really a cut throat business, with lots of No’s and shut doors facing you. Believe in yourself and don’t give in – doors will open.
What does it take to be successful in your industry?
Practice, Practice and then practice some more! Try new products, new technologies & new looks.

Barrie has worked with numerous photographers including Benjamin Kaufmann, Elise Dumontet and Enzo Laera whilst his international credits include Russian and Portugese Vogue.
Barrie loves working with Nanshy Make-up brushes, which are animal and vegan friendly to create amazing looks.
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