Drawn first to his sisters’ party rituals and the vampires of Underworld, Sean Brady – the Sydney-side MUA – taught himself makeup in lockdown and swears his doppelgänger is Lindsay Lohan.
Who or what introduced you to makeup?
I started being interested in makeup when I was a kid, I would stay up late and watch FTV while my family was asleep. I loved watching my sisters getting ready for parties when they were teenagers. Finally, during lockdown, I really started to play with makeup on myself and my partner.
What’s been your personal experience with beauty?
I think initially it was a very internal experience – a gathering of everything I had seen or experienced, and eventually, I trusted myself enough to start exploring it.
Was there an artist early on that inspired you?
I was very inspired by female heroines in film and TV – the makeup as a part of the character. I loved the vampires in Underworld, Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth, Scully in X Files.
Who do you look up to right now?
Of course, Pat McGrath, plus Thomas De Kluyver and Isamaya Ffrench. They all have very different touches in the same world of beauty and I think that’s what resonates with me – the individualised perspective.
How would you describe your makeup artistry ethos?
Do what feels correct for the person’s face (in spite of any reference) and find a muse. People are more interesting than anything you can create, so find your harmony in that.
You’re self-taught, aren’t you?
Self-taught. Though I wouldn’t mind doing an SFX course…
Tell me about a moment that has defined your career thus far?
I don’t know if I necessarily believe in defining moments. As an artist I feel like the dial is always moving. When I create something I never thought I could is when I feel most satisfied.
What is the purpose of makeup?
To mirror what’s inside or outside oneself. To be beautiful, to be sad, to be angry and to show love.
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
Evolving, considered, hopeful.
If you could swap bodies with any makeup artist for a day – living or dead – who would it be?
This is a tough one. We lost a whole generation of incredible gay artists to HIV – so many talents. We see their work on mood boards from club nights at Studio 54, or a glamazon on the cover of a soft-core porn magazine. It was different then, they weren’t referencing, they were the reference.
The best makeup look of all time is…
Pat’s creations for Galliano’s Dior. Not one specific look, but the world she created around it.
And the best film makeup?
Oh dear, you’re killing me with these questions. Probably the original Dracula. An out the gate choice, but it still haunts to this day.
Any makeup rules that annoy you?
I wouldn’t say it annoys me, but I’m not a mascara fan generally.
If you could only have five products in your kit, what would they be?
I can do three! M.A.C Cosmetics Face and Body foundation, a black eyeliner and mauve lipstick (you can use it anywhere).
What do you think is more important – technical skills or having a creative vision?
Both are equally important; a vision is nothing without execution. But you can ‘fake’ your way through till you have both, it’s time on the track that really helps. I needed a lot.
What does your creative process look like?
When met with a brief or a face, I paint in my head – I close my eyes and think. I’m luckily one of those people that can see clear pictures in my mind, I’m not sure what I’d do otherwise. If it’s too difficult to relay that information, I’ll do a mock up on Photoshop or chop up my own past work.
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Do you ever use face charts?
Yes, for me it’s become quite imperative if someone doesn’t know or trust me.
Who would be your dream face to make up?
So many, my list could fill a page! To name a few: Kate Moss, Rila Fukushima, Devon Aoki, Lindsey Wixson, Anya Taylor Joy, Bella Hadid, Alek Wek, Grimes, Princess Diana, Tilda Swinton, Sonja Morgan, Tyra Banks, Grace Jones.
What about lips – who has the best in the industry?
Lindsey Wixson? But honestly good lips are everywhere… There’s a girl from New Zealand, Sophie Song. Hers are heaven.
What lipstick would you paint on them?
A glossy red, can’t go wrong. So puss.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a makeup artist?
I think just trying to be understood – not a challenge per se but it’s the thing I work the hardest on. Also carrying my kit, my poor, delicate wrists…
The most rewarding?
Making something beautiful with people you respect. Pushing past your own boundaries of expectations.
What motivates you?
That I have a lot I want to communicate and share.
The single best piece of makeup advice you can share with aspiring artists?
Your perspective is important, it’s all you have. And that the work is half the job, how you make people feel is the other half.
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If you had three minutes to do your own face, what would you apply?
M.A.C Cosmetics Face and Body on the skin, Westman Atelier Biscuit contour on eyes and cheeks, Mecca Max lip stain.
Who do you look to for inspiration when you’re doing your own makeup?
When doing make up on myself outside of just skin it’s mostly reflective of an energy I want to bring. Generally, I like to totally change the way I look – not necessarily enhance – when I’m going for a makeup moment.
Do you think you have a celebrity dopplegänger?
I swear I look like Lindsay Lohan though, but no one agrees with me…
What’s the last beauty product you purchased?
A Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler. I lost mine at a show.
What’s inspiring you right now?
1930s and 1940s makeup. We’ve all been trying to look snatched for too long. The world is grim right now… it’s okay to look sad and forlorn, but also hopeful.
