Olympia Beauty presents... Brush Wars 2019

During my time at College in 2013, my tutor entered the Brush Wars makeup competition at Olympia Beauty and we all went along to support her. 

After seeing all of the wonderful creations and experiencing the exciting atmosphere, I told myself that I would enter in the Student category in 2014. As soon as the theme was announced the following year, I got my application form in and set to work on gathering ideas, practicing make-up styles and designing a costume on the months running up. I followed Nicci Jackson’s work and excitement started to set in. 

I was fresh out of college having graduated in the summer, so the whole experience was very new to me. The theme was ‘Anglo Eccentrism’ so I opted for a very British Punk and Sex Pistols design with a royal twist! 

Seeing the other entrants on the day made me extremely nervous, especially as they seemed so much more ‘professional’ than myself with their posh make-up cases and extensive kits. I just had an old bag full of my college gear, but I was confident with my design so tried not to let it faze me. Once set-up, the makeup count down began and we had 2 hours in which to create our designs.

Being judged by the likes of Nicci Jackson, the Pixiwoo sisters and Mandy Gold was nerve-wracking but extremely exciting, as they came around analysing our work and asking questions throughout the competition.

I was thrilled with my final make-up design but looking around at the other creations I didn’t feel quite as confident! We then had a couple of hours to wait as the judges went away to decide our places. 

The entrants gathered around a stage full of judges with a seated-audience and photographers and the nerves kicked in! 
I will always remember what happened next, and it has honestly been the single best thing that has happened during my career; I was announced winner in the student category! 

I burst into tears with shock!! 

To this day I still get goose-bumps thinking about it as it was completely unexpected, and I only really entered for the experience. The prizes were phenomenal, a kit-bag full of high-end make-up, a complete airbrush make-up kit plus training, one-to-one training day with Nicci and Julia Townend and the best prize; a ticket to the Beauty Düsseldorf show in Germany for a chance to compete Internationally in their annual makeup competition. Just WOW!

I honestly think that entering the Brush Wars competition has shaped my entire career, opening up fantastic opportunities for me and meeting some wonderful creatives along the way. 

I also want to personally thank Nicci for being such a wonderful mentor and for giving me these opportunities. I just wish I could re-live the entire experience again! 

I went on to enter Brush Wars in the Professional category the following two years, being placed 3rd and 2nd place. 
If you’re thinking about entering Brush Wars then I whole-heartedly recommend it!