Masterclass from make-up artist to the stars

Rachel O’Donnell, senior artist for MAC, and make-up artist shared her expertise and trade secrets with media make-up students at the College’s Altrincham campus.

Excited students gathered in their droves to get an insight into the world of fashion and media make-up from one of the most in-demand artists in the industry.

With an extensive portfolio that includes the London and Milan fashion weeks, Rachel also counts pop star PixIe Lott among her famous clients/

She shared her insider tips from the industry throughout her demonstrations and advised students on some of the most recent trends from the catwalk, before jetting off to Paris Fashion Week later that day.

Organised by College tutor Lauren Wright, the event saw around 100 students packing into the atrium at Enhance, all eager to pick up new skills and techniques from one of their industry peers.

Lauren said, “After getting feedback from the media make-up students over the past years about their make-up kits, the majority said they would like to go with MAC. I approached MAC and asked if their Senior Artist could create a demonstration for our students with the wow factor, which she most definitely did. The feedback so far from the students is amazing - this is the happiest I have known them to be.”

Rachel added, “The College is a vibrant workplace full of enthusiastic students and tenured tutors. The look I created for the students was a journey through the different types of make-up I work in everyday reflecting what the students will learn in their time there. I started with runway, pushed to a red carpet look and pushing that classic look further to a final dramatic theatre look.”

Student Make-up Artist, Claire Bolland, said of the event, “I was really excited about the demonstration today and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the diversity and the journey through the different mediums of make-up, and I picked up some brilliant tips and techniques.”