As a leading Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert Julia K enjoys a glittering career that takes her around the globe collaborating on exciting projects. If this is your dream career, read on - it's not all glamour and hob nobbing with the stars, you've also got to be prepared for some serious hard work & long hours if you want it to pay off!

Born in Slovakia, Julia moved to UK more than fifteen years ago. After finishing her intensive makeup training at Greasepaint in 2001, she immediately started working on short films, theatres and photo shoots.

Over the years, Julia collaborated with Directors, Producers, Art Directors and prestigious photographers on fashion campaigns in UK and abroad. She has worked on advertising, lifestyle shoots, corporate with CEO's, TV and Weddings. Apart from featured work in Elle, Glamour, Russian and Italian Vogue, Julia has been recently working for Walt Disney UK. 

For the past 7 years, whilst working on freelance projects, Julia has also got involved in the beauty industry and learnt all about skincare, makeup & hair. From high-end to organic skincare, Julia has been selectively using the beauty products on private clients and freelance projects. 

Julia, what was your inspiration for wanting to work in the beauty industry?

My mother inspired me earlier in my years so I fell into beauty naturally. I always believed that each woman is beautiful and unique in her own rights.

Over the last decade, I have met women who felt opposite and inspired me even more to help those women. To feel more beautiful by using skincare and makeup and enhance their own beauty and feel more confident. 

Where did you do your training and what did it involve?

My makeup training was at Greasepaint, London. The Intensive makeup course, which covered all aspects of T.V. makeup, theatre, beauty makeup and hairstyles. 

When did you get your first lucky career break and what was it?

I would have to say, my first lucky career break was meeting Franz Ferdinand and working on their music video. Later on, when working for Walt Disney UK and I got appointed as Makeup Designer for The Queen's Jubilee projects, which lasted 3 days. I looked after 11 Disney princesses and wigs, Jack Sparrow's makeup and number of presenters and had an assistant in hand. 

You've worked with some major brands, artists and had your work featured in high profile glossies including Elle and Glamour - what's been your career highlight to date?

The highlight of my career would have to be; I have many highlights but choosing three are: shooting on a golf course in Biarritz, creating lifestyle shoot for Consero Homes in a luxurious home in Cobham and, travelling to Montefiascone, Italy creating 50's makeup and hair looks for Anna Scholz fashion campaign. 

Briefly, describe the 'day in the life' of a successful makeup artist

I generally wake up between 5-7am depending on the project and travel distance. I arrive 15 minutes earlier before a start to set-up all makeup and hair essentials. I always make sure my area is clean and tidy throughout.

On my last collaboration with Walt Disney, I looked after number of CEO's and speaker’s makeup, hairstyles and grooming for stage appearance. Touch-ups behind the stage are required so I made sure I was close by. My day usually finishes 6 or 7pm. 

What tips could you offer budding makeup artists who want to succeed in the industry?

My advice would be, after your makeup course, take as many jobs as you possibly can even unpaid as you need to build your portfolio and confidence. It takes few more months, even years to find out which direction in makeup industry you want to take. T.V. makeup, beauty or fashion, etc.

The Academy of Freelance Makeup provides help and creates opportunities for students after they complete their courses.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am looking into expanding my Bridal Business more Internationally and to repeat the experience of travelling and creating Bridal Makeup as I did in the South of France and Slovakia. 

Share one of your top beauty tips with us!

Don't be scared to mix makeup products to create a perfect shade. My last favourite is to mix By Terry Sheer Expert with Nars Laguna liquid bronzer. You'll get your 'summer glow bronze look' in seconds! 

Read some of her beauty recommendations on Julia K Beauty blog http://www.juliakbeauty.com/blog