Holly Curtis chats to makeup artist and educator Justine Poniris about Paintbox Cosmetics, and how to make it in the world of making up.

What sets Paintbox Cosmetics apart from other brands available?

As a professional makeup educator I have seen for years that many consumers may have a case filled of the best cosmetics but if they do not know how to apply them correctly they won’t get the optimal end results. This is why consumers are only available to purchase Paintbox Cosmetics through makeup artists, so that they get this education in correct application and technique. We wanted to empower consumers and help them develop their makeup skills.

The core of my brand is providing the highest quality products for makeup artists, so that they have the tools to create dynamic trends and also educate consumers on correct makeup application.

You won’t see Paintbox Cosmetics stores popping up around the country any time soon; the brand will always be sold through professional makeup artists so as to ensure that the education element of the brand is maintained. My vision is for Paintbox to become Australia’s makeup brand of choice for both makeup artists and consumers alike.

Twice a year you provide clients with a training session covering the latest applications techniques – can you give us the inside scoop on the latest techniques? 

The latest product to watch out for is new high definition pigments. Applied with Liquid Pro Mix the finish is an absolutely amazing glamour 3D effect on the eyes. There is nothing else quite like it on the market yet.

Who is your favourite (or most inspiring) person you’ve worked with/on so far?

When I was a teenager there was a makeup artist called Allen Deikman; he ran fashion and bridal orientated makeup courses and I wanted to be just like him. He was artistic, creative and an amazing educator who helped get me out of my comfort zone and trust my instinct to experiment with makeup.

What is your advice to people wanting to venture into the world of makeup artistry?

Practice on your friends and on all types of people.

  • Build your portfolio
  • Assist where you can on events, shoots etc., working for free is a great way to learn and grow
  • Keep an eye on trends, use the internet, fashion magazines – know what is happening in the industry
  • Find mentors that inspire you and learn from their success, research how they began their career and model their behaviour.

If you could give Australian women one tip, what would it be?

My one tip is experiment. Try different things; new colours, new looks. Sometimes you might find a look doesn’t quite suit you and other times you will fall in love with something that you thought you couldn’t pull off. Makeup should be fun!

Do you feel that Australian hair/makeup businesses are a force to be reckoned with in the International market? 

Yes, all you need to do is look at the big names we have doing amazing things overseas to see that we are a force to be reckoned with. Artists such as Belinda Zollo, Rae Morris and Val Garland  have well and truly earned their place on International stages.

What was your greatest hurdle when starting out in the industry?

When starting out it’s hard to get a break in the industry. I organised my own folio shoots and did a lot of photo shoots for free to get real experience in the industry. Always throw yourself into the deep end and never give up.