September 29, 2020
5 Minutes with: Michael Anthony
5 MINUTES WITH: MICHAEL ANTHONY
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Bridging the gap between fine arts, beauty and editorial, Michael Anthony has pushed the boundaries with his work, carving a name for himself and his style within the industry. After 10 years in New York and working the fashion week circuit, Michael made his way to L.A. where he now works from magazines and advertisements to red carpet and music videos. Working with stars like Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Gwen Stefani, Michael Anthony is a unique creative.
What products are you currently obsessed with?
MA: I am currently obsessed with Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and my DERMAPORE Ultrasonic Pore Extractor! This combination has changed my skin, I use the tip to clean my pores and then the flat side to zap my serum in ... it feels like I am at a spa or an aesthetician’s office!
Your trustee in-flight essentials?
MA: I always have a travel size Evian water spray and the 111SKIN Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Masks to keep my skin and under eyes hydrated on long flights.
Any essential skincare for the road?
MA: When you travel a lot for work like I have done, you find yourself in so many different climates. It's important to hydrate from the inside out with plenty of water or cucumber juice (if possible ). I used to forget to bring an exfoliator but now I always pack some sort of scrub or enzyme peel to remove the dead skin and keep my complexion as smooth as possible.
What inspires the looks you create?
MA: I am inspired by fashion collections new and old, nature ... the colourways of wild birds and flowers are unmatched in their nuance and beauty. I am also so inspired by the younger generation of makeup artists; there are talented teenagers who just go WILD on their social media and have so much fun with NO rules.
Tips for different face types?
MA:I like to approach each face with the same idea that you want that particular person to look their best. As everyone is different, that means the approach is somewhat tailored to that particular person. For example, some people like a heavy contour on all their features for emphasis while some people like a more subtle approach. I think it's a good idea to contour under the jawline and back under the ears for almost everyone... and dusting a bit of bronzer over the apple of the cheeks and bridge of the nose seems to warm everyone’s complexion. The old school contour guides by Kevyn Aucoin STILL hold up to today’s beauty standards... some of my favourites.
A product you would take on a desert island?
MA: My sonic care toothbrush haha, but for skincare related items I would most definitely take my SUNSCREEN!! It is one of the MOST important anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle and anti- age spot product! I used to think I was allergic to sunscreen because I would break out every time I used it until I started using one that was formulated for the face. I wish I had had it in my 20's when I was a sun addict!!
Your backstage skin secrets?
MA: A heavy duty concealer palette with a variety of shades that I use to touch up around the nose where the skin tends to get red and not hold makeup. I use this bad boy to buff out the ears, scars on the legs, and any other exposed areas of skin that maybe we don't traditionally apply foundation to during Glam!!
Favourite looks to create?
MA: I like drawing fantastic ,strange, weird fantasy out on face charts and then make something special like a custom eyelash or applique and then bring the fantasy to life on someone when it makes sense. Whether it be for a POP music video or a photo project or even on my boyfriend at home during quarantine. Usually something with intricate lines or crystals!
Number 1 rule for skin?
MA: HYDRATION ( drink water / cucumber juice/ coconut water NO SUGAR )
Number 1 rule for make-up application?
MA: There are no mistakes only "happy" accidents
Now without too much thought, do you prefer skin prepping or skin setting?
MA: I think I spend more time focusing on setting, once you have moisturized and put foundation on, the skin is going to behave as it usually does. If you don’t "set" things the right way they can behave differently , so you have more control there.
Dewy or mattifying?
MA: Dewy for life, matte for work
Brush or blender?
MA:I hate to choose, they both have so much power! I’ll say Brush only because my background in fine arts.
Favourite facial feature to work with?
MA: Eyes ( of course ) ALL different shapes, sizes and expressions! I have learned SO much from having to do different eye shapes and sizes … it’s a never-ending lesson.
A Nude or bold lip?
MA: BOLD
Working with Luxury or affordable product?
MA: It’s the exact same approach, managing the application process. Most of the time you are only paying for fancy packaging!! There are exceptions of course.
Shop mask
Bridging the gap between fine arts, beauty and editorial, Michael Anthony has pushed the boundaries with his work, carving a name for himself and his style within the industry. After 10 years in New York and working the fashion week circuit, Michael made his way to L.A. where he now works from magazines and advertisements to red carpet and music videos. Working with stars like Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Gwen Stefani, Michael Anthony is a unique creative.
What products are you currently obsessed with?
MA: I am currently obsessed with Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and my DERMAPORE Ultrasonic Pore Extractor! This combination has changed my skin, I use the tip to clean my pores and then the flat side to zap my serum in ... it feels like I am at a spa or an aesthetician’s office!
Your trustee in-flight essentials?
MA: I always have a travel size Evian water spray and the 111SKIN Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Masks to keep my skin and under eyes hydrated on long flights.
Any essential skincare for the road?
MA: When you travel a lot for work like I have done, you find yourself in so many different climates. It's important to hydrate from the inside out with plenty of water or cucumber juice (if possible ). I used to forget to bring an exfoliator but now I always pack some sort of scrub or enzyme peel to remove the dead skin and keep my complexion as smooth as possible.
What inspires the looks you create?
MA: I am inspired by fashion collections new and old, nature ... the colourways of wild birds and flowers are unmatched in their nuance and beauty. I am also so inspired by the younger generation of makeup artists; there are talented teenagers who just go WILD on their social media and have so much fun with NO rules.
Tips for different face types?
MA:I like to approach each face with the same idea that you want that particular person to look their best. As everyone is different, that means the approach is somewhat tailored to that particular person. For example, some people like a heavy contour on all their features for emphasis while some people like a more subtle approach. I think it's a good idea to contour under the jawline and back under the ears for almost everyone... and dusting a bit of bronzer over the apple of the cheeks and bridge of the nose seems to warm everyone’s complexion. The old school contour guides by Kevyn Aucoin STILL hold up to today’s beauty standards... some of my favourites.
A product you would take on a desert island?
MA: My sonic care toothbrush haha, but for skincare related items I would most definitely take my SUNSCREEN!! It is one of the MOST important anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle and anti- age spot product! I used to think I was allergic to sunscreen because I would break out every time I used it until I started using one that was formulated for the face. I wish I had had it in my 20's when I was a sun addict!!
Your backstage skin secrets?
MA: A heavy duty concealer palette with a variety of shades that I use to touch up around the nose where the skin tends to get red and not hold makeup. I use this bad boy to buff out the ears, scars on the legs, and any other exposed areas of skin that maybe we don't traditionally apply foundation to during Glam!!
Favourite looks to create?
MA: I like drawing fantastic ,strange, weird fantasy out on face charts and then make something special like a custom eyelash or applique and then bring the fantasy to life on someone when it makes sense. Whether it be for a POP music video or a photo project or even on my boyfriend at home during quarantine. Usually something with intricate lines or crystals!
Number 1 rule for skin?
MA: HYDRATION ( drink water / cucumber juice/ coconut water NO SUGAR )
Number 1 rule for make-up application?
MA: There are no "mistakes" only happy accidents.
Now without too much thought, do you prefer skin prepping or skin setting?
MA: I think I spend more time focusing on setting, once you have moisturized and put foundation on, the skin is going to behave as it usually does. If you don’t "set" things the right way they can behave differently , so you have more control there.
Dewy or mattifying?
MA: Dewy for life, matte for work
Brush or blender?
MA:I hate to choose, they both have so much power! I’ll say Brush only because my background in fine arts.
Favourite facial feature to work with?
MA: Eyes ( of course ) ALL different shapes, sizes and expressions! I have learned SO much from having to do different eye shapes and sizes … it’s a never-ending lesson.
A Nude or bold lip?
MA: BOLD
Working with Luxury or affordable product?
MA: It’s the exact same approach, managing the application process. Most of the time you are only paying for fancy packaging!! There are exceptions of course.
SHOP MAsKs
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.