Hall of Beauty

In my eighteen years, I have seen some pretty bad 'makeup'. Obvious foundation lines, spider eyes and clown cheeks ... I did not understand.

Luckily, there are people such as Anni Hall. Hair and makeup artist. Beauty writer. All-round nice person. She is one of many who has showed me the beauty of beauty and how fun and influential it can be. I am very lucky to have come into contact with her and I hope to learn more from her, with her enormous encyclopaedia of beauty knowledge.

Anni writes all things bridal and beauty for Vogue.com.au and also assist Vogue Australia’s Beauty Editor. Her client list ranges from Jessica Mauboy to David Jones to Oyster (it's a real extensive list! this is one talented lady). She can do everything; a beauty chameleon.

You can view her blog here and her portfolio here. 

Without further adieu, I give you: Anni Hall.


What do you love about beauty?

Everything! I especially love how beauty, of any kind, makes you feel. I studied art history at uni and found the concept of beauty so fascinating. I loved learning how the idea of beauty, and how the embodiment of beauty, has changed throughout time. From Cleopatra to the Renaissance woman, the Pre-Raphaelite femme to a 1960s model, it's extremely compelling. I think it's really important to constantly source out beauty of any kind, in music, nature, art, and appreciate it. It seems to makes things that little bit easier, and life, that little bit better.

Makeup-wise, I'm inspired by the way products can transform you. A lipstick or an eyeshadow can completely change your look, finish off your outfit, and most importantly, can lift your mood. A hint of makeup can make you feel good about yourself and help a quiet soul glow. There's nothing like spraying on a new perfume or trying a vibrant lipstick and being a completely new person for a day. It's very exciting.


Describe a typical day in the life of a beauty writer

I always start the day with half a lemon squeezed into hot water, it's great for skin and gets your metabolism going. I then head down to the gym and flick through whatever magazine I've got sitting on top of the pile. Right now I'm reading the May issue of British Vogue - it's filled with gorgeous gowns and sparkly jewels, just in time for the Royal Wedding. I head home, stretch and get ready for the day ahead. I've got so many gorgeous clothes (a big bonus of having friends who are stylists and designers) and have been making a big effort to take the time to slow down and dress up. If I didn't, I'd never wear half of my clothes!

Everyday is different, and that's how I like it. My days are filled with a mix of beauty launches, new products to test, people to interview, research to do, and of course, writing. Last Tuesday my day started with a gorgeous brekky with the Head of Artisty from Mecca Cosmetica, Tony Baumann. We chatted about Mecca Cosmetica's upcoming campaign, Foundation Wardrobe, ate a delicious brunch, played with the newest highlighters from Nars, and I had a mini-makeover. It was so much fun! After that, I headed into the office. I always get so excited going into the office as there are generally a bunch of bags filled with the latest products waiting for me. Besides Clarins' new foundation, an Armani perfume, limited edition Laura Mercier colours and Kiehl's newest range, I received my RAFW invites. So much effort goes into designing them and they are so gorgeous, I can't bare to throw them away so I keep them all in a gold envelope.

After I organise my goodies, I get stuck into writing. I might transcribe an interview for the Bridal section of Vogue.com.au, have a meeting where we go over the content of the site, and then, it's time for lunch. Time really does fly... After lunch, I'll write a few articles, have a play with the latest goodies (if you follow me on twitter (www.twitter.com/anni_hall) you'll know that I've been obsessing over Chanel's new yellow nail lacquer, Mimosa - it's out May 29 and is divine) and will be found on the email. I'm a very chatty kind of person so I love talking to my colleagues, including the girls from the mag and from the site, to see what they've been up to. Throughout the rest of the day, new goodies have arrived (hello new Stila foundation - thank you Tony from Mecca, YSL's amazing new eyeshadow quad and more), and then it's home time. I love trying out new products so if I haven't got an engagement in the evening (a very rare occurrence) I'll play with makeup, give myself a mask or peel, do a post on Liner Notes (www.annihall.com/beautyblog) and have some downtime. My days are non-stop, but always filled with so much fun and colour.


Who have you worked for?

Hair and makeup-wise, I have shot for LMFF winners Song For The Mute, Bassike, and David Jones, and have done shows for Ellery, Tiffany & co and Chanel. My most exciting writing experiences have been with fasterlouder.com.au, Mecca Cosmetica and of course, Vogue.


How is it, writing for Vogue?

As you would expect, absolutely amazing. Everyone is so supportive and as you know, it's the best magazine in town - how could I not love it?

Vogue Australia March 2011

What would you be doing if you weren't a writer/make-up artist?

Oh, I couldn't imagine doing anything else, I'm having the time of my life. Creating, writing, and being surrounded by so many visionaries is most inspiring.


Now, for those of us who are beauty-challenged, Anni offers some helpful advice that can make any dunce perfect a winged eye. 



How would one pick a foundation? What shade should they typically aim for?

Easy! All you need to do is figure out your skin type (dry, normal, combination or oily) and decide on what kind of coverage you want (sheer, medium or full). Then, all you need to do is read my reviews ;)


What is your favourite make-up look?

That's a tough one. Right now I'm loving the hair and makeup from Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2011 campaign, the pretty faces at Prada's A/W show and the luscious locks at Roksanda Illincic's A/W show.

Eyes or lips?

Both!


What are some of your favourite products?

Shu Uemura cleansers are great for the skin, Chanel Hydramax Serum for some luxe pampering, Clarins new Skin Illusion foundation for the perfect amount of coverage, Nars' lipstick in Scarlett Empress for an autumnal look, and Chanel's newest Bronzing Compact in Bronze Rose for a gorgeous glow.


Remember to check out www.annihall.com/beautyblog/ !