Award winning makeup artist of influence and inspirational style icon of colour Mary Greenwell talks to BeautyWowza about her new Fragrance PLUM, her favourite products and shares some of her top tips to achieving your perfect look!
Mary is an iconic figure within the makeup industry, she has worked with Royality- ‘Princess Diana’, A list Celebs – ‘Cate Blanchett’, Fashion Houses – ‘Karl Lagerfeld’ and some of the most influential photographers of all time including: ‘Annie Leibowitz’, ‘David Bailey’, ‘Rankin’ to name a few! Mary has also left a stroke of her brush on many magazines including: Allure, Elle, Glamour, Harpers Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Marie Claire, Numéro, Vanity Fair, Vogue (British, French, Italian, and American) and W Magazine.
Your fragrance Plum launched in Oct! How involved were you with the process in terms of choosing the scents and working with Perfume houses etc.
Mary Greenwell (MG) – I was 100% Involved, it’s important that all decisions were shared and discussed thoroughly.
How would you describe the ideal woman who wears your fragrance?
MG – I would say a timeless, ageless woman! She’s whatever and whoever she wants to be, the fragrance is completely delicious and is for all women! There is no specifics, it’s a fragrance designed for all.
You have worked with many inspirational people throughout your career, who would you say inspired you the most?
MG – Queen Rania of Jordan, Princess Diana, Cate Blanchett , Uma Thurman and Christy Turlington. All amazing inspiring individuals!
If you could design a fragrance for one of your many clients who would it be and why?
MG – I have covered it with my signature fragrance PLUM. It’s an intoxicating scent which is enjoyed by all. I’m passionate about scents, and there are no comparisons with fragrance – either you like it or you don’t!
Why did you choose to bring out a fragrance? Why not your own makeup line?
MG – A fragrance is much more intimate and is a way to reach out to people on a more personal note. There are so many amazing makeup lines out there so it’s black and white with a fragrance! You can’t be judged on your first fragrance and it’s very rewarding when you can give someone something so personal.
You are known for re-styling the late Princess Diana’s look, what did you change and how does it feel to hold that status?
MG – When I first met Princess Diana she was very young and a newlywed! The first thing I did was get rid of her blue eyeliner. Blue makeup on Blue eyes is really not a good look as it takes away the intensity of your eye colour, She had such beautiful Blue eyes I wanted to really make them stand out. I created a softer and subtle look which bought out her natural beauty. If I am credited for re-styling her then I’m honoured!
Off the top of your head, what are your top makeup/beauty products?
- Elizabeth Arden Smoky eye’s Powder pencils in Black and Brown.
- Chanel Silhouette Lipstick.
- Suqqu Cream Foundation
- Dior Show 360 Mascara
- Chanel Imprevu Powder Blush
- La Prairie Luxe Caviar Cream
- Sisley Hand Cream
- Eve Lom Face Wash
- Sisley Radiant Glow Mask
- Tweezer man tweezers
- Armani Blush
- Trish McEvoy Concealer
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser
- Trish McEvoy Brushes
Mary Greenwell signature makeup tips!
MG – I’m a firm believer in the natural look! Do not use eye makeup that matches your eye colour as it does not enhance the intensity in your eyes. Natural colours that work best are the Taupe’s, Fawn’s and Brown’s. Always use colours that compliment your skin. Cheryl Cole wears her make up perfectly, it is always matched to her skin tone and her eye makeup really makes the Brown of her eyes pop!! Use her for inspiration.
What is your Favourite Makeup trend of all time?
MG – I’d have to say the smoky eye, it’s a timeless trend that is always making a come back. There are so many different ways of doing a smoky eye. It’s brilliant for women on the go as a smoky eye can be achieved by using your fingers! It’s important to find a style that suits you and not to follow trends all the time. The best trend of all time is finding a way to enhance your own beauty!
An Ideal day off in the World of Mary Greenwell would be?
Spending time in Africa in my home in Lamu with my 13 god children!
I’d like to say a big thank you to Mary for allowing me to interview her!
PLUM is available at House Of Fraser and is priced at £90 for 100ml and £60 50ml. www.marygreenwell.com
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