A Beautiful Life

Having spent two decades in the UK, Casey Hill has returned home to the Sunshine Coast. Spending her formitive years as a performer, Casey is accustomed to being primped and primed, and is now on the other side of the camera as an internationally-acclaimed hair and make-up artist.

Is it true you were an actor and dancer IN THE UK? 

Yes! When I was 16 I was awarded a scholarship to professionally train in performing arts at the renowned London Studio Centre. After three years I graduated and embarked upon a magical career dancing and acting all over the world. I worked in feature films, TV adverts, with pop stars, in a BBC series, in fashion shows in London and Paris, and I held lead roles in musicals and plays. One of my favourite jobs was performing for the armed forces in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. We would be choppered in and dropped on the front lines to perform before being whisked away again. It was dangerous, thrilling but most importantly really rewarding to bring some respite to the amazing troops.

How did you get into hair and make-up artistry?

Working in the performing arts, hair and make-up is part and parcel of the job. As well as learning at a very young age to make myself up, I had the luxury of being worked on by wonderful hair and make-up artists when I was in front of the camera. When I became pregnant with my daughter and I had to hide my ever growing belly on jobs, I realised that another career might be more forgiving of my future lifestyle. 

You have worked with some incredible talent, what have been some of your most memorable moments?

Designing and heading up the hair and make-up for Take That during their TV appearances, and their UK and European tours for many years; working as designer and head HMUA for the opening ceremonies of huge televised events such as the Rugby World Cup and numerous TV awards shows such as the Brit Awards and X Factor; working with national and international magazines such as the Australian Women’s Weekly and with high profile celebrities. I am grateful that my job is so varied and that I’m not chained to a desk or an office. One day I can be shooting a campaign for Michael Hill in the depths of a forest, and the next day I’m shooting on a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city for Bachelor in Paradise! 

What hair trends WILL WE see in the coming months?

Spring trends in Australia generally come from the resort collections shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. This season, the centre parting reigned supreme! Hairstylists generally used models’ natural textures, so you can give your straighteners a holiday! If you want to go a bit more glam, a deep side parting with some bouncy curls is also a strong runway look. In Queensland, because of our heat, spring/summer is also generally the time that you can expect to see shorter haircuts becoming a trend.

What make-up and beauty TRENDS WILL WE SEE MOVING from winter into spring?

As well as looking to the Sydney runways where a vast majority of the shows sent out very natural, pinky/peachy make-up looks, you can’t help but take into account major international events such as the wedding of Meghan and Harry. Meghan’s make-up artist, Daniel Martin, also took a minimalist approach and focused on showcasing clean, dewy skin and soft spring colours. If you do want to go a bit heavier for a night out, keep the simple clean skin but add a graphic black eyeliner for a punchy, rocky look and a wash of pink on the lips.

HOW CAN WE BEST replenish our skin at the change of seasons?

The two main changes in make-up and beauty routines should occur as the weather gets cooler and then again when it starts to warm up. After winter, you should start to prep your skin for the shift in climate and change up your routine slightly. If you can splurge a little on treatments, I would suggest microdermabrasion. It’s an excellent, deep exfoliating process and is going to cleanse the skin of the heavier formulas you’ve most probably used throughout winter. Up the use of products containing retinoids and AHAs, such as glycolic acid. These aren’t the greatest to use during winter as they can be drying, but they are amazing ingredients that really work on keeping your skin as clean, glowing and youthful as possible. And swap any moisturisers with the word cream in the title for the lotion version.

What is your must-have beauty product?

Just one? Not possible! Make-up wise; Laura Mercier illuminating tinted moisturiser, Bobbi Brown All Over Glow and YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils. Beauty wise; Weleda Skin Food, Darphin 8 Flower Nectar face oil and Sisley Black Rose cream mask.

What is your beauty regime?

I am about to have three children under the age of five; some days I barely get a chance to brush my teeth! When I do make time for myself I prioritise a few vital aspects. I don’t think I have ever slept with make-up on as the thought of clogged pores makes me cringe, even if it means taking my make up off with a baby wipe, the make-up comes off. I have hereditary dry skin, so I moisturise morning and night without fail. On a good day I use a serum (Skinstitut Retinol), Vitamin C (Skinstitut 100% Vitamin C Powder) and SPF (Shiseido sun protection lotion) in the morning. At night, a cleanser (Skinstitut Glycolic), moisturiser (Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment) and eye cream (Kate Somerville age arrest eye cream). 
I also have very blonde hair, so I make sure that I have my eyebrows tidied and dyed regularly and I get eyelash extensions. These small ‘luxuries’ mean that I don’t feel naked leaving the house with no make-up (which unfortunately is 95 per cent of the time!) 

1. Laura Mercier illuminating tinted moisturiser, RRP $65, adorebeauty.com.au
2. Bobbi Brown All Over Glow, RRP $65, available at Myer
3. Weleda Skin Food, RRP $14.95 for 30ml, weleda.com.au
4. Darphin 8 Flower Nectar face oil, RRP $219, from MECCA
5. YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils, RRP $57, available at Myer
6. Sisley Black Rose cream mask, RRP $157, thebeautyclub.com.au