We spend 5 minutes with Chantelle Baker, talking about her start in beauty, working with the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and her makeup kit must-haves.
SDT: You're one of Australia’s most sought after MUA's and have painted the faces of Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Boy George and Jennifer Hawkins. How did you get your start in beauty?
Chantelle: I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to work with all of these amazing faces that you’ve mentioned here.
My passion for beauty began from a young age, with my Mum always being into makeup and beauty. I would always watch her put her makeup on and admired what she did and all of her products.
Safe to say that my barbies all got extra glam in the 80’s!!
As soon as I left school, I did a quick makeup course and landed a job at MAC in 1999 and from there, I never looked back.
SDT: You've amassed a huge social following and have worked on some incredible campaigns, what have been some of your career highlights thus far?
Chantelle: The start of the year was amazing and definitely sits with the highlights. I went to LA for the Grammy’s during Award Season and I also had the opportunity to go to New York in February for Fashion Week which was a surreal experience.
Another huge highlight for me was working with the incomparable Sarah Jessica Parker last year on her most recent trip to Melbourne. This also allowed me the opportunity to work alongside her hairdresser Serge Normant who is an icon in the beauty and hair industry! A big WOW moment for me! Truly blessed!
Another big one for me was Boy George. Growing up I had his poster on my wall and was always
obsessed with him and his glam! So, meeting him and doing his makeup was a real pinch me moment
as well.
SDT: You always achieve such a flawless glow for your clients, which often comes from preparing the skin prior to applying any makeup. What are your must haves for priming?
Chantelle: Skin is so important for achieving a good base! I’ve really been into oils and serums lately - I love
massaging those products into the skin prior to moisturising. I’ve been really into the Revitalift Filler Serum from L’Oréal Paris; it’s been a key product for me and also find it works really well as a primer as it’s not too greasy. I keep it simple - that and a good moisturiser works for me. If you are not sure where to begin and what products are right for you here’s a little tip - L’Oréal Paris has created Skin Genius to give you an online personal analysis, this means you will be priming your skin with the right products before applying your makeup.
Chantelle creates a perfect glow for Aussie model, Brooke Hogan
I’m also a sucker for anything that has a glow to it, so love strobe creams and highlighters. One of my faves right now is the L’Oréal Paris Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops - I love mixing that into a moisturiser to prep the skin!!
SDT: What are your other fave products in your kit right now?
Chantelle: I can’t live without my Kevin Aucoin Lash Curler - I literally have 3! Giorgio Armani is also a huge fave of mine - the foundation has been a staple in my kit for years! Loving to then add a bronze glow all over and L’Oréal Paris Bronze Please! is perfection.
SDT: What would be your top tip to aspiring MUA's trying to get their start in the industry?
Chantelle: For me it’s always been about passion and determination! Don’t let setbacks knock you down, and never stop learning and improving your craft. I still learn to this day!
Keep on top of trends and fashion - our industry moves fast and it’s important to keep up with what’s happening with fashion, so our makeup looks remain relevant and timely.
Most importantly love what you do and create expressively - makeup is an art and should be your own individual style.
Follow Chantelle on Instagram here.
