Entrepreneur, makeup artist and the queen of glowy skin shares her bronzed beauty favourites.
Since relocating to Australia from the UK, Carla Dyson has worked her way up from makeup teacher to full time freelance makeup artist. She is now one of the most highly sought after artists with a knack for making every client not only look, but feel amazing every time they leave her seat. With over 10 years experience, Carla has worked with some of the biggest brands and well known celebs in the industry. Here we chat to Carla about beauty, her advice to other entrepreneurs and what products she uses for the perfect amount of holiday glow.
Give us a brief outline of how you got where you are professionally?
I studied a degree in makeup artistry in the UK, I then went on to work on a makeup counter. I think this is the best start as a makeup artist, as it gives you access to so many products and a ready made clientele. I also worked freelance alongside my counter work. When I moved to Australia, I decided to go into teaching makeup as I wasn’t ready to jump straight into freelance, then I gradually started networking and have built my way up to working on a full-time freelance basis now. I work mainly on commercial photo shoots during the week, then bridal and special occasion on weekends.
Your favourite thing about your job is?
Being able to naturally enhance someone’s features is my favourite thing about my job! Making my clients look and feel amazing without feeling like they’re a different person all together.
What is your favourite Bali Body product to use on your clients and why?
I absolutely adore the Shimmering Body Oil. I use this on photoshoots and event makeup to add some magic to the models body. There’s nothing worse than having an amazing glowing face, and a matte body! It’s my constant go-to for glowing skin.
What has been the biggest ‘pinch yourself moment’ in your career to date?
Seeing my work in MECCA after working on a beauty campaign! This was a career highlight for me! My sister then sent me a picture of the same image in a store in the UK! It was a major wow moment!
What is your favourite place in the world and what makes it so special?
The Maldives! Firstly, I think it’s the most breathtakingly beautiful place ever. The most incredible sunsets, crystal clear water and white sands, not to mention the delicious food! Plus, I got engaged in the Maldives last year so it will always be a special place to me.
Tell us what your ultimate beach holiday beauty looks like?
I drown myself in anything bronze and dewy on holiday. I like to keep my makeup to a minimum when on holiday as the heat just makes my face melt. So a light and dewy coverage like the Bali Body BB cream (it has the perfect glow AND SPF!) is ideal. Then I usually just use a bronzer to add dimension to the base, and use the same glowing bronzer to wash over my eyes. Add some waterproof mascara and lip balm and I'm set.
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives out there?
I think understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen with persistence and hard work. Artists shouldn't be disheartened if they don’t get to where they want to be as quickly as they’d hoped. Just appreciate the achievements along the way, keep practicing and do as much education as possible. I feel like every artist does things differently, so we can always learn from each other.
Your favourite motivational quote is?
“The harder you work for something, the greater you feel when you achieve it” - this is so true!
What does a ‘treat yourself’ moment look like to you?
A facial or a massage - I try to go for a facial every 2 weeks, as it’s the only time I keep my eyes closed so I can’t check my emails. It forces me to switch off and not work!
