On board with BECCA: In conversation with Kerry Cole

When it comes to makeup, it is always fascinating to see how different women use the same product in different ways and for creating different looks. It is all about the personal touch, the way one can play with products to highlight the best features of their faces.
Makeup brand BECCA is globally known for its perfect glow and highlighter. A huge number of international beauty bloggers, makeup artists and trendsetters have been raving about BECCA as the leading brand in highlighters with a dash of sparkle.
BECCA is coming to Saudi Arabia in October. Arab News had an exclusive chat with Kerry Cole, BECCA Cosmetics’ Style Director. This is the first interview with the brand to be published in a GCC publication.

For those who don’t know you, who is Kerry Cole?
I’m the Style Director and Director of Brand Development for BECCA Cosmetics. Under this title I get to be a brand ambassador, new product developer and marketer for the brand. Oh and I’m also an international makeup artist.

What is it about makeup that first got you interested?
The artistry aspect. I was an art major in college, and always had a passion for makeup and beauty. Makeup application, color development and education felt like a natural extension of my art ability. The fit ended up being perfect for me while still allowing me to be creative.

Aside from makeup, what other passions do you have?
I have a passion for finding and collecting vintage couture clothing and jewelry. When I’m not going to Estate Sales and treasure hunting, you can find me on the golf course.

What is your ultimate favorite beauty trend?
I’m not so much into beauty trends, as I tend to keep it classic. So I’d say that my favorite classic looks are — adding luminosity or highlight to your look, deep smoky eyes paired with nude lips, and naturally filled in brows.

Looking at your photos, I see you always manage to look beautiful and fresh. What is your secret?
A good filter can always do the trick (smiles). But with weekly travels near and far, I try my best to maintain a healthy diet. I’m obsessed with fresh pressed juice, I’m keeping sugar out of my diet, and always try to take 30 minutes out of my day to move, dance, exercise or get outside.

What about skin? What is your current skincare routine?
I’ve struggled with acne my whole life so I try to keep my skincare routine simple and effective.
Cleanse:
• Morning cleanser — Fresh Soy Cleanser
• Night cleanser — I use PanOxyl for my acne prone skin
Moisturize:
• Day — Kiehls Ultra Facial Gel Cream
• Night — Korres Wild Rose night mask
Treatments:
• Retin A Micro

What is in your makeup bag?
• BECCA Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème
• The One Perfecting Brush from BECCA
• BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Crème in Moonstone
• BECCA Ombre Rouge Eyeshadow Palette
• YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in Lush Coconut
• Rohto Eye Drops
• Atelier Cologne in Tobacco Nuit
• Oribe travel size Dry Texturizing Spray
• Bloom Boost by Ciate
• Tom Ford High Definition eyeliner in Black

What inspires you when working on a new look?
Women inspire me everyday. What I love about my job is the two way conversation that I get to have with them. Through social media and being in store I listen to what women want. Because at the end of the day it’s not just about launching a product that’s trendy, it’s about creating products that are staples in every women’s makeup bag.

Sometimes, women tend to keep the same makeup looks for weeks, even months. What is the best way to update their day-to-day makeup looks?
I always tell women to experiment with color. A lipstick change from nude to pink can instantly put a little pep in your step. Also try switching up your everyday neutrals by adding in a little glow. Top off that eyeshadow with a gold highlighter or enhance that blush with a bit of illuminator.

You have worked with several key brands as a National Makeup Artist and as a field educator and master class teacher. You have also traveled the world to apply makeup for celebrities. Tell us more about this experience and how did it affect your career in cosmetics?
I started my career as an account executive being on the front line of beauty. Whether a celebrity or a stay-at-home mom, most women just want to feel pretty, and like themselves … just a little enhanced. This helped me form my style as a makeup artist and style director. Believable achievable beauty!

Who are the celebrities you would like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with the Olsen Twins, Kate Middleton and Emma Stone.

BECCA has been working and developing many highlighting products. What is the secret behind the perfect highlight combination and formula?
We have our own proprietary blend of ingredients that make our Shimmering Skin Perfectors very unique. We use pearls instead of glitter to give your skin that Iconic BECCA glow. The finish is always natural, luminous and sophisticated on the skin.

What is your favorite BECCA highlighter?
I personally love our Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Crème. As I have oily skin, I like the matt luminosity. It’s ethereal and natural on the skin.

Are you currently working on any new projects? If so, can you give us a small insight?
We are always working on perfecting and adding to the BECCA portfolio. We’ve worked hard to be the authorities in foundation shade offerings and the experts in light. So for the upcoming years we will return to making color products and beauty bag staples that were missing in the line.

BECCA has collaborated with makeup artist and YouTube star Jaclyn Hill to develop the famous Champagne Collection. Tell us more about this experience. Are there any future collaborations with other makeup gurus?
I feel that when we are not speaking she’s speaking for us. Our collaborations with others have been tremendously successful in helping us speak to a broader audience. Currently, YouTubers are carrying a lot of clout, they can guide, demonstrate and educate while reaching a mass audience. Again, when we are not speaking, she’s speaking for us.

What are you working on right now?
Launching globally! I’m so excited and honored to be traveling the world promoting the brand. We’ve just launched with Sephora in the South East Asia, the Middle East and more markets to come this fall. Additionally, I’m working on a lot of product demo video content, product newness, and social content.

What is the one product that you recommend women to never leave the house without?
A lip product, it instantly adds a little color to the face and a pep in your step. Oh and if you are in a pickle, you can use it on the cheeks and over the lids.