For the makeup addicted among us, the Celebrity MUA Masterclass in association with Debenhams, is the ultimate beauty experience. Each masterclass is packed with incredible MUA makeup tips and tricks. As part of your ticket you also receive a goodie bag worth over £100! A treasure chest of makeup products, including CMM sponsors Doll Beauty, Unicorn Cosmetics and Sample Beauty. There was even an Urban Decay naked heat palette in my bag!

I was lucky enough to attend the Liverpool masterclass held at St George’s Hall. Grand pillars and glistening chandeliers, it was the perfect venue to learn all the celebrity MUA secrets!

Masterclass – Gary Cockerill

First up on the schedule was a classic glamourous look by makeup artist to the stars Gary Cockerill. Gary has been in the beauty industry for nearly 25 years, so what he doesn’t know about makeup could fit on a teeny piece of blotting paper.

I think it’s safe to say the final look was stunning. It really was like watching a painter at work. Delicate brush strokes and attention to detail, the final look could be on a wall in the Louvre.

After stuffing my face with a selection of sandwiches and donuts from the provided lunch (rainbow cake anyone?), it was back in the main hall for the second half of the masterclass.

Masterclass – Alexis Stone

For me the most amazing part of the day was the exciting and inspiring sessions with online sensation Alexis Stone. For anyone who has been hiding under a rock, Alexis is a Manchester based drag queen, most famous for using makeup to transform himself into celebrities.

The great thing about Alexis’ makeup style is the easability. He understands that we all have busy lives, or in my case lazy and so he created a look that was quick to reproduce.  It was incredibly refreshing to see him create a look on a male model. Men are seriously under-represented in the makeup industry and it’s hard to understand why, when everything that Alexis did can be repeated on anyone sitting in the room. Using the P.Louise palette he created this statement pink eye with the most blinding holographic loose pigment in Hollywood from Liverpool’s very own Peaches & Cream. Topped off with a MAC red lip lacquered pout, it was safe to say he had us all shook.

*”Sorry I’m sniffing so much (long pause), I’ve just had a nose job!”- Alexis Stone*

*Stila’s Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Molton Midnight, doing it’s thing and going straight on the top of my wish list*

*No shade with this look, only blinding highlight*

The Beauty of Makeup

It was fascinating to watch Alexis transform his facial features into the exaggerated feminine form he wears for drag. Whilst applying seriously blinding highlighter, Alexis chatted to us about what it means for him to be a drag queen. He reminded us that not everyone has the luxury to be themselves. Whether that’s a guy wearing makeup, coming out to their family, even acknowledging they may be transexual, support is not always available. Alexis has actually been advised himself to not wear drag when visiting certain countries with strict rules! It’s encouraging to know that as a country, Britain is accepting of so many different people and cultures. However, it’s a reminder that we can always improve in making sure everyone feels welcome and accepted.

The Celebrity MUA Masterclass really is a masterclass like no other. Yes you get to indulge in the world of beauty but this day surprised me with so much more. Makeup isn’t just about making yourself look “pretty”. It’s about being creative and experimenting with new looks, products and styles.  Makeup is a way to connect with a world of like-minded individuals. Interact with people who break boundaries and speaking up for what they believe in through the art of makeup. That’s the beauty of makeup, it allows you to be yourself and the Celebrity MUA Masterclass represented that perfectly.

Check out future masterclass dates here, and buy some of the featured products below.

Disclaimer

* Trend Saxon and Debenhams Beauty Club were kind enough to gift me two tickets to the CMM event at Liverpool. It was a great event in which I have given my honest review of my experience and would highly recommend.