So Mr. Daly, how did you get interested in make us artistry? How did you get started?
I can remember as a child sitting in the bathroom watching my sister, Gemma, doing her fantastic 80's makeup and thinking "I want to do that", so I guess that I was destined to do this!
As an established makeup artist, what stars, magazines or design houses are on your client roster?
I have worked on all of the Irish publications, like Image Magazine, The Gloss, Irish Tattler, Prudence and the Irish Times. I work on lots of shows here, like Off the Rails Live and I also travel regularly to London for bigger shows. I've worked on TV a lot and with celebrities like Michael Stipe, Rufus Wainwright.
What’s does the next year look like for you?
The two years since we opened Queen have been so busy, it's been all about establishing the business, which has gone really well. The next year will focus on growing the brand and the business. We'll also be working really closely with the latest addition to the Queen stable, Planet Skincare, which we're distributing. It's an amazingly effective product used by Gwyneth Paltrow and it works by mimicking the effects of Botox. It's flying off the shelves in London and New York so we're really excited to see how it goes down in Ireland!
What excites you most about what you do as a career? And what thus far has been your favourite work project?
I am so lucky - pretty much everything excites me about my work! At the moment I am loving doing makeup lessons in store. My makeup philosophy is that less is definitely more - lots of women wear too much makeup and I show them that they can look much better with way less product. Most women don't realise how great they can look and I love helping them find that out.
Any good horror stories to share?
I went to Spain to work on a swimwear shoot, we were there for a week and it rained every day, no sun and lots of wind!! The poor model spent the week shivering and the crew was miserable. It's not just Ireland that you can't depend on the weather!
What do you find most women are looking to cover up? down play? gloss over? when it comes to being made up? What do they want attention drawn to?
I find that most women here are looking to cover up their skin, which is so wrong, That is the most challenging part of my job, but once you show them how they look without the "mask" they tend to love it. I think your eyes should always be the centerpiece of the makeup. Great makeup is when you get comments about how good you look, not how good your makeup looks.
If you could give one person a good makeup makeover, who would it be? What would you do?
I feel that if your makeup makes you feel good it is working! If something makes your feel sexy it works. But I did see a photo of Jodie Marsh in Dublin a while ago, now that would be a challenge.
Name the top five products or tools you can’t live without.
For Me; MD Formulations Skincare (could not live without the clearing complex mask), Planet Skincare - love the effects of this anti ageing crème, Sun Screen - 30spf - this is the most anti-ageing product (and therefore the most important!) that you can buy!, Dermalogica body wash, and my dry body brush.
For My Kit; Kevyn Aucoin Mascara, this is the best that I have ever used - does not sweat no matter how much spinning around a dance floor that you do!, The Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler - these are super important for all women!, Dermalogica skin Hydrating Masque - perfect for before a big night out, Kevyn Aucoin makeup brushes - I could not pick just one so I would have to have the full set and finally a good lip hydrator - like Elizabeth Arden 8 hour crème.
Any mottos - styles or otherwise - that you live by?
Less is more when it comes to makeup, comfort is king when dressing, hence I am always to be seen in a funky t-shirt and trainers!
What is your best make up trick?
Use your fingers to apply your foundation - always looks best!
What is your go-to look? If you have limited time space and product and have to pull yourself together for a night out, what is your strategy?
As a guy we are very lucky that all we need to get ready is a shower! So no problem here!
Any recessionista make up tips? What is worth the splurge? Where can we try and save?
It's best to splurge on any wet products, like foundation & mascara. Premium brands are better for these products because lesser quality brands will get lumpy much more quickly. I think it's cool to save on eye shadows - you won't get the colour intensity of a luxury brand but will look ok. It's perfect if you want to try a wild colour and you're not sure if you will ever use it again.
Finally, and most importantly, Is Leigh Arnold REALLY that gorge and luminous in person?!?!?!?
She is with a little help from us here at Queen!
Queen Beauty Emporium is located at 66 - 67 Aungier Street, and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Call + 353 (0)1 478 9633 or visit QueenBeautyEmporium !
