Looking great is so easy if you follow make-up artist’s advice
Article from:
Derby Evening Telegraph
Article date:
February 7, 2009
I Am not saying I am a complete bubbling buffoon when it comes to make-up but I have been known to go to the Co-op having applied vivid red lipstick to my bottom lip only.
What a relief it was, then, to discover that I am not alone in my make-up mishaps. Despite the multitude of magazines telling us what make-up to wear, or advising on the latest shades or the best new mascara, there is a fatal flaw. The vast majority of women have no idea how to put the blasted stuff on properly.
This salient point came home to roost with former make-up artist to the stars Jo-anne Jewett. In younger days, the Parwich woman worked with Princess Diana, Madonna, Delores Hope (Bob’s wife), Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler.
“I taught Diana how to do her engagement make-up,” said Jo-anne. “I still think she went a little heavy on the mascara though.
“Madonna was in her 20s when we met, very much a pop star as opposed to the icon she is today. The main thing I remember is that she had a problem understanding my accent (Jo-anne originates from Sunderland) and laughed loudly at some of my sayings, like ‘wye aye’ instead of ‘yes’.”
When news got out in Parwich that Jo-anne knew a thing or two about make-up, locals started seeking her advice. People of all ages and from all walks of life, were keen to learn the basic principles of applying make-up – and Jo-anne wanted to help.
“I have written the book out of sheer frustration,” she said. “It’s called The Beautiful Truth – Make-up is Easy, Don’t Believe the Hype. I’ve written it because I am not a great fan of the cosmetics industry, even though I was part of it. Women are encouraged to spend a lot of money on products that aren’t right for them – like blue or green eye shadow for example.”
Jo-anne is a passionate woman. She knows her stuff and, as she turned 50 last year, felt it was time to share her knowledge.
“I want to break the myth of make-up. Don’t get sucked in by the clever advertising and crazy colours. The most important thing is for people to understand how to use make-up. It should be taught, not sold.
“Women buy stuff because magazines tell them to and risk looking very stupid. Never mind about looking good naked or you are what you eat. Your face, at any age, is the one thing you can change with clever use of make up. All women have the ability to transform their look quickly and effectively with the swish of a brush.”
The Beautiful Truth started out as a pamphlet but escalated into a full-blown book, which Jo-anne published herself (“The only way to keep it real was to keep control of it.”)
The women of Parwich and Becki Evans, of Red Square Photography in Ashbourne, flocked to her aid. The book includes makeovers with before and after images of locals aged from 13 to 68, photographed by Becki. The results are stunning.
“I have been accused of turning the women of Parwich into Stepford Wives,” laughs Jo-anne. “I wanted to demonstrate how women of every age can make the most of themselves. The fact is, applying good make-up is incredibly easy.”
At 19, Jo-anne discovered that for herself when she landed a job with Helena Rubenstein.
“I loved cosmetics. I am very fair skinned and very blonde with no eyebrows. Discovering mascara was a hallelujah moment for me.”
Jo-anne was plucked out to go to Paris to hone her skills.
“I was taught by a professional freelance make-up artist. It was an extraordinary experience.”
Later, she returned to London, working on the Helena Rubenstein stand at Harvey Nicholls and at other department stores.
“I found myself working with the Sloane Ranger set, which was how I came to meet Diana. A lot of celebrities came into the store but, me being me, I often didn’t recognise them.
“I am very down-to-earth. I would treat Betty from round the corner just the same as royalty. It had to be pointed out to me one day that I had just helped Princess Alexandra. I got to know Bob Hope’s wife, Delores, very well after I gave her a make-up lesson. We’d go off to Claridges for tea but more usually it was a large G&T!”
For four hectic years Jo-anne worked her magic on the ladies of London but, by the age of 24, she had had enough.
“It’s kind of a ruthless business and there is a lot of jealousy.”
So Jo-anne went home, got married and became a mum to Cameron, now 21, and Shannon, 12.
“I still did some make-up work for charity fashion shows but that was all.”
The family moved to Parwich 16 year ago and her husband, Richard, a chef, runs a pub in nearby Ashbourne called The Horns.
Last year the book idea blossomed and, after months of hard work, it has finally come out. It’s been put together beautifully and simply. As well as showing you, step-by-step, how to apply make-up correctly, it tells you the basics you need to buy and explains the colours to suit your hair, eye and skin tones.
I followed the advice, was astonished to learn about some of the daft mistakes I’d been making for 20-odd years, then looked into the mirror to discover a new me.
Jo-anne was delighted: “I’ve been described as an urban guerilla of the cosmetics industry. I just want people to feel great about themselves.”
The Beautiful Truth is available at Bennetts in Derby and Ashbourne, priced pounds15.95. Alternatively, visit www.beautifultruth.co.uk or e-mail info@joannejewett.com.
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