About Michelle

Born in Finland but raised in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it town in New Zealand, my journey into the world of makeup artistry was far from conventional.

Growing up surrounded by sheep and hills.

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Makeup? It might as well have been rocket science.

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But even in the middle of nowhere, I had big dreams.

Makeup wasn't just about looking pretty for me; it was my escape, my passion, my rebellion against the mundane.

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Growing up, I devoured every magazine, music video, and YouTube tutorial I could find, soaking in tips, tricks and inspiration like a sponge in water.

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Armed with nothing but determination, dollar store makeup and a handful of brushes, I started painting faces at the tender age of 12,

I took matters into my own hands, experimenting on myself, my friends, and even my mum and anyone who dared to sit in my makeshift makeup station.

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Self-taught and hungry for more, at 16, as I honed my skills, I hustled my way into the local scene, working as an assistant makeup artist for dance performances, burlesque shows, and fashion events.

But I hungered for more.

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In 2012, I took the leap and enrolled at the Design and Arts College in Christchurch, where I delved deeper into my passion.

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Those early days were all about honing my craft, diving headfirst into collaborative photoshoots and soaking up every ounce of knowledge I could.

 

But my hunger for growth knew no bounds, so I jetted off to Finland to attend the prestigious Makeup Forever Academy in Helsinki in 2016.

And boy, did that decision pay off.

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Back in my motherland, armed with newfound skills and an unshakable belief in my vision, I carved out a niche for myself, creating roles that didn't even exist yet.

Landing a gig as an in-house makeup artist and beauty buyer for an alt clothing store Cybershop was just the beginning.

 

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The grind paid off when I snagged a spot on Finland's #1 live TV show, MTV Tähdet Tähdet, and dabbling in everything from fashion to short films.

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Then came Bologna, Italy, baby.

Paid to prance around the biggest beauty expo in Europe, Cosmoprof,

I scouted new brands for the store.

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But home is where the heart is, so in 2019 I packed my bags and returned to Christchurch,

where I'm now the co-owner of Bassface.

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Nowadays, you'll find me setting up makeup stalls at festivals and outdoor doofs during New Zealand summers, as avant-garde festival makeup gains popularity.

 

Themed corporate events and fully booked Halloween seasons keep me busy, while my annual visits to Helsinki offer a chance for clients to book me for summer projects, events, and parties.

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And as I plot and conspire new visions for the future, one thing’s for sure:

my journey is just getting started.

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