with Wendy Rowe Burberry’s Make-Up Ambassador

Having worked with the model elite from Kate Moss to Cara Delevingne and on campaigns from Chloe to Prada, BWB’s London correspondent, Charlotte Rocher catches up with Make-Up Supremo and Burberry Make-up Artistic Consultant, Wendy Rowe to talk Madonna, Pinot Noir and skin elixirs.

BWB: What inspired you to become a make-up artist?

I grew up in the eighties so I was heavily influenced by music and the looks that eighties bands had. I loved Blondie, Bananarama, Prince, Spandau Ballet and Madonna. I couldn’t figure out how they looked the way they did and spent a lot of time replicating looks … sometimes badly!

BWB: How long have you been Burberry’s Make-Up Ambassador?

Over 12 years.

I travel to the factories, work on creating different textures and get involved with training. There’s a much broader spectrum to the role, making it unique.

BWB: What makes working for the British brand so unique?

I was working alongside Christopher Bailey on the Burberry shows for a long time before I became Artistic Consultant. I am grateful we have a similar vision – being able to develop for a luxury brand that you are totally aligned with can be a rare thing.
I have been part of developing the makeup range from the very beginning enabling me to make a real foot print for the brand.
It’s also not a traditional role; I don’t just consult on colour. I travel to the factories, work on creating different textures and get involved with training. There’s a much broader spectrum to the role, making it unique.

BWB: What are your hero Burberry beauty products and why?

Sheer Concealer – because it’s light in consistency, has a great texture and yet still has coverage. I’ve ditched every other concealer and use this on myself as well as at work.

• Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base – a unique consistency which is versatile in two universal shades.
• Effortless Eyebrow Definer – perfect for creating a fuller brow without it feeling unnatural.
• Fresh Glow Foundation – the perfect shade range for every skin tone. Also, gives coverage whist still seeing the skin.
• Light Glow Blush in Earthy – such a light contour powder. I use it regularly on myself and at work – everyone loves it!

BWB: Where is your favorite London lunch spot?

I’m not a big fan of lunches. I’m normally working so I will grab whatever is convenient on set.
For a treat I go to The Orange in Pimlico for a roast on a Sunday.

BWB: Where do you like going for dinner/drinks in London?

I like going to the Connaught Hotel for cocktails, Little House in Mayfair for its great atmosphere and the Opera Tavern in Covent Garden for a glass of Pinot Noir and tapas.

BWB: Where are your favorite beauty destinations in London?

I go to Diana Augustoni for facials, Patrice Hutton Jones (located inside Tann Rokka on Primrose Hill) for massages, Margaret Dabbs for a pedicure and Charlie McCorry from Perfect 10 for tanning and nails.

As well as being masseuse she is a healer. The massage ends with a meditation to help declutter the mind.

BWB: Do you have a favorite therapist?

I love Diana Augustoni for facials as she is so knowledgeable, and Patrice Hutton-Jones because as well as being masseuse she is a healer. The massage ends with a meditation to help declutter the mind.

BWB: Do you like to keep fit?

Yes I do! When I am in London I go to Barrecore or Gyrotonics which are both great for stretching and working on my core. For yoga, I like both the Light Centre and Tri Yoga.

BWB: Juice or Coffee? Where do you go to get your tipple of choice?

Both! I go to Roots and Bulbs for both my juice and coffee. They are the only place I know in London I can get cold pressed juices and an almond milk cappuccino – which I love.

I’m looking forward to another exciting extravaganza from Burberry. I don’t know what’s going to happen till the day before and no two shows are the same.

BWB: With London Fashion Week around the corner what are you looking forward to at the A/W15 shows in London?

I’m looking forward to another exciting extravaganza from Burberry. I don’t know what’s going to happen till the day before and no two shows are the same. There’s always a new musician and something extra with the Burberry shows, like glitter falling or rain. It’s also great seeing all the Burberry girls, we are like a family.

To detox daily I’ll take a spoonful of apple cider vinegar and to keep hydrated I drink cold pressed coconut water.

BWB: With such a busy schedule – how do you maintain calm with such a demanding lifestyle?

There are a few things I do to keep my mind clear.
Meditation is one. I have to force myself to do it but it really does help.
I also like watching films, being outside and keeping active.
With all the travelling I do it’s important to keep on top of my health. I start each morning with a Skinade supplement after breakfast. They are full of collagen to help boost the natural glow of my skin, as well as giving me all the vital vitamins I need. They also do travel sachets, which are great for on the go.
To detox daily I’ll take a spoonful of apple cider vinegar and to keep hydrated I drink cold pressed coconut water.