Interview date
June 1st 2011
If you have even a passing interest in the world of fashion, celebrity and glamour over the past 20 years, the chances are, without even knowing it; you will be very familiar with the work of make-up artist, Kay Montano. From the iconic covers in the late 1980’s of ‘The Face’ magazine to the supermodels of the nineties and the red carpet world of the last decade, Kay has played a pivotal role in creating some of the key looks and images that have shaped our age. It was Kay, for example, who was part of the team behind Calvin Klein’s infamous ‘Obsession’ campaign featuring Kate Moss, an image that catapulted a young model ingénue into super stardom. Kay has worked with the biggest names in the fashion industry, from the most influential photographers such as Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel, Helmut Newton, Patrick Demarchelier and Mario Testino, for magazines such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and W magazine to the industry’s leading advertising clients including Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Armani. As well as working with the biggest names in showbiz including Nicole Kidman, Thandie Newton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Keira Knightly (to name a few). Kay takes time out to reveal her top make-up and beauty secrets with the Tantalist...
Do you use Self Tan?
Yes
What Self- Tanning brands do you swear by?
I love St Tropez & Rodial but it’s not my area of expertise so would listen to you on that!
What make -up brands do you swear by?
Chanel, Bobbi Brown and Myface Cosmetics.
Do you think self-tanning has become more fashionable?
Definitely. It has come so far from the streaky experiment of my teenage life.
What make-up do you recommend using when using self tan?
Tan coloured skin looks best with less make-up overall. Rosy cheeks work really well, I’d recommend Bobbi Brown Cream Blush in Pink Truffle patted on with a sponge. If your skin needs more coverage, I love Mymix Foundation by MyFace Cosmetics because of the excellent skin colour match and dewy quality. Alternatively try the look I did on Thandie Newton for the recent Instyle Magazine cover: Bronze eyes, finely lined in black with glossy watermelon lips. Very 70s Marie Helvin.
What Make-up look is hot right now?
Like the cover I mentioned above, it’s all been a bit Studio 54 inspired. Glossy eyes and brightly-coloured lips, very rich. Tans are in but in combination with a natural brow, no dark, thin eyebrow pencil with a tan, no cloggy Jordan-esque stalks for eyelashes and definitely no tan coloured chalky mineral powder please!
What differentiates your make-up from others?
I’d like to hope that it’s strong whilst accentuating the person underneath, rather than recreating or hiding them.
Who is the most inspirational person you have worked with?
Thandie Newton.
Do you enjoy working at fashion week?
Absolutely, but it’s variety that counts.
What film do you think helped define the make-up industry?
No one film could do that, that’d be like one ingredient for a great dish. I’d day it was like a family tree, starting with the films of cecil B De Millie and Von Stronheim with the likes of Clara Bow (Pandora’s Box) and Marlene Deitrich, rolling into the films of Joan Crawford, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn (Funny Face), Catherine Deneuve (Belle De Jour), Marianne Faithfull (Girl On A Motorcycle) Brigitte Bardot, Julie Christine (Darling) and many, many more…
Who do you look up to in the industry?
If we’re talking specifically Make-Up Artists I’d say past: Way Bandy, Linda Mason, Barbara Daly, Topolino. Present: Stephaine Marais, Linda Cantello, Pat Mc Grath. These artists acknowledge, but don’t follow trends.
If you had to pick one fashion accessory, what would it be?
Shoes.
What are you doing after this Interview?
Going to the Tate Modern to see the Jean Miro exhibition
London or New York?
Love both!
Cab or Tube?
Ashamed to say cab, I don’t like crowds.
