Beauty Insights with One of a Kind: Miss Mercy Talks Sláinte Sea Moss Skincare

Dive into the world of beauty with the illustrious Miss Mercy, a trailblazer in makeup artistry whose magical touch has transformed runway models, graced glossy magazine covers, and dazzled the faces of celebrities. Renowned for her revolutionary techniques and trendsetting flair, Miss Mercy is the epitome of artistic brilliance in the beauty realm.

Today, we're ecstatic to unveil a different shade of beauty and wellness, as we sit down for an exclusive tete-a-tete with Miss Mercy. In this captivating interview, she unravels her profound insights on Sláinte Sea Moss Skincare, a brand causing ripples for its devotion to nature's goodness, organic roots, and Irish heritage's rich tapestry.

Join us on this enlightening journey as Miss Mercy reveals the secrets of natural skincare integration into beauty routines, her favorite Sláinte Sea Moss treasures, and a treasure trove of beauty wisdom.

1. Background and Inspiration:

Can you share with us your journey into makeup artistry and what initially inspired you to pursue this career?

I am a multi-award-winning international makeup artist specializing in on-location bridal and beauty makeup with over 15 years experience and knowledge. Celebrity clients include Elaine Crowley and Irish popstar Julie Feeney with her work being featured on Tg4, Galway Now Magazine and The Irish Times. Mercy has worked as Chief Makeup Artist on Tv/Film sets and Fashion Shows and is a Beauty and Makeup blogger. I have always had a passion for beauty since a young age. I vividly recall brainstorming different names for my beauty salon at the age of 14. Although I studied Marketing, my dream of becoming a makeup artist persisted. 

I received professional training in Fashion, Photography, Film, and Television makeup, including Special Effects. I worked as an Assistant Counter Manager for Lancôme Cosmetics for one and a half years. During this period, I continuously expanded my beauty knowledge, obtaining certification in aesthetic treatments, a Lancôme Paris Makeup Expert Diploma, and both Gel and Acrylic Nail Diplomas. Additionally, I am certified as an Eyelash Extension Artist, an HD Brows Stylist, and graduated as an ITEC Makeup Teacher Trainer. 

Progressing through the ranks, I became the Studio Manager for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, dedicating 8 years to this role. I relentlessly pursued education to refine my craft, attending Master Classes and receiving additional training directly from Bobbi Brown herself in London—an invaluable hands-on experience that few have had. 

Working with two of the Top "go-to" brands in the beauty industry equipped me with creative makeup skills and extensive knowledge, empowering me to confidently establish my own Makeup Studio, Miss Mercy Makeup Artistry.  

I have worked as Chief Makeup Artist on Tv/Film sets and Fashion Shows, one of my career highlights was working as the Chief Makeup Artist in Uganda, Kampala, for a movie project featuring some of Uganda’s prominent stars. Notably, Abbey Mukiibi, well-known for his role in "The Last King of Scotland," I am a Beauty and Makeup blogger and frequently conducts Masterclasses at various makeup artistry institutions, wellness retreats, teenage summer camps, and women's conferences.  

Guest Speaking at significant events such as the Glowing Future Conference and the Beyond Valentines Dinner Dance in London.  Notable projects include executing the Bridal photoshoot for the 5-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel's Wedding package website and Brochure. Moreover, I conducted a Bridal Master Class for the "An Evening of Timeless Elegance" Bridal showcase, where some of Ireland’s leading designers unveiled their collections. Celebrity clients include TV Producer/presenter Elaine Crowley and Irish popstar Julie Feeney with some of my work being featured on Tg4, Galway Now Magazine and The Irish Times. 

Makeup is not just my profession, it’s my passion; it's what I live, breathe, and dream. Every day, I wake up grateful to be doing something I love passionately. Witnessing a client’s joy as they look in the mirror after a One-on-One makeup lesson or a makeover and fall in love with themselves all over again is the most rewarding aspect of my job. My makeup approach focuses on enhancing a client's features while maintaining a natural look, avoiding drastic changes because I firmly believe that everyone is beautiful in their own unique way. 

Instagram : itsmissmeryg 

Google business page: https://g.co/kgs/3THpJN  

2. Skincare Philosophy:

 How do you incorporate skincare into your makeup routine, and why do you believe skin care is important for makeup artistry?

The foundation of a flawless makeup routine is a well-maintained skincare routine, I strongly believe that skincare serves as the foundation for makeup artistry.  It is the preparatory step that sets the stage for makeup application which provides an optimal canvas for makeup, ensuring that products blend seamlessly and adhere well to the skin. Skin prep is always the first step, cleansing the skin with a cleanser, apply toner before using the serum followed by moisturiser.  

3. Experience with Natural Products:

What has been your experience working with natural skincare products, and how do they compare to more traditional products in your makeup routine?

I find natural products being gentle on the skin, particularly for people with sensitive skin, they feel lighter and can be less prone to irritate or trigger allergic responses.  I value natural skincare products' ingredient lists, which include identifiable plant-based ingredients, for their transparency, creating a sense of trust and understanding because I know what I am applying onto my client's skin. 

I must add that skin reactivity, personal views, and experiences are often the deciding factors when choosing between natural and traditional products. While some consumers value the fast effects provided by standard products, others prefer the holistic approach of natural skincare products.    

Whether or not to include either kind of product in a cosmetic routine usually comes down to personal tastes, skin sensitivity, and desired results. Some consumers choose to combine traditional and natural skincare products in order to create a balance between efficiency, skin health, and personal preferences.  

4. Thoughts on Sea Moss Skincare:

Having tried Sláinte Sea Moss Skincare, what are your thoughts on its effectiveness, particularly in prepping skin for makeup?

 I absolutely love Sláinte Sea Moss Skincare, it helps to prep and hydrate the skin allowing makeup products to blend seamlessly, sit more comfortably, and last longer throughout the day.  The ingredients which include Aqua, Glyceryl Stearate have moisturising properties which help skin look and feel softer and smoother. It also forms a barrier on skin, helping prevent water loss by ensuring the skin is adequately moisturized and primed.  This helps the foundation to glide on effortlessly, resulting in a more natural and polished finish. 

5. Skincare Tips for Clients:

What top skincare advice do you regularly give to your clients to ensure their makeup looks its best?

I always advise my clients to have a good skin care routine involving cleansing, exfoliating, toning, using serum and moisturiser, and applying targeted treatments which help in creating a smooth, hydrated, and even-textured base. Taking care of your skin is an investment in its long-term health, maintaining skin suppleness, avoiding premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and taking care of particular issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, or dryness. All this is made possible by having a consistent skincare routine. Maintaining a clean complexion reduces the need for heavily applied makeup to hide flaws. 

6. Trends and Predictions:

What emerging trends do you see in the intersection of skincare and makeup, and how do you foresee natural ingredients like sea moss playing a role?

In the evolving world of beauty, an emerging trend is the rise of natural ingredients like sea moss being used for prepping the skin before makeup application. Sea moss contains vitamins and minerals that can help hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, and give a healthy glow.  Nowadays, makeup isn't just about looks, it is also about taking care of your skin too, with natural ingredients like sea moss growing in popularity. People want beauty products that are kind to their skin and the environment. As a makeup artist, I am staying updated on these trends to offer makeup that not only looks great but also helps keep skin healthy and glowing. 

7. Personal Skincare Routine:

Could you walk us through your personal skincare routine, and how does Sláinte Sea Moss Skincare fit into this?

• Cleansing:  I start my day with a gentle hydrating cleanser to remove impurities and excess oil suitable for my skin type. 

•  Makeup Removal: In the evening I remove my makeup using a gentle makeup remover and find Double cleansing effective, because I wear makeup to ensure all impurities are removed. 

• Toning:  I then apply an alcohol-free toner containing soothing ingredients, both morning and evening to balance my skin's pH levels and prep it for the following products. 

•  Eye Cream: It is important to use a separate eye cream because the skin around the eye area is a lot thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face, so I apply a hydrating eye cream to target the delicate skin around the eyes.  

• Sláinte Beauty Serum:  I gently pat it into my skin, rich in healthy proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, this powerful extract nourishes, repairs, and protects my skin. It also acts as a barrier to lessen the absorption of harmful UVA and UVB sun rays, delaying the appearance of fine wrinkles and dark spots brought on by sun exposure. 

• Sláinte Moisturising Cream:  After waiting for a few minutes for the serum to be absorbed, I follow up with my favourite Sláinte  moisturising cream, penetrating the deepest layers of my skin to restore and repair damaged cells while providing superior protection, prevention, and correction. It is enhanced with an exclusive blend of Chondrus Crispus and Asparagopsis Armata extracts, which are derived from freshly harvested cold Atlantic Irish Sea moss. Rich in nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, I love its hydrating, soothing, and skin-nourishing properties. 

• Sunscreen SPF 50:  To prevent the signs of premature aging, like wrinkles and pigmentation, are brought on by UV exposure, I use an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in the morning to seal in the moisture and protect my skin from UV rays. 

• Exfoliation (once a week):  I use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.  

• Face mask:  I use an overnight anti-aging face mask once a week to hydrate, soothe and reduce signs of aging by lifting and plumping my skin. 

8. Advice for Aspiring Artists:

What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists about the importance of understanding and integrating skincare into their work?

I would advise Aspiring Artists that the foundation of makeup artistry is skincare. Maintaining healthy, glowing skin over time is more important than just getting the perfect appearance for one day.  Skincare forms the foundation for flawless makeup application because well prepped skin ensures that makeup goes on smoothly and lasts longer.  They should educate and encourage their clients to follow a skincare routine that suits their skin type to maintain healthy, hydrated, and well-nourished skin. Incorporating skincare into a makeup routine not only enhances the final look but also contributes to the overall health and confidence of an individual. By including skincare knowledge into your makeup artistry, you will not only improve your skills but also contribute to your clients' overall well-being and satisfaction with your services.