Ana Hickman

Ana Hickman is a professional makeup artist based in the UK, specialising in on-camera makeup for film and television. After completing a Master of Science in Biochemistry at Cambridge University, Ana completed a foundation year at the London College of Fashion, where she was taught by some of the country’s most respected makeup artists. Since then, Ana’s worked on many high-profile projects, creating innovative looks for leading fashion houses including Versace, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton. She is currently an ambassador for the makeup brand Maybelline, and has worked on many TV appearances for them, including their latest campaign ‘She’s a Woman, She’s a Beauty’.

How did you get into makeup artistry?

I always liked drawing and making up funny characters, so after I graduated, I thought why not combine the two? I did a foundation year at London College of Fashion, where I was taught by top English makeup artists. It was here that I learnt so much about makeup artistry, and from here I went on to do further study at the University of Westminster. During that time I learnt even more, and worked on many high profile fashion houses including Versace, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton. During my studies I also started my own YouTube channel, where I discussed topics such as skin care and makeup artistry. I graduated in 2017 with a Master of Science in Biochemistry, and am now focused on using my skills in biochemistry to better understand and improve human skin health.

Your educational and training background influences your approach to makeup artistry?

I think that my education and training really influence my approach to makeup artistry. I did my undergraduate degree at Cambridge, and following that, I did a Master of Science in Biochemistry at Cambridge. During my studies, I did a lot of practical work in the lab, where I experienced first-hand the difference good lab work can make. I also did an internship at a biotechnology company in California where my supervisor was applying for a job as a cosmetic chemist, and he encouraged me to apply for the role. So at the end of my studies I decided to specialise in cosmetics, instead of pursuing a career in biochemistry.

How do your previous roles as a biochemist and makeup artist intersect?

As a professional makeup artist, I really understand the importance of having a good base makeup, and how vital it is to have a clear understanding of the principles of chemistry and biology behind it. This way, you can form a good argument for why a particular look is better than another, and help the audience understand what you’re trying to convey. Some of my previous roles as a biochemist were in the pharmaceutical industry, where I worked on developing treatments for skin diseases. There, I encountered many different types of skin, and learnt a lot about how different skin characteristics affect the way a product will perform. As a makeup artist, I have used this knowledge to form innovative products with bespoke skincare and makeup benefits.

What is the most significant change you have made to your professional life since you started?

Since I started my career, I have grown a great deal as a professional. I have worked with some fantastic individuals, and have seen this world through their eyes. I now have a greater appreciation for just how many skilful makeup artists there are, and how much they contribute to society. I also really try and promote the fact that women can be as equally good at makeup artistry as men can be. There is so much more that men can contribute to society, and we should be celebrating our differences, not trying to fit into a box because we’re told to.

Why do you think beauty is a significant part of society?

I think that beauty is a significant part of society because we live in a world that is obsessed with it. People spend more time talking about how they look, rather than what they’re really like. We are conditioned to compare our appearance to that of others, and be constantly assessing whether we look attractive or unattractive. This is why I have always maintained that everyone has a beauty ideal, and why we should cherish and celebrate our differences.

It’s a great feeling when you walk down the street and everyone turns their head to look at you. You know you’ve got something handsome, and you feel like a total fashionista. This is why I love makeup, it’s a way of making everyone feel equal, regardless of their shape, size or complexion. Plus, it’s such a subjective area, so it’s really great when something you create for yourself doesn’t appear vain.

Do you think there is an ideal age for a woman to start caring for her appearance?

I don’t necessarily think there is an ideal age for a woman to start caring for her appearance. I think that every woman should be responsible for the way they look, and make the effort to ensure that their appearance is healthy and suits their lifestyle. Some of my previous roles have been in pharmaceuticals, where I have worked on developing treatments for skin diseases. One of the interesting things about these diseases is that the majority of them only affect older generations, and not the youth. This is because those that develop them use better habits in later life, and make healthier choices. It’s great to see that those who started earlier have continued this trend, and ensured that their offspring are becoming more conscious of their looks.

What is your advice to those interested in pursuing a career in makeup artistry?

I would advise those interested in pursuing a career in makeup artistry to first and foremost, enjoy what they do. You have to feel that you are genuinely passionate about what you do, or else you’ll never be good at it, and you’ll never truly enjoy the process. You also need to make sure that you are trained appropriately for the role you’re going for, and that you have the right mentality for a career in science. Makeup artistry can be quite technical, and you can’t just jump in and hit the ground running. It takes a while to learn the ropes, and you need to be prepared to put in the hours. One last thing I would say is that women can be just as good as men at makeup artistry, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.