Elysia’s made up three times over

A student make-up artist has brushed away her rivals and bagged three prizes in a competition for those starting out in the industry.

Elysia Fisher from Kidderminster Academy took part in the National Make-Up Awards this month, achieving first place in the Best Bridal Hair and Best Bridal Make-Up categories. She then went on to win the main award for Best Overall National Make-Up Student.

“I could hardly believe it when the judges kept announcing my name,” said the 18-year-old student who also lives in Kidderminster. “I just remember thinking ‘wow, people believe I’m good at this!’”

Her success led to her meeting Alyn Waterman, make-up artist to legendary actress, Joan Collins and gaining a place on one of his masterclasses. The National Make-Up Awards team have also invited Elysia to join them at the Miss England competition semi-finals in Nottingham in July.

Karen Evans, Academy Lecturer said: “Elysia has proved she can create a ‘statement look’ that has a big impact. She won the Best Bridal Hair Award last year so to do even better in 2018 is just fantastic. It shows how much further that someone so dedicated and passionate about their career can go when they put their mind to it.”

She continued: “My colleague, Becky and I are so proud of her. She is has been a pleasure to teach at the Academy. With her talent and flair she will go far in this industry. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.”

With the competition theme for the bridal category centring on royal brides, Elysia naturally used the new Duchess of Sussex as her muse.

“I was planning my bridal look way before the wedding happened so I researched the colours and hair styles the Duchess might go for,” said Elysia. “She tends to be quite understated with her make-up, only using dark colours on her eyes. I noticed she started to wear her hair up in the run up to the wedding while keeping her centre-parting, so that’s what I went with.

“As much as I want to be unique as an artist, I knew with for the competition that it was about giving the judges what they were asking for. I guess I was spot on!”

Elysia also impressed in the high fashion category which centred on the Victoria’s Secret brand. For this she looked to the brand’s ambassadors, the supermodels, Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner for inspiration.

“I would never have done so well without my lecturers’ support,” Elysia continued. “The friends I’ve made on my course have been a massive help too. We practice on each other all the time.

“I’m really excited about the opportunities I’ve got coming up. I’ll get work with lots more industry people and learn from them. It’s a dream come true!”

The competition activity and awards success is continuing at Kidderminster Academy. Elysia, along with fellow students, Alice Green and Natasha Smith are hoping to come through the regional heats of WorldSkills UK with a view to attending the national finals in November. Meanwhile, beauty therapy apprentice, Lauren Evans has already achieved first place in the regional heats of the beauty therapy – hands and face category.