Taryn Simmons is a makeup artist based in Shenley, Hertfordshire. Having spent her early career working in a corporate environment, she re-trained 10 years ago in spe-cial occasion makeup at the London College of Fashion. She has been working as a makeup artist ever since, offering bespoke makeup classes as well as occasion makeup.

Whilst many makeup artists often may not want to share their beauty secrets with the rest of us, through her range of classes, Taryn is more than happy to impart her knowledge and expertise to allow women to “be their own makeup artist.”

“I believe that giving women the tools to develop their own look empowers them and enables them to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. It’s a very powerful thing.”
Her most popular makeup tutorial consists of two one-to-one classes over two weeks, each lasting two hours, and costs £125 for the complete package. In the initial class, Taryn discusses your makeup routine and what products you already use. She will then help you to create both a quick and easy day look and an evening look, which can be practised at home during the week. The second class goes over what was taught previously and also teaches more advanced techniques and looks, including contouring and smoky eyes.

Taryn also offers more bespoke classes to perfect specific looks or techniques, as well as small group makeup tutorials for up to 6 people. These are popular for hen parties and also mother and daughter days. All classes take place in Taryn’s makeup studio in Shen-ley, and classes run on evenings, weekdays and weekends.

“For those ladies who may be more self-conscious about their looks and can only see their imperfections, I enjoy showing them what can be done with makeup and helping them to look and feel beautiful. It makes me very proud when people look at themselves and go – ‘WOW!’”

All of the products that Taryn uses are vegan, without any animal products or byproducts. They are very natural, and most are even kosher certified, unlike many of the high street brands. Although most makeup artists would never recommend that you sleep in your makeup, the products that Taryn uses and recommends are so natural that sleeping in them is not a problem as they allows skin to breath without causing irritation.
When it comes to special occasion makeup for weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc, Taryn always advises a trial beforehand.

“Having a trial is very important, and it can often take up to a few hours to try out different things, and ensure that they are happy with the final look. We will discuss details like the dress and how they plan to have their hair, so that everything works well together. I take photos and make notes of everything I use. This means that on the actual day, it should be quite a relaxed experience.”

As well as occasion wear and makeup classes, her LVL lashes treatment is very popular. Treatments work by enhancing your own natural lashes rather than using extensions or adhesives, and they can make lashes of any size look beautiful and curved without the need for mascara or lash curlers.

“The LVL treatment is great and is very natural looking. It lasts for up to 8 weeks, which is the natural growth cycle of the lashes, and it’s really low maintenance. It gives you that awake look, even when you don’t feel it. Some clients have even called my treatment life- changing!”
Taryn’s top makeup tip is to always do your eye makeup before your foundation. This means that if any specks of mascara or powder end up on your face, you can just wipe or wash it off without ruining the rest of your makeup. Handy, huh??

Taryn would suggest to anyone else wanting to get into the industry that it is always use-ful to shadow someone to see what it is all about and to understand more about what is involved. She also suggests that doing a short course to see if it is really for you is a better way of testing the water and still learning something before you invest in an expensive course and buy all the kit. She feels that a big part of the job is about being good with people and developing a rapport with those you work with.

“For me it is important to work closely with my clients to help them get the best out of their experience, and to go away feeling confident and happy. I think it is important to have the right combination of personality and skills, and I hope that I get that right!”

Taryn Makeup Artist would like to offer a 10% discount on any of her services or packages for The Jewish Weekly readers. Please quote JW-TMUA when booking to get your discount. This offer is for new clients only and is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. All bookings to be made by 30 June.

Contact her on
hello@tarynmakeupartist.com or 07714 243 723
Find her on Facebook – tarynmakeupartist

Do you know anyone who specialises in an area of female expertise and would like to be featured on this page? Let us know by emailing
micaela@thejewishweekly.com