Makeup artist Grace Sinnott has become the go-to makeup artist on FLANNELS shoots. And we’re not the only ones obsessed with her looks.

Working on both sides of the channel, Sinnott has made up the faces of everyone from FKA Twigs to Iris Law, curating makeup looks for everything from music to videos and tours to red carpet events and shoots.

So sought-after are her creations that her work has been featured in the pages of Dazed & Confused and AnOther, as well as in campaigns for the likes of Loewe, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood, among others.

To celebrate the launch of our Spring 2023 campaign, we caught up with the makeup artist to talk SS23 trends, her beauty beginnings and what it all means to them.

Get to know Grace Sinnott.

Where did your journey with beauty begin?

I suppose my earliest memories would be of myself flicking through all my magazines. I remember always being really focused on how the beauty looks would complement the outfits. Back then it was all about pop stars, which really were the spotlight of the media.

What did makeup mean – and look like – for you as a youth?

Definitely a rebellious, dark kind of look for sure. I probably wouldn’t ever rock it these days, but I love to look back on it.

What made you first see it as a career?

I think it must have been around the time when I was at college, and I would get friends and family paying me to do their makeovers. It felt so new and kind of unbelievable to be paid for something I loved doing.

Where did your journey with beauty begin?

I suppose my earliest memories would be of myself flicking through all my magazines. I remember always being really focused on how the beauty looks would complement the outfits. Back then it was all about pop stars, which really were the spotlight of the media. 

What did makeup mean – and look like – for you as a youth?

Definitely a rebellious, dark kind of look for sure. I probably wouldn’t ever rock it these days, but I love to look back on it.  

What made you first see it as a career?

I think it must have been around the time when I was at college, and I would get friends and family paying me to do their makeovers. It felt so new and kind of unbelievable to be paid for something I loved doing. 

What does beauty mean to you?

It’s a difficult one because it changes every time I work, to be honest. That in itself is the great thing about beauty and self-expression through makeup; it’s such a temporary state. At the end of the day, it’s washed off and you never see it again. It gives you permission to be totally unpredictable.

Your looks are incredibly detailed, graphic and highly creative. Where do you find your inspiration?

To be honest, it’s always a big mash up of references from contemporary art, music, and different kinds of social archetypes. I’m quite inspired also by tattoo artistry.

What eras most inspire you?

I’m more inspired by people and their own style. I’m very much into the ‘90s and the photographers of this time because the lens started turning towards grit and real-life scenarios, whilst mixing with fashion. The ‘90s were the birth of minimalism and acted as a fresh white canvas that followed the boldness of the ‘80s. Some of the best trends of all time were born during this period, and it’s also super nostalgic to me as an artist who was just beginning to be exposed to the media at this point.

What do you think is the biggest influence on beauty at the moment?

There are so many incredible artists in the industry, and I love how it’s constantly expanding and evolving - it’s hard to say just one thing. I think algorithmic art and machine learning is definitely a really exciting avenue for fashion and beauty - people seem to be really intrigued by it.

What does your own beauty routine look like?

I used to have a really long skin care routine, but I try and keep it simpler these days: a good eye cream, SPF and a moisturiser. Makeup-wise, I tend to use products that are quick and multi-use on myself as I’m always in a bit of a rush.

What will we always find in your makeup bag?

An eyeliner pen.

Talk us through the process of creating a look. Where do you start?

Once I’ve seen the brief, I’ll start with pulling some references from relevant sources and start to flesh out a concept that applies to the shared vision of the team. On the shoot day, I’ll start with the minimal look and as the day goes on apply more colour and depth. At the end of the day we can often end up shooting something more abstract and conceptual.

Whose face would you love to get your hands on and what look would you create?

The queen, Kate moss. I’d love to do something super feline and snatched on her.

What’s the most exciting trend you’re seeing come through for SS23?

Rhinestones can elevate an image and give makeup a 3D element to it. I like to see those moments on the red carpet and feel like we’ll definitely be seeing a lot more of this in 2023.