We all love to know what industry insiders swear by, and top makeup artist Amber Carroll has her finger on the pulse when it comes to beauty trends. Editor Trudi Brewer delves into Carroll's makeup bag, from inside the gorgeous inner city villa in Auckland that she calls home.
Image by Rebekah Robinson Photography Amber Carroll in her pink beauty room, painted in Resene Birthday Suit
Flawless skin, and luminous red locks, this statuesque makeup artist has an elegant, signature style. She is timeless when it comes to beauty yet colourful and eclectic when styling her home. Here's a slice of Amber Carroll's beautiful life.
HOME
How long have you lived in your villa?
For seven years.
How would you describe your home?
She is a grand old dame, at 120 years old, yet airy and light-filled with loads of charm.
What makes a great interior?
Eclectic style, collections or pieces, and colour combinations that you love.
Carroll’s sanctuary is her bedroom, the navy feature wall is painted in Resene Magnum
What do you always have on your bedside table?
A glass of water and my iPhone charger, as well as a stack of books I haven’t read.
What is your favourite room in your home?
Our bedroom, which is very peaceful, it’s my sanctuary.
What are your most treasured possessions?
My jewellery, a vintage vase I have had since I was a teenager, and my two children.
Carroll at home in her kitchen, and open plan living room, with her turquoise floral vintage vase. Her daughter’s bedroom, and leafy outdoor pool area.
CAREER
Why did you become a makeup artist?
I love fashion and being creative; I am lucky my career is a combination of both.
What do you love about this vocation?
Each day I meet amazing, inspiring people and I love that. I also enjoy the process of making people look and feel good.
Carroll in her beauty room. Her recent wedding anniversary gift a Zoe & Morgan ring.
What’s a typical working day for you?
I am a mum of two kids, and they come first. It’s a lot of work getting them out the door each day. Then, most days it’s onto a makeup job. I have regular clients that don’t necessarily take up the whole day, so most weeks, it’s varied depending on where, and who I am working with.
What do you love most about your career?
I like the creativity, and the range of people I work with are always different and never dull.
What lessons have you learned over the years?
Stay true to your own signature style, keep learning and always be open to change.
Carroll on the front porch of her Auckland villa, and her, outdoor pool and entertaining area.
How did your career change after becoming a mum?
Learning to juggle lots of balls, as well as learning to say no.
What has been your career high to date?
There have been a few. Working with the makeup artist Bobbi Brown in New York. Working at Fashion Weeks in both Australia and Bangkok. Also working each day with all my beautiful, inspiring regular local clients.
What are your favourite makeup brands?
I love NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, and Stila.
What beauty tips do you find yourself sharing with your clients?
What I wear on myself I get asked about often, lately, it’s Stila Magnificent Metals Liquid Glitter Eye Shadow. Most of the time it will be a seasonal product, colour or something new for ladies to try out on themselves, for that instant update.
A collection of Carroll’s favourite makeup brands, her brushes and her beauty room at home.
BEAUTY
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is many things. It is comfortable in your own skin, authentic, and a combination of inner and outer confidence.
What is your one beauty indulgence?
Diptyque Do Son Shower oil its beautifully indulgent.
Carrolls guest bathroom and occasional chair in the master bedroom.
What would we always find in your beauty bag?
An array of different lipgloss.
What about skincare what’s your regime?
I get regular facials and use the entire Janesce skincare range. I try to stick to one line rather than chopping and changing and using different brands.
Mecca is Carrolls go-to beauty store, with NARS and Stila among some of her favourite brands. Byredo Rose Of No Man’s Land EDP fragrance and Carroll’s current routine, the Janesce skincare range.
What’s your desert island beauty product?
Sunblock.
What’s your signature scent?
I love Byredo fragrances. My current favourite is Byredo Rose Of No Man’s Land.
Images by Rebekah Robinson Photography