BLUSH HOUR

Hannah Brandler catches up with Kay Montano, a London-based make-up artist and CHANEL Beauty Ambassador who has worked with several famous stars

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What attracted you to the cosmetic industry?

I knew that I didn't want to do a 9-5 office-based job, and I've always been very creative. I wanted to do something artistic in the entertainment world. That was unusual when I was at school - make-up wasn't a profession that anybody knew about. I got a lucky break at 16 when I met pop star Kate Garner. Within a month, I did her make-up for the cover of The Face - London's style bible at the time. The cover is now on display in the V&A in London.

How have you built strong connections?

Stylists often recommend hair and make-up artists to actors. I've worked in fashion for so long and spent decades with stylists and their assistants, so I've built up wonderfully permanent relationships. Stylist Leslie Fremar, for instance, suggested me to Jennifer Connelly because she was an assistant on all the shoots I did for American Vogue.

What have you just worked on?

I've just returned from the And Just Like That... press junket in Paris. It was bonkers because it's a big, ensemble cast and Sex in the City is so deep in people's memories. It was 13-hour days, with not much time to eat or sleep, so I'm a little fried!

What inspires your make-up designs?

The make-up is absolutely inspired by the outfit. You find out what the actor's wearing, then make your suggestions and try to sell the idea. I worked in fashion for years and my job was to decide what a woman's face would look like based on the outfit. It's instinct.

What are some of your most memorable 'looks'?

The Face cover was a huge deal, as was my first