♥ Q&A with Grayson Coutts ♥

When your a makeup artist in New Zealand it's hard to sometimes break away and stand out from the crowd. There's the likes of Amber D who is an inspiring artist for MAC cosmetics and having seen her work first hand I can 100% see why her name is held in such high regard all over the world. 

But then there's amazing artists like Grayson Coutt's whose work is becoming more and more known on a daily basis.This man has quite the portfolio having worked on New Zealand Fashion Week for the last 5 years, making up NZ's own celebrity mother daughter duo the Ridges plus add Carly Rae Jepsen and Fallout Boy into the mix and he has a job some of us can only dream of.

With his own private studio in Ponsonby , Auckland where he offers private lessons and makeup for any occasion you may have on the horizon, he sure is someone to pop in and see. The beautifully polished looks he creates with a brush in hand is an experience you should definitely treat yourself to if your lucky enough to live in the area or even if your visiting Auckland for a special event.

 Grayson is also well known for his work with the Beautiful Smashbox Cosmetics New Zealand , the looks he creates constantly has me in awe, inspiring some of my own work that I create personally when working with my own clients.

Being a male in an otherwise female dominated industry this man definitely catches your attention and is one to watch for creating huge things for the name of cosmetics within New Zealand and afar.

I can see exciting things happening in his future and I love that I can follow his success every inch of the way, and so can you!! 

Follow Grayson on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/graysoncouttsmua

His Website : http://graysoncoutts.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/graysoncoutts

And ofcourse Instagram : http://instagram.com/graysoncoutts

So Grayson tell us all a little about yourself and how you started your career in the colourful world of makeup?

I'd always been interested in makeup and enjoyed it as a hobby but didn't really have the opportunity to experience it as a career option until I started working in Fashion PR. 

After I finished my degree I did publicity and styling for New Zealand fashion labels and through them and meeting other key people I started working behind the scenes on shows and photoshoots. After I while I started picking up my own work outside of that and in time decided to venture out on my own and start my own business.

Being such a successful artist within the cosmetic circle in New Zealand is truly an achievement what would you say is the best part about your job?

I love the variety and the freedom I have to design my own life. There are certainly times when you never stop working but somehow it's ok when you know it's all going towards something you created for yourself. That's the biggest reward.

Graysons Beautiful Ponsonby Studio.

What is your favourite look to create and which products do you use to achieve this?

I'm all about beautiful skin. I love really soft eyes, defined brows and perfect glowing skin, with a little stain of colour on the lips. I love the Halo Liquid foundation from Smashbox for this: it just creates flawless but undetectable coverage with a soft finish.

Working with Smashbox makes me truly envious having worked for the brand myself I know how amazing the products are, what would be your top 5 Smashbox products?

Luminizing Photo Finish Primer for healthy looking summer skin that glows 

Lid Primer - a bit boring to go on about primers but I couldn't do my job without this

Brow Tech Trio for perfectly groomed brows

Brush #10 for just about anything. I have 6 of these babies and I couldn't live without them

Halo Hydrating Mineral Powder - the must have powder for everyone. Provides a flawless finish and doesn't cake up.

The gorgeous Sally and Jaime Ridge.

What do you see being a huge trend for the coming season within NZ,

In fashion we've seen lightly stained berry and petal lips to replace the matte lip trend and a move towards more velvety skin in contrast to the dewy skin that's been so popular. I think Lorde's makeup is definitely starting to filter down to a wearable level in the market and people will start to take her look and make it their own.

You create some amazing looks where do you gain your inspiration from?

Pinterest is usually my go-to when I'm asked to design a look. It's a great resource and you can share your inspiration with others so easily so it makes sense.Other great makeup artists in NZ and internationally always serve as motivation and inspiration.


What is your personal skincare and makeup routine and which of these products could you not live without?

I cleanse with Cetaphil cleanser morning and night and apply Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream in the morning. I always prime my skin, then apply concealer under the eyes and around my nose, then finish off with Smashbox Halo Mineral Powder.

 Lastly I fill in my brows and add some contouring. I love the feeling of clean skin so no matter what I need cleanser and moisturizer.

What do you see happening next in Graysons world?

I'm working on a few big projects at the moment, so keep your eyes peeled. To be honest I just feel so lucky to be loving what I do and to have the chance to enjoy such a great work/life balance.

 I'm very aware of how the cosmetic industry impact on the environment, particularly in terms of animal testing so I would love to see more vegan options out there and perhaps I can help with that.

Thank you so much for your time it has been an honour having you here on painted lips I cannot wait to see where your amazing journey takes you next .. do you have any last words of advice ?

Happy people are the most beautiful