In My Shoes | Justine Jenkins
Justine Jenkins is a renowned ethical makeup artist and author. With 25 years’ experience, she has worked with across both editorial and red carpet, mainly with British and international celebrities. She counts Ambika Mod, Indira Varma, Fearne Cotton and Keely Hawes among her clients, getting them ready for events such as the BAFTAs and the Met Gala. Her work has also been featured in publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and The Sunday Times. Her book Sustainable Beauty was published in 2021, and she is a pioneer in using sustainable and cruelty-free cosmetics. Follow @JustineJenkins.
Tell us a little about you.
I live in South East London with my partner and our 10 rescue cats. For the past 25 years, I’ve been a professional cruelty free make-up artist, mainly working with talent on red carpet and editorial shoots. Before that I was a stockbroker in the City, which now feels like another lifetime! I’m also an author having written a book called ‘Sustainable Beauty.’ It’s for anyone who wants to make more conscious beauty choices, but doesn’t know where to start.
How do you start your day?
When I can get to bed early the night before, I like to go to my local park for sunrise. I’ve read a lot about the health benefits of getting the morning rays into your eyes and it’s magical when the sky is clear. I’m not naturally a morning person, so it’s a challenge, but so worth it! Then I come home and feed and play with my cats. That’s my ideal start but when I can’t get to the park, I like to have a bath and a cuppa.
What is your fashion philosophy?
I’ve always loved vintage fashion and pre-loved items, I don’t follow trends. If I’m not wearing vintage, I still look for shapes and silhouettes that have a historic feel to them. It could be a 1940’s style power shoulder, or a late 1960’s/70’s Elizabeth Taylor kaftan. Currently, I quite like looking a bit Tudor. I’m enjoying a high neck, a puff shoulder and full length. If I leave the house resembling Catherine of Aragon, then I’m winning.
Can you share your top tip?
‘Don’t dim your light for anyone, find the people that fan your flame’. I didn’t write that, but when I first read it, I understood that once you realise how fabulous you are, no one can take that from you.
Also, brooches are underrated. I’ve collected and worn vintage brooches for decades. Easy glamour, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. I put them everywhere, they even adorn my curtains at home. They just beautify everything. I was quite pleased to see they made a bit of a comeback last year.
And nails! Have a good manicure if you can, wear a brooch and put on a favourite lipstick. However crap you feel, you’ll feel put together and you’ll look quite fabulous.
What inspires you?
Dancers, especially ballerinas, especially The Royal Ballet, especially ballerina Marianela Núñez. Dancers are poets and athletes. Every time I walk into The Royal Opera House, it takes my breath away.
I only discovered ballet at the end of 2019 through my good friend Izzy , who’s an Art Director, and I instantly fell in love with this artform. I never thought ballet was accessible to a working-class gal like me, which was so wrong. I started seeing as many ballets as I could at the Opera House, soaking up as much as I could (I often use the costumes and set designs as reference for my make ups). That incredible building, the live orchestra, the music, the set designs, the costume, make-up and hair designs, and of course the exquisite movement of the dancers, transport me, and bring me so much joy. To me, it’s my happy place, it’s impossible to feel down when I’m in my seat, the lights dim, and magic is happening on that stage.
How do you unwind?
I love to have a bath, then make a fire, switch on some fairy lights and light some candles. It’s all about light. If I’m not working the next day, I might sip a Cosmopolitan or two. My boyfriend makes the best cocktails, so he usually makes me one. I’m Taurean, so I do love a bit of luxury and cosy comfort.
In order to quiet my mind, I listen to ASMR. Some people think it’s a bit odd, but it’s like meditation for me. When you find the ASMR artists you like, you’ll have access to instant peace.
If you could visit anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
Ooooh that’s a good question. So many places yet to see, but I’m going to choose somewhere I’ve already been. There’s an island in The Bahamas called Great Exuma and I was there 14 years ago with my boyfriend visiting a friend. One day she took us to Tropic of Cancer beach. There was hardly anyone there. I’d never seen such pure white sand, and aqua blue clear water. A food shack was the only structure there. I remember floating in the water and just thinking I couldn’t be happier than in that moment. In the afternoon we took a boat to Iguana Island where only iguanas live. Apart from those wonderful lizards, we were the only ones there, swimming and snorkelling around the island. I felt euphoric. Our friend is sadly no longer with us, so I’d like to go back and feel that joy again.
Can you tell us something you discovered recently?
Karleen Tammik, who’s the most incredible energy worker and healer. Jean Branch, a magician of a homeopath, and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), a natural by-product of the paper making industry. It’s the most potent natural pain killer. It rose to fame in the 1960’s, until the pharmaceutical industry squashed it. Hmmm... I wonder why?
What is the best part of your job?
The people. Getting to meet new people daily, and working with people I love. Being creative and making someone feel better about themselves gives me a huge sense of satisfaction.
Which shoes do you love this season?
I’m obsessed with the Cicely Natural Raffia Mule. I’m imagining myself in the South of France, with a Summer dress, a Hood London sunhat, a glass of champagne in my hand and slipping on the Cicely for that vintage glamour.
