My Interview With Make-up Artist and Creator of Blank Canvas Cosmetics aka BCC's Una Tynan

Hello Everyone How are you all doing today :) 

As you can see by the Title of this Blog Post I have a different sort of post for you all :) 

I have to say in the past 3 years I have noticed a big change in the Beauty Industry in Ireland 

I noticed Ireland is not exactly popular when it comes to beauty related products and most of us Irish were using more International products such as Rimmel, Revlon, Maybelline Mac etc.  Up until I started blogging about products I noticed most of my reviews non Irish branded.  That sort of bothered me in a way because even though we are a small country WE DO HAVE POTENTIAL :) 

So about 8 months ago or in an around I decided every month I would buy, try test and blog about Irish made products I will make it my business to do so as it might help broaden us as much as International brands.  Since doing this I have been pleasantly surprised by really how good some of our local brands/sites are.  I am even surprised that I have never heard of these brands/sites or tried them out 

One of my most Favourite Irish Sites are Blank Canvas Cosmetics aka BCC I am sure you all know at this stage as I have reviewed quite a few items from their site.  Not only are they amazing quality products but they are super affordable and said to be even better than some of the high-end brands out there plus they ship internationally without the extra charges.  

So i felt now that this is one of my favourite on-line stores to shop at I thought it would be pretty amazing if I could get an Interview with the person who started up Blank Canvas Cosmetics and maybe get a little more insight into The products and site :) and of course herself :) 

I hope you enjoy :) 

Una let me take this opportunity to thank you for take the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for me I am sure some of these questions has popped into the minds of alot of your customers I know been a fan of BCC I have been looking forward to getting to know a little more about you and I am delighted you agreed to do this interview so lets get started :) 

1. How long have you been a makeup artist?

It’s now almost 11 years ago since I first trained in fashion, film, theatre and photographic make up. Since then, I’ve taken lots more specialist courses. 

2. What age were you when you first showed signs of interest in makeup?

Technically, I was more drawn to make up in an art form at first and didn’t actually wear make up until I was about 20 aside from some clear mascara, Vaseline and powder. It was in 3rd year at university that a friend suggested I wear kohl eyeliner and from then I was hooked. I loved how make up can enhance. I love how make up can be used as an expression of personality and individuality and just like art, everyone has their own idea of what’s beautiful.

3. If you have any advice for someone who wants to study or expand their knowledge in makeup what advice would you give them

You have to have passion/the fire in your belly for makeup. I don’t necessarily follow trends, but rather I just get inspired by what looks good. I’d advise getting to know our own face first. It sounds obvious but try applying your make up without a mirror to discover the contours of your face, eyes and lips. Develop your own looks, and get as much practice at applying makeup on a variety of different faces, skintypes and age groups. Build your kit wisely. You don’t need to spend thousands to have a great kit. Experiment with high end and high street products.

There are so many learning opportunities through courses, blogs and Youtube. Avail of all of them and keep within your budget. No amount of money spent on a course will make you a great artist unless you work on your own craft.

4. What is the one makeup rule you always stick to?

For me, the great thing about makeup is there are no rules in makeup but instead there are techniques. The only one rule I think is fundamental to the way your make up will turn out is how you care for your skin. This creates the “canvas” for your make up to look flawless.

5. Celebrity wise who is your inspiration for makeup looks?

There are so many; Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, Cheryl Cole, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, J.Lo, Adele. I could go on forever.

6. You now have an amazing online store call Blank Canvas Cosmetics. How did you decide on the name Blank Canvas?

I wanted a name that meant something to me and I’ve always seen the face as a blank canvas so it was the most obvious choice.

7. What inspired you to start up Blank Canvas Cosmetics?

The easy answer is that I love the makeup world and am a product junkie but there were a few more decisive factors to it. I’ve always been a creative and entrepreneur-minded type person and became more ambitious as I got older. I had been teaching since 2000 and was then an academic director in a college for 5 years Whilst I loved what I did, I felt like the time was right for me to do what I’d always wanted to do and start my own company. I love the challenge that came with the process of setting up Blank Canvas in spite of the high level of commitment, hours of dedication and huge financial investment it took to get it to launch point.

8. I absolutely love love love your brushes and have a big love the the 6 pan palette which are all your best sellers BTW ;) I am so proud that we as a country are starting to build itself up in the beauty industry So I can imagine how you feel been one of the companies. Where do you see BCC going in the future?

I’m so proud to be Irish and to have a company in Ireland. It’s not easy to have a business in the current economic climate.

We have customers worldwide but there really is nothing like the Irish seal of approval. Customer service is paramount to us. Blank Canvas is growing rapidly and everyday we’re so grateful to have such loyal customers, not to mention the amazing bloggers and Youtubers who remind us everyday how lucky we are to have their support and product love. In Ireland, we now have stockists located in pharmacies and salons. We’ve several projects lined up over the next few years so it’s a really exciting time. 

9. Of course this question will always be on everyone's tongue so I have to ask even though I already know the answer. Are you products Cruelty Free?

I would never support testing or harming animals. When I first started planning the company, I knew I wanted to create high end quality and cruelty free ranges and offer a combination of entirely vegan or specifically goat/pony hair where natural hairs are used, as no harm comes to the said animals during the hair

removal process. We use faux leather for our brush pouches and holders. Our product line plans for the future follow the same ethos too. 

10. Finally have you any secret plans like new brushes or products you would like to share with us crazy beauty fanatics or is it all top secret :) :)

I’m bursting to tell you what we’ve planned for 2013 but all I can say is keep an close eye on Blank Canvas as we’ve some exciting products coming this year.

Thanks so much Nina for asking me to interview x

Well I really enjoyed do this post and its something different and informative.  I cant wait to see What BCC Cosmetics has to offer in the future :) 

Seeing as this is my first ever interview on my blog I would love some feedback from you lovely readers.  

Did you enjoy it?

Would you like me to make it a regular thing?

Check out some of my blog posts on Some of the products I own from BCC 

Until Next Time 

Lots of Love Luck and Laughter 

I love love love hearing from you all :) I make it my duty to read each and every one of you comments and every time i get a comment from you it highlights my day thanks so so much to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx