Many of you will have seen Wendy Rowe with myself on bootcamps and tennis academies over the last 2 years which we’ve blogged about for Vogue UK.

What Wendy is most known for though is her stunningly beautiful make-up. Wendy is one of the biggest make-up artists to come out of the UK in the last 20 years. She hasn’t always been a make-up artist and amongst her close friends we currently have a standing joke that every few months Wendy announces another bizaare job that she tried out in the past, which has included ordering biscuits for Tesco and a holiday rep.

Well thankfully, none of these jobs came to anything and after a stint at Complexions make-up school in London, Wendy first started working on music videos and appearances for Bjork, Annie Lennox, Spice Girls and All Saints, and also assisted on the shows with New York based make-up artist Dick Page. Soon  realising her real love of make-up lay in fashion she moved to Paris in the late 90’s to immerse herself in the French fashion scene. She was put through her paces in Paris where she mastered her craft and 4 years later moved to New York where Wendy began to work her way up the make-up ranks.

In 2001 on the appointment of Christopher Bailey, Wendy was chosen as the make-up artist for the Burberry Prorsum show. She still works on the show today and is currently preparing for the S/S13 show to be held on Monday 17th September.  She was appointed the Creative Consultant position for Burberry Make-up range on its launch approx 3 years ago, because of her extensive involvement in helping to create the Burberry woman backstage. This season for the first time you will be able to also watch the Burberry fashion show streamed live on Wendy’s new blog. www.wendyrowe.com

In 2006 Wendy began to work with emerging Swedish born photographer Camilla Akrans. This soon became a permanent teaming and as Camilla rose in popularity so did Wendy. Now working for Bazaar, Vogue and V and with photographers Ines Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Testino and Jem Mitchell on a regular basis Wendy is now considered to be at the top of her game.

Take a read of Wendy’s Q &A below which gives you a small insight into the world of one of my closest friends and tennis partner! Enjoy !! 

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP?

I wanted to be either a dancer, actress or gymnast, because I always wanted to do something that was more physical rather than sitting in an office. 

HOW DID YOU END UP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW?

I have always been interested in fashion - I used to do projects on fashion when I was ten years old! I was really into music too, and all of the 80’s bands had a really distinctive look which crossed over into fashion . I love photography and was good at art, so makeup seemed to encompass everything I loved. My good friend was a hairdresser and he suggested I get into makeup so we could work together! 

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IF YOU WEREN’T YOU? 

Madonna ( but only as the performer) - I have loved all her different looks, love her shows (she really puts on a great performance), she’s really fit and super driven (although perhaps she’s too driven sometimes). I’d like the wit of Oscar Wilde and the kindness of my Mum. 

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? 

Between two cities, London and NY.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN YOUR CITY WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

In London I would get rid of all the traffic, and I’d make NY more green so you can escape the unbearable heat during the summer. 

WHAT ARE YOU INTO RIGHT NOW ( MUSIC, FASHION , ART,  FOOD)

My new blog! 

LIST YOUR 10 FAVOURITE SONGS OF ALL TIME- (AND EXPLAIN - IF YOU WANT TO- WHY YOU CHOSE THEM)

1) Condition Of The Heart - Prince 

2) Paisley Park- Prince

3) For You- Prince

4) Vogue- Madonna

5) Stuck In The Middle With You- Stealers Wheel

6) Here comes The Sun- The Beatles

7) Embarrassment- Madness

8) Hanging On The Telephone- Blondie

9) I Feel For You- Chaka Khan

10) Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough- Michael Jackson.

IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE BESIDES WHERE YOU ARE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? 

Somewhere by the sea - I love the ocean.

WHAT MUSIC WERE YOU INTO GROWING UP- ARE YOU STILL INTO IT NOW?

Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince… I still love them all, I never get bored of hearing them.

WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER THAT YOU WOULD WEAR?

Roland Mouret, because his designs really make your body look great!  Prada, because I love their basics, Miu Miu because I always find their trousers work for me,  and Stella McCartney because she does great tailored pieces inspired by the 70’s and 80’s.

LIST YOUR TOP 5 FILMS AND WHY YOU LOVE THEM

The Bridges Of Madison County- An amazing love story, and it always makes me cry. I love films that move me. 

Oliver Twist- I love all the songs and dancing, it reminds me of growing up, London and Christmas.

Quadrophenia- I’m a big Phil Daniels fan. Being a Londoner I could relate to them as people and i loved their style in the film. Everyone needs to see this classic

Grease- The first film I ever saw at the cinema. I queued for the longest time to get in. I know all the songs. I fancied John Travolta and I wanted to be Olivia Newton John in the black spandex pants and Boob Tube, so badly that i replica’d the look on myself. 

Resevoir Dogs-  This film hit the note for me. I loved how it was so believable that I felt what they were feeling and I was so consumed .

I know you only asked for 5 films but I need to make it 6

Another Year- Mike Leigh is one of my all time favourite directors and I’ve chosen this over another of his films that is a favourite of mine, Abigail’s Party. This was a difficult choice to make but I loved how in Another Year he used the 4 seasons of the year to dictate the rhythm of the film. Like most of his films it was mundane but the richness of the characters complemented it and they felt like people I have met. It a big reflection of human nature and how everyone just wants to be loved! 

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO NEXT? 

I’ve know idea at this point, let’s see what happens. 

WENDY ROWE SOCIAL MEIA LINKS BELOW!!!

For Wendy’s amazing Make-up inspired website  and blog click here: Wendy Rowe 

To follow Wendy on Twitter click @wendyrowemakeup