As a professional makeup artist based in Scotland, my journey in the beauty industry started in a place many can relate to: the makeup counters. Those early days weren’t just about selling products; they were a crash course in makeup artistry, filled with valuable lessons and unexpected adventures. One of the most memorable experiences I had during that time was the birth of Lipstick Roulette—a game that forever changed the way I approached makeup.
Back then, I was working for Charlotte Tilbury, a brand renowned for its exceptional lip products. Charlotte knew how to make lips pop, and each day we’d come to the counter with our makeup done, but our lipstick was up for grabs. That’s when my coworker, Zoe, and I decided to inject some fun into our routine.
We created Lipstick Roulette—a game where we’d randomly select a lip liner and lipstick for each other to wear all day. It was a gamble, but one that paid off in more ways than we could have imagined.
The beauty of Lipstick Roulette was in its unpredictability. It forced us out of our comfort zones, pushing us to try color combinations we wouldn’t have considered otherwise. Sure, there were days when the result was a bit… eccentric, but more often than not, we stumbled upon some truly stunning combos.
What started as a game among colleagues quickly turned into a crash course in color theory and coordination. We learned firsthand how different shades interacted with each other and how they complemented various skin tones. It was like unlocking a whole new dimension of creativity right there on the makeup counter.
But Lipstick Roulette wasn’t just about experimenting with colors; it was about embracing the unexpected and letting go of our biases. It taught us to trust in our instincts and to approach makeup with a sense of playfulness and adventure.
Today, as I continue my journey as a makeup artist, I carry the spirit of Lipstick Roulette with me. It’s a reminder that makeup should be fun and expressive—a form of self-discovery rather than a set of rigid rules. And I encourage others to embrace that same mindset.
So, whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or just looking to shake up your beauty routine, why not give Lipstick Roulette a try? Grab a friend, let them choose your next color, and see where the journey takes you. You might just uncover a new favorite look—or even a newfound confidence in yourself.
Lipstick Roulette isn’t just a game; it’s a journey—one that’s filled with color, creativity, and endless possibilities. And I, for one, am grateful for every twist and turn it brings.
Audrey McCarthy
Hair & Makeup Artist
