THEY are the famous vintage-inspired cosmetics from Los Angeles which transform women into post war pin-ups ready to grace the pages of fashion magazines, catwalks and the big screen.

But one Southampton woman, who set up a vintage styling business with her mum in the city five years ago, has now been charged with single-handedly bringing the Golden Era of Hollywood to the UK after being named as the head of Besame Cosmetics Europe.

For the range’s first outing, Sharon Holloway, who runs Vintage Hair Lounge, took the products that are influenced by the iconic 40s and 50s to the International Make-up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) at London’s Olympia to create some classic looks.

Sharon, says: “To take on such a phenomenal role, effectively as Head of Besame Cosmetics Europe, has been an honour and a huge challenge.”

The brand was founded in 2004 by artist, cosmetic historian and designer Gabriela Hernandez in LA.

Sharon is an award-winning make-up artist and the creative director of Vintage Hair Lounge, which is based at Solent Business Centre in Millbrook and specialises in training, photo shoots, film and TV as well as vintage events across the UK.

She says the entire Besame range can be dated precisely to products and colours that emerged in specific eras throughout the golden age of Hollywood.

 

Daily Echo:

Shay-Anne Aboud as Audrey Hepburn with the monster created by Jim Udenberg (photo courtesy of Veronica Thorne) 

During the show Sharon worked with her mum Gloria, former head of hair and beauty at Isle of Wight College, and makeup artist Fanny Burgos to transform models Shay-Anne Aboud into Audrey Hepburn and Nicky Robinson known as Miss Deadly Red, into a Grease inspired interpretation of a 1950s rocker.

For more information on Besame Cosmetics visit: besame cosmetics.eu