The show which took place at Braehead Centre on Wednesday 22 May brought together our HNC groups at Paisley and Clydebank campuses to show off their final creations inspired by leading fashion and makeup brands on the catwalk surrounded by their family, friends and supportive onlookers in the busy shopping centre.

Head of Sector: Health, Wellbeing and Care, Wendy Sheridan-Price said,

“Well done to everyone involved – the showcase was an incredible display of the students’ talent, creativity, and hard-work. This is a fantastic opportunity to give students a platform and gain an insight into the makeup industry, I am very proud of our students and have no doubt they will go on to achieve great things in their chosen careers going forward.”

Shannon Dunn, 21, from Paisley based her look on makeup and fashion icons Vivienne Westwood x Pat McGrath. Shannon commented: “My inspiration comes from two very powerful, strong visionaries within the fashion industry which I wanted to honour whilst adding in my own twist and influence. The final makeup look is very grungy because both icons reflect rebellious backgrounds in beauty and societal norms.”

For Ellie Capon, 21, from Dumbarton the showcase was a great personal highlight with her 81-year-old Nana, Ellen Booth, being her fabulous model! Ellie said, “My Nana has always been so elegant and this look definitely reflects that – 81 never looked so good! I’ve based the look on brand YSL - I really like the story and history of YSL, his struggles and how he went on to create his own business surpassing his struggles. I’ve seen it personally. I took inspiration from the classic 50’s vintage look so I created the look using creamed based products to suit my Nana’s skin, defined eyes and bronzer to compliment her tone.”

Talking about her experience of studying at West, Ellie commented:

“I’ve been at the College since I was 16 and it’s pushed me to get to where I am now. Huge thanks to my lecturer Gillian, she has been amazing. I’ve started my own business Face First by Ellie, where I’ll do make-up for weddings, occasions and also offer hair. I’m really excited to continue my career within this industry.”

Jaimi-lee Mckinlay, 19, from Paisley took inspiration from Sophia Sinot. Discussing the final look she said: “I based my attention on lip art, incorporating a plain face with a bold lip - the look is bright, colourful and eye-catching. I’m really looking forward to the event albeit slightly nervous, I’m excited to enter into industry after college and tonight’s event has given me a taste of what that’ll be like.”

Koteyna Lengertaite, 20, from Paisley studies at Paisley campus. Drawing inspiration from the hit Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’, Koteyna’s look is named ‘Abigail’ and based on Dior’s latest collection of fashionable dresses. She commented: “I wanted to combine modern styles of makeup like pigmented cut creases and showcase the recent collection with the theme of Bridgerton so most people would understand.” The look is heavily based around the female lead in Season 2 (Kate Sharma played by Simone Ashley) featuring bejewelled costumes and dewy skin which is currently trending in the makeup world. Koteyna continued, “This is my first time doing a catwalk show, I’m really excited. After this course I hope to go onto HND Film and TV makeup – I would love to get into theatre work in the West End and be involved in period TV and film productions.”

It was a family affair for Theresa Donnelly, from the West End of Glasgow, studying at Clydebank campus, as her model was her daughter Anna! Speaking about her final look Theresa said, “It’s inspired by classic Versace in the 90s. For the makeup I’ve gone for classic 90s style of matte skin and added in a modern twist with the lashes.

I’m so proud of Anna for modelling tonight – she looks fab!”

Nicola Thomson, 33, from Dumbarton, based her look on the classic Dior image. Nicola commented, “My look is really classy and feminine, it’s a fresh makeup look with a bright red lip.” Speaking before the catwalk show, Nicola said: “I’m a bit nervous but really excited. I’ve enjoyed styling all the outfits and the final look – I would love to do this as a career and work in TV and runways.”

Rachel Tunney, 22, from Maryhill in Glasgow, based her look on an iconic Estee Lauder perfume. Rachel who works as a Makeup Artist for Lauder in Boots, St Enoch Centre spoke of her love for the makeup brand and the company’s history. She commented, “I love how every perfume is personal and this specific one was made for her daughter and was worn on her wedding day. My makeup look reflects that – a natural bride with dewy skin, nude lip and a shimmer, smoky eye with a pink pop.” Talking of her passion for makeup, Rachel said “I love transforming people’s looks. Next year I’m progressing with my studies onto the HND course. I also currently work as a freelance MUA, I hope to continue that and do some more weddings. After college I would love to work in Dance and Show makeup.”

Nicole Hammond, 30, from Paisley based her look on makeup brand P.Louise. Talking about her inspiration behind the final look, Nicole said “The brand is bold and bright and P.Louise loves Barbie so this was my inspiration – I’ve gone for a bright pink look and jewels around the eyes.

Today has been stressful but fun! I’m nervous for everyone to see my work as I’m really particular but I’m really happy with the overall look.

I’m coming back next year to do year two of the HND TV & Film and my ambition is to work in TV, Film or runway make-up.”

Shannon Cairney, 25 from Dunoon, based her look on the brand - Made by Mitchel.

Shannon spoke about the inspiration for the makeup: “The look encapsulates healing crystals - amethysts, blue quartz and emerald using bold colours to represent the crystals. This brand is all about tranquillity and encouraging people to express themselves and to be free.

I’ m pleased with the look - it came out better than I expected so I’m a lot less nervous now.

My ambition is to get into TV and Film make-up whilst I’m independent and have no ties and maybe further down the line look at fashion make-up. I’m a qualified hairdresser so could offer the full package. My time at college has been amazing, I was so nervous about coming but now I don’t want to leave!”

Rebecca Goodwin, 18, from Glasgow based her look on the iconic brand Dior. Rebecca commented, “I love the products and have been buying them for years - the look was inspired by the Miss Dior perfume. I’ve gone for wavy hair with different flowers in pink and white to match the perfume. I used soft pinks, blown out blush and glitter and I’m really happy with the overall look. I really enjoyed the course, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it was a lot of fun. After this course, I’m hoping to work on make-up counters and one day be self-employed.”

Also basing her look on fashion powerhouse Dior, Amy Girvin, 19, from Clydebank spoke of her inspiration, “I love Dior products - they are versatile and allow you to create a range of looks. This look was inspired by their Gold perfume. In the advert the model emerges from the water which is what my look reflects with golds and shimmers. I’m very happy with how it turned out. I’m going on to do the HND course next year with the hope of a career in TV and film.”

Well done to all students and staff involved in the showcase – an amazing result of everyone’s hard-work! We can’t wait to see what students do next in their chosen careers.

Photo credits: Dylan Jackson (HND Photography student at Paisley campus).