I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago and grew up in Guayaguayare; a remote village on the south eastern coast of Trinidad. As most children back then, I grew up in church and it was a no-no to wear makeup. I’m not sure, but I think that because it was something I wasn’t supposed to do; just made it more appealing to me and I always had a desire to experiment with cosmetics.

I graduated from high school and went on to become a Mental Health Nurse, where I met my husband. We both worked at St. Ann’s Hospital for a couple of years before moving to Ireland with our 2 year old son. I stayed in Dublin for another couple of years as a nurse before moving to England in 2004. It was when I got to England that I really pursued makeup as career.

Today I own my own beauty and wellbeing business, offering beauty and holistic treatments to people in Surrey and South London, along with building my makeup business in both applications and retail

How It started

I have always had a passion for Make up all my life but because of my strict upbringing and religious beliefs, I didn’t do anything about it until I was 22. That’s when an old colleague sent me off to get eyeshadow and foundation and my love affair with makeup began.

However, it wasn’t until I had a work related injury in 2005 that I seriously contemplated makeup as more than just a hobby. I went on and studied Beauty and Holistic therapies, including Makeup Applications in 2007 and since; have done makeup for parties, weddings, proms, and special occasions, to name a few. For me Make up is an enhancement of one’s mood, flair and personality and should complement these aspects of one’s life.

I love colour and vibrancy so naturally Carnival/glamour makeup came instinctual to me. It is very creative and allows me to ‘play with colours’ It’s where I really started to do makeup for others and realised that I had a natural flair and passion for colour, vibrancy and glamour! I always tell people that I have no idea what look I’m going to do… and I really don’t…. it just happens! I let the palettes do all the talking and it’s as though I’m a passenger on this colourful journey.

Achievements

This is so varied because for me everyone that I have ever worked with is a big achievement for me… to have brides put their faith in me to do their makeup on the most important day of their lives is phenomenal!

I have done make up for many Notting Hill Carnival Bands, including Trini Posse, Cocoyea, Genesis Mas Band, Making Carnival (formerly Isis Mas), Bacchanalia Mas, Lagniappe, Tears, Extreme Mas and the list goes on… I did makeup as well at Berlin Carnival and Trinidad & Tobago Carnival as well for the past 4 years.

I had the esteemed pleasure of working on London Fashion Week 2014 and February 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Other work I have done includes Fashion shows, Pageant Shows and photo & music video shoots. I’ve worked with Trinidad born RnB/Jazz singer Joan Achong and Afrobeat artists Valentine, Sneak Boo and Young O.

Goals

I want to be able to educate people on the importance of adapting a good skincare routine, using good cosmetics and how to apply makeup flawlessly. I think I would also like to have my very own range of cosmetics one day to empower women and young girls to feel and look beautiful from the inside out.

I am currently working with a natural mineral based cosmetic company called Younique Cosmetics. I love working with these products because they are natural, vegan friendly and paraben free. But more so because of the company’s vision and mission statement to empower, motivate and uplift women. My dream is to help people with skin conditions and sensitive skin experience the joy of wearing makeup that does not exacerbate their skin problems but maybe even help. I also have the unique opportunity to mentor others into building their own beauty/cosmetics business under the umbrella of Younique which is probably the greatest gift I can give back to my sisters.

As far as Notting Hill Carnival goes, I will be providing makeup services for MaKing Mas and Bacchanalia Mas Bands this year. I will be taking some private bookings as well, but these spaces are very limited.

Anyone wanting more information on Carnival makeup can contact me

• Mob: 07766 033 755
• Email: [email protected]

For more information on the individual beauty and holistic treatments offered, you can visit my website www.totalbodytherapies.com

Follow me on Social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/totalbodytherapies
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cindy_mollineaumua
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TBTherapies
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/cindymollineau