By Sarah Ward

Ontario-born, New York City-based make-up artist Julie Harris leads an inspiring life.

Julie Harris.

Currently freelancing, her list of clientele includes Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson and Kim Kardashian, to name a few. FAJO Magazine catches up with Harris and gets the inside scoop on what it’s like to be a celebrity make-up artist, as well as some tips and tricks for achieving a flawless look.

Describe a typical day in the life of Julie Harris.

I think it depends on what I’m doing and who I’m working with, so it’s hard to say. It can be a crazy day that starts with getting up at 4 a.m. and doing [someone’s make-up] for a press junket, working with them all day, and still getting called to go back and do someone else for a red carpet event that night. I have those days, when I’m just running.

[For example] the other day I was working with Mandy Moore. She was doing charity press work and right after that I had to do Rosie O’Donnell’s make-up for another charity event. The next day, I did the same thing, then had to do Mariah Carey’s make-up at 8 p.m. and wake up at 4 a.m. the next morning.

It can be like that or it can be that I’m not busy at all. Freelance can go from slow to really busy, and my schedule can change last minute.

Harris did the make-up of Anne Hathaway for this SNL photo.

What is the most recent project you’ve been working on?

I’m currently doing a Steve Madden shoot and I just finished working with Ashley Greene for the cover of Blackbook, [which] should be coming out soon. I also just finished work with the Pan Am crew doing press for their show. It was a lot of fun. I was really excited because I’d been watching the show and always thought: ‘I love their make-up!’

Who are the most interesting people you’ve done make-up for?

Eva Mendes. I think she’s beautiful, she looks so beautiful without make-up on and she’s got a lovely way about her.

Mariah Carrey is interesting in what she’s achieved. To walk into her house and see all her awards is great – she’s a very creative and talented person. It was nice to meet her because I always liked her, and never thought I’d be going into her place to do her make-up.

Anne Hathaway is another really interesting person. She’s bubbly, a little bit like Liza Minnelli, and always singing and reading books. Very outgoing.

Also, Kate Hudson has a real star quality. She has magnetism, and a nice way about her through how she talks and looks at you.

But everyone I work with has something unique about them that you pick up on when work together. Different personalities.

A touch of glamour - another example of Harris' work.

What are your Top 5 Tips for everyday, fabulous make-up?

1. Try using a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation. The majority of women don’t need foundation. It’s one thing to use it for photographs and television, but for everyday life you only really need it in areas where there is redness.

2. A pretty cream blush on the apples of the cheeks in a coral or pink can give a fresh glow to your face.

3. A cream or champagne-coloured highlighter on the cheekbone and brow-bone adds a nice, soft highlight to your face.

4.  Use a golden, brown or plum shadow to create a smoky eye, without looking too harsh. Smudge your eyeliner very close to your upper lashes and line your upper waterline to make the look less thick.

5. Curl your eyelashes. It really opens up the eye.

What are the top fall beauty trends?

Eyes this fall have a 70s influence, with mascara on the top and bottom lashes, with softer, peachy or nude tones. Full, not tweezed, brows are also in style. And as for lips, a bold red or wine lip colour is in.

What is one make-up item every woman must have?

An eyelash curler or lipstick. If you put a little something on your lips, it always adds to the face and gives it some pop.

Julie Harris is represented in Canada by Judy Inc.

Julie Harris – a few portfolio examples