Hello, gorgeous! As most of you probably know by now, I’m having surgery in November to remove Lumpy – now affectionately referred to as Joanna Lumpley – from my wrist. And so now seems like the perfect time to introduce you to my business bestie, my work wing woman and #QueenOfSocials Sali aka Ms Moo Make Up, who will be looking after you during my recovery.

You see, behind every kick-ass entrepreneur, there’s usually a team. For me, that includes a stellar bunch of stylists, designers, venue owners, models, family and friends. But this superhuman, affectionately referred to as Moo, does phenomenal amounts behind the scenes every day for Tigz Rice Limited. From scheduling content and writing mailing lists to being an excellent sounding board and giving me a tough-love pep talk when I need it, today is her moment in the spotlight!

Want to know more about Ms Moo Make Up? Read on…

Ms Moo MakeUp

Name: Sali aka Ms Moo, also known as Moo and ‘Queen of Socials’.

Occupation: Freelance Makeup Artist predominantly, though I also do some social media management for a couple of small businesses (including my role of Queen of Socials for Tigz), and I have an Etsy store for my colourful, often sweary but empowering, doodles!

Tell us your brand elevator pitch! My job involves getting to make people feel like the very best versions of themselves on the biggest day of their life. Over ten years in the job means I’m prepared for anything and can calm any nervousness, give advice, and reassure you that all is ok. I’ll do all this while making you laugh, keeping you calm, and giving you the confidence that you look flippin’ amazing on your wedding day. 

What inspired you to become a makeup artist? I fell into it really! I’d do my makeup for myself and friends for a night out in exchange for a bottle of wine and had friends who had started alternative modelling. From that, others saw my work and asked me to do makeup with them. I then got to an age where friends were getting married, so I did their wedding makeup. It was a lovely organic way to build a business and I love how varied my work is. I can be teaching makeup applications to a teenager or a trans client, or doing makeovers for dominatrices and porn stars, graduation days and divorce parties, birthday parties and anniversary dinners, awards ceremonies, and job interviews. You name it; there’s an occasion for makeup and I’m here for it.

How would your best friend describe you? I asked and got: “The best dickhead, and the most hardworking, supportive and kick-ass person I know”. A good friend of mine introduced me to her daughter as someone who was fiercely loyal, funny, and great at making people feel good about themselves which I thought was lovely.

Name three things that you always carry with you. Phone, keys, and an emergency fiver. It’s something that my Dad has taught me, as you never know when you’ll need it; from parking somewhere to getting an ice cream, if you’ve got a fiver, you’ll be alright. 

What was the last book you read? Oh gosh, not a clue! I’m not a big reader. If I do read it’s usually an autobiography or biography. I want the nitty-gritty details on people to know them inside out and what’s made them who they are.

Do you remember how we originally met? I think it was early social media, likely LiveJournal or MySpace but I’m not 100% sure! [Tigz note: I can’t remember either!] It’s over 10 years ago though, and in that time, we’ve met in person twice! I’ve wanted to work with you as a makeup artist for years though, and now we’ve officially managed two dates in the diary for makeover boudoir days and I’m ecstatic! 

What’s the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about Ms Moo Makeup yet? I’m going grey disgracefully! I can’t be bothered with bleaching my hair anymore, so I’ve currently got about four or five inches of natural hair colour coming through into year-old highlights.

Speaking of secrets, not many people know, but you’re also quite involved behind the scenes at Tigz Rice Limited – tell us what your role is! My job role is Queen of Socials; I organise Tigz’s social media for Facebook and Instagram, write up newsletters and occasionally write blogs. I describe myself as a business bestie, as I’m a soundboard for all things business..

Spill the beans! What’s it like working with Tigz? For the last four years, I’ve worked with you, we’ve spoken every week, and in the last 18 months, I’d wager we’ve spoken every day. We have the perfect system in place for making sure we don’t cross over boundaries, and I don’t think there’s anything that I couldn’t or wouldn’t tell you, professionally or personally. 

What are you most proud of in your career so far? All my testimonials from past clients that say what a funny and calming presence I am. I pride myself on customer service and making it effortless to work with me. Weddings are stressful enough as it is, as is having your face put in another person’s hands, so I make sure to give them what they want and need. It’s relatively easy when you’ve got a few hundred weddings behind you, meaning I’ve got the experience to be prepared for anything. Nothing will phase me!

What is your top makeup tip? CLEAN YOUR DAMN BRUSHES. Your makeup will apply so much better when you’ve got clean tools that are in good condition. Oh, and please stop using face wipes to clean your face! Your skin will thank you for it.

What will your autobiography be called? Empowerment is Paramount

What one product in your make-up kit could you not live without? Gel Sculpt in Silhouette by Illamasqua. I will never not shout about it because it provides the perfect contour.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about booking a boudoir shoot of their own? Tigz only takes good photographs, so snap up the chance to have a boudoir photo with her.

What exciting project are you working on right now? There’s only a quiet corner of the internet that knows this so I guess I can put it here… I’m releasing a cruelty-free vegan eyeshadow palette, called Bridal Eyes. It features the most popular colours I get asked for at weddings, and I’ve made sure that it’s inclusive so that all colours are suitable for everyone. It’s been a year in the making so I’m really excited to release it!

Want more Ms Moo Make Up in your life?

The award-winning Ms Moo Make Up will be joining me to provide make-up services for all of my 2022 boudoir makeover dates. Click here to see our upcoming events and to book your session.