Q&A With Kayleigh O'Donovan

Beauty professional Kayleigh O'Donovan has always had a passion for working in the beauty industry. With the upcoming launch House of Vanity's own cosmetic line, we sat down and ask her to share with us her secrets to success and her favourite beauty trends for this summer. 

Did you always want to go into a career in the beauty industry?

Definitely! Coming from a female dominated household, we regularly had mobile beauty therapists in the house as I was growing up. I would love emulating their treatments on my dolls. They looked so crisp and smart in their tunics and make up. I would see how good they would make people look and feel. I also wanted to have that kind of reward from my career.

Tell us a bit more about House of Vanity?

House of Vanity is a product & service based company which prides itself on being a high end, reputable brand. It has a contemporary edge for both men and women of all ages & races. House of Vanity is officially launching the product side of the business in Autumn 2016 with a celebrity collaboration. We launch with a strip lash range and Matte liquid lipsticks.

How do think social media has changed the way beauty business market themselves?

I think social media has completely changed how the beauty industry markets themselves. It has opened up the customer base in a way that would never been possible before. There are review platforms, image sharing & beauty inspiration. There is also round the clock communication. It has created a completely free advertising platform that can get promotions & information out to customers in a matter of seconds. I was previously the manager of Chloe Sims salon 'Chloe's Beauty Bar' in Brentwood and I actually found that job on Twitter. Ultimately, I think that shows the power of social media!

Do you find Social media a useful tool for your business?

Of course! I am a massive fan of social media for the promotion of my own business. It's also a great way keeping up with trends and seeing what other brands are doing. Of course, this is essential to any brand in the beauty industry.

What is your favourite Diamond Designs tunic?

My favourite Diamond Designs tunic would have to be the Ava tunic in black. The sequin embellishment really adds something extra to work wear! It also has a fabulously flattering cut.

What is your 5 year plan?

My 5 year plan all begins with the launch of House of Vanity cosmetics this Autumn. I'm so excited for my vision to finally come to life! I'm working on building my client base and expanding my product range. Overall, my 5 year goal is to have the House of Vanity brand as a well known and firm favourite within make up bags across the UK. I would also love to have established two salons, one as our flagship store. This year is going to be very exciting and a huge learning curve. I'm really looking forward to it and know the hard work will be worth it!

My favorite social media accounts would have to be...

Tanya Burr & Carli Bybel for make up and beauty tips. Also, I love Guy Tang for amazing hair transformations. However, my ultimate guilty pleasure would have to be Dr Pimple Popper!

My favorite beauty products...

My favorite beauty products regularly change and to say one is almost impossible! however, I recently started using GlamGlow Supermud. it's honestly amazing! Indeed, my skin has never been so clear. You can see the blocked pores clear as the mud dries.

My favorite beauty style for this season......

Would have to be 'foil' eyes. These new eyeshadows create the most amazing looks, Lime Crime and Make Up Geek have to be my top 2 brands for these. In the summer I love copper shadows with a bronze look, my go to shade is Make Up Geeks 'Flame Thrower' It looks amazing with a dewy bronze look and nude lip.

Tips or tricks on how to create a perfect summer beachy look.

-For a beachy look I always avoid foundation, there are some great BB Creams out with SPF so I always opt for this if I feel like I need a bit of coverage. - I love a highlighted & bronze look for the summer a great way of creating this is using Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop highlighter on the cheekbones, down the nose and on the cupids bow and the Hour Glass Bronzer on the forehead, just below the cheek bone & lightly along the jaw line. - A must for any summer look is a lash and brow tint and then when I am going out in the day ill just add a slick of clear mascara to my lashes and a bit to my brows to hold them in place. - For my evening look I love a copper shadow and a Matte nude lip, instead of an eyeliner i opt for a smudged shadow as I feel this holds better. I always start and finish my make up with Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist. It super refreshing and hydrating and is a firm favourite with the likes of Kim Kardashian which makes it good enough for me!  Follow House of Vanity's journey at Twitter: @Houseofvanityuk Instagram: @house_of_vanity_uk Facebook: @Houseofvanityuk www.houseofvanity.com is coming soon!

We want to say a big thank you to Kayleigh for taking the time to answer our questions. We hope this has been helpful! If you would like to get involved to feature on our next Q&A blog, then send an email to: blog.diamonddesigns@gmail.com

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