Scroll down the Instagram page of 21-year old makeup influencer, MMMMithchell, and its a bright, uninhibited reel of riotous rainbow eye looks, ultra glazed cheekbones and captions like “I’ve never felt so fabulous,” “this makeup makes me smile,” and “me + Walter [his teensy fluffy kitten] love u all.” In short, it’s soul food in visual form.
For him, the main focus of makeup, is fun. Mess around, whack on a purple eyeshadow if you fancy. Live your best life. Start again the next day. Though his climb to Insta makeup eminence has spanned the past few years – during which time he’s toured the country with BFF MUA, Jeffree Star, created his own range of faux lashes with Tatti Lashes and accumulated north of a million followers – his hedonistic, pleasure-seeking approach to makeup has never felt more appealing.
Even better, he’s furnishing us with the tools for the job, thanks to a brand spankers new collaboration with Insta-favourite makeup brand, Morphe and his pal, KISS radio DJ, Daisy Maskell, the 22-year-old one-to-watch, who’s Breakfast Show energy has catapulted her to need-to-know status, after the brand asked them to lend their creative touch to Morphe’s makeup collection.
It might not be an obvious match, but the collision of the two creatives is fun, music inspired and a total act of escapism. Gigs may have been cancelled, but there’s nothing to stop you getting your glam on, the radio going and letting loose in your back garden with some (socially distanced) pals.
Heading your way as of its launch next Thursday, is the Main Event Artistry Palette (£29), a 24 shade edit of earthy neutrals, edgy brights, show-stopping glitters, silky mattes and water activated liners. There’s the Lip Hits (£19) a line-up of three chunky crayon lip colours in pale pink, dusky pink and sangria red. And Bring The Beat (£29) a set of six eye makeup brushes housed in a navy bum bag (points for that), so that you can carry your whole stash, your phone and your anti-bac next time you head out.
We asked Daisy and Mitchell to spill their top hacks, beauty fails and words of wisdom…
What product makes you feel most confident and why?
“For me I feel most confident when my eyelashes are curled and my freckles are on,” says Mitchell. For Daisy, it’s eyebrow gel. “I could roll straight out of bed and start my day so long as my brows are in good condition. I tend to avoid adding any colour to mine because I like them to look natural and opt for something that will just hold them in place. A clear gel or even a Mascara that is running low are two must haves for me.”
Growing up, what has beauty meant to you?
“I am a part of the generation that has grown up learning about makeup and beauty online. This side of YouTube was still in its infancy when I was younger, but I loved the way that it sparked conversation and created a community of people willing to lend a hand to one another by spilling their bathroom secrets,” says Daisy.
“It has really allowed me to be in touch with my feminine side and having no problem showing it,” Mitchell shares. “Growing up admiring beautiful women, like Beyoncé, who use either the full ‘shabang’ of makeup or even just a chapstick and some mascara, has really shown me how powerful women are and how women truly do make the world go round, especially my world. I don’t know where I’d be without my mama.”
What’s your number one beauty hack?
“My number one beauty hack, would 100% be to cut the crease with a makeup wipe before using your concealer. It keeps everything super clean and prevents caking,” recommends Mitchell.
Daisy is all about exfoliating, she even has her own recipe. “1 cup ground coffee + 1 cup sea salt flakes + 1/2 cup coconut oil = the most amazing exfoliating scrub. The coffee is great for cellulite and the coconut oil leaves your skin so smooth.”
How did this collaboration come about?
“I love the fact that this collection was a collision of both of our worlds. Mitchell’s being makeup and mine being music heavy. It was not only a dream come true to be working with Morphe who gave us so much room to get involved at every single stage but to work alongside Mitchell and the rest of the team perfected the experience because everyone is just so good at what they do,” says Daisy.
“I feel like this has been a natural progression of my relationship with Morphe. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of so when I got the email proposing this idea and collection I was truly at a loss for words. I never thought I’d be a part of the Morphe family like this!”
What made you both want to work together on this, how have you been inspired by each other?
“Mitchell took my colour virginity!” laughs Daisy. “The way he works with different shadow shades is incredible and as someone that would have been fearful to reach for a red or a blue, the fact that he got me wearing both in one look showed just how much I trusted in his talent. He is the best and I now find myself experimenting so much more day to day. I love that the colours in the palette really encourage you to get creative and work with colour in a whole new way.”
What’s your biggest beauty disaster?
“My biggest beauty disaster was probably my high school eyebrows. I think that’s something most of us can relate to. We either over-plucked or over-filled. I did a bit of both,” says Mitchell. Daisy’s also been victim of gung-ho hair removal. “I cut a fringe when I was 12. I parted my hair close to my right ear and pulled out a pair of scissors. I ended up with a comb over that varied dramatically in length and that would stray from my high side ponytail. The photographic evidence from that year is shocking.”
What’s the best piece of beauty advice you’ve ever been given, by who?
“I think my best piece of advice, which I read to myself every morning before I start my day, is ‘if it makes you happy, it doesn’t have to make sense to others.’ I was told this by my grandma when she started to suffer with dementia. When I see her she tells me it countless times because she doesn’t remember when she last said it. But I can never hear that enough, so I just smile and let her keep telling me. I can’t wait to give my grandchildren the same advice one day,” says Mitchell.
What is your go-to makeup look at the moment?
“I’ve switched up my usual black liquid liner for a brown liner. The 24M palette has water activated liners – so clever! The shade ‘Act 4’ is a great chocolate brown colour, and feels a lot less harsh. I’ve also just started applying mascara to my bottom lashes. Iconic London Triple Threat Mascara has changed the game,” says Daisy.
“My go to makeup look is lots of blusher to mimic a sunburn, freckles to look super cute, and a buffed out lip colour to look super effortless,” says Mitchell.
What’s the first beauty product you ever bought/the most nostalgic?
“My first ever makeup product was the Illamasqua Brow Cakein the shade thunder. While it’s an amazing product, I blame it for my high school eyebrows,” says Mitchell.
“Mine’s tinted moisturiser,” says Daisy. “As if my pre-pubescent skin had anything to cover.”
What’s a beauty trend you’ve never been able to get on board with?
“Applying false eyelashes!” says Daisy. “Having an extra set turns me into a camel. The morning after a big night out I’ve found them in creases of my body I didn’t even know existed.” Whereas nothing fazes Mitchell. “Honestly, I appreciate every single trend that happens. It’s what keeps our industry growing and what keeps us all inspired. So I don’t have a beauty trend I can’t get on board with because if someone loves it, who the hell am I to say otherwise!”
