Glow getter

Emma O’Byrne is an internationally renowned make-up artist who has worked backstage at London, New York, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, on a range of global magazine shoots, numerous Royal weddings and other high-profile events. She recently appeared as one of the judges on Glow Up Ireland

What’s your earliest memory?

I can remember playing on the beach and having picnics with my brothers, sisters and cousins on Annestown Beach in Co Waterford.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Life in general inspires me. I can find inspiration anywhere around me; in adventures, culture, my friends.

What was your first job?

My first job was selling men's clothes in Ralph Lauren on Madison Avenue in New York when I was 18. Looking back, I don’t think I was very good at it because my father came in one day and ended up being helped by another sales assistant!

Ideal holiday destination?

My absolute favourite holidays are ones in the sun. I love anywhere that I can swim, dive, kayak, take long beach walks, or go crabbing with my boys. I have two sons and we have had some really great family holidays in Portugal.

Favourite food?

I am a big fan of seafood, and I also love anything spicy – so I especially love spicy prawns. But honestly, I will eat almost anything.

Favourite drink?

In the morning time, a cup of strong tea. At night time, I enjoy a cold glass of white wine.

How do you relax?

I love to swim in the sea as I live on the beach –I find it very calming. I also like to relax by reading a good book or watching something in peace in my bedroom.

What was the last great film or series you watched?

I have really enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale. I found it really emotional to watch, and there are certain parts of it that are so relevant to our own recent maskwearing moment.

‘I used to be someone who didn’t say no often enough, but the pandemic has taught me to make better decisions regarding my own work-life balance’

Dream dinner party guest/guests (alive or dead)?

I’d quite like to meet my grandparents. I hear so many great things about both my grandfathers, so I would like a big family gathering so my kids could meet them too.

Do you cook and, if so, do you have a signature recipe?

Yes, I do cook, and I am not too bad at it! My signature dish would be spicy prawns. And people always ask me to make salads for them.

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

To have my own opinions and to be independent. And there is no such thing as a free lunch; you have to graft.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

Be kind and listen. I am always telling my boys to listen.

Have you learned any valuable lessons from the pandemic?

I think we all need to have a better work-life balance. It was amazing spending more time with my children during lockdown. I used to be someone who didn’t say no often enough, but the pandemic has taught me to make better decisions regarding my own work-life balance.

Favourite thing about yourself?

I like my energy and zest for life. I get on with things, and I don’t whinge a lot.

What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?

My Heliocare 360° SPF. Another constant in my kit is Sensai Bronzing Gel.

What, if anything, would you now tell your 16-year-old self?

I would probably tell myself to listen more to my parents –I was a bit wild and a bit of a know-it-all!

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be thought of as kind and fun to be around.