With career highlights that involve painting the faces of major celebs such as Megan Fox and Ashley Graham (just to name a few), it’s safe to say that Australian makeup director and artist, Tobi Henney, has well and truly made her mark in the beauty and fashion world.
And after living and working in New York for the last four years, Henney is thrilled to announce she has finally made her long-awaited return to Sydney.
Below, the artist reveals everything that’s to come now that she is back in the Australian beauty market.
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself and your career journey so far?
Originally from Sydney, I started my career here in Australia and was previously the L'Oréal Paris Makeup Director for Australia. Since I have been based in New York for the past four years and have worked mainly in celeb/fashion/beauty. My clients include Megan Fox, Ashley Graham, Poppy Delevingne, Barbara Palvin, Sara Bareilles and Ellie Golding, to name a few.
You've recently returned back to visit Sydney after living in New York - can you tell us about your experience over there?
I have had such an incredible time working abroad in the US and Europe over the past four years. I really got to expand as an artist and work on some of the biggest events there is to offer - Met Gala, Cannes Film Festival and NYC, Milan and Paris Fashion weeks with the likes of DVF, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel, to name a few. It took me to places I could only ever dream of working - British Virgin Islands for Sports Illustrated and many a trips to Mexico and Bahamas for swim campaigns. I’ve loved collaborating and working with all of my clients and talent.
You have worked with some huge names - what celebrity look has been your favourite to date?
Last year I was booked by Megan Fox to do her makeup for two films, one which we shot in Bulgaria and the other in California which also stars Bruce Willis. She has such an incredible face for makeup and it was definitely a dream to get to work with her for eight weeks straight.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Honestly every day is different! I’m either on set, getting clients ready for events or creating content for brands - I just recently had the opportunity to collaborate with my dream brand, Tom Ford Beauty in the US.
What is the biggest career lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
To always trust my gut and follow my instincts, in this industry you meet a lot of people and have to know sometimes when to say yes or no to different jobs, clients, projects. I believe my intuition has helped me along the way.
What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the industry?
Work super hard, be nice to everyone, leave your ego at the door and don’t get upset from rejection. What is meant for you won’t pass you!
Do you have any exciting projects coming up in Sydney you can talk about?
I recently collaborated with Suncorp Bank and we created a series of online Masterclasses. I helped to curate a glam box for their clients with the help of Mecca and Beauty Blender. It was such an awesome project. I presented from the new Crown Sydney which is absolutely divine!
How can brands and clients get in touch?
Best way to contact is via email - info@tobihenney.com or Instagram @tobimakeup.