DIARY directory recently caught up with London and Asia-based make-up artist and CEO of Dominic Paul Cosmetics, Dominic Paul. With over ten-years in the celebrity make-up world, Dominic has used his experience to launch Dominic Paul Cosmetics, offering quality, personally formulated cosmetics. We spoke to Dominic about the launch of his new product range and his move from make-up artist to entrepreneur.

"When the opportunity arose I thought what the heck, let’s just see where this will lead. Now, behold the birth of my first product."

What encouraged you to launch your own product and why did you choose it to be a bronzing palette?

I’ve always looked up to makeup artists such as Charlotte Tilbury and Daniel Sandler and visioned one day of having my own brand. So, when the opportunity arose I thought what the heck, let’s just see where this will lead. Now, behold the birth of my first product. I chose to do a contour/bronzing palette because in my 10 years of experience I became known for perfect, flawless-looking skin. So, I decided that with my brand I would focus on skin products, for now.

What advice would you give to an aspiring make-up artist?

The advice I would give is to never give up! This industry is very cut-throat and can be financially and physically draining, however, at the same time extremely rewarding. I myself learnt the hard way and at the beginning, I had a lot of people saying ‘you won’t do it.’ I also had many doors closed in my face. I just kept plodding through, as I believed I had something and I wanted people to just give me a chance.

What is the biggest lesson that you have learnt while creating your brand?

Gosh, the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to spend time making things perfect. Do not rush! Making any product doesn’t just happen overnight it takes months and months and sometimes even years. Also, with your own brand, I believe you have one chance to make an impact, so everything really has to be perfect.

How much does social media have an impact on you from a business perspective?

Social media is one of the top five things that are so important for any business. The social media platform allows you to reach other creatives and beauty lovers from around the world. It also helps you gain exposure.

What are your thoughts on Instagram trialing hidden likes and followers?

If I’m honest I’m not too fussed about Instagram hiding likes and followers. But I can see if you make a living being a social influencer and rely on those credentials, how it would affect you. But remember at the end of the day, you can view those numbers on your own page, just others can’t see it. So, if you were a client who has paid an influencer for a post you would probably want to see their average likes before paying them. But an influencer could take a screenshot and tell brands and PRs how many likes were achieved or let them have access to the account.

Are you planning to expand your range of products? What plans do you have in the coming year?

So, I have three more products in the pipeline for now. Two will come out this year after the contour palette and one is scheduled for next year. The one for next year is a collaboration with Molly cosmetics, an amazing brand based in Singapore who were the creators of the silicone sponge. I’d love to tell you exactly what products they are, but you’ll just have to stay tuned.