Superdrug launches nationwide search for aspiring makeup artists

Superdrug has partnered with the British Beauty Council to propel aspiring makeup artists within the cosmetics industry.

The 'Search for Studio Stars' campaign is led by the retailer's own-brand cosmetics range Studio London, and fronted by influencer and professional MUA Belle Hassan.

It will discover 10 of the country’s most creative makeup artists, giving them a "money-can’t-buy opportunity" to gain social awareness and industry experience from experts at Superdrug.

The initiative hopes to "encourage new talent into the industry, breakdown any misconceptions and barriers to working in beauty and highlight the opportunities a career in creative cosmetics today can bring".

@studiolondonbysuperdrug Calling all MUAs, it's your time to shine! ⭐️ We’re so excited to announce @Belle Hassan as the new ambassador for @StudioLondonbySuperdrug with so much exciting content to come, and we're kicking things off with the launch of our 'Search for Studio Stars' campaign! 10 aspiring MUAs will be chosen to take part in a 4-month programme hosted by Studio London by Superdrug to excel in their careers with tons of experiences and masterclasses to master techniques and showcase your creativity. You’ll also receive the full collection to stock your own kit and the chance to feature on Studio London social channels. Make sure you enter by submitting your most creative makeup look with the #SearchforStudioStars hashtag and also tag @studiolondonbysuperdrug in your caption to be in with a chance at being chosen! #studiolondon #studiolondonmakeup #studiolondonbysuperdrug #superdrug ♬ original sound - studiolondonbysuperdrug

Launching on Studio London’s TikTok page, the campaign encourages aspiring makeup artists to share a video creating their own unique, creative makeup look.

From there, 10 of the most talented makeup artists will be selected to represent Studio London and will be enrolled in a four-month programme set to help accelerate their careers.

The programme includes an industry immersion day at Superdrug HQ, exclusive masterclass with Belle Hassan, business webinar with British Beauty Council experts and the opportunity to gain experience working on Superdrug’s upcoming seasonal marketing campaigns, including Halloween and Christmas.

Jamie Archer, Head of Own Brand at Superdrug, said: "There are many routes into makeup artistry today, but social media is now one of the most exciting and popular.

"We’ve seen so many awesome creatives pick up our brushes, pallets and products since we launched last November and so ‘Search for Studio Stars’ is about rewarding and harnessing that precision and passion, as well as helping to level up and step up the talent in the cosmetics industry today.”

Millie Kendall, CEO of the British Beauty Council, added: “We are delighted to be working with Superdrug to highlight the wealth of opportunity that exists for those exploring a career in creative beauty.

"The cosmetics industry contributes a huge amount to the British economy, yet is vastly underestimated and sadly as we saw with COVID-19 lockdowns, still not treated with the respect and priority it deserves.

"It’s vital to the economy and society that we demonstrate the credibility and creativity of cosmetics careers, attracting tomorrow’s talent through campaigns like ‘Search for Studio Stars’.”

The campaign is open until 8 August, with the 10 winners to be selected on 23 August and entered into a four-month Superdrug programme until the end of 2023.