In 2006, Gemma Tomlinson got an AOL dial-up modem, which launched her fascination with the Internet. Two years later, she got hooked on YouTube after stumbling across a few videos of girls talking frankly about their disappointing beauty splurges. She started GEMSMAQUILLAGE the very next day and has since added a blog and two additional channels. Now a full-time (and much-loved) vlogger and blogger, Tomlinson has turned her web fascination into a career. We caught up with her to chat about her latest discoveries, all-time favourite film, and the beauty technique she has yet to master.
What are the products everyone should try?
Eyebrow kits and face masks. I think they are steps that can sometimes be missed out of a skincare or makeup routine and both can make a huge difference. If I fill someone’s eyebrows in, they’re always shocked by how structured it makes their face look, and using a face mask a couple of times a week in the bath or shower can perk up your skin when it’s looking a bit dull.
Latest discovery?
I’ve recently started using the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks. They’re absolutely amazing and won’t break the bank. I keep the Nudist shade in my bag, and they also do a great winter-appropriate shade called Plum Jam. I’ve also just started wearing the Escentric Molecules fragrance layered underneath my favourite scent, Stella.
What’s the trick to looking good on camera?
Lighting—lots of it! No matter how nice your hair and makeup look, or how well-rested you are, a badly-lit video can create circles under your eyes that aren’t there, and it can even make your face shape appear different.
Best beauty trick?
It’s so simple, but eyelash curlers. It just makes me look more awake and makes any mascara look ten times better.
We know you’re a skincare fiend, what are your top holy grail products?
I prefer to focus on skincare that actually delivers rather than just paying for fancy packaging. iS Clinical is a fantastic range that you don’t see enough of in the UK. I love Antipodes, particularly their Aura mask, as well as anything by Origins.
Beauty technique you have yet to master?
Knowing when to stop plucking my eyebrows. I always get a bit tweezer-happy so I leave it to the pros now and go to Browhaus in Covent Garden.
Finish this sentence: I wish I could pull off…
Bronze eyeshadow. I always see so many shades that I love but they always make me look a bit sickly.
GEMMA’S ESSENTIALS:
On my playlist:
The Lumineers, Rilo Kiley, Manchester Orchestra, Kanye West, Quiet Company, and lastly, my boyfriend’s band The Cape Race. They have just finished recording their debut full-length, and it’s been on pretty heavy rotation in our house whilst they have been tweaking the mixes.
Film favourites:
Whenever I’m feeling a bit under the weather I can always watch The Wizard of Oz (I love Judy Garland!) and I really love Rogers & Hammerstein musicals. My favourite film of 2012 was The Perks Of Being A Wallflower—it’s one of my favourite books of all time and it was a perfect adaptation.
One meal you’d eat for the rest of your life:
I love Mexican food, so it would have to be some form of burrito. I also love tapas—I could live off olives and padron peppers.
Want to see more of Gemma? Look no further…