A brand new series of Glow Up hits our screens today with a fantastic line up. You might remember Shanice Croasdaile from last year’s series who has gone on to do fabulous things. We caught up with her to talk about her career and her passion for makeup.

When did you first fall in love with makeup?

I started experimenting when I was 12 and when I was at school I was always dipping in and out of makeup. I left school and did a course in beauty therapy at South East College in Essex. Beauty Therapy is very regimented in terms of routine and protocol; I am a really creative person and although I loved the course, I cannot really get creative. After I finished the course  I explored makeup more and really fell in love with it. It gives me a means to express myself in a productive and positive way. I have been in love with makeup for the majority of my life. 

Who were your makeup influences when growing up?

Pat McGrath because she is a black women from London who has built this massive empire. Also the cast of Glow Up, we all support each other and they inspire me a lot; we have a Whatapp group chat where we all support each other. 

How did you break into the makeup industry?

Before I applied to Glow Up I had an office job for six years, I went on maternity leave and after I had my daughter I did not go back.  That was when I first started taking makeup seriously and turning it into a job. I am really good at building relationships with people, networking and putting myself out there. That was the way I got into the industry. I’m not fully in there, my toes are through the  door but I am going to keep going till I am through that door. 

Which makeup artists do you admire?

Rachel Duffy, Jordan Hanz and Krystal Dawn.

What made you apply for Glow Up?

I watched the first series and I initially thought, “I can do that.” but I also had self doubt about whether I actually could. Thankfully I started on a path with building a loving relationship with myself which made me step out of my comfort zone. Also since having my daughter, I realised that she will have goals of her own and I cannot tell her to ignore any doubts and go for it I have not done that myself. So I decided to stop being scared, put myself out there and do whatever sets my soul on fire. 

What was the experience on Glow Up like?

I did not have a clue what I was getting into; I thought I was moving to London and meeting nine people and I was just going to be doing makeup every day, but boy was I was wrong. You don’t realise how much work goes into making a TV show.  For example we would start at 5am and finish at 1am. It was hard work and very stressful, however, if they contacted me and told me they are doing a show for everyone who didn’t win, I would be there in a  heartbeat. It was an amazing experience. 

What is your usual go-to makeup look?

I don’t wear any makeup during the day but I love a bold lip - I did not realise how I love a bold lip till I saw the show. I love my lips so I like to show them off. I also like a wing liner and fluffy lash. I very rarely go full glam, that’s because when I am going out I am always the one getting other people ready so by the time I get to myself I am fed up. 

Name three essential beauty items you cannot live without?

Lipstick - the majority of my lipsticks are from MAC. I also buy lipsticks from Revolution and Kat Von D. A good brow product and a really good full coverage foundation either by Huda Beauty or Maybelline Fit Me Foundation.

Do you have any projects in the pipeline?

I am working on a few projects and focusing on anything that comes from Glow Up.

You can follow Shanice on Instagram.