Taking time from his busy schedule shooting Cowboys & Aliens (as personal make-up artist to Daniel Craig) in New Mexico, Complections Advisory Board Member and Instructor Donald Mowat recently spoke to us about his amazing career and personal experience as Canada’s leading film make-up artist. With over 50 feature films to his credit, including 8 Mile, Repo Men, Max Payne, The Italian Job and The Other Guys, Donald has come a long way from being that young boy at the repertory cinema in Montreal. “I was fascinated by film,” he recalls. “I loved the period movies – the painterly look of them.” This passion for period film in particular led the young, artistically inclined student to study theatre and painting (he notes that originally he was interested in working in Costume Design), before eventually finding his calling in make-up artistry. “I started doing the make-up for all the actors’ portfolios,” Donald says of his drama school days. “But there were no make-up courses for what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a well rounded artist and not only do beauty.”

More interested in the realism of film, and the beauty of period pieces, Donald began working at a Christian Dior counter at Harrod’s in London, an experience which allowed him to work on “many faces.” Little did he know he would one day work on some of film’s most famous faces like Faye Dunaway and Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins. Upon his return to Toronto, he assisted on his first film, and eventually began working on the Canadian production of Anne Of Green Gables; at this time, Toronto was beginning to make a name for itself in the world of film production, and Donald was there to make the most of this rising industry’s opportunities. “My name was getting out there,” he says. And becoming known for his approach of almost “anti-make-up” (making the performer’s look natural and not overly done), Donald became the go-to artist in the city.

But eventually the draw of Hollywood called, and Donald began working with actor Mark Wahlberg on films like Three Kings, Perfect Storm, Planet of the Apes, and The Departed. In fact, they’ve worked on a staggering 18 films together! “He decided he wanted to use me exclusively,” Donald says. “It’s a bigger deal for male actors to get their make-up done, because they don’t like it, and they need to trust the person doing it. It becomes very personal.” Donald has also lent his expertise to Eminem, Ethan Hawk and Keifer Sutherland. “There are some real gentlemen working in this industry,” he notes. “They are extremely loyal.”

Being so in demand within the industry has often led Donald to be working on one film while prepping for another, which was the case for the movie he’s currently working on. “I was working on Dream House,” he recalls. “And Daniel Craig asked me to work with him on Cowboys & Aliens. I began making notes in the script of all the pertinent details, and as soon as we wrapped, I could make the time then to meet with the director to talk about the direction of the make-up and costuming.” After some very successful camera tests last spring, production was ready to get underway. And so began another chapter in Donald Mowat’s storied career. Watch out for his next release, The Fighter, starring Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams – due out this winter!

At the age of ten, Dino Dilio would wake up in the middle of the night. But it wasn’t a midnight snack that got him out of bed…it was the call of beauty. Dino would apply his mother’s Avon make-up (a practice that allowed him to learn both the proper application and removal of cosmetics). It wasn’t until years later, though, that he had his first client-beauty experience, applying the make-up of a friend’s mother. “Maralyn was a model, and one night she was going out and I said ‘Let me do your make-up for you.’” After the transformation was complete, Maralyn suggested that Dino pursue make-up artistry as a profession. He attended a make-up school in Montreal, but says his real education came from studying in San Fransisco with (celebrity make-up artist) David Starr; “I found him in one of those ads in the back of a Vogue,” Dino remembers. David had done make-up for all the major stars of the 1960s and 70s, including Cher and Diana Ross (Dino’s beauty icon). After learning all the tricks and tips from Hollywood’s top make-up artist, Dino did his first make-up on David’s assistant. The time was most memorable because it was also the moment a 6.9 earthquake hit the West Coast of the United States. “I thought the shaking was just (my) nerves!” he recalls.

Returning to Toronto, Dino joined the team at the ultra-chic Yorkville spa, Mira Linder. “I worked my way up. I started at the bottom, and eventually became the Creative Director, and then General Manager and Senior Artist.” Wanting to experience the glamour of fashion and television work, Dino reduced his shifts at the spa, and began shooting for magazines like Flare, Glamour and Chatelaine. He also became part of the crew at both CBC and CityTV, doing the make-up for news anchors and hosts; he is now a regularly featured Beauty Expert on CityLine (he started that role in 1991). Wanting to share his knowledge and experience beyond the television viewing audience, Dino began teaching at Complections. “I teach here because I want to make the road easier for those wanting to get into the industry. My road was very bumpy!”

The rough road aside, Dino’s expertise in client-based beauty has served him well; he worked for Revlon Canada as a National Make-up Artist and consultant, and has also acted as a spokesperson for Tweezerman and Neutragena. He believes strongly in the ability of make-up to lift a client’s mood, and help them be the best version of themselves. He now runs a private studio and an eponymous cosmetic line. "Make-up artistry is a gift I treasure and love to share. I know how the power of make-up can reveal and heal unique beauty on all levels," his biography reads. This sentiment is echoed in all facets of Dino’s career, whether working on a top model, actress or member of the public. It is also an idea he shares with his students at Complections, where he teaches a 6-Week course in make-up for fashion photography and client-based services. He offers simple advice to those looking to start a career in beauty: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and be nice – a people person.” His infectious laughter and light touch to any situation are a testament to these rules and how they can truly make a career.