As one of the driving forces behind the COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY brand, Design Director and Director of Education North America, Kate Reid eats, sleeps and breathes all things colour. We caught up with Kate to get to know how she got her start in the professional beauty industry, what keeps her inspired, current colour obsessions and more!
How did you get started in the beauty industry?
I got a taste of the beauty industry when I was asked to be a hair model for a salon for a photographic competition and just months later started my apprenticeship at 15 years old!
How did you find KEVIN.MURPHY?
They found me, I had a call to tell me that Kevin was looking for someone to launch colour and they thought I was a good fit! The shoe fit perfectly and I’ve never looked back.
Describe a typical day in your role as Design Director.
No such thing! On the agenda for today: COLOR.MASTER team meeting, respond to interview questions, create an induction program, sign some expenses, collaborate with marketing team on new product development, then pack to leave for Prague tomorrow to shoot the 2018 COLOR.ME campaign! My day is never the same but I always start my morning with exercise.
When did you know you wanted to be a colorist?
Gosh, never really. It just happened. I love creating, fashion and colour and it has just been an evolution of love. I actually don’t see myself as a colorist strangely.
What products do you always have with you when working on photoshoots, on set, etc.?
STAYING.ALIVE plus DOO.OVER. When I colour, I can never have enough CREAM.LIGHTENER or CLEAR.
What inspires you when developing new colours?
I’m always inspired by what I want. It’s more of a “want” vs. “need” when thinking about what we can create.
Where is education going?
Digital. Everyone wants information on demand and we are so focused on efficiency now. I really think this is the way of the future and COLOR.ME is moving fast with digital. I have been more involved with YouTube and I share everything on HAIRFASHIONSTYLER by Kate Reid.
Who was your first beauty icon?
Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss were always favourites with their classic, timeless beauty.
What are your current colour trend obsessions?
Lately, I have been gravitating toward silver and mint. I also want to see teal on the rise.
What products do you think every woman who colours her hair should own?
For blondes, definitely BLONDE.ANGEL plus STAYING.ALIVE to maintain and to keep the colour crisp, clean and even.
Celeb hair colour you love?
Selena Gomez’s current colour is on point.
Describe your A.M. beauty routine.
Cleanse, moisturise and mascara. I love to keep it fresh and simple and typically skip makeup when not working. I have been using retinol and a face oil at night and have less wrinkles and pigment. For my hair, I like to mist STAYING.ALIVE and let it dry naturally following with FRESH.HAIR as needed.
What is the best piece of career advice you have received?
It takes a lifetime to be an overnight success.
If you weren’t in the beauty industry, what would you be doing?
Something in the fitness and nutrition industry. I love learning about how the body works, how what you put in your body makes you feel and determines how fast you function
Any guilty pleasures?
Fashion, music, festivals, beach and scuba diving. In that order.
For more style inspiration be sure to visit us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Bangstyle!