From Accidental Beginnings to Beauty Powerhouse: Meet Heather Jackson of Too Faced Cosmetics | My Soho Times

Heather Jackson’s 12-year journey in beauty began unexpectedly but has grown into an inspiring career. As Education Manager and UK Artistic Lead at Too Faced, she blends artistry with empowerment, celebrating individuality at every step. Chanel Smith explores Heather’s impressive path into the multifaceted world of beauty, Spring 2025 trends and the recipe for a perfect make-up look for a night out in Soho…

1. With over 12 years in the beauty industry, what inspired you to start this journey,  and how has your career evolved over the years?  

Image courtesy of Heather Jackson / Too Faced Cosmetics

My journey in the beauty industry was a total accident; I never planned to work in the beauty industry. However, I have always been quite girly. Like anything, the start wasn’t always the prettiest. If I told you some horror stories, we’d laugh about our crazy days of braiding hair and melting wax for styling. Growing up pre-Instagram and TikTok, beauty was all about learning from your closest friends,  which I suppose is a bit like TikTok, but just with your close friends. We’d experiment with hair and makeup tricks for school discos and dances, going totally DIY before “hacks” were even a thing. My friends would always say,  “Heather, do my hair! Or Heather, do my makeup!” and I’d be right there, trying to create the looks. I

What made me fall in love with it was when my mum gave me an album filled with stunning printed hairstyles and makeup tricks that I absolutely adored. So, it’s insane to think those “trendy” TikTok beauty hacks? We’ve been doing them for years! But it’s honestly the best feeling knowing that more people can now experience this on a larger scale, thanks to platforms like Instagram or TikTok. 

2. You’ve worked with a diverse clientele – from brides to models on shoots. How do you adapt your approach to each client but still make everyone who leaves your chair have that “main character energy“?

Image courtesy of Heather Jackson / Too Faced Cosmetics

Starting on the shop floor shaped my industry experience, teaching me to work with all  skin types and ages. I learned to be adaptable and open-minded, as you never know  who will sit in your chair. Listening to clients is key, since beauty is personal—what  makes one feel amazing may not work for another.  

Training some as young as 16-year-olds, I’m consistently learning the latest trends and  techniques, even after a decade in the field. You really do learn from every chair, from  everyone. So, it’s about being open, asking questions, and never stopping learning. 

It really comes back to finding out what makes that person feel like a million dollars.  The only time I really change my approach is when I’m on set with models, as working with models is a completely different dynamic. Models are booked to bring a specific vision to life, you’re making a client brief come to life.  

All my clients, and even myself, have that certain makeup style that if we don’t wear it, we feel totally naked. So, it’s always about understanding what makes each person feel confident in their own skin.

3. What is your go-to Too Faced product, and why do you think it has become such a cult favourite? 

Oh, Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer—where do I even start? It is the ultimate multitasker. You can use it to conceal, contour, highlight, and retouch. With 30 shades, it’s so versatile and inclusive. Whether you’re after a light touch or full coverage, it’s a total game-changer. 

My other favourite is Better Than Sex Mascara. It’s iconic for a reason—the black version is perfect for bold lashes. But I also love the chocolate version for a more subtle office look.  

I also can’t live without the Pillow Balm, which I always call “the unsung hero”. Packed  with butters, fruit oils, and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates like a dream.

I’m such a blush girl! So, it would have to be the Cloud Crush Blushes, which are gorgeous. They’re blurring blushes in different shades, such as Tequila Sunset—a beautiful orangey colour. 

4. What are your Top Three Beauty Trends expected to dominate in 2025?

I’m already seeing some exciting trends coming through! The clean girl, ‘no-makeup makeup’ vibe is starting to take a back seat, and we are stepping back into being more experimental. 

5. As a makeup artist, how do you navigate the use of micro trends on social media for your clients?

Makeup trends are more of a social and inspiration thing rather than not strict guidelines. When clients mention a trend like “latte makeup“, it helps us understand their preferences – brown tones, specific shadows or bronzer looks. Trends have created a different world of aesthetics. They aren’t necessarily new techniques; their creative names add a touch of freshness.  

Image courtesy of Heather Jackson / Too Faced Cosmetics

For brands like Too Faced, targeting the 16-24 demographic, these trends thrive on  TikTok and shape our brand identity. Customers often know their desired products  after seeing them in a trend, focusing on inspiration rather than replicating complete  looks. 

6. Have you ever helped a client overcome their own personal insecurity?

Every time someone sits in your chair, I think I help someone overcome a personal insecurity. But dark circles? That’s the number one! Everyone’s like, “Help, I just  want to look less tired!” It’s amazing because fixing dark circles can completely flip someone’s confidence. 

I love watching that transformation, you know, when someone goes from “Ugh, I  can’t face the day” to “Wait… I look incredible!” The energy shift is everything. 

Bridal makeup is next-level emotional. The moment a bride sees herself? Waterworks! I’m always there like, “Don’t you dare cry – think of the makeup!”  But that’s what makeup is all about, right? It’s not just making someone look good – it’s that moment when they see themselves and just light up. When someone sits in my chair and discovers their most confident self? That’s pure magic! 

7. How would you describe your content-creating journey within the beauty industry?

Image courtesy of Heather Jackson / Too Faced Cosmetics

Over a decade of content creation, I’ve learned that comparison is the thief of joy. Initially, I struggled with the feeling my content wasn’t good enough. But I think that’s something I think we all go through, whether it’s in hair, makeup, or content creation, just in general creation.  

Working with amazing teams like Estee Lauder helped me build confidence. Now, I  admire others’ work as inspiration without trying to imitate them. But I now co-run our  social team with Mitch, who manages Too Faced’s social pages. so, I’ve learnt each creator brings their own individuality – for me, that’s “natural glam” very much like  bridal make up that works on enhances features not changing them. Because I’m never going to be that person to do a cut crease or a smoky eye 

My makeup style mirrors Too Faced’s as well: flirty, authentic, and true to oneself.  It’s about creating content that’s unmistakably mine. 

8. What would be your ultimate night out in Soho make-up look?  

When I’m heading out in Soho, it’s all about a pop of colour! I start with my Born This  Way foundation for a flawless complexion, then add my signature winged eyeliner it’s a must! 

For lips, our bright pink Voted Most Popular liner is my secret weapon, topped with  some gloss for extra oomph. Add volumising mascara and a sweep of Candy Clouds  blush to keep things fresh and flirty.

The best thing about Soho? You can totally play with your look! Go supernatural or totally bold. It’s your playground – have fun with it! 

At Too Faced, Heather thrives as both a leader and educator. She oversees regional sales strategies while mentoring beauty professionals to master the brand’s iconic products, from the cult-favourite Born This Way Foundation to the Better Than Sex Mascara. With an eye for trends and a heart for beauty, Heather’s mission is simple: to make sure everyone feels confident, fabulous, and unapologetically themselves. @heatherjacksonbeauty

Discover the latest trends and beauty products at Too Faced www.toofaced.co.uk

Written by Chanel Smith @littleblackbook_media

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