Cosmetic tattooist Emma Grundy at her inner-city Auckland home
We could stare at Emma Grundy all day. Her flawless skin, gorgeous smile and well-put-together style are enviable, but after moments in her company, you realise she's just as beautiful on the inside. Self-made, she managed to take her passion for beauty and pursue a career as a cosmetic tattooist. "What I do not only enhances a woman's natural beauty but boosts her confidence," says Emma. Who is happy to work tirelessly for ten hours a day from Leora, her inner-city beauty salon. Here she offers cutting-edge technology with feather touch brow enhancements to bespoke ombre brows and almost undetectable lip tattooing. Each client leaves wearing a customised service, which has helped Emma become the industry leader she is today. Here, editor Trudi Brewer steps into her gorgeous city villa and busy salon to share a slice of her beautiful life.
Emma, at home with her dog Willow.
Career
What's been your career high to date, and what do you still dream of achieving?
I always dreamt of having my own business, which was very exciting. I've always envisioned my dreams before they become a reality, and I was ready for the next step.
What made you want to be a cosmetic tattoo artist?
I've always had an artistic flair and an eye for detail, and when cosmetic tattooing first emerged, I was intrigued. So, I had my brows done, started researching the procedure, and then just decided that was what I wanted to do. So, I trained in Melbourne to complete that goal.
How have the trends changed in your industry, and what new ones do you see coming?
Right now, those bold boy brows have become very natural-looking fluffy brows. The trend is almost undetectable with lip tattooing, so it looks completely natural. But, like all beauty trends, they evolve and change because the technology and products are becoming so advanced.
What's a typical working day for you?
I wake up around six and work out, have coffee, and plan my day. Usually, I have back to back clients from nine am until after five pm. I see about four to five clients a day depending on the booking, and it's a mix of feather touch brows, ombre brows and lip tattooing. My days are hectic, but I love it.
Editor Trudi Brewer before and after her bespoke feather touch brows by Emma Grundy.
What have you been most surprised by working in the beauty industry?
The connections and relationships formed within the beauty industry are amazing. It’s a community of girls supporting each other. I have made a lot of amazing connections with so many different artists working in the same field, even if it’s just through social media; it’s been refreshing.
What advice would you give other women starting a business or launching a brand?
Believe in yourself. Envision what you want to do, create a plan and execute it. Be passionate about your brand and, above all, be consistent.
What would you say is the #1 key to success in your business?
Love what you do. Your skills and genuine passion for your art will make you stand out from the rest.
If you could choose one lesson you have learned in business to pass on, what would that be?
Hard work always outweighs talent.
Emma grooming her brows, who recommends a professional brow tidy with grooming tips to make the most of your natural assets.
Beauty
Who is your beauty icon, and why?
Hailey Bieber, her face, her bone structure, her style, literally everything!
What's the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before you go to sleep?
First thing in the morning, I will wash my face and always apply an SPF. Then, before bed, I will lather myself in a hydrating serum, love Ultraceuticals B2 Hydrating Serum, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum or Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, or use Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask.
What are your secrets to staying healthy and looking great?
Celery juice and boxing. Eat everything in moderation.
When you're tired or rundown, what's your best beauty hack?
Peppermint tea. The sounds of Collagen Girl feat. Applying 111skin Rose Gold Mask - it's so dreamy.
What's your favourite beauty buy?
I'm obsessed with Chantecaille Liquid Lumiere. You can add it to your foundation or wear it alone, and I promise your skin will be glowing. It's fab.
What is the best advice on beauty you've received?
Always wear an SPF on your face to protect it from sun damage and wrinkles. My mum has the most amazing skin, even at 60. She instilled this in me.
What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?
I use Ultraceuticals SPF 30 Daily Moisturiser every day without fail.
Do you have a makeup routine you follow?
Having my brows and lips tattooed and eyelash extensions mean I can go without makeup. But when I do wear makeup, my routine is super simple. If I want a more natural look, I'll go for bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense SPF 15 or NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. With colour, I use Kevyn Aucoin The Neo-Bronzer, Chantecaille Liquid Lumiere and Benefit Gimme Brow to groom my brows.
What would we find in your makeup bag?
Lanolips always, Benefit Gimme Brow, RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense SPF 15.
Favourite fragrance?
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle.
Some of Emma’s must-have beauty buys.
Home
How would you describe your interior style?
I'm a modern minimalist.
What do you think makes a great interior?
Simple but stylish. Lots of texture, neutral tones and lots of green plants.
When it comes to colour, what's your interior style?
I am definitely a neutral girl, but I love beautiful artwork to brighten up the room.
What's your most treasured possession?
Probably my beautiful Fossil glass coffee table.
What's your favourite room in your home?
My lounge is cosy and has beautiful natural light, and when it is a nice day, there is lots of sunshine that floods the room.
What makes a house a home?
A bookshelf filled with books you've read, and collectables from places you've visited, artwork and photos. Scented candles, fresh flowers and plants.
Emma’s living room features her well-loved Fossil glass coffee table.
Fashion
What is your one fashion indulgence?
Handbags.
What are your favourite local and international fashion designers?
Paris Georgia, Vera Wang, and my Louis Vuitton multi pochette.
What makes a great working wardrobe?
Black pants and a cute top with sneakers – is my go-to look right now.
Emma’s fashion and accessory collection in her bedroom. Her vision mood board and her Rachel Mataira photographic print.
Who is transforming skin health.