My West London Life

Jemma Kidd on working with her supermodel sister, chilling out in Notting Hill and boys who love wearing make-up

Posted by Saira Rasheed on 26/07/10

Why have you chosen to be based in Notting Hill?

I grew up in Notting Hill from the age of six to 13, so it feels like home to me. I went to Pembridge Hall School, so for me it was the most obvious place to live and work.

What inspired you to start your own make-up school?

It was an idea that came to me after an Indian girl flew over from Delhi to be taught by me for a week so that she could work in Bollywood. When I was a session make-up artist I used to get inundated with requests from friends to do their make-up and constantly got asked by mothers to show their daughters how to apply make-up. Millions of women wear make-up, but very few of them have been taught how to apply it. I felt there was a need for a place where women could come and learn about make-up that wasn't all about selling products.

Tell us a make-up no-no…

Putting bronzer on top of fake tan is a real summer make-up faux pas.

What’s your top make-up tip?

Less is more. Make-up shouldn’t be used as a mask to hide behind, but as a tool to accentuate your best features.

Who have you enjoyed working with the most and why?

I love working with the girls and women who come to my make-up school for lessons. I feel like they teach me as much as I teach them. I also love working backstage at fashion shows – there is always such an amazing creative energy and a buzzing atmosphere.

What’s it like working with your supermodel sister?

I love working with Jodie. She’s my make-up muse and is the face of my Jemma Kidd Make Up School range. She recently modeled for me when I launched my range live on air for QVC.

What kind of students does your make-up school attract?

All types. Mums, teenagers, boys who love wearing make-up – we welcome them all. We get lots of students from abroad too.

What do you think are your personal strengths and weakness?

My strengths are loyalty, honesty and an eye for colour. My weaknesses are internet shopping, eating too many carbs and not having enough confidence in myself.

Which is your favourite chill-out spot in west London?

I love brunch with friends at Raoul’s [105–107 Talbot Road,W11] or Mexican at Taqueria [139–143 Westbourne Grove, W11].

How do you like to spend a lost day?

I had twins in January so any days off are spent with them. I take them in the pram for long walks close to my house in the countryside. Riding horses is my passion and I try to train three to four times a week. I love being outside and when I get on a horse I forget about all my worries; it’s the perfect way to unwind and release any tension.

Which is your all-time favourite movie?

I love so many movies – Star Wars, The Ultimate Bourne Collection and anything with Harrison Ford in it. Old School and The Hangover really made me laugh, too. I also enjoyed watching the American TV series, The Wire and The West Wing.

Which restaurant would you suggest to a tourist in west London?

Bumpkin [209 Westbourne Park Road, W11] – it serves fresh, hearty country food and is the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends. E&O [14 Blenheim Crescent, W11] does great Asian food and Ziani’s [45 Radnor Walk, SW3] serves delicious Venetian dishes.

Which is your earliest London memory?

My family lived outside of London until I was six so we used to come and see my grandmother who lived in Knightsbridge when I was really little. She would take us to Hyde Park to see the Peter Pan statue and would tell us stories about him. We would also go to the Food Hall in Harrods to pick out a cake.

Where is your ideal holiday destination?

Barbados as it’s where my mother lives, followed by the Almalfi Coast in Italy. I also like Ibiza in the summer and Australia in the winter.

What are you most proud of?

Being a mum is the biggest blessing of all.

The Jemma Kidd Make-Up School, Chinyee Chu, 4 Royalty Studios, 105 Lancaster Road, W11; www.jemmakidd.com; 0844 800 2636