Claire Walker, better known as Claire Bridgett to her hundreds of thousands of followers, is a sensation on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Retail Beauty explores how this former Mecca Zone Manager and Marketing Assistant, who holds a degree in PR & Comms, skillfully combined her expertise to achieve huge success on social media.
How did you first become interested in makeup and beauty?
Beauty YouTube! My childhood best friend forced me to watch hundreds of makeup tutorials from UK makeup artists and enthusiasts. I got hooked, bought the Urban Decay naked palette and the rest was history.
What inspired you to become a professional makeup artist?
It started when I was the friend in my high school friendship group that would always get asked to do everyone’s formal and birthday makeup. However, it wasn’t till I had a really tough first year at university that I realised I needed to have a creative outlet and follow my passion.
What motivated you to start sharing your beauty tips on Instagram and TikTok?
I actually have always created content on Instagram and even did a little YouTube back in the day but I actually decided to give it a good crack in Melbourne’s second lockdown because I couldn’t land a job or even unpaid internship in my field of beauty PR & marketing. I saw posting on TikTok as an opportunity to up skill. I knew TikTok was the way of the future for marketing and saw it as a ‘two birds one stone / no brainer’ as I loved creating beauty content but also craved a job that used my university degree and needed relevant experience.
How do you decide what beauty tips or trends to share in your content?
I base a lot of my content around concerns and questions customers had at Mecca, which was where I was working when I started my TikTok. I also base it on my online community’s pain points in doing their own makeup. I’m there to service them, it’s really not about me but I’m just lucky I love teaching all things beauty.
Was there a pivotal moment or content piece that significantly boosted your following?
Five best products to buy at Mecca from an ex employee. This went absolutely bonkers and took everything to the next level for me. I’ve actually brought back the series recently and talk about the five best products to buy from every single brand.
What strategies do you use to engage with your audience?
I try to read and respond to as many comments as possible. I use their comments as inspiration for what content I make to ensure I’m engaged in their needs.
How do you stay innovative in the competitive beauty industry?
I actually love learning about TikTok and Instagram marketing techniques online. I spend a lot of time researching how to better my content and implement these strategies daily. I’m always learning and thinking about a new way to improve which always leads to innovative ideas.
Can you share some career highlights you’re especially proud of?
Hands down has to be being flown to LA to meet and create content with Selena Gomez for Rare Beauty.
What advice would you give to aspiring beauty influencers?
Consistency over perfection. Have a purpose and reach for the stars.
Can you tell us about a collaboration that stood out to you?
All my collaborations mean a lot to me because I truly only work with brands I love and would recommend for free. I will shout out La Roche Posay as they gave me the confidence to quit my 9-5 and do this full time. They also make some of the best skincare on the market and introduced me to one of the best skincare item ever, their Cicaplast Baume b5+!
What are some of your current favourite beauty products?
I’m LOVING the new Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blushes. They give that beautiful Sabrina Carpenter flushed glow. I’m also obsessed with the L’Oréal Lumi Glotion.
Who is your beauty icon and why?
Charlotte Tilbury for sure. When I see her makeup, both her products and her signature glam it brings me so much joy. It’s always so special but never too much. It’s what I want to look like daily but I’m honestly too lazy for that and just leave it for special occasions.
What is your winter go-to beauty look?
I’m loving a little bit of a darker lip and cheek. Leaning into deep mauves and reds but still keeping it quite neutral has been super fun to play with as the Melbourne temperature continues to significantly drop.
www.instagram.com/clairebridgett
www.youtube.com/@ClaireBridgett
www.tiktok.com/@claire_bridgett
This article was first published in the Winter issue of Retail Beauty:
- For more news and updates, subscribe to our weekly newsletter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Like us on Facebook
- Connect with us on LinkedIn
In this blog, Claire Bridgett’s inspiring journey and unique approach to makeup artistry are highlighted, showcasing her talent and passion for helping clients feel their absolute best.