Whether it's trying to cover up blemishes, match your foundation to your skin tone or create a bold eye look, picking out the right colours is an important part of doing your make-up. But what if you can't tell some of them apart? That's something Ailish McBride struggles with as a partially colour-blind make-up artist (MUA). The 20-year-old didn't find out she had the condition, also called colour vision deficiency, until a couple of years ago. But she says it runs in the family - with her dad and sister being fully colour-blind. "Being a make-up artist is hard for me," Ailish tells BBC Newsbeat. "Red and orange look the same to me and light blues I kind of see as grey," she says. That makes mixing purple particularly tricky and she also struggles to see pastel colours. The cosmetics student from Belfast features on the latest series of BBC Three's Glow Up, where she opens up about her condition. The show, hosted by model Leomie Anderson, sees 10 contestants from across the UK battle it out through weekly industry assignments and creative briefs to become the country's next make-up star. "I didn't see me being colour blind as a setback in the competition because I know my skillset," Ailish says. "It was a bit tricky in certain situations but I'm proud of how I worked through it." In the first episode Ailish decided not to hold back, experimenting with an explosion of colour inspired by her own creativity. "I love to challenge myself," she says. "I don't like to settle into a little box. "I wanted to show people that even if you are colour-blind, you can still do big, bold, creative looks." In the first episode, judges Val Garland and Dominic Skinner said her final look was flat and simplistic and Ailish ended up in the Face Off, going head to head against contestant Joe Tiernan to stay in the competition. However, Val told her: "I think it's amazing you've got this much colour down being colour-blind". "That is showing a very determined make-up artist." Ailish thinks she was able to execute her looks after learning more about colour theory, helping her understand how to mix together the shades she needed. Plus, after freelancing in the industry for a few years, she's become used to labelling all of her palettes with the names of corresponding colours. It's estimated that about 3 million people living in the UK are affected by colour blindness, according toColour Blind Awareness. It affects more men than women - with about one in 12 males having the condition compared with one in 200 females. There's no cure and it's also not clear what causes it,the NHS says, but often it runs in families and is something people are born with and adapt to. After finding herself in the red chairs and at risk of elimination for two weeks in a row, Ailish became the second MUA to leave the competition on Wednesday. She was seen getting emotional in the second episode, needing a hug from judge Val after her look failed to impress. "I get quite bad anxiety," Ailish tells Newsbeat. "It was overwhelming at the time and I really let myself get in my head during the show." But Ailish was still proud to have even featured on Glow Up, which has been her dream since she first watched the show aged 14. Having recently finished her degree, she's looking forward to pursuing more of her goals by picking up work on films and in theatres. And while she may not have got one on series 7, as she starts this new chapter, Ailish asks: "Can I get a Ding Dong?!" Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star is onBBC Three at 20:00on Wednesdays and is available tostream on BBC iPlayer. Listen to Newsbeatliveat 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen backhere.
The make-up artist using colours she can't see
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Partially Color-Blind Make-Up Artist Ailish McBride Competes on BBC's 'Glow Up'"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Ailish McBride, a 20-year-old make-up artist from Belfast, faces unique challenges in her profession due to her partial color blindness, a condition she only became aware of a couple of years ago. Color vision deficiency runs in her family, affecting both her father and sister. Ailish finds it difficult to distinguish between certain colors; for instance, reds and oranges appear similar to her, while light blues often look gray. Despite these challenges, Ailish is determined to prove that color blindness does not hinder her creativity. She is a contestant on the latest season of BBC Three's 'Glow Up,' a competition that showcases aspiring make-up artists from across the UK. In the show, she openly discusses her condition and how it impacts her work, stating that she does not view her color blindness as a setback, but rather as a challenge to overcome. Her approach to make-up is to experiment boldly with colors, illustrating her belief that creativity can thrive despite limitations.
In her first appearance on 'Glow Up,' Ailish faced criticism from the judges for her initial look, which they described as flat and simplistic. This resulted in her being placed in the Face Off, where she competed against another contestant to avoid elimination. Despite the pressure and anxiety she experienced, Ailish remained proud of her participation in the show, which she had dreamed of joining since she was 14 years old. She credits her understanding of color theory and her experience freelancing in the industry for helping her navigate her color blindness effectively. Ailish labels her palettes with the corresponding color names to aid her in her work. Although she did not win the competition and became the second contestant to leave, she remains optimistic about her future in the industry, expressing excitement about pursuing opportunities in film and theatre. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that challenges can be met with determination and creativity.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the unique challenges faced by Ailish McBride, a partially color-blind make-up artist. It highlights her determination and creativity in a field that heavily relies on color perception. The narrative not only sheds light on her personal journey but also aims to inspire others who might face similar challenges.
Representation of Disability in Arts
Ailish's story serves as a powerful representation of individuals with disabilities in creative industries. By showcasing her experience on a popular platform like BBC Three's Glow Up, the article contributes to a growing narrative that embraces diversity in the arts. It fosters a sense of inclusion and encourages conversations around the capabilities of those with disabilities, challenging stereotypes often associated with such conditions.
Community Impact and Awareness
The article seeks to raise awareness about color vision deficiency, a condition that is not widely understood. By sharing Ailish's experiences and struggles, it aims to educate the audience on the realities of living with such a condition. This could potentially lead to a more empathetic and supportive community, as well as inspire others with similar challenges to pursue their passions.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on Ailish's journey, it may also subtly promote the idea that success in creative fields can be achieved despite obstacles. This narrative could be seen as an effort to shift focus from traditional beauty standards to a more inclusive definition of creativity and talent. However, there are no clear indications of any significant hidden agendas or information being withheld.
Analyzing Manipulative Aspects
The article does exhibit some elements of inspirational messaging, which can be interpreted as manipulative. It emphasizes Ailish's determination and creativity, perhaps to evoke emotional responses from readers. However, this is a common practice in storytelling, especially when discussing personal challenges and triumphs.
Comparative Context in Media
When compared to other articles focusing on disability in the arts, this piece stands out for its personal approach. It captures the essence of individual struggle and triumph, rather than merely presenting statistics or broader societal issues. This personalized narrative could resonate more with audiences, fostering a sense of connection.
Impacts on Society and Economy
The portrayal of Ailish might encourage a more inclusive perspective within the beauty industry, which could lead to diversification in hiring practices and representation. Such shifts could influence economic dynamics by opening doors for individuals with disabilities in sectors that have traditionally been exclusive.
Target Audience and Community Support
This article likely appeals to various communities, including those advocating for disability rights, beauty enthusiasts, and individuals seeking inspiration from personal stories. It aims to engage a wide audience by addressing universal themes of perseverance and creativity.
Market Influence and Stock Implications
While the article primarily focuses on a personal story, it could indirectly impact brands associated with inclusivity in beauty. Companies that promote diversity and representation may see a positive response from consumers who resonate with Ailish's story.
Global Perspective and Current Relevance
The narrative aligns with ongoing discussions about inclusivity and representation in various fields. It connects with broader societal movements advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, making it relevant in today's context.
AI Influence in Content Creation
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence played a significant role in crafting this article. However, AI models could be used in the editing process or to analyze public sentiment around such stories. If AI was involved, it might have contributed to emphasizing emotional aspects, shaping the narrative to appeal to a wider audience.
In conclusion, the article presents a compelling story about Ailish McBride, a color-blind make-up artist, focusing on her challenges and triumphs in a visually-driven industry. The overall message promotes inclusivity and serves to inspire others, making it a valuable addition to the discourse on disability in the arts. The reliability of the story is strengthened by its personal, firsthand nature, though it does carry an inspirational tone that could be perceived as somewhat manipulative.