Bold. Striking. Confident. Powerful.

Four words that you could use to describe M·A·C Cosmetics Australia latest campaign, which celebrates two icons – Parris Goebel, a New Zealand native making her mark in the entertainment industry as a choreographer and creative director, and her favourite lipstick Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo.

The fierce red lipstick first launched in 1999 and over 20 years later still remains one of the brand’s most-loved and best-selling shades. There couldn’t be a better way to collaborate and to honour an authentic relationship, says M·A·C Cosmetics New Zealand Global Senior Artist Kiekie Stanners, who was not only behind Parris’ beauty look on set but also the creative direction of the campaign. “Parris is amazingly experimental with her style and makeup, can wear anything and isn’t afraid to break rules but for this campaign I wanted her makeup to be classically her – a fabulous red lip, a feline smoky eye and her signature fierce brows.”

Showcasing the versatility, depth and confidence that a slick of red lipstick can bring, Stanners turned to a makeup combination that consisted of Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 Foundation, Pro Longwear Fluidline in Dip Down and Ruby Woo, which she calls the Rockstar of red lipsticks. “It’s basically the cleanest shade of red, being an exact primary tone that suits everyone as a statement in itself and it has the best wearability for both onstage and everyday life.” Starting with Prep + Prime Lip, which helps to create a smooth, even canvas for lipstick and ensure a longevity, Stanners used Lip Pencil in Cherry to create a rounded, full pout. “I always use a red lip pencil to define the lips before adding the opaqueness of a lipstick over top ‑ a lip pencil like Cherry allows so much control in terms of crafting a perfect lip and giving a subtle overdraw if needed. I shade the lips in first by using the pencil on its side to give full colour payoff all over the lips. Then, with a razor-sharp tip, use the pencil to create a drawn lip line. This way, when you’re applying your lipstick shade on top either with a brush or straight from the bullet, it can sit within this defined line and is easily touched up throughout the day.”

For the overall look and feel of the campaign, Stanners and the team wanted to create a uniquely Parris X M·A·C collaboration that spoke to a wide audience. “It was so special to be able to work with Parris in a fleeting visit to New Zealand and we had a lot to achieve in a one-day shoot. Parris is fierce but she’s also a poetic creative at the same time and this is something I wanted to convey – her strength and style of dancing and her own personal style all wrapped into a classic M·A·C beauty campaign that talks to both Parris’ fans and beauty consumers in the same space; All Ages, All Races and All Genders, and to strike inspiration in whoever saw it.”

MAKEUP & CREATIVE DIRECTION: M·A·C Global Senior Artist New Zealand Kiekie Stanners
PHOTOGRAPHY: Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Delphine Avril Planqueel