Judge Gee Pikinga (left), host Megan Papas (centre) and judge Tane Tomoana from Glow Up NZ. Image supplied.
Time to get excited makeup fans as New Zealand’s own Glow Up NZ launches on TVNZ OnDemand tomorrow 19th August. The show is based on the BBC format, which was inspired by the #glowup social media phenomenon taking over the world and sees nine talented makeup artists (MUAs) battle it out as they navigate inspiring and creative challenges.
Glow Up NZ is hosted by ZM’s Megan Papas and sees the contestants tackling three different challenges an episode; the Selfie Brief, the Model Brief, and the Face Off. The aim of the first two challenges is to not end up in one of two red chairs. Whoever is in those red chairs after the Model Brief faces a high stakes elimination challenge. Joining Megan are experienced judges and mentors Gee Pikinga (NZ Director at Maybelline New York) and Tane Tomoana (Creative Director at Dry & Tea) who will use their expertise and knowledge to bring out the best in the contestants.
The nine MUAs competing in Glow Up NZ are:
Alyshia Jones, 25, Tauranga
Emma Jade Allerby, 21, Auckland
Isadora Blake, 37, Hamilton
Kyle de Thier, 17, Gisborne
Lara Tilley, 21, Timaru
Myrthe Heydenrijk, 27, Wellington
Nika Steele, 27, Whanganui
Richard Symons, 29, Auckland
Sachin Dutt, 19, Auckland
The winner of Glow Up NZ will take home a $5000 prize after having proven themselves in a series of makeup artistry challenges that explore different genres and the mind-blowing, internet-trending styles of extreme makeup artistry.
While there’s no doubt you’ll be left in awe by the talents of these Kiwis, at its heart, the series reflects a unique and personal change as the talented cast learn the confidence to be comfortable in themselves – their physical appearance, individual style and sexuality – truly realising the meaning of Glow Up.
To find out more about what to expect from the show we caught up with Glow Up NZ host Megan Papas and judges Gee Pikinga and Tane Tomoana.
Megan Papas
Megan has been part of the radio industry for over 16 years, having worked at The Edge, Flava and now on ZM’s Breakfast Show. She has a love of makeup and all things beauty, so when the opportunity to host Glow Up NZ came along, Megan couldn’t turn it down! Watching tutorials online and playing with colours and looks being a hobby, her first foray into television couldn’t be a better fit.
When it comes to her own #GlowUp, Megan’s go-to is contour and blush, she loves adding a bit of colour to her cheeks and sculpting her face, as it helps give her more confidence. Alongside being the host of the show, Megan is there to help support and uplift the contestants when challenges get tricky. Plus, she even steps in as a model when needed.
What are you most looking forward to as the host of this show?
I am looking forward to seeing what talent is in NZ, I think it’s going to blow people away. I love watching creatives, in any field, be let loose with a brief.
What does #GlowUp mean to you?
Glow Up means to transform in a significant way. It could be in a personal or professional way… but, in terms of our show, it doesn’t mean to be made more beautiful, it is a transformation, from blank canvas to some sort of creation.
Why should people watch Glow Up NZ?
It is a reality series, so they are real people, with real stories you can relate to, plus they are hugely talented. You’re going to see some stunning creations that you will appreciate even if you aren’t hugely into makeup. Plus, of course, there is a bit of drama along the way…
What does makeup mean to you?
Makeup has always given me confidence. I don’t have the greatest self-esteem, I’m ok with admitting it because I think it’s something we all struggle with to a degree. Makeup gives me a little more confidence and makes me feel good. It’s like a good pair of heels. It’s also a creative outlet for me, I love trying looks, and my husband is really sweet, he will always comment and say, ‘oh new colours today, I like it!’
Gee Pikinga
Gee first graced our screens on TVNZ 2’s Project Runway New Zealand in 2018 as the lead makeup artist making the models runway ready. As the NZ Makeup Director for Maybelline NY, Gee has an extensive background in the industry, and the knowledge and experience to take on the mentor and judging role on Glow Up NZ.
Having caught the makeup bug at high school, Gee practiced behind closed doors before studying fashion makeup and hair at Cut Above Academy. 12 years later, Gee returned as a mentor at Cut Above Academy for the last four years.
When it comes to why you should watch the show, Gee knows the show is going to surprise you, and with no shortage of talent, it’s going to be exciting to watch and celebrate the industry.
What does #GlowUp mean to you?
To evolve.
Why did you decide to become a mentor and judge on Glow Up NZ?
I see potential in every artist I meet, even those whom aren’t even aware they are natural-born artists. If I was able to encourage myself to believe I was a capable enough artist in times when I did not believe in myself, I know that I could guide these artists to show us the best that they have to offer, and things they may have never known they had.
When teaching, what is the one piece of advice you always tell your students?
Be bold and daring to try new things! There is no point staying where you feel most comfortable because in this industry – trends, methods and techniques and what we use will be in a constant state of change and evolution. So, give everything a go, especially the things you’re most afraid of. Makeup washes off, after all!
What are you looking for in the winner of Glow Up NZ?
They will know themselves artistically, and this will reflect in their work. It could be anyone’s game because the talent each contender has is undeniable. To really stand-out, our contestants will need to exhibit strengths in many styles of makeup; be adaptable to sudden changes in direction. Someone who is unafraid to take risks but can also edit a look right back when needed to balance all the elements of a look they present to us.
Tane Tomoana
With a resume that includes styling the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Anika Moa, Hollie Smith and many more, Tane knows what it takes to make it in the industry. Starting out in Hawke’s Bay, Tane did his hairdressing studies and apprenticeship before moving to Auckland, where he worked in hairdressing salons and collaborated on numerous music videos and photoshoots.
Now, Tane is a Creative Lead at Dry & Tea New Zealand and Australia, where he’s been for over three years.
When it comes to working in the beauty industry, Tane thinks it’s important to love the skin you’re in but don’t settle for an unhealthy lifestyle – find the balance. With an eye for detail, the contestants will need to impress!
Why did you decide to become a judge on Glow Up NZ?
I think being presented with the opportunity to work on Glow Up NZ was a good platform to undertake my own glow up journey. To learn new things, to challenge myself and my own comfort zone. I have worked in the beauty industry for a long time and it had become very comfortable, so I decided it was the perfect opportunity to really challenge myself, to share but also to learn.
What accomplishment means the most to you in your career so far?
For me, being able and willing to show up each day with the intention, kindness and love to offer a space of healing and care for others after all these years, is absolutely the greatest accomplishment. Working on the cover of British Vogue’s September ‘19 special edition issue, guest edited by Meghan Markle and shot by the great Peter Lindbergh, is definitely a huge highlight. Styling the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern for the cover of March’s Time Magazine was pretty cool too. She contacted me the day before and we were actually shooting Glow Up. Given both our busy schedules at the time I had to get her ready in our dressing room on set!
How would you describe your judging style?
I would hope my judging style would translate as fair and general. Not being a trained makeup artist, I’m looking at the bigger picture. How they follow the brief, how they interact with the client/model, execution, self confidence, how the story they are telling translates into a fashion/editorial/avant-garde look etc.
What does #GlowUp mean to you?
#Glowup means to me to really let your true self shine, although it centres around physical transformation it also encompasses self acceptance, authenticity and growth. We all have that light inside of us and when you really switch it on you light up the whole world around you.
Images supplied.