Shella Martin is a maestro with makeup brush in hand. With over 20 years' experience, the celebrity and editorial Makeup Artist has worked with the likes of Pat McGrath, Val Garland and Lucia Pieroni during Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, while her artistry has decorated the pages of Vogue, Elle and 10 Magazine, melding an innate commercial nous with strokes of singular ingenuity.

But it’s a long-standing relationship with RATIONALE that really illuminates her world.

It was 10 years ago when the former beauty editor first discovered the brand—and she hasn’t look back since. “I can’t even think about RATIONALE without smiling,” she beams, her reverence for RATIONALE one of pure joy.

A staple in both her professional and personal kit, Shella employs the entire RATIONALE range to enhance her clients skin and her own. Sharing a deep appreciation of skin health and protection, like RATIONALE, Shella sees skin as a vessel for empowerment and self-confidence, recognising the transformative power it beholds.

To commemorate her special 10-year anniversary with RATIONALE, we sit down with the ever-radiant expert to glean a glimpse into a life of long shoots, skin love and, of course, infinite luminosity.

How has the beauty industry changed in the past 10 years?

Over the past decade, there has been a notable shift in how we perceive and prioritise skincare. We now celebrate healthy, radiant skin as much as we admire glamorous make-up looks. Additionally, there's a deeper understanding of the importance of skin support and protection, reflecting an evolving awareness of holistic skincare.
 
What have been some of the most memorable projects or campaigns you've been a part of during your tenure with the brand?

One of the most memorable experiences during my tenure with RATIONALE was the Brand Manifesto shoot, where the entire Team worked seamlessly across various locations. The collaborative nature of these projects, coupled with Richard's visionary leadership, fostered an environment where artistic expression thrived. Richard and I had the opportunity to conduct multiple makeup tests, allowing ample space and time to assess and refine each look. This process enabled us to thoroughly digest the results and reflect on them after the initial test to then perfect the look. It's here that Richard and I reached the pinnacle of our collaboration, understanding each other's artistic vision. It was during this time that I could fully appreciate Richard’s fine art background. 
 
How do you incorporate the RATIONALE Essential Six Collections in your work as a makeup artist?

Since 2014, I've integrated a complete range of RATIONALE products into my kit. This empowers me to address diverse skincare needs and enhance radiance through layered application techniques, catering to different skin types and concerns regardless of the shoot that I’m on. 

Since using RATIONALE, what kind of changes have you seen in your skin and complexion?

Despite facing weekly challenges such as flights, long shoot days and outdoor activities like scuba diving, my skin has remained resilient and radiant since embracing RATIONALE in 2014. Rather than fixating on wrinkles, I see a reflection of radiance in the mirror, a testament to RATIONALE’s efficacy. I now possess a deeper understanding of my skin's needs and the measures required to maintain its youthful appearance, thanks to the brand's continuous innovation and research.