In an industry obsessed with rules, Joseph Harwood has spent a career rewriting them. Following last year’s sell-out collaboration, the British makeup artist returns with a fiercer second act–14 new, boundary-pushing pieces that double down on genderless beauty and unflinching creativity.
We sat down with Joseph and asked him some questions, from his take on the dupes, to an exclusive breakdown of the collection’s must-use products.
- Last year’s collab went viral. What’s the product from the edit you think will spark the most conversations?
TIKTOK trending brands like Sacheu, Pacifica and Plump It have caused such a stir online, so I see those creating a lot of hype. I definitely think having such a fab palette from Revolution will give people options to create an array of different colourful looks, which I can’t wait to see! Plus I'm a huge fan of the UK Brow.
- Dupes often get dismissed as ‘just copies’. How do you challenge that perception?
There used to be a visible difference between how products were made as brands had their own well-kept-secrets, but in recent years brands like Brushworks, Collection Cosmetics and Bellapierre have become so innovative that now they’re creating equally brilliant products at all price points, giving similar (and sometimes better) results to their more expensive counterparts.
- This edit blends skincare (like Grown Alchemist) with bold colour (Revolution’s palette). How did you approach the curation of this edit?
I really wanted to do something that created a canvas for a super fun and bold look. I’ve been known for transformations since I started in 2005 and it was something that I designed on YouTube before there were any big beauty creators. Additionally, skincare is so important in creating a great look–I wanted people to get a mix of things that not only work well but are also fun!
- I Am Eyeconic’s glitters are eye-catching but can be intimidating. What’s your foolproof method for applying them with precision?
Glitter is super fun to layer over liquid lipsticks, to mix with glycerine (or different kinds of mixing mediums) to create different effects; to layer with a highlighter on the cheeks, and to even add sparkle to a nail look. I think there’s nothing to be scared of and if you are worried about it going everywhere, use some skin friendly tape to block out the areas you don’t want it to get on.
- And lastly, what’s your favourite unconventional use for some of the products?
I grew up when there were absolutely zero options on the high street and I had to play around and mix and match different products to get the effects I wanted–there really are no rules! I love using more than one shade of nail in one look for extra fun or even mix them, and sometimes doubling up on lashes (Eye Candy) for a bolder look.
Your toolkit awaits. Shop the Beauty Disruptors before it’s gone—again.
ABOUT JOE
Joseph (JoJo) Harwood is an award-winning artist, creative director, and DEI consultant. Beginning a career on social media in the early 2000s and becoming one of the largest LGBT voices in digital media, JH became the first transgender person to win a reality talent show, Simon Cowell’s The You Generation. This led to JoJo pioneering social media collaborations, tours, and merchandise to an audience of millions. Featured on Forbes, 30 under 30 SL, Fast Company, Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle for work as an innovator in both social media and DEI.
Specialising as an artist across multiple mediums, including fine art, graphic design, photography, and postproduction in both video and still media, JH also studied for an MSc in Cosmetic Development and Formulation. Collaborating with the queens of Drag Race on an editorial focused book entitled ‘Alright Darling’. Contributing to DEI strategies with companies ranging from Google, YouTube, Meta, Dell, Revieve, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, PUIG, Shiseido, etc. Creatively directing a range of start-up brands, with product design sales exceeding 2 million units.
JH has created masterclasses as both an artist and a social media strategist for Skillshare, Domestika, and Retrieve and has hosted national teaching tours. Leading panels across the globe at events ranging from Drag Con, Vid Con, Beauty Con, and many more. A speaker and teacher with a focus on LGBT inclusion in a variety of industries. Featured on the Google Home Page, creating campaigns with the United Nations and being highlighted in the End of Year Review 2016-17 on Youtube. JoJo is an ambassador for the Kings Trust, Mermaids, Veganuary, and multiple environmental and LGBT nonprofit organisations, contributing to over £300,000 in fundraising.
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