In the world of cosmetics and beauty, colors are everything. A makeup artist’s success often hinges on their ability to differentiate and expertly mix colors, whether they are covering blemishes, matching foundation, or creating intricate eye designs. However, what happens when a makeup artist cannot fully appreciate or differentiate these colors? Ailish McBride, a 20-year-old contestant of BBC Three’s series *Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star*, embodies this unique challenge. Despite her partial color blindness, known as color vision deficiency, Ailish has not let her condition hinder her passion for makeup artistry.
Born into a family where color blindness is prevalent—her father and sister are both fully color-blind—Ailish only discovered her own condition two years ago. This revelation did not deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to succeed in an industry that relies heavily on color perception. “Being a make-up artist is hard for me,” she confides to BBC Newsbeat, acknowledging that shades like red and orange appear identical to her eyes, while light blues may appear as a washed-out gray. This color confusion famously complicates the complexities of mixing shades like purple, posing a constant challenge in her artistic endeavors.
Ailish hails from Belfast and is currently a cosmetics student. Throughout her appearance on the competition, she showcases her ability to creatively navigate her color-blindness. Each week, participants in the show, hosted by model Leomie Anderson, face rigorous assignments designed to test their artistic and technical prowess. Ailish makes a strong statement about her skills, asserting that she does not view her color blindness as a limitation. “I know my skillset,” she states confidently, reflecting a profound understanding of her artistic identity.
Not one to shy away from boldness, Ailish utilizes her own creativity as inspiration, opting in the first episode to embrace a vibrant palette despite her visual constraints. “I love to challenge myself,” she declares, emphasizing her refusal to be pigeonholed into conservative artistic choices. Her goal is to prove that individuals with color blindness can still produce stunning and adventurous looks in the beauty realm.
Despite her enthusiasm, the judges, Val Garland and Dominic Skinner, critiqued Ailish’s first look as appearing somewhat flat and simplistic, ultimately placing her at risk of elimination. In an emotional moment, she was pushed into a “Face Off” against fellow contestant Joe Tiernan. Val commended her ability to incorporate an impressive variety of colors during the critique, highlighting Ailish’s determination. “That’s showing a very determined make-up artist,” Val noted, reflecting not only her admiration but the narrative of perseverance that Ailish represents.
Education in color theory further enriches Ailish’s understanding of her craft. She has honed her skills over several years in the freelance makeup domain, which has required her to label each shade for clarity. This proactive approach helps her work more effectively while compensating for her inability to see certain colors. With about 3 million people in the UK affected by color blindness, Ailish’s story resonates with many, particularly as she navigates her personal challenges in an art form that heavily relies on visual cues.
After two weeks in the competition marked by anxiety and uncertainty about her standing, Ailish faced her elimination with grace. The emotional turmoil she experienced is compounded by her fear of anxiety, which struck during the show. Nonetheless, she takes pride in having participated in the seventh series of *Glow Up*, a dream she had nurtured since she was just 14 years old. Moving forward, Ailish is keen on expanding her horizons in film and theater makeup, demonstrating the resilience that defines her journey.
Ailish’s experiences on *Glow Up* serve as a testament to her talent and dedication as an artist, regardless of her visual limitations. By embracing her unique perspective, she raises awareness of color blindness while inspiring others to follow their passions, proving that with creativity, determination, and hard work, barriers can be transcended.