Meet Karen Mason: The Makeup Artist Bringing Runway Beauty to Our Spring Style Edit at St James Quarter

When Karen Mason joins us for Hood Magazine’s Spring Style Edit at St James Quarter, she brings with her more than three decades of experience working at the highest levels of fashion, film and celebrity beauty. From magazine shoots and red carpets to global beauty campaigns, Karen has worked with some of the industry’s most recognisable faces — including Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne — developing a reputation for flawless skin-focused beauty and an instinctive ability to help people feel their best in front of the camera.

Now based in Edinburgh, Karen has channelled that wealth of experience into her bridal beauty business, working with brides across Scotland to create modern, natural looks that enhance rather than transform. Known for her calm presence and collaborative approach, she combines the creativity of her editorial background with a focus on timeless beauty and individuality.

Ahead of creating fresh, glowing makeup looks for the models at our Spring Style Edit, Karen shares her journey from London’s fast-paced fashion world to Scottish weddings, the beauty lessons she learned working with celebrities, and why great skin — and a sense of calm — are at the heart of every beautiful look.

You’ve had an incredible career spanning more than three decades in fashion, film and celebrity beauty. How did your journey into hair and makeup begin?

I actually started very young. When I was 13 I had my first job washing hair in a salon, and from that moment I was fascinated by the world of hair and makeup.

My teachers suggested I work in Boots, but I knew I wanted to work in fashion and film. At 17 I trained as a beauty therapist, which was the only route I could find at the time. I moved to London after my training and began working in salons while building contacts and eventually finding an agent who helped me begin my career in fashion and television.

During your time in London you worked with some huge names, including Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne. What were those years in the fashion and celebrity world like?

Those years were incredibly exciting, but also quite intense. I travelled all over the world with magazines, models and musicians and met so many talented people. There was never any room for error because there was always someone ready to take your place.

It also taught me how to support artists and talent who might be under a lot of pressure and to listen carefully to what the job requires. I feel very fortunate to have worked in fashion during a time when magazines were incredibly creative and experimental, before advertising began to dominate the editorial process.

Today your focus is largely on bridal beauty and weddings across Scotland. What do you love most about working with brides on such an important day in their lives?

It’s a privilege to be trusted to work alongside someone on one of the most important days of their life. I really value that responsibility.

I enjoy offering a bespoke service and experimenting with each bride to create something that feels right for them. I don’t want my work to be defined by fashion trends — I want to enhance the natural beauty of the person I’m working with.

I’m definitely not a “cookie cutter” hair and makeup artist. My aim is that when a bride looks back at her wedding photos in ten years’ time, she feels she looked and felt amazing — simply an enhanced version of herself.

Your background spans editorial shoots, film, red carpets and fashion. How does that high-fashion experience influence the looks you create for brides today?

Working in fashion — particularly with publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and brands such as Dior and YSL — really shaped my approach to beauty. The focus was always on skin and subtle enhancement.

Makeup is often more about what you choose not to do. It’s about thoughtful decision-making rather than simply following trends.

My editorial background also allows me to think creatively with hair. For example, someone with a short bob can suddenly have a completely different shape using extensions or film techniques. I’ve even used gold glitter in a bride’s hair at Jupiter Artland for a creative client who wanted something different.

Sometimes I incorporate ribbons, flowers or bespoke pieces into the hair so the bride has something truly unique.

Every bride wants to feel like the best version of themselves on their wedding day. How do you approach creating a look that feels timeless, modern and truly personal?

The first step is always preparation. I ask clients to bring references for their trial — not only images they like but also ones they dislike. That’s incredibly helpful.

I often spend a long time talking with a bride before we even start. We look through photographs, discuss their dress, flowers and the overall feeling of the wedding. It’s about understanding who they are as a person.

Everything is information gathering. Throughout the process I show them the work and encourage feedback. I never want to impose — it’s a collaborative process where communication is key.

Wedding mornings can be emotional and busy. How do you help create a calm, supportive atmosphere while you work?

Preparation is everything. I never underestimate how long something might take and always allow buffer time. I only do one wedding per day so I can give my full attention to my clients. Creating a peaceful space is really important so the bride can leave feeling relaxed and confident.

Having worked at the very top of the industry, what beauty techniques from fashion translate beautifully into bridal looks?

Skin preparation is probably the most important lesson I’ve carried from fashion and film. Beautiful skin allows makeup to look flawless and timeless.

I also understand how photography and lighting affect makeup, which helps when shaping and layering textures.

With hair, I sometimes use film techniques and specialist sprays that strengthen the hairline and help styles photograph beautifully.

What are some of the biggest bridal hair and makeup trends you’re seeing right now, particularly in Scotland?

There’s definitely a movement towards natural enhancement — glowing skin with a matte soft pink or berry lip, and very thoughtful placement of colour and texture. Think Margot Robbie-style beauty.

That said, different artists have their own style, and some brides still love a heavier soft-glam look. Personally, I prefer editorial beauty — natural skin with perhaps a small flick on the eye.

For hair, the most requested styles are half-up, half-down looks, Hollywood waves or a low messy bun. Chignons are also making a comeback thanks to film star influences.

Scotland also attracts many international brides, which is wonderful because it brings different aesthetics — some love smoky eyes or bold red lips. Inclusivity and cultural awareness are really important in my work.

What are you most excited about when it comes to working with us on the Spring Style Edit at St James Quarter?

I’m really excited to be part of the Spring Style Edit with Hood at St James Quarter. Events like this are wonderful because they bring fashion, beauty and people together in a really inspiring way.

I’m looking forward to seeing the new spring/summer collections and creating fresh, simple makeup looks for the models in the show — something that highlights great skin and natural beauty.

For me it’s always about connection. If people leave feeling inspired about how a little skincare and makeup can make them feel confident and uplifted, then that’s the most rewarding part.

Karen will also be joining us this spring as a guest on The Hood Podcast, where she’ll share more about her career as a celebrity makeup artist, the beauty lessons she’s learned along the way and the products she truly rates. Don’t miss the episode – and any of our upcoming conversations with inspiring guests – by subscribing to The Hood Podcast.