Mikey Philips: The Makeup Maestro Redefining Celebrity Beauty in Britain
While weight loss often dominates headlines in celebrity transformations, one London-based artist is proving that a radical makeup overhaul can create an equally stunning impact. Mikey Philips, a 48-year-old A-list makeup artist, is behind the dramatic glam looks now sported by high-profile figures such as Karren Brady, Alison Hammond, and Josie Gibson. His signature style, characterized by a bronzed, full-coverage base, dramatic eyes with false lashes, and glossy lips, has become instantly recognizable across the UK's entertainment industry.
Karren Brady's Glamorous Metamorphosis
Baroness Karren Brady has captivated audiences not just with her slimmer figure but with a complete beauty transformation orchestrated by Mikey Philips. The 56-year-old businesswoman and television personality has abandoned her previously natural makeup routine, which featured minimal base, light eyeliner, and sheer lip color, in favor of Philips' flashy glam approach. Her new look now incorporates a golden base with generous bronzer application, smoky eyes, defined brow arches, and thick, glossy lips.
Though Brady has acknowledged undergoing aesthetic procedures including a £3,500 'invisible facelift,' the impact of her new makeup regimen remains undeniable. She attributes her weight loss to traditional methods of controlled diet and regular exercise rather than weight-loss injections, despite speculation on social media. As Lord Alan Sugar's right-hand woman, Brady now consistently opts for full glamour with Philips' expert guidance.
Alison Hammond's Golden Transformation
Alison Hammond's remarkable 11-stone weight loss journey over five years, prompted by a pre-diabetic diagnosis that she reversed through healthier eating and exercise, has been complemented by a dramatic beauty makeover from Mikey Philips. The makeup artist has developed a trademark golden and warm look for Hammond that involves an intricate foundation blending process.
Philips revealed to Good Housekeeping that he mixes two Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundations with Laura Mercier's Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation for Hammond's base. He then incorporates two shades of Huda Beauty's Easy Blur Foundation and two additional shades from the same brand. For extra coverage and dimension, Philips adds two different foundation sticks from Black Opal, completing the look with Fenty bronzer, Victoria Beckham eyeliner, Patrick Ta eyeshadow, Eyebrow Queen Brow Pro, Fenty lip gloss, and Kryolan Fixing Spray.
Josie Gibson's Dramatic Makeover
Josie Gibson, the 40-year-old This Morning regular, has similarly embraced Mikey Philips' transformative approach, moving from natural makeup to his signature heavy, bronzed aesthetic. Gibson showcases her five-stone weight loss achieved through what she calls the '1970s diet,' alongside her new glamorous look featuring concealed undereyes, thick arched brows, abundant eyeshadow, and false lashes.
Gibson's transformation extends beyond makeup, as she recently underwent liposuction therapy for lipoedema, a chronic condition causing abnormal fat accumulation in legs and other areas. She revealed during a This Morning appearance that she was diagnosed about a year ago and underwent surgery in September, with plans for additional procedures despite the £7,000 price tag. The treatment involved traditional liposuction followed by VASER therapy using ultrasound waves to break down fat cells.
The Artist Behind the Transformations
Mikey Philips, who describes himself as a 'glam man,' has cultivated an impressive portfolio over two decades in the beauty industry, working with numerous UK television personalities including Olivia Atwood. He maintains personalized kit bags for his regular clients, each labeled with their names and containing products specifically for their individual needs.
Speaking to The Sun about his unconventional schedule, Philips said: 'There isn't a normal day – it could be a crazy day, it could be 3am, 5am, I think every day it's totally different, which is the thing I love the most. I would've packed the kit the night before, depending on who I'm working with, and my longstanding girls all have their own special kit bags. The bags are their own products so it'll say 'Alison' or 'Olivia' on the front and it'll contain make-up I'll use just on those people so they feel special.'
Philips' approach represents a significant shift in celebrity beauty standards, emphasizing dramatic, full-coverage glamour over natural minimalism. His work with Brady, Hammond, and Gibson demonstrates how makeup artistry can complement physical transformations, creating comprehensive image overhauls that capture public attention and redefine personal style for Britain's television personalities.
