The Miss Universe New Zealand Grand Final at Skycity Theatre, Auckland, on October 24 saw the return of two winning teams behind the scenes: Samala Robinson Academy and Premier Hairdressing Academy, both of which went all out to make sure the 20 finalists, as well as some of the VIPs, looked as stunning as they could be on stage. There was the added bonus this year of Samala Cosmetics, Robinson’s own line of make-up that meant organizers didn’t have the additional burden of organizing a range from another cosmetics’ company. The SRA team was familiar with what was on offer, and worked their magic accordingly.
Robinson herself is an international make-up artist who worked around the world before returning to New Zealand and setting up her academy in 2000. Like Premier, SRA is very well known for its professionalism and high standards of training. She established her cosmetics’ line more recently and her current focus is steering her new brand’s direction.
On the night, Samantha McClung took the title of Miss Universe New Zealand 2015. McClung coincidentally is a trained make-up artist, which should serve her well when she competes for the Miss Universe title alongside other national delegates in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the end of the year.
Alan Raga
Bhikhu Bhula