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Just like most highly skilled activities, there is only so much you can teach yourself before you need a professional to step in. You may have watched hundreds of YouTube tutorials, and you may be fiercely loyal to a select few Insta ‘Beauty Gurus’, but sometimes you just need an expert to beat your face for you. That’s where professional makeup artists come in.
Going to a beauty salon or making an appointment with a freelance makeup artist is an invaluable experience, and every makeup enthusiast should book themselves in at least once in their lives. Think about it, you probably do roughly the same look on weekdays for work and occasionally experiment with something a bit more ‘out there’ on the weekend or for a special occasion. Makeup artists, on the other hand, live and breathe makeup. A new palette or brush hits the market? They’re all over it. A new trend comes into vogue? Bang, they can do it for a customer in 30 minutes flat. They are constantly perfecting their craft, creating different looks for a never ending stream of clients and coming up with bold ideas. When you’re taking your makeup off after a long day’s work, the chances are they’re at home reapplying and trying out a brand new look on themselves. That’s why having your makeup done by a professional is life changing. You get the opportunity to learn from their techniques (because let’s face it, you never know if you should be doing it concealer, then foundation or foundation, then concealer)
Pictured: UK based makeup artist Beth Johansen glowing bright like a diamond.
What To Expect From Your Makeup Artist
A good makeup artist will strike the right balance between listening to the client and being honest with them. They won’t want you walking out unhappy with your makeup, but at the same time if you’re insisting they use that bright purple eyeshadow on you as a blush just because you saw it done on Instagram TV once – they’ll be straight with you. Remember, you, client, them, expert – ok?
You should turn up to your appointment with a clean face. Makeup artists don’t care about your large pores or discolouration- that’s what they’re here for. Turning up with makeup on to your makeup session is unnecessary and it wastes time. If you expect your makeup artist to perform to a high standard, it’s only fair to expect to pay the equivalent price. Makeup is not cheap, and it expires. It’s not simply a case of buying 40 shades of FENTY foundation and boom, you’re a makeup artist. The lipsticks, the glosses, the primers and concealers – they all cost a pretty penny and eventually they’ll have to be thrown away and replaced. Cleaning all the equipment so that it remains fresh and hygienic, that’s more time and money right there. If your makeup artists is mobile, and has travelled so that you can get glammed in the comfort of your own home – more time and money. So if you’re now headed out the door looking like Megan Fox and it’s all thanks to your MUA, the price isn’t up for discussion.
Pictured Below: In summary, if you want a first-class face of makeup, be prepared to pay a first-class fee. If you want something done cheap, you’ve better off doing it yourself.
The Top 10 Makeup Artists Near You
If you have a formal occasion approaching where it’s imperative that your makeup slays, we’ve got your covered. These 10 Sydney based makeup artists and studios are ready and waiting to take your ideas and turn them into glamorous reality.
1. Emma Bartik
Pictured: A face full of Emma’s freelance work
Artist: Emma Bartik
Location: Sydney based
Price: Enquiry for details
Pictured: Check out that pigment! That’s one serious colour pop
Why We Love Her Work: Emma’s style is very fresh and surprising, and producing work that is fresh and surprising in this day and age is something work celebrating!
Career Highlights: Emma has one hell of an impressive CV to her name, and you can check out for yourself here.
Website: www.emmabartikmakeup.com
Pictured: Makeup by Emma for Oyster Magazine.
2. Samantha Lee
Pictured: Some of Samantha Lee’s recent work on celebrity client DJ Tigerlily
Artist: Samantha Lee
Location: Sydney based
Price: Discussed upon enquiry
Pictured: Samantha Lee’s work on singer/songwriter Troye Sivan
Why We Love Her Work: Samantha’s clients possess this otherworldly, dewy glow. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t want some of that glow for ourselves
Career Highlights: Some of Samantha’s past clients include Adam Lambert, Ed Sheeran, and Charlie XCX. Honestly, sign us up already!
Website: www.samanthalee.com.au
Pictured: Bridal makeup created for a client’s wedding
3. Rianne MUA
Pictured: The Australian makeup artist and YouTuber herself, Rianne
Artist: Rianne
Location: Sydney based
Price: Discussed upon enquiry
Pictured: A client’s ‘Before and After’ shot which showcases Rianne’s stunning eye makeup
Why We Love Her: Her beauty tutorials and reviews are addictive. Trust us, check out her channel and soon you’ll be watching her videos back to back like we do.
Career Highlights: One would have to be being featured in Benefit Australia’s campaign (pictured below)
Website: You can subscribe to Rianne’s YouTube channel here, and you can contact her regarding bookings and collaborations via her email, [email protected], only. Don’t DM her, let’s keep it professional.
Pictured: That feeling when you see your face on a shopping centre billboard
4. Gina Mason
Pictured: The Sydney makeup artist herself models a striking yellow moment
Artist: Gina Mason
Location: Sydney based. Gina’s makeup Instagram @geesmakeup_ says that you can find her in the Pitt Street Mall Sephora.
Price: Discussed upon enquiry
Pictured: Gina’s work for Napoleon Perdis at the 2018 Australian Hair Fashion Awards
Why We Love Her Work: One look at Gina’s Instagram feed tells you just how many different looks she has mastered. Smokey eyes, perfect winged eyeliner, cut creases – this MUA can do it all!
Website: You can contact Gina to discuss services by emailing her at [email protected]
Pictured: The eyes have it! A close up of a dazzling ombré eye executed by Gina
5. The Makeup Wardrobe
Pictured: A whole bevy of insane makeup looks created at The Makeup Wardrobe studio
Studio: The Makeup Wardrobe by Emma-Lee Court.
Location: 457A King Street, Newtown, Sydney
Pictured: The Makeup Wardrobe created this look for performance artist Brendan de la Hay, and it was then immortalised in this mural for Sydney Mardi Gras.
Why We Love Their Work: The Makeup Wardrobe is proud to offer a safe space too its clientele, because all people should be able to get their makeup done without fear of judgment. Not only can you attend one-on-one makeup lessons and make group bookings, but The Makeup Wardrobe can go mobile if you have an event or shoot.
Highlights: Body painting these 19 Lyra and pole performers must have been a hell of an experience!
Website: themakeupwardrobe.com
Pictured: Now this is possibly the best Hen’s Party look we’ve ever seen!
6. Melissa Sassine Makeup Artists
Pictured: A Before and After full glam transformation by senior makeup artist Meryanne
Studio: Melissa Sassine: The Academy
Location: Bass Hill Plaza, Shop 55, 753 Hume Highway, Bass Hill, Sydney.
Prices: Start at around $90 pp (including lashes)
Why We Love Their Work: Melissa herself has over 16 years of industry experience behind her, which means she was applying false lashes like a pro when most of us still had a visible line of orange foundation on our necks!
Awards: Winner of the 2015 Local Business Awards for Beauty Services, Winner of the Weddings & Events of Australia 2014 and 2013 Makeup Artist of the Year Award, 2005 Winner Beauty Expo Australia Glamour Makeup Award.
Website: www.melissasassine.com
7. Zoe Zhu Hair & Makeup
Pictured: Zoe Zhu specialises in Bridal, International Beauty and Bespoke Asian Makeup and Hair.
Studio: Zoe Zhu Hair & Makeup
Location: Sydney based
Prices: Discussed on enquiry
Pictured: A prime example of the stunning work on offer at Zoe Zhu Hair & Makeup
Why We Love Their Work: Zoe Zhu Hair & Makeup specialise in Asian makeup and bridal services. They’ve been voted in as amongst Sydney’s Top 10 Most Popular Hair & Makeup Artists
Reviews: You can read Zoe Zhu’s glowing reviews here.
Website: www.zoezhu.com.au
Video: “I believe you should be the one wearing makeup, not the other way around” – Zoe herself shares her philosophy in this video.
8. Le Fabulous
Studio: Le Fabulous Mobile Hair & Makeup Artists
Location: Sydney based
Prices: The pricing for services like Wedding Makeup, Wedding Hair Styling and Spray Tanning are all available here on the Le Fabulous website.
Pictured: The Le Fabulous Team in action
Why We Love Their Work: Le Fabulous has been operating for 10 years now, and they successfully cater to at least a 150 weddings a year – and counting!
Reviews: Click here to scroll through the numerous 5 star reviews left by Le Fabulous clients.
Website: www.lefabulous.com.au
Pictured: Another beautiful bride being catered to be Le Fabulous Mobile Hair & Makeup
9. Angela Palumbo
Pictured: It’s all in the details; a close-up of Angela Palumbo’s work
Artist: Angela Palumbo
Location: Narellan, Sydney
Prices: Makeup and hair services discussed on enquiry. Bridal Hair and Makeup Packages are from just $200 PP.
Pictured: A client looking like a straight 11/10 on her 21st birthday.
Why We Love Their Work: Angela Palumbo Hair & Makeup is mobile, and will come to you state-wide (minimum call out 3 adults) It doesn’t matter if you and your besties are in Hurstville and are in need of makeup artist, you know who to call!
Awards: ABIA NSW Makeup Artist Finalist 2016, ABIA NSW Hair Stylist 2016
Website: www.angelopalumbo.com.au
10. Jinny Um Hair & Makeup
Pictured: A stunning Indian bride being catered to by Jinny Um Makeup on her wedding day
Artist: Jinny Um Hair & Makeup
Location: Western Sydney and Greater Sydney, Hills District (Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville), Parramatta, Blacktown.
Prices: Discussed upon enquiry
Pictured: A clean look for a photoshoot
Why We Love Their Work: Jinny has over 14 years industry experience in both Australia and in Asia.
Reviews: You can read dozens of 5 star reviews left by Jinny Um Hair & Makeup clients here.
Website: www.jinnymakeup.com.au
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