Top 8 International Makeup Artists
From natural contouring to vibrant glam hues, these makeup artists know exactly what it takes to transform any face imaginable – from red carpets to weddings, these makeup artists have painted the faces of celebrities and influencers alike.
Stacey Lincoln is known for creating timeless yet distinctive makeup looks on stars like Lily Collins, Priyanka Chopra, and Margot Robbie – not to mention beauty pageant contestants! Her forte lies in both fashion and pageants!
1. Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown has earned her place as one of the industry’s most revered make-up artists through her global makeup line, nine beauty books and modern lifestyle company dedicated to wellness. Her work always appears natural yet polished no matter if on red carpets or editorial shoots.
After graduating from Emerson College in Boston with a degree in theatrical makeup, she relocated to New York City. There she gained success by showing her portfolio to photographers looking for fresh-faced models. Fed up with the garish, over-the-top makeup of the 1980s, she worked with a chemist to produce natural-tone lipstick shades which she launched under Bobbi Brown Essentials at Bergdorf Goodman in 1991.
Estee Lauder Companies quickly noticed her skincare and cosmetics lines, and purchased them. Since 1995, these products can now be found worldwide and can be found in many women’s makeup bags.
2. Pat McGrath
McGrath is often revered in beauty circles as “Mother”, as she stands as one of the most influential makeup artists currently active. For over two decades, her signature can be found on iconic magazine covers, ad campaigns and runway looks alike – leaving a mark at iconic magazine covers, ads campaigns and runway looks from Milan, Paris London New York fashion shows such as Prada Givenchy Dolce Gabbana Alexander McQueen among many more! Each season McGrath creates 60 or more fashion show beauty concepts each season; each season she collaborates on designing beauty concepts at over 60 fashion shows with these legendary designers like Prada Givenchy Dolce Gabbana Alexander McQueen to name just some.
Pat McGrath Labs was established as an influential brand back in 2015. Her expertise on makeup trends includes helping to popularise blue mascara after seeing it worn by models at Valentino shows and creating silver lipstick palettes that sold out within 40 seconds at Selfridges stores in 2019. In 2019, her silver lipstick palette sold out immediately – as did Pat McGrath Labs!
McGrath was recently honored with the British Fashion Council Isabella Blow Award Honoree class of 2017. In addition to this achievement, he recently also won the CFDA Founder’s Award — beating out other high-fashion names like Donna Karan and J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler along the way.
3. Robin Black
Self-made makeup artist who has established herself through hard work, dedication and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Her work has been featured in highly respected beauty and fashion publications like Vogue, Elle and Vanity Fair.
No matter your beauty needs – from gemstone eyeliner and polka dot eyebrows to glossy red lips – this beauty guru has you covered. Her client roster boasts several celebrity clients like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin and Bella Hadid! Additionally, she excels at bringing out the best qualities in every woman.
Mylah Morales is one of Rihanna’s go-to artists and has created iconic red carpet and editorial looks – such as that eyeshadow she wore at the Grammys – over time. Check out her Instagram for visual inspiration; Mylah also offers bridal work.
4. Charlie Green
London is one of the leading cities for fashion and beauty culture, boasting an abundance of talented makeup artists that create global style trends. Ranging from subtle contouring to bright and eye-catching hues, London boasts top makeup artists that help you master today’s popular looks.
Mari Maria is an up-and-coming TikTok beauty influencer renowned for her relaxed yet fun approach to makeup, amassing over 20 million followers on the app. Her videos cover a range of topics such as tutorials and collaborations with musical artists.
He owns and operates a highly successful makeup line that has worked with celebrities such as Katrina Kaif, Parineeti Chopra, Sara Ali Khan and more. Additionally, her impressive clientele has seen her work featured on several daytime television programs; cover of magazines such as Vogue and Elle feature her talents while stunning images posted to Instagram prove his talent.
5. Cassandra Lusi
Lottie, as she’s widely known in the beauty world, brings an exciting neon aesthetic to her work and has designed looks for stars like Alexandra Daddario, Riley Keough, Christina Ricci, Tracee Ellis Ross, Amal Clooney Salma Hayek and Olivia Palermo that have left an impactful mark. Her client list also includes Olivia Palermo.
She has contributed her designs and editorial shoots for some of the world’s most iconic fashion magazines, as well as being best-known for Laura Mercier products. Additionally, she founded and hosts Beauty Is Boring blog as well as being an influential influencer.
Sam Fine has taken makeup to a whole new level by integrating inclusivity and social aspects into her work as a makeup artist. She is well known in Bollywood circles, having worked on Katrina Kaif and Parineeti Chopra among many others – she even launched her own cosmetic line!
6. Brooke Turnbull
She specializes in bridal looks as a professional makeup artist and hair stylist. Her work has been featured in L’Officiel, Vogue and Elle magazines as well as runway shows, fashion editorials and music videos.
She offers her services to an array of clients, from models and red carpet stars to beauty influencers and influencers. Known for her light yet natural approach to makeup application and deep knowledge in skin care.
She’s the go-to MUA for many celebrity and red carpet events, high fashion editorials and commercials; plus Instagram is her go-to resource for makeup tutorials as well as behind-the-scenes photos and videos from glamorous photoshoots. A proponent of classic girl-next-door makeup as well as positivity and confidence building, her Instagram feed showcases this work beautifully.
7. Kevyn Aucoin
Kevyn Aucoin found solace from an abusive childhood in Lafayette, La. in cosmetics and photography. After moving to New York he worked free in Hell’s Kitchen walk-ups until Vogue’s Steven Meisel recognized him and cast him for cover shoot. Over three years he did 18 covers while also working on fashion ads, music videos and writing his column for Allure magazine.
Revlon appointed Aucoin Creative Director for their prestige Ultima II line and gave him creative freedom to develop the New Nakeds collection, the pioneer makeup collection designed for various skin tones. Aucoin pioneered contouring long before Kim Kardashian popularised it, while his giant and dexterous hands quickly became a go-to resource for models and celebrities such as Cindy Crawford and Gwyneth Paltrow – as well as being courted by MAC, Vincent Longo, and Laura Mercier to launch his own line.
8. Sam Fine
Sam Fine of Chicago stands out in an industry where most acclaimed makeup artists are female. With celebrities like Iman, Vanessa Williams, Tyra Banks and Patti Labelle on his call list for makeup applications alone he has made himself known in beauty. Additionally he’s written two successful tutorial books as well as maintaining an active YouTube channel – making Sam an unforgettable presence within beauty industry circles.
Fine is an expert at using his diverse talents to enhance natural beauty while creating dramatic looks for red carpet events. Additionally, he serves as an advisor and mentor for other makeup artists, and even created his own cosmetic line specifically targeting African American women.
Fine has been working in the beauty biz for more than two decades. His exceptional artistry has won him an impressive clientele list and enabled him to become Revlon and Covergirl’s inaugural African-American spokesperson.