The Makeup Insider

Send us Fan Mail Join me for an inspiring conversation with Victoria Baron, a celebrated makeup artist whose unconventional journey took her from show jumping in the UK to becoming one of the industry's most respected names. Victoria shares her remarkable story, creative process, and lessons learned working with celebrities and major fashion houses. Topics Covered Victoria's surprising t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I sit down with Jaque Di Condio , a Sydney-based hair and makeup artist whose journey from Brazil to Australia is nothing short of inspiring. From starting fresh in a new country to building a thriving freelance career and joining a top agency, Jaque shares her experiences, challenges, and key insights into the beauty industry.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode:...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Linda Jefferyes , an accomplished makeup artist with over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry. Linda shares her unique journey from a small town in Western Australia to becoming one of the most respected figures in makeup artistry, working with celebrities and renowned fashion brands. Topics Covered Linda's early inspirati...

Send us Fan Mail Join me for an inspiring conversation with renowned hairstylist Pete Lennon as he shares his incredible journey from a 15-year-old apprentice in Sydney to becoming a sought-after stylist in New York City's high-fashion scene. Pete reveals the twists and turns of his career spanning over three decades, offering valuable insights for aspiring hairstylists and anyone passionate...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Vanessa sits down with  Arielle Thomas , founder of the buzzing production company Cinema Thom . Arielle shares her incredible career journey — from acting gigs in New York to media production, working with top fashion brands, and landing massive clients like Chemist Warehouse and Kmart. Arielle is also the host of an incredible podcast called Process .  Key takea...

Send us Fan Mail In the latest episode of The Makeup Insider, I chat with San Diego-based artist Kandra Jones about her inspiring journey—from dreaming of teaching second grade to building her bridal beauty empire, Twirly Shears. 🌟 Highlights include:  ✨ Her leap into cosmetology and 20+ years in salon work  ✨ The natural glam philosophy behind Twirly Shears  ✨ Navigating viral moments with gr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Maddy Baucia shares her journey from managing Mecca stores and working in the Australian film industry to building a thriving bridal hair and makeup business in Italy. She dives into the challenges of transitioning to a competitive destination wedding market, managing logistics in Tuscany, and refining her business strategies. Maddy also highlights the importance...

Send us Fan Mail Sydney-based makeup artist and skin therapist Isabella Schimid, who has uniquely blended her expertise in skincare and makeup artistry. Isabella shares her inspiring journey, career-defining moments, and lessons from her path to success. Key Topics Covered: Starting out in beauty therapy and discovering her dual passion for skin and makeup. Opening her own salon and venturing into...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Makeup Insider, host Vanessa Barney talks to Jess Rae King , a curve model and content creator, and Jessica Jade , a creative director and stylist, about their collaborative experience for the ARIA Awards. Jess Rae shares her journey of overcoming imposter syndrome to attend the event, highlighting the preparation process—from selecting an outfit with Jessic...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bradwyn Jones , the creative force behind some of the most innovative hair and makeup artistry in the fashion world. From his beginnings as a 15-year-old apprentice in the bustling salons of the 1980s to his rise as a respected figure in the beauty industry, Bradwyn's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. You'll he...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Vanessa sits down with partnership specialist Sarina Lowe to delve into the intricacies of partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations.  Key Takeaways: Differentiate between cash partnerships and contra (product/service exchange) partnerships. How makeup artists, can benefit immensely from strategic partnerships. Building genuine relationships with potential pa...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how a self-taught high school enthusiast transforms into a sought-after hair and makeup artist in the film and TV industry? In our latest episode of the Makeup Insider, we sit down with the inspiring Ashleigh Stone , whose incredible journey takes her from experimenting with beauty looks in her teenage years to mastering special effects at the Australian Academy of Cin...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to pivot from a stable career to chase a passion at 37? Meet Nichole Lee, the face behind "Nichole Lee  Makeup" on Instagram, who left her successful role as a fashion buyer to dive into the unpredictable realm of freelance makeup artistry. Nichole opens up about the emotional and financial hurdles she faced, highlighting the crucial role of savings and...

Send us Fan Mail Kath Carlin , a Melbourne hair and makeup artist, shares her journey and experiences in the industry. She discusses her work across various platforms, including network TV, TV commercials, fashion events, and sports broadcasts. Kath emphasises the importance of adaptability, building connections, and having a positive attitude in the industry. She also highlights the value of know...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it's like to transition from an 11-year-old hairdressing prodigy to a celebrated makeup artist? Join us as we chat with Rae Morris , whose journey from owning a salon by 18 to battling carpal tunnel syndrome opened new doors in the world of makeup artistry. From her groundbreaking collaborations with plastic surgeons to her ventures in designing innovative...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to ascend to the top tiers of the makeup industry? Join us as we sit down with Stoj , a makeup artist whose 22-year journey spans continents and couture runways. From her humble beginnings in Brisbane to the high-fashion scenes of New York and Paris, Stoj’s story is a testament to passion, resilience, and the power of seizing opportunities. She candidly...

Send us Fan Mail Keeping Your Makeup Portfolio Interesting and Up-to-Date Guest: Ashleigh Carpenter @ashleighcarpenter Topic: The importance of testing in the makeup industry and the collaborative effort behind creating stunning portfolio images. Episode Highlights: 1. The Art of Testing: Overview: How creatives come together to produce breathtaking, portfolio-worthy images without commercial cons...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as Kat , Melbourne hair and makeup artist, shares her inspirational story of leaving an administrative job, moving to Melbourne, and diving into the world of makeup. Learn about the crucial steps she took, from gaining experience and reaching out to established artists, to becoming a hairdresser to be taken seriously in the industry. Kat's journey highlights the impor...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating Tax Pitfalls and Maximizing Deductions for Creative Professionals with Lucas from Darkwave Consulting. What we talk about: Introduction to Tax Obligations for Creatives:  Understanding the unique tax landscape for arts, entertainment, and media production industries.  Key differences between tax obligations for creatives vs. traditional nine-to-five workers. Importance...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode, Vanessa Barney sits down with makeup industry expert Maxi to explore the essential strategies for building a standout makeup portfolio. Maxi shares invaluable tips and practical advice on creating a portfolio that not only showcases your skills. Key Topics Discussed: 1. The Essence of a Makeup Portfolio:   A portfolio is more than just a collection of i...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Highlights: Guest: Rowena , a seasoned expert from Pretty Creative Topic: Creating a brand that captures your individuality and speaks directly to your ideal clientele in the beauty industry Key Takeaways: 1. Beyond the Logo:   A brand is more than just a logo; it's about visual consistency, communication, and engaging content.  Focus on your unique qualities rather t...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an exciting journey as we uncover the secrets behind a chic and efficient makeup kit with Susan Lilian from Smith Kit.  Explore the process of transitioning from clutter to clarity in your makeup collection, including depotting techniques, the debate over repressing powders, and the significance of a tidy workspace.  Key Points: Navigate product selection and organisatio...

Send us Fan Mail Aussie makeup artist Susan Lilian has been part of this wonderful industry for 18+ wonderful years. With a focus on editorial makeup, Susan enjoys a dark gothic aesthetic and clean beauty. Fusing her creative skills, Susan creates looks for high-end fashion labels, commercial brands and is a makeup director during Fashion Week. Vanessa Barney engages in an intimate conversation wi...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the financial side of the beauty business can be as complex as a smoky eye tutorial—but it doesn't have to be! On the latest Makeup Insider podcast, we're joined by business money mentor and BAS agent Justine McLean to shed light on financial literacy for makeup artists and entrepreneurs. Justine unpacks the necessity of a positive financial mindset and how th...

Send us Fan Mail This weeks episode of  is with Nadine Monley , a Sydney-based makeup artist, champions a 'less is more' philosophy in a world dominated by high-glam looks. Her journey into beauty was serendipitous, driven by a friend's influence. Nadine's brand, Beauty Department , reflects her ethos, offering environmentally conscious products like biodegradable oil pads. She...