The New Zealand Makeup Podcast

Tallulah McLean (aka Look Bomb), celebrated as Viva Makeup Artist of the Year, shares her dynamic journey into the makeup industry. From her upbringing in Wellington and England, to her first brushes with fashion TV, Tallulah's passion for makeup was evident from a young age. Despite early disillusionment with a makeup counter job, she found renewed enthusiasm during the 2020 lockdown, leveraging...

In this episode, we kōrero with the multi-talented Hayden Rahim, a physiotherapist-turned-makeup artist and hairstylist, who explored her passion for beauty during the COVID lockdowns. This self-taught makeup maven was inspired by OG beauty vloggers like Michelle Phan, Sherree Morris, and Shaaanxo, paving her way into the industry through sheer determination and a willingness to learn. We delve in...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented makeup and prosthetics designer, Stef Knight. With over 30 years of experience, Stef takes us through their fascinating journey from DIY methods in the early days of makeup artistry in Aotearoa, to becoming a sought-after makeup artist in the competitive worlds of fashion and film. We chat about their initial struggles in New York, their suc...

In this episode, Auckland-based makeup artist Shane Cyrus delves into his career evolution from aspiring hairdresser to trusted makeup artist, sharing the motivations behind his shift to makeup artistry. We uncover his experiences at makeup school, the pressures of perfectionism, and his eventual entry into the professional world with MAC. Gain insight into his international retail experience as h...

Get ready to dive into the glamorous world of red carpet beauty with iconic kiwi makeup artist Amber Dreadon, a.k.a. Amber D! From her days at Smith and Caugheys in Auckland to celebrity events in LA, Amber pulls back the curtain on her vibrant journey and the art of keeping it fresh in the fast-paced makeup industry. Discover the secrets behind collaborating with celebs like Lorde and staying ins...

This episode features the incredibly talented and multi-faceted artist, Tanya Barlow. From voiceovers to nails, and with a rich background in hair and makeup artistry, Tanya's story is truly inspiring. We cover a lot of ground: from Tanya's early days in the makeup industry to her evolution into a sought-after session nail tech and nail art expert. Listen as she shares her experiences in film char...

In this episode we kōrero with the incredibly talented Richard Symons, a multidisciplinary makeup artist whose journey has taken them from art school in Auckland to the high-pressure world of fashion and editorial makeup. Inspired originally by Lady Gaga's 2009 "Paparazzi" video, Richard's work celebrates transforming non-traditional beauty into art. We cover a lot of ground: from Richard's early...

In this episode, renowned makeup artist Nikki Lovrich takes us on a captivating journey through her remarkable career spanning several decades. From her humble beginnings learning skills from her hairdresser mother to becoming one of New Zealand's first freelance makeup artists, Nikki shares intimate stories of her experiences in the fashion industry. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of w...

Sita, a talented hair and makeup artist based in Tauranga, New Zealand, shares her inspiring journey from working in a small-town hair salon to becoming an internationally experienced makeup artist. Throughout the podcast, Sita discusses her experiences working abroad in Austria and London, building her business in Tauranga, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning from a sole trader to a...

Meet our latest guest, Chelsea McEwan Millar, a dynamic force in the skincare and cosmetics industry. As the COO of Go Native, a local supplier of natural and organic skincare and cosmetics ingredients, Chelsea is a true expert in the field. With a lifetime of expertise inherited from her family business, Chelsea possesses an intimate understanding of skincare ingredient percentages, preservatives...

Meet our latest guest, the multifaceted Karina Sanasaryan. Karina brings a wealth of experience as a freelance makeup and hair artist, owner of ‘Makeup Station’ with teams in Auckland and Christchurch, and as the Head of Wigs and Makeup at the New Zealand Opera. Celebrating ten years in the makeup scene, Karina recalls her journey, starting with a makeup course at The Makeup School and then taking...

Kimberley Coleman is the owner and operator of the award-winning Lady Lash Studio in Christchurch. Kimberley discusses her journey of building a successful lash salon and how she began with the modest goal of contributing $150 a week to her family's finances. The episode delves into the educational aspect of Lady Lash, which not only teaches lash extensions but also emphasises the importance of be...

Meet Stacey Banfield, the founder of Soleil and Soul and an accomplished bridal makeup artist in Aotearoa. Stacey shares her journey from leaving school at 16 to work on a makeup counter to becoming one of New Zealand's top wedding vendors without the need for traditional advertising, relying instead on word-of-mouth recommendations. Stacey highlights her passion for the transformative power of ma...

In this episode, Sophie invites acclaimed makeup artist Kelly Mitchell for an insightful conversation. Kelly shares her inspiring journey, culminating in a double nomination and subsequent win for Best Makeup Design at the TVNZ awards. She discusses her early ambition in fashion, transition to hairdressing apprenticeship at 16, and passion for makeup design. Kelly reveals her personal struggle wit...

In this episode, Sophie speaks with Sarika Patel, a freelance makeup artist renowned for her expertise in skin and colour correction. Sarika shares her background, revealing that her initial dream was to work at MAC and how Bollywood films have greatly influenced her approach to makeup. She discusses her journey from working within a company to building her own brand, and the challenges and pride...

In this episode, Sophie dives into the world of Kiwi makeup artistry legend Sam Hart. This Auckland based makeup artist is not just about creating stunning bridal looks but also shares her knowledge in her wildly successful 'Bridal Boot Camp.’ Sam Hart Sam (an unwitting pseudonym born of her Instagram handle) shares her journey from hating high school and almost becoming a hairdresser to finding h...

Meet Fiona Sole, a multifaceted hair and makeup artist, renowned for her exceptional skills in wig knotting and design. In this episode Fiona discusses her conscious shift towards specialising in wig making over the past five years and the detailed process involved in creating custom wigs. She recounts how she started her career, inspired by her love for art as a child, and reveals her initial for...

Meet Ngapuna Julian, a tenured makeup artist based in the vibrant capital of New Zealand, Wellington. Ngapuna specialises in creating stunning looks for weddings and events with an impeccable eye for detail. In this episode, we dive into her unique journey, starting with a deep-seated love for art that ultimately led her into the world of makeup. Ngapuna also shares her candid thoughts on navigati...

Yvana Sanders is a Tauranga based Bridal Hairstylist & Educator, lauded for her 'effortless' undone style. After leaving her hairdressing business in Gisbourne and settling in Tauranga in 2018, Yvana began to carve her niche in the local bridal scene. Today she boasts an impressive social media following, hosts international masterclasses to share her hair expertise and is the force behind the...

In this episode, Sophie dives into a conversation with award-winning bridal hair and makeup artist Gagan Chohan of Raza Beauty - named after her daughter, Raza. Recently honoured with two awards at the New Zealand Wedding Industry Awards, Gagan shares her journey into the makeup industry. From the lack of Indian makeup artists in Hamilton five years ago to developing her distinctive style catering...

Making history on the podcast, get ready to meet the talented hairstylist and renowned educator, Robyn Munro. Robyn ran her bustling home salon 'Inspired Hair' while raising two daughters. She made waves in 2012 by becoming one of the first hairdressers in Auckland to offer mobile services exclusively for bridal hair. In 2017, her excellence was recognized when she won the prestigious Bridal Hairs...

Bianca Fallon, one of Aotearoa's pioneering N.Z.Q.A. qualified hair and makeup artists, brings a unique perspective to her craft. With a Master's Degree Level 9 in Applied Indigenous Knowledge, she grounds her work in Tikanga & Kawa, which she considers her Taonga Tuku Iho (gift to her community). As an ACC Rongoā Practitioner, she uses her expertise in laying hands on clients to assist reconn...

Meet Gabrielle Jones, a true luminary in New Zealand's film industry with an illustrious career that spans 3 decades. But perhaps you know her best as the co-founder of "The Makeup School," a pivotal institution that has shaped the makeup education landscape in Aotearoa. In this episode, we sit down with Gabrielle to explore her incredible journey. From her early days in film makeup to her pivotal...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an illuminating panel discussion recorded live at The Mothership in Downtown Auckland. Three distinguished past podcast guests – Kath Gould, Grayson Coutts, and Gabrielle Houghton – return to share valuable insights from their experiences in the industry. The panel covers a range of topics, from environmental concerns such as the proposed ban on PFAs in beauty products, to the signific...