The New Zealand Makeup Podcast

Meet Leyla, a self-taught makeup artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, who's highly sought after for her signature bold and glamorous style. In this episode, Leyla shares how her dedication and hustle helped her build a thriving freelance career with a loyal client base, including some famous faces. We discuss the future of makeup in Aotearoa and Leyla shares tips on how to be both cost-efficient and s...

Get ready to be inspired by a true expert in the world of makeup and beauty. For my first episode back, I’m joined by Kath Gould, a freelance makeup artist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. After training in London, Kath has worked with some of the world's finest talent and is often called upon by celebrity clients for her makeup, hair, and grooming services. As the head of makeup...

Kaysey Taylor is an immensely creative makeup artist, multi award winning body artist and has recently entered the New Zealand film industry. When Kaysey discovered body art in her last week of high school, she became singularly focused. She not only enrolled in a Production Design & Sculpting course, but also started entering every body art competition available and saying "YES" to every oppo...

Self described "Girl Friday" for hair, makeup and grooming, Alison Brewer has been on the business end of a makeup brush for 27 years. After leading makeup design for the dance group at her school production at age 12, she realised she had found her life's calling and she hasn't looked back since. Over the course of her extensive career, she has worked in various sectors including retail, bridal,...

Freelance MUA Gabrielle Houghton knows how to hustle. Just a few years after moving back to the small town of Hamilton and going freelance, she has helped to *create* a niche market for luxe event makeup in the Waikato region. Gabby's impeccable makeup artistry skills, her business savvy and her dedication to advancing the industry have also enabled her freelance business to grow to include her ow...

Grayson Coutts doesn't consider himself a brand, yet his name is ubiquitous in the New Zealand makeup and beauty scene. As a professional hair and makeup artist for over 15 years based in Aotearoa (and with a handy communications degree in his back pocket), Grayson is the 'go-to' makeup artist of many of Auckland's elite and is also regularly called on by the likes of FQ and Viva magazines for his...

As one of New Zealand's elite makeup artists, Kiekie Stanners is almost in a league of her own.  After over a decade with MAC, 7 years as a Global Senior Artist, she is now freelancing in the fashion, celebrity, advertising and commercial arena across Aotearoa. Kiekie's enviable career has taken her all over the world. From keying numerous shows at international fashion weeks to hosting masterclas...

It's impossible to deny the indelible mark that Phoenix Renata has made on the New Zealand Makeup industry. At just 21 years of age, entrepreneur Phoenix created her own cosmetics range with a vision to fill a gap in the market for approachable makeup services and advice. The next decade saw her open 12 boutique Phoenix Cosmetics stores across New Zealand and Australia, and bring the first EVER ma...