With every award show, red-carpet event and editorial, we are quick to lose ourselves in the glitz and glamour of our favourite celebrities’ looks, from their gowns and their elegant heels to their long nails and glittering eyeshadow. But behind the scenes, it is the makeup artists that are responsible for bringing each outfit to life, often spending years building an intimate relationship with their clients so that they can trust their talent and respect their viewpoint. Here, Voir has compiled five makeup artists from across the board as well as some of our favourite looks that they have created over time.
Pat McGrath
British makeup artist Pat McGrath rose to fame in the early 90s, collaborating with the most iconic labels, photographers and models to cement her place as the fashion world’s most important makeup artist. From Christian Dior to Prada, in 2017, McGrath earned her place as British Vogue’s beauty editor-at-large after creating beauty looks for over 35 runway shows per season. Chief among her collaborators is Naomi Campbell, 90s trailblazer for black supermodels who changed the fashion industry for the better. The two have shared a series of iconic looks, including when Naomi debuted Mcgrath’s LUST 004 Glitter Lip Kit on the VMAs’ red carpet in 2016, (a sensational, sparkling red lip) as well as Naomi’s elegant lids at Anna Sui’s FW 2004 show. Here, Rose Seduction, a striking shade that had been carefully selected from Mcgrath’s Mothership VIII: Divine Rose II Eye Palette, captivated onlookers, replacing Naomi’s signature seductive smokey eyes with a fierce hot-pink.
Mario Dedivanovic
After 22 years as a makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic has proven that he is more than just Kim Kardashian’s go- to beauty guru. After launching his brand, Makeup by Mario, in 2020, the 38-year-old has bottled his talent (into mascaras, powders and eyeshadow palettes of course!) and has taken it centre stage. At this year’s Met Gala, he reminded his fans of just how great he is at creating a flawless, naturally beautiful makeup look. Mirroring the irresistibly glamorous Marilyn Monroe, Mario utilised his very own products, from the SoftSculp Shaping Stick and Bronzer in ‘Light Medium’, to the Soft Pop Powder Blush in shades ‘Mellow Mauve’ and ‘Poppy Pink’. To top off Kim Kardashian’s iconic look, Mario created the perfect nude with his Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Creme in shade ‘Almost Bare’ – a classic we can’t help but adore.
Mylah Morales
Celebrity makeup artist Mylah Morales’ client roster includes Rihanna, Tinashe, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Becky G, to name a few. In an interview with Teen Vogue, the iconic MUA cited several products as indispensable to the looks that she has crafted in collaboration with Rihanna over the years, from Mac’s Cream Colour Base in shade ‘Shell’ to their signature Bronzing Powder. From award shows to editorials, Morales is no amateur. Most recently though, Morales made use of Miss Dior’s elegant beauty line to give Akira Akbar soft-pink cheeks and golden eyelids, a makeup look worthy of a goddess.
Mac – Bronzing Powder
Ernesto Casillas
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Celebrity Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas is a 2x Emmy winning MUA who has been in the industry for over a decade. From Doja Cat to Naomi Campbell, Casillas has made it his mission to empower women of colour via makeup, embracing each complexion with a commitment to making his clients feel beautiful. In preparation for Doja Cat’s Vegas music video, which features in the new Elvis film, Casillas utilised Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain, as well as Nars’ Afterglow Balm in ‘Wicked Ways’, to flaunt his talent. Doja’s berry lips and bronzed skin made the perfect combination – but we wouldn’t expect anything less from Casillas!
Ken Alexis
Celebrity MUA and Photographer Ken Alexis has recently stepped into the limelight, creating breath-taking makeup looks for figures such as Nicki Minaj, Choyce Brown and Jordyn Woods. In Nicki Minaj’s new music video for Blick Blick, her beauty look was put together by none other than Ken Alexis, complimenting her ombre wig with a subtly lined nude lip and feathery eyelashes. When paired with Nicki’s Met Gala look, which was coated in gems courtesy of Pat McGrath’s team, there is no denying that Ken Alexis is a force to be reckoned with.
Words by: Gracie Eastwood
Header image: @makeupbymario
