Claim OwnershipThe Makeup Insider
Subscribed: 15Played: 140
Subscribe
© 2025 The Makeup Insider
Description
The Makeup Insider is a fortnightly one-on-one podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney.. Finding your community of other likeminded mua’s – the creative, artistic, talkative, flexible, adaptable with a good eye for colour kind-of-people, can often be daunting. Like, where do you start? The Makeup Insider is designed for just that. To build a collaborative online community of artists to build their confidence, connections and help drive their career to the next level.If you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways in the show notes and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Find Vanessa @vanessabarney @the.makeupinsider
99 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text In this episode, Maddy Baucia returns after an incredible season completing 110 weddings across Tuscany, Umbria, and stunning destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Sicily. She shares the realities behind such a high-volume year: the logistics, the challenges, the systems she relied on, and the lessons she’ll carry forward. We dive into how she plans to reduce her workload to 80 weddings next season, restructure her pricing, streamline her business model, and s...
Send us a text Navigating the European Wedding Circuit: Lessons from a Pro Makeup Artist Episode Summary In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa chats with pro makeup artist Jacqui, who recently returned from a whirlwind season working across Europe’s wedding circuit. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustle of Rome, Jacqui shares what it’s really like to take your artistry abroad. The highs, the hurdles, and the lessons learned from nine weddings in quick succession. Whether yo...
Send us a text In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa sits down with the incredible Michael Brown, one of Australia’s most loved and trusted makeup artists. Michael’s 25-year career has taken him from a dancer in Perth to a leading Sydney-based artist, educator, and television beauty expert. Known for his versatility and genuine connection with clients, Michael shares the story of how stage makeup sparked his love for beauty, his years representing global brands like Shiseido, Lancôme...
Send us a text In this episode of The Makeup Insider, I’m joined by personal branding and business coach Suz Chadwick to break down the four essential content types every creator needs to master. Whether you’re a makeup artist building your portfolio or a creative entrepreneur growing your digital presence, these content strategies will help you stand out, connect deeply with your audience, and build a brand that sells. What We Cover in This Episode: Authority Content – how to showcase your c...
Send us a text In this episode, Vanessa chats with bridal makeup artists Megan and Adele about the realities of working in the bridal industry. You’ll hear: Getting started in bridal makeup – how retail counters, experimentation, and building a signature style lay the foundation.Pricing strategies – packages vs à la carte, setting fair yet sustainable rates, and communicating transparently with clients.Managing extras – travel, accommodation, and why clear boundaries upfront matter.Marketing ...
Send us a text In this episode of The Makeup Insider, I sit down with Dolores Lavin, the powerhouse behind DLM Management, to unpack the world of creative representation and what it really takes to build a successful career as a creative agent. Dolores has been in the industry since the early ’90s, building a reputation as a dedicated agent who not only manages the business side but also nurtures the personal growth of the artists she represents. With nearly four decades of experience, she sh...
Send us a text Navigating the Bridal Makeup Industry: Pricing Strategies & Insights from Experienced Artists Pricing your services as a makeup artist can feel like walking a tightrope balancing your skills, expenses, market value, and confidence. In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa is joined by fellow artists Mel, Megan, Jacqui, and more to unpack what really goes into setting your rates and building a sustainable bridal business. Together, they share candid insights on: ...
Send us a text In this inspiring and in-depth episode, Vanessa sits down with London-based makeup artist Ciara O Shea to explore her incredible journey from a small town in Ireland to the forefront of the international fashion scene. Ciara shares how a childhood love of fashion magazines sparked her passion for beauty, leading her to study at the London College of Fashion and kick-start her career in retail makeup. She opens up about navigating the world of freelance artistry, comparing the ...
Send us a text In this episode, Vanessa chats with experienced PR consultant Ebanny, who shares how creatives from makeup artists to photographers can catch the attention of PR agencies and build lasting relationships in the industry. You’ll learn how to pitch yourself, why engagement matters more than followers, and how to approach PR gifting with creativity and professionalism. What You'll Learn: How to pitch yourself to PR agenciesWhat PR reps really look forThe importance of authentic con...
Send us a text In this episode, Vanessa sits down with renowned makeup artist Penny Antuar to talk about the unexpected moment that reshaped her career: losing her Instagram account. What started as a digital disruption quickly became a powerful catalyst for realignment, reconnection, and redefining success. Penny shares how stepping away from social media allowed her to rediscover the joy in her artistry, rebuild her work-life balance, and create space for more meaningful, offline relations...
Send us a text In this episode of The Makeup Insider, we sit down with Andrea Damyon, a multifaceted makeup artist whose path to Fashion Week was anything but linear. From her beginnings in film and special effects to a pivotal role at Make Up For Ever, Andrea shares how a combination of skill, perseverance, and relationship-building helped shape her career. We dive into the real logistics of Fashion Week—team coordination, last-minute curveballs, and navigating the industry’s financial grey ...
Send us a text In this episode I chat Beauty Photographer Eddie New. I dive into one of the most overlooked — yet essential — parts of a successful beauty or commercial shoot: the relationship between the makeup artist and the photographer. Whether you're a seasoned MUA or just starting out, this episode will help you level up your professionalism, improve collaboration on set, and ultimately create better images. What You'll Learn: Why being easy to work with can be more important than...
Send us a text In this episode, we step behind the scenes with Helen Magelaki, a hair and makeup artist whose incredible journey spans theater, opera, film, and television. From her childhood inspirations to her work on iconic productions, Helen shares insights into the artistry, perseverance, and innovation that have shaped her career. We discuss the importance of mentorship, adapting to industry changes, and the balance between creativity and consistency in production environments. What We ...
Send us a text 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 transition from show jump rider to makeup artistryThe unpredictable "roller coaster" nature of freelance life...
Send us a text 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: Jaque’s transition from Sao Paulo to Sydney and the challenges of starting over How she ...
Send us a text 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 inspiration from magazines and her transformative move to LondonHer transition from modeling to behind-the-camera ...
Send us a text 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 about following their creative dreams. In This Episode: Pete recounts how an ultimatum from his parents...
Send us a text 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 takeaways: Building a Dream Team: How she chooses her crew for shoots. ...
Send us a text 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 grace (yes, we talk about *that* TikTok video!) ✨ Advice for aspiring bridal a...
Send us a text 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 of adaptability, networking, and curating a professional kit to meet the demands of destination wed...
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
The Makeup Insider podcast by Vanessa Barney offers an invaluable resource for both aspiring and experienced makeup artists, providing insights into the careers, techniques, and experiences of professionals in the industry. By focusing on community-building, collaboration, and practical advice, it helps artists expand their networks, boost confidence, and stay inspired in a competitive field. For those seeking additional expert guidance, tutorials, and professional beauty tips that complement the lessons shared in podcasts like The Makeup Insider, https://www.katyreddellbeauty.com/ Reddell Beauty is an excellent platform to explore advanced techniques, industry trends, and career-building resources for makeup professionals.
Max is just full of amazing information 😍