The Makeup Insider

Fashion MUA Ciara O’Shea shares her journey—from working with the Pussycat Dolls to Madonna, and being part of legendary teams like Charlotte Tilbury’s and Pat McGrath’s—plus everything in between.


Listen Later

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 pros and cons of self-representation versus working with an agent, and offers real talk about persistence, creativity, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

We dive into behind-the-scenes stories from working with major names like The Pussycat Dolls and Madonna, and hear what it’s really like backstage at fashion shows and on set for editorial shoots. Ciara also talks about building her own beauty brand, Pro Shine, and how she’s using tools like AI and social media to grow her presence and connect with a global audience.

This episode is packed with insight, humour, and practical advice for makeup artists and creatives alike.

Highlights:


• Growing up in Ireland and discovering a love for beauty
• Training at the London College of Fashion
• Breaking into the fashion industry - working under Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath.
• Working with celebrities and navigating high-pressure environments
• Freelancing versus agency representation
• Launching her brand, Pro Shine
• Using AI and social media to build a modern personal brand

Ciara Does Makeup Substack

@the.makeupinsider

Rates Guide
Pro Artist Discount Kit List
Follow TMI on IG
Follow Vanessa on IG




...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Makeup InsiderBy Vanessa Barney

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

5 ratings


More shows like The Makeup Insider

View all
Mamamia Out Loud by Mamamia Podcasts

Mamamia Out Loud

572 Listeners

No Filter by Mamamia Podcasts

No Filter

636 Listeners

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show by Lauryn Bosstick & Michael Bosstick / Dear Media

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show

14,917 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

27,009 Listeners

True Crime Conversations by Mamamia Podcasts

True Crime Conversations

611 Listeners

Life Uncut by Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne

Life Uncut

286 Listeners

It's A Lot with Abbie Chatfield by LiSTNR

It's A Lot with Abbie Chatfield

176 Listeners

We Don't Have Time For This by Gemma Peanut & Kate Reeves

We Don't Have Time For This

71 Listeners

Darling, Shine! by LiSTNR

Darling, Shine!

330 Listeners

Retire Right by Glen James

Retire Right

25 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,791 Listeners

Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari by Dear Media

Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari

3,395 Listeners

Big Business with Brittney Saunders by Nova Podcasts

Big Business with Brittney Saunders

8 Listeners

Khloé in Wonder Land by Khloé Kardashian

Khloé in Wonder Land

2,693 Listeners

Vain-ish by LiSTNR

Vain-ish

31 Listeners