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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 areas. Plus, Andrea offers grounded advice on how to build your career without losing your individuality.

Key Takeaways:

• Why genuine connection is your best career currency
• The value (and limits) of product sponsorships
• Navigating backstage etiquette and social media rules
• Learning to trust your timing and your process

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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 your makeup skills
• How to approach a shoot when the model has textured skin or breakouts
• The crucial questions to ask your photographer before you start makeup
• How lighting and color grading impact how makeup reads on camera
• Tips for building trust and communication on commercial sets
• Why you should never assume something will be “fixed in post”

Key Takeaways:

• Kindness and professionalism lead to repeat bookings. Skill matters, but people remember how you make them feel
• Communication is everything. Every photographer has different needs — check in before you begin
• Lighting dramatically affects how makeup appears on camera — know what you're working with
• A short conversation at the start of the day can prevent major issues later
• Makeup artists and photographers are equal collaborators in the creative process
• Never assume — always ask if something should be fixed in the moment or later in post
• First impressions matter — be warm, engaged, and proactive on set

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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 Cover:

• Helen’s early fascination with transformative makeup ("Planet of the Apes" fans, listen up!)
• Lessons from working in ballet, opera, and special effects
• Adventures overseas and the impact of international experience
• Behind-the-scenes stories from "Neighbors" and "Apple Cider Vinegar"
• The art of continuity and reading scripts with a keen eye
• Building strong teams and mentoring young artists
• Balancing work-life in an ever-evolving creative industry

Takeaways:

• Why collaboration is key in hair and makeup departments
• How to bring innovation into structured environments
• The role of passion and adaptability in a successful career

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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 artistry
• The unpredictable "roller coaster" nature of freelance life in the beauty industry
• Her valuable apprenticeship experiences with masters Ray Morris and Muriel Van Kavan
• The extraordinary lengths she went to for mentorship (including mowing lawns!)
• Navigating international fashion weeks and building her reputation
• Working with celebrities including Phoebe Tonkin and Jess Mauboy
• Her decade-long partnership with Chanel and how it evolved
• Current work in product development and mentoring emerging artists

Key Takeaways

• The importance of practical experience and learning by doing
• How artistic skills from other disciplines can translate to makeup
• Why networking and set etiquette matter as much as technical ability
• The value of breaking conventional rules to develop a unique artistic voic
• How perseverance and adaptability are essential for success in an ever-changing industry

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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 balanced motherhood and her growing career in makeup artistry  
• The importance of assisting in the industry and how it helped her career take off  
• What it takes to be a great assistant and how to leave a lasting impression  
• Jaque’s journey to signing with Saunders and Co. and what it means for her career  
• A peek inside Jaque’s makeup kit and her must-have products  
• Advice for aspiring makeup artists looking to build a sustainable career  

Episode Highlights: 
Every opportunity, no matter how small, is a stepping stone in your career.” Jaque Di Condio  
Assisting isn’t just about learning skills—it’s about building relationships and proving your work ethic.”  

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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 London
• Her transition from modeling to behind-the-camera work
• The daily life of a fashion makeup artist
• How Linda draws inspiration from art history and pop culture
• Navigating industry challenges and building a reputation
• Adapting to the social media era while maintaining authentic connections
• Expanding beyond fashion into television and other fields

Key Takeaways

• The importance of understanding cultural and historical context in developing a unique artistic style
• Why patience and dedication are essential in building a career in makeup artistry
• How to balance social media presence with personal connections
• The value of versatility and openness to different industry avenues

Linda's Advice for Aspiring Artists

"Immerse yourself in art, music, and historical context. Understanding where trends come from is crucial if you want to bring something new to the table.

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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 at age 15 unexpectedly led him to discover his passion for hairdressing
• The four-year apprenticeship journey that took him through Sydney's top salons, working alongside industry legends
• His leap of faith move to New York without a concrete plan and how he navigated the competitive fashion industry
• Behind-the-scenes stories from high-profile projects, including the Victoria's Secret shows
• How Pete balances salon work with freelance assignments in fashion, advertising, and editorial projects
• The importance of mentorship and continuous learning, featuring lessons from industry giants like Sam McKnight
• A peek into Pete's extensive styling kit and how he prepares for diverse client needs
• Practical advice for aspiring stylists: speaking up, staying curious, and honing your craft
  
  

Guest Bio:
Pete Lennon is an Australian hairstylist with decades of experience in both salon work and high-fashion styling. After spending 15 formative years in New York City working on prestigious projects, Pete returned to Sydney, where he currently divides his time between salon work and freelance assignments. Known for his versatility and deep knowledge of the craft, Pete remains passionate about educating the next generation of hairstylists.

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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. 

 
What Makes a Makeup Artist Stand Out: 

• What qualities makes Arielle say, "Yes! You're hired!"?  

 
Portfolio Power:  

• Website or Instagram: which one wins her attention.    
• What specific looks or styles Arielle likes to see. 

Red Flags to Avoid: 

• What makes Arielle politely say, "Thanks, but no thanks"?  

Beyond Brushes & Blending:

• What extra spark does a makeup artist need to impress Arielle. 

Cold Email Magic:  

• What key info should be included to stand out. 

If you’re a makeup artist dreaming of big shoots or just curious about what goes on behind the camera, this episode is a must-listen. 

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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 artists: patience, practice, and passion! 

Kandra's story is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities and creating a thriving career through resilience and vision.

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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 weddings. She offers insights on client acquisition through social media, the value of word-of-mouth referrals, and her approach to team building. Maddy concludes with motivational advice and product recommendations for aspiring destination artists.

Key take aways

• Maddie moved to Italy to focus on bridal hair and makeup.
• Working in film and TV taught her valuable skills for bridal work.
• Building an online presence is crucial for attracting clients.
• Networking and relationships are key to finding work.
• Investing in business systems can streamline operations. Logistics are crucial for wedding planning, especially in remote venues.
• Setting clear financial targets can lead to unexpected successes.
• Establishing a minimum booking rate helps manage client expectations.
• Clients find Maddy primarily through TikTok and Facebook groups.
• Instagram followers are less important than showcasing quality work.
• Coaching calls are available for those seeking guidance in the industry.
• Maddy emphasises collaboration over competition among artists.

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