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Welcome to The Insider Diaries.

This is the first of a new monthly segment where I sit down solo and chat through what is going on in my world, in the industry, and the conversations I think we should be having as makeup artists.

In this episode I am pulling the curtain back on the last six months, sharing why I went quiet, and unpacking two big topics: visibility, and the Yana and Perth makeup artist situation.

What we cover

• Where I'd been for the last six months
• My fertility journey, IVF and where I am at now
• Hashimoto's, mood, motivation and how it has affected my work
• Why two episodes sat in my drafts folder for six months
• The new podcast format: two guest interviews, plus Insider Diaries and Insider Edit each month
• A listener comp to be a guest on The Insider Edit
• Visibility as a makeup artist and why it matters now
• Posting daily on Instagram and what I have learned
• The Yana and Perth makeup artist situation, and my honest take
• Why I no longer do unpaid collaborations
• What to get in writing before you say yes to any collab

Mentioned in this episode

• Ciara from Pro Shine and her blog on visibility
• Marissa Grace - Bridalpreneur Socials 
• Ask Ellen two part reel series on discretion

Want to be on The Insider Edit?

I am running a listener comp. If you would love to come on the podcast and chat about your favourite kit products, DM me on Instagram with your pitch.

Loved this episode?

Share it with another makeup artist or beauty lover, follow the show, and leave a review. It genuinely helps me reach more people.

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This week on The Makeup Insider, I sit down with Sydney based makeup artist Molly Warkentin for a chat that covers more than two decades in the beauty industry.

Molly takes us from her UK beginnings at Chichester College, through her time at Mac and the tight knit crew she calls the Makeup Mafia, all the way to the moment she chose to step back from bridal work to make space for family.

We talk about taste level, the quiet skill that separates good artists from great ones, and why building real relationships will always outperform chasing follower counts.

In this episode we cover

• Molly's start in the UK and the pivot to Sydney
• Studying at Chichester College and what she would do differently
• Life at Mac and the network that became the Makeup Mafia
• Adding hairdressing to her offering and why she resisted at first
• Taste level and how to build it
• Stepping back from bridal to protect family time
• Her honest advice for new artists trying to break in

Quotable moments

"Skill gets you in the room. Taste keeps you there."

"The best opportunities I had came from people, not posts."

Molly Warkentin

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Magazines have fallen. So what does a beauty or fashion editor actually do now?

In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Sadaf to unpack how the role has changed, what "cross channel pollinating" really means, and why your favourite beauty experts are now on TikTok instead of glossy pages.

What we cover:

• The traditional beauty editor role and why it no longer exists
• How editors now work across websites, video, social and podcasts
• What "cross channel pollinating" looks like day to day
• Why interviewing dermatologists on TikTok is the new normal
• What this shift means for anyone trying to break into the industry

Guest: Sadaf

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In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Julia from Co Contour to spill the products they reach for on every job. From skin prep to setting spray, this is a full walk through of what's actually inside a working makeup artist's kit.

What you'll learn:

• The skin prep routine Julia uses on every bride
• Why Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter is a non negotiable
• The foundation that survives Aussie humidity
• Julia's favourite concealer for smoothing texture
• The mascara that holds a curl like nothing else
• Everyday personal favourites from both artists

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Lottie — makeup artist, educator and co-host of We Speak Beauty podcast

Episode summary:

Vanessa sits down with LA-based makeup artist Lottie, who made an unlikely leap from an accounting career into the beauty industry without any formal training. Lottie shares how she taught herself through magazines and hands-on experience, got discovered by Pat McGrath on MySpace, and built a career working on some of fashion's biggest runways. She also talks about the realities of self-employment, the pressure of social media and why so many artists undervalue themselves.

In this episode:

• How Lottie transitioned from accounting to makeup artistry in Los Angeles
• Teaching herself through magazines and on-the-job experience
• The MySpace moment that led to working with Pat McGrath
• What fashion runway work actually looks and feels like
• Why resilience and authenticity matter more than credentials
• Lottie's masterclasses and the We Speak Beauty podcast
• How social media has changed the industry and what artists should focus on instead

Guest links:

• Instagram: @lotstar
• Website: www.lotstar.com

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes with Vanessa Barney

This week we flip the mic. For our 100th episode, I'm the one being interviewed — and honestly, it felt strange and wonderful at the same time.

We go deep on what it's really been like building The Makeup Insider from the ground up, the lessons that have stayed with me, and where this podcast is heading next.

If you've been here from the start, thank you. If you're new, welcome — this is a great place to jump in.

TopicKey Takeaway

Starting from scratch 

• Be ready to begin again. Patience and self-grace aren't optional.

The power of asking 

• "If you don't ask, the answer is always no." (Thanks Nicole Thompson.)

Community and mentorship 

• This podcast exists to be the mentor I never had.

Global reach 

• Listeners from Ukraine, Africa, and beyond — still blows my mind.

What's next 

• More face-to-face interviews, international guests, and growing online.

Thank you Julia Dillon for a wonderful chat. 

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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 step away from team-based operations. Maddy also shares the importance of managing her physical and mental health, staying organised while constantly travelling, and refining her backend systems to create a more sustainable business.

This episode is a must-listen for artists working in or aspiring to enter the destination wedding space.

Topics Covered

• Challenges and Support Systems
• Travel and Logistics - where to base yourself
• Adjusting Future Plans
• Pricing and Booking Strategies
• Future Goals and System Improvements
• Standing Out in the Industry
• Showcasing Personality on Social Media
• Building Trust with Destination Brides
• Using Facebook Groups for Destination Work
• Advice for Aspiring Destination Wedding Artists
• Coaching Calls for Wedding Artists
• Travel Fees and Pricing Psychology
• Trends in European Wedding Locations

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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 you’re dreaming of working internationally or simply curious about life behind the scenes of destination weddings, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest reflections from an artist who’s done it all.

What We Cover

• How Jacqui prepared for an international wedding season
• Why direct flights and smart packing are non-negotiables
• The realities of driving (and surviving) Italy’s wedding circuit
• Managing back-to-back weddings while staying creative
• Jacqui’s must-have travel kit and European beauty essentials
• Tips for choosing accommodation and balancing work with rest
• The mindset shifts that come with working outside your comfort zone

Key Takeaways

• Preparation meets flexibility: The most successful destination artists plan for everything — and still stay open to the unexpected.
• Logistics matter: Cars, accommodation, and kit safety can make or break your experience.
• Growth through discomfort: Every challenge abroad helps strengthen your artistry, confidence, and business mindset.
• Community counts: Collaborating with trusted peers (like Jacqui’s hairstylist partner Brooke) makes all the difference.

Listen if You’re…

• A bridal makeup artist dreaming of international work
• Curious about the European destination wedding scene
• Looking for practical travel and business advice from a working artist
• Ready to take your artistry global — and want to know where to start

Connect with Jacqui

Follow Jacqui’s adventures and artistry on Instagram: @jacquibradfieldmakeup 

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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, and the L’Oréal Group, and his brave leap into the freelance world.

Michael opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including a severe childhood stutter, and how that journey led him to appear confidently on national television — becoming a regular on Channel Nine’s Today Extra.

You’ll hear how he’s stayed relevant in an ever-changing industry, what he’s learned from two decades behind the brush, and his advice for aspiring artists wanting to carve out a long, successful career in beauty.

Episode Highlights

• Michael’s journey from performer to professional makeup artist
• Overcoming personal hurdles and finding confidence on camera
• Lessons learned from two decades in the beauty industry
• The evolution of beauty and the importance of adaptability
• Building a reputation and network that lasts
• Why personality and professionalism are just as important as artistry

Connect with Michael Brown

Instagram: @michaelbrownbeauty

Website: michaelbrownbeauty.com.au

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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 credibility and expertise through behind-the-scenes, testimonials, and client experiences.
• Personal Brand Content – why sharing your quirks, passions, and personal stories makes your brand memorable.
• Value & Teaching Content – the importance of tutorials, tips, and insights that position you as a go-to resource.
• Commentary Content – how to add your voice to industry trends and conversations to build thought leadership.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Suz shares practical, actionable advice on weaving these content types into your strategy so you can mix things up, stay relevant, and keep your audience engaged. This isn’t about creating more content, it’s about creating smarter, stickier content that builds connection and loyalty.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Suz Chadwick: @suzchadwick
• Suz Podcast Episode
  
  
• For more insights, visit the blog: Suz Blog 

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Makeup Insider wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to share it with a friend who’s ready to take their content game to the next level.

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