Published by Vanessa Barney
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
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Send us Fan Mail Link to blog - all products mentioned linked. Alana has been doing makeup for 12 years. She started fresh out of high school, worked the floor at Sephora's Broadway store, moved to London at 21 with zero plan and a backpack full of kit, built a career doing campaigns for Jaded London, came back to Australia during COVID, assisted the incredible Gillian Campbell, and has most recently been touring the world with Kesha. Oh, and she's now signed with a talent agency for her content. The girl moves. In this episode we get into: Why working retail at Sephora is the best foundation you'll ever get (and why it's also exhausting as hell) What it's actually like to do hair and makeup in London for an Uber-style beauty app The Jaded London campaign that changed everything COVID killing her momentum right when things were starting to move — and coming back from that Assisting Gillian Campbell and why feeling valued on set matters more than people admit What a day on tour with Kesha actually looks like (spoiler: you can't poo on the bus) The longevity routine she used to make Kesha's base last through a full concert How a TikTok she almost didn't post got her 27,000 followers in a month Why people don't care who you are on TikTok — they just want to learn something Everything being an exchange and why that's not a bad thing What's next: Europe, Canada, America and a product line in the works Website Talent The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail All products mentioned linked in blog. This week I'm joined by Sydney makeup artist Katie Moore . If you follow her work you'll know her style straight away, soft, skin focused, never overdone. We talked career, bridal work, and how she keeps things running without burning out. Then we did what we always do and pulled apart our kits. Katie Moore is a Sydney-based makeup artist, trained in New Zealand about 17 years ago at a four month full time makeup course focused on film and TV. She started out on the MECCA Cosmetica counter in Ponsonby, Auckland, then freelanced on music videos and worked on the TV series Spartacus in New Zealand. She moved to Australia in 2014 and broke into TV commercials after meeting a fashion stylist while waitressing in a Surry Hills cafe. Her work now spans fashion campaigns, lookbooks, e-com shoots, special events and bridal. Bridal work really kicked off for her after she had her son, and she's represented by an agent Kellie from The Future Mrs who handles her wedding bookings, trials and admin. Most of her work comes through referrals and word of mouth, plus Instagram, which she treats as an unofficial portfolio. She doesn't set hard goals, she calls it "manifesting" instead, and this year that included a wedding that landed in Vogue. July is her quiet month. She uses it for admin, taxes and catching up with other makeup artists before things pick back up around October with regional weddings. Her advice for makeup artists starting out: stay connected to your network, ask questions, say yes to hard jobs, and know there's no union for makeup artists so open conversations between artists matter. Katie and Vanessa go through their kit favourites, kit tools and personal skincare and haircare picks. Full list with notes in the blog post . The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail From Mac OG to Agency Founder with Heidi Scarlett King This week I sat down with Sydney-based makeup artist and King Co Creative founder Heidi Scarlett King — and yes. Heidi has one of those careers that sounds like fiction. She started at Mac in Sydney when the brand had just launched, assisting Fashion Week shows a season. Then she packed up and moved to London with no plan, started again from scratch, ended up at the Mac Pro Store in Soho, ended up on ITV This Morning as a beauty expert, got on Pat McGrath's runway team in Paris, and came home in 2014 to build an agency with 45 artists on the books. This one covers the full arc. The exciting bits, the lonely bits, and the hard-won truths that only come from doing this for a really long time. We cover: Starting at Mac in the 2000s and what Australian Fashion Week looked like at its peak Assisting legend Dottie and why those early years were the making of her Starting over in London and what six years there taught her about resilience Getting onto Pat McGrath's team at Paris Fashion Week and what that world is really like Accidentally becoming a TV beauty expert on ITV This Morning Why she moved back to Sydney in 2014 and how hard it was to restart — again How the industry shifted post-Instagram and why events became where the money went Directing Australian Idol and The Voice — and how that gave birth to King Co Creative Managing 45 artists: what she values more than talent, and why integrity can't be taught The Cartier Opera House event: 63 hair and makeup artists across 10 Sydney hotels The best advice she has for artists just starting out Plus Heidi shares her current kit favourites — the By Terry powder she's been using for 15 years, her new Tarte tubing mascara obsession, and why the Half Percent lip liner is her ride or die right now. The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Insider Diary, I give a personal update on how work and content creation have been going. The main focus is my Instagram growth, I've picked up almost 2,000 followers in five weeks by posting reels daily, and I break down exactly which reels worked, which ones flopped, and the workflow behind it all. I also cover my content days and open the waitlist for my upcoming hair masterclass. Started posting reels daily from 18 March this year. Nearly 2,000 new followers in about five weeks. Biggest lesson from the whole run: people only watch for 7 to 13 seconds. The hook decides whether they stay. My workflow: uses ChatGPT to help with captions, hooks and on-screen prompts, edits everything in the Edits app, posts to Instagram first, pulls the original file from Edits (not a re-download from Instagram) to post on TikTok, then reposts from TikTok to YouTube Shorts. Next move: repost her best performers again with a reworked hook, using ChatGPT to help tweak them. Advice for anyone starting out: just start. Mistakes are part of it. You'll find your style along the way. Collaboration helps (like her episode with Max) but isn't essential. Announcement: the waitlist is open for her hair masterclass. Format isn't locked in yet (leaning look-and-learn), and it'll be offered virtually too, so it's not just for Sydney or Australia. The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail Adam Garland has worked backstage, assisted Sam McKnight, and had two shots at getting onto Guido Palau's team. Right now he's in his dad's garage in Somerset, UK, building a hair education platform from scratch. In this episode we talk about how he broke into session work (Model Mayhem, zero plan), the real cost of working for free, imposter syndrome, addiction and recovery, why chasing the agency dream was holding him back, and what changed when he finally let it go. He also shares the products he genuinely uses on set and why the humble ponytail elastic deserves way more respect than it gets. How Adam fell into hairdressing at 14 and went from a village salon to Vidal Sassoon, Tony & Guy, and eventually session work Finding his way into editorial around 2008-2010 via Model Mayhem, testing before he even knew testing was a thing Assisting Sam McKnight backstage at Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld and Kendall Jenner in the chair What nobody tells you about walking into those environments for the first time when you're from a small town The industry language nobody teaches you: options, confirms, releases, pencils, hard outs The pay debate: why working for free is not a free university, it's one day of university His experience on Guido Palau's team, twice, and why it didn't work out either time Addiction, recovery, and how starting his recovery journey around 2018 changed everything Why Sam McKnight's team stood by him for five years through the hard stuff AI in the creative industry and why "AI slop" is the wrong response Letting go of the agency dream and what happened to his career when he did Building sessionhair.com: 1:1 mentoring, a free initial consult, and an education platform coming soon Archive research and why knowing your references is how you find your visual identity Products covered in this episode: Bedhead TIGI Queen for a Day thickening spray Keune Get a Grip texturiser Keune Sea Foam Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray Session Kit elastics (sessionkit.co.uk) Connect with Adam Instagram YouTube Session Hair The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail This week I sat down with Sydney makeup artist Max May . Nearly 30 years in the industry, self-taught, Armani Australia ambassador, Charlotte Tilbury Glow Squad, and one of the first artists in this country to build a blog and digital presence when the industry told him it would ruin his career. In this episode we cover: How Max got started — growing up in the country, moving to Sydney, falling into hairdressing by accident and discovering makeup on set Why he never did formal training and why he still thinks assisting is the best way to learn this industry What it was actually like to assist in those early days — it was tough, the industry was different, and he got on a bus to pick up dog poop for the person he worked under His years doing fashion weeks in Paris, New York and Milan Being the Australian Armani ambassador and what that role actually looked like Directing fashion shows in Australia for ten years straight Working with Jennifer Hawkins, Laura Bingle, Sarah Murdoch, Cheyenne Tozzi, Miranda Kerr and Mel B on The Masked Singer Why he finds editorial more creatively satisfying than TV Being one of the first Australian makeup artists to go digital — he lost work and friends over it and did it anyway His social media formula: how many times he posts a week and what the algorithm actually wants right now Why he has zero interest in TikTok and is not sorry about it His thoughts on AI and staying relevant in a changing industry Full list of products mentioned over on The Makeup Insider. Max May The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 3. The Inside Edit Tannia T has been doing this for over two decades. She started at the Napoleon Perdis counter and worked her way to global artistry — training staff, creating content, and travelling to LA and New York for major industry events. Today she runs her own home studio, takes one-on-one clients, does bridal work, and has some clients who have been with her for over ten years. In this episode, we get into what that kind of longevity actually looks like. The kit, the tools, the booking system, the products she keeps coming back to, and the real talk about social media as a working artist. We cover: How Tannia went from Napoleon Perdis retail to global artistry Training staff and creating content for a major brand Travelling to LA and New York for industry events Building and running her own home studio Balancing bridal work, one-on-one clients, and being a mum Her Surratt eyelash curler obsession (and why it's worth it) Sonya G brushes — quality over quantity By Terry CC Brightening and Benefit Brow Glaze Her honest take on social media as a business tool How she manages bookings: manual tracking meets Google Calendar The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail Kiana has been in and around the makeup industry for 13 years. But her path wasn't straight. She started on the Mecca counters, stepped away to work in disability support, and came back in 2022 through The Iconic's e-commerce team. Since then? Sydney, Milan, Paris Fashion Weeks. A freelance career built on cold calls, genuine connections, and trusting her own eye. In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to rebuild in this industry, how networking opened doors she didn't even know existed, and why finding your own aesthetic matters more than chasing trends. We cover: How Kiana got back into the industry through The Iconic's e-commerce team Why cold-calling creative agencies actually works How assisting at Fashion Weeks changed her career Building a skin-focused, mood-driven style Her kit essentials — including NARS Sheer Glow and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk What she wishes she'd known earlier For aspiring and working artists, this one is worth a listen. The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail What A Stylist Actually Does with Kate Lauren Harper Recently week I sat down with Sydney-based stylist Kate Lauren Harper for a refreshingly honest conversation about what stylists really do and what that means for us as hair and makeup artists on set. If you have ever wondered what the stylist is actually doing while you are in kit, or how to build a better working relationship with styling, this episode is for you. We cover: What a stylist actually does, from brief to final look How mood boards, client decks, and feedback rounds shape the whole shoot Why timelines and budgets are never as simple as they seem The unspoken etiquette of working on set How the stylist x hair and makeup relationship works (and when it does not) Kate's path from Wollongong to lead stylist, including the ecomm grind that built her skills Why boundaries matter more than you think, for stylists and for us The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail Episode 2 of The Insider Edit | The Makeup Insider It's just me this week — and I'm bringing you 10 products I genuinely can't live without. Five from my kit, five I use on myself every day. Plus a quick chat about PR gifting, asking for what you want, and why a 'no' is never the end of the story. Full list of products Also in This Episode How Vanessa gets PR gifting (hint: she asks for it) Overcoming the fear of pitching yourself Why a 'no' just means 'not yet' The scheduling technique that changed how she reaches out The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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. The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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 The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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 The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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 The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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 The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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. The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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 Join Bridal Boss Academy The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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 The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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 The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
Send us Fan Mail 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. The Hair Edit Waitlist Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog The Makeup Insider TikTok
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