The Makeup Insider – Details, episodes & analysis

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What does it take to pivot from a stable career to chase a passion at 37? Meet Nichole Lee, the face behind "Nichole Lee  Makeup" on Instagram, who left her successful role as a fashion buyer to dive into the unpredictable realm of freelance makeup artistry. Nichole opens up about the emotional and financial hurdles she faced, highlighting the crucial role of savings and a supportive partner. Her tale is not just about makeup; it's about the courage to start over and the wisdom gained from life experience.

Nichole and I discuss the benefits of starting anew later in life, such as having a sharper focus and a stronger sense of urgency. We also tackle the challenges of transitioning from a regular paycheck to a self-employed income model and the importance of prioritising health over work.

Dive into the artistry behind Nichole's success where personal growth and professional development go hand in hand. Learn how she turned initial mistakes into valuable lessons and how her fashion background influences her makeup artistry. Nichole shares tips on building a professional network, leveraging social media, and maintaining authenticity. Whether you’re interested in makeup or contemplating a career change, Nichole's journey offers a wealth of insights, from mastering client interactions to the nuances of selecting the perfect lip color for diverse clients. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode filled with practical advice and heartfelt stories.

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Kath Carlin, a Melbourne hair and makeup artist, shares her journey and experiences in the industry.

She discusses her work across various platforms, including network TV, TV commercials, fashion events, and sports broadcasts.

Kath emphasises the importance of adaptability, building connections, and having a positive attitude in the industry. She also highlights the value of knowing one's strengths and weaknesses and being open to learning and improving. 

Kath shares stories of working with high-profile talent and the opportunities that arose from putting herself out there. In this part of the conversation, Kath and Vanessa discuss the fear of rejection and the importance of reaching out to people. They also talk about Kath's experience working as a makeup artist for tennis tournaments and weddings, where she got to travel the world for 10 years. 

Kath shares her insights on the mindset and attitude required for success in the industry.

They emphasise the importance of being on time, creating a positive atmosphere, and adapting to the needs of different clients. 

Kath Carlin discusses her journey as a TikTok sensation and how she found her passion for comedy. She talks about overcoming fear and shame to post her videos and the viral success she experienced.

Kath shares her process of creating TikTok videos, including writing, filming, and editing. She also discusses the challenges and criticisms she faces as a makeup artist on social media.

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Aussie makeup artist Susan Lilian has been part of this wonderful industry for 18+ wonderful years. With a focus on editorial makeup, Susan enjoys a dark gothic aesthetic and clean beauty. Fusing her creative skills, Susan creates looks for high-end fashion labels, commercial brands and is a makeup director during Fashion Week.

Vanessa Barney engages in an intimate conversation with Susan Lilian, a renowned makeup artist from Sydney, as she shares her journey from the Clinique makeup counter to the dynamic world of Fashion Week. Susan shares invaluable insights gleaned from her extensive career, including her time with esteemed brands like Lancôme and her entrepreneurial venture, Smith Kit.

Key Points:

• From Counters to Catwalks:  Susan recounts her journey through the beauty industry, from her early days at Clinique to directing runway makeup at Fashion Week.
• Crafting Success: Susan discusses the significance of networking and the art of social media branding in establishing a successful freelance career in makeup artistry.
• Behind the Scenes: Susan provides a glimpse behind the curtain of the fashion world, revealing the meticulous process behind palette choices and the vibrant energy of Fashion Week.
• Golden Nuggets:  Explore the highs and lows of Susan's career, from directing runway makeup to grappling with the realities of compensation in the industry.
• Innovation:  Susan shares her innovative approach in creating Smith Kit, a magnetic palette designed for artists on the move.
• Masterclass in Makeup: Discover insights into product selection, versatility, and the transformative nature of makeup from Susan's wealth of experience.
• Life Lessons: Susan's journey serves as a testament to the power of passion and determination in carving out a successful path in the competitive beauty sector.
  
  

Connect with Susan Lilian:
www.susanlilian.com
@susanlilianmakeup
www.smithkitforever.com
@smithkitforever

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Navigating the financial side of the beauty business can be as complex as a smoky eye tutorial—but it doesn't have to be! On the latest Makeup Insider podcast, we're joined by business money mentor and BAS agent Justine McLean to shed light on financial literacy for makeup artists and entrepreneurs. Justine unpacks the necessity of a positive financial mindset and how the story told by your numbers can sculpt a more profitable business path. She also teases her upcoming book 'Become a Business Money Magnet', and reveals how her program helps business owners magnify their financial success. Our conversation is your golden ticket to understanding and valuing your work, determining prices that resonate with your worth, and handling the financial aspects of your business with confidence.

In the realm of beauty, your pricing is your palette, and it's crucial to get the mix just right. This episode paints a vivid picture of how emotional ties to our 'money story' influence the way we value and price our services. Justine McLean guides us through the transformative journey of adopting a non-judgmental approach to financial support, essential for overcoming hurdles and thriving in the business. We dissect the elements of profitable pricing—from covering costs to forecasting cash flow—and how to set prices that not only cover your desired salary but also secure your profit margins. Tune in to unlock the secrets of charging your value and transforming your makeup artistry into a flourishing business.

Work with Justine
Book waitlist – pre-sales start on 1 May and publication is early June
@flossifiles 

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This weeks episode of  is with Nadine Monley, a Sydney-based makeup artist, champions a 'less is more' philosophy in a world dominated by high-glam looks. Her journey into beauty was serendipitous, driven by a friend's influence. Nadine's brand, Beauty Department, reflects her ethos, offering environmentally conscious products like biodegradable oil pads. She believes in enhancing, not masking, natural beauty, using hypoallergenic products like Chanel and skin-matching foundations by Bobbi Brown. Despite industry challenges, Nadine emphasizes finding the right support and building genuine connections. She blends hair and makeup artistry intuitively, prioritizing continuous growth and work-life balance. Nadine's advice to beauty enthusiasts is simple: pursue your vision with heart, stay prepared, and develop a style uniquely your own.

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Unlock the secrets to turning your social media influence into a lucrative business with me, Vanessa Barney, and the insightful Victoria from Hairstyling Formula. We're peeling back the curtain on the untapped potential of digital content for beauty professionals, questioning the common practice of tagging brands in posts. Should you really be giving away your marketing magic for free? Victoria's expertise as an independent hair educator, combined with my own experiences, is set to challenge your approach to social media and help you grasp the true value of your work.

Transform your creative passions into a profitable venture as we delve into the world of affiliate marketing. It's not just about the size of your following; it's about smart, strategic moves that retain sales within your artistic domain. From promoting personal services to navigating affiliate programs, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for both established artists and newcomers. Join us as we reveal how to make affiliate marketing work for you, allowing your content to not only attract clients but also to generate a steady income stream.

Finally, we explore the gold mine of affiliate links in the beauty industry through my personal narrative of financial transformation during the pandemic lockdowns. Learn how to seamlessly integrate these links into your services, creating an effortless shopping experience for your clients while padding your wallet with extra earnings. Whether you're touching up a client's hair or teaching a makeup class, we discuss the convenience and benefits of leveraging affiliate marketing to its fullest potential. So grab your brushes and tune in—this conversation is a game-changer for beauty pros looking to level up their digital prowess and financial savvy.

How to sell retail without ever buying stock! Free online seminar coming April!

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In this episode of The Makeup Insider Podcast, join Sarah Laidlaw, a prominent figure in the world of hair and makeup, as she offers a candid look into her journey from a hairdresser to freelance artist to leading the hair and makeup direction at Priceline.

Sarah shares firsthand experiences from her career, including insights into fashion photo shoots and the balance between client demands and creative expression. 

With an outstanding career that spans 30 years, Sarah has her own unique style for which she has become renowned: classic beauty with a contemporary edge. Sarah’s work reflects an artistic sensibility, which coupled with her attention to detail, produces a ceaselessly stellar result. 

She effortlessly walks the line between commercial polish and editorial strength and is equally in her element creating everything from subtle, minimal looks to radical transformations. “The transformative ability of hair and makeup is what excites me! I adore both the simplicity of effortless, natural looks right through to big, couture, sculptural shapes.”

Sarah is also 3 x Australian Makeup Artist of the Year.  AHFA Make-Up Artist of the Year 2017, and MAGAP Make-Up Artist of the Year 2018 & 2020. 
In addition, a series of makeup awards-

3 x NSW Make-Up Artist of the Year - 2018, ’19 & ‘20

3 x Event/Bridal Make-Up Artist of the Year - 2018, ’19 & ‘20

2 x Beauty Makeup Artist of the Year - 2018 & ‘20

Editorial Makeup Artist of the Year -2020

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Unlock the secrets to a powerful social media presence with Mariah from Content Queen, who joins Vanessa to talk content strategy.

What we talk about:
- Overcoming Common Business Challenges: Finding the Best Time to Post and Staying Consistent
- Mixing Up Your Content: Not Just Sticking to Instagram
- Using Data to Shape Your Content and Bring in the Right Audience
- Making the Most of Your Content: Tips from Real Experiences
- Engaging Your Audience with Stories and Monthly Themes
- Turning Followers into Fans: Sharing Helpful Content
- Using Hashtags and Tools to Get More Insights


Meet Mariah MacInnes, the brains behind Content Queen. She's not your average digital nomad, Mariah's a storyteller, content marketing strategist, and big visionary with a mission to inform and educate. With over 8 years in marketing and a background in Journalism and PR, Mariah's no stranger to the world of social media marketing, podcasting, blogging and writing (well - let's just say all things content).

Content Queen is a content marketing agency and educational business for online business owners and entrepreneurs.

Website: www.contentqueenmariah.com 

Instagram (Content Queen): https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah/ 

Instagram (Mariah): https://www.instagram.com/mariah_contentqueen 

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When the colours of a makeup palette meet the highs and lows of a dynamic career, you get the inspiring story of Justin Henry.  I had the pleasure of sitting down with this renowned makeup artist and hairstylist to talk about his journey—from working on music videos in Melbourne to becoming Creative Director for Maybelline.

In this episode, Justin shares how his natural talent for beauty evolved into a celebrated career. He didn’t just navigate the industry—he helped shape it, blending resilience with creativity every step of the way. From his early days using Max Factor's iconic Panstick to adapting to the rise of social media, Justin reflects on the evolution of beauty and branding through his unique lens.

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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, we're joined by the incredibly talented Liz Tieu — Sydney-based hairdresser and makeup artist — as she shares her inspiring journey from studying business to becoming a powerhouse in the styling industry.

Liz takes us behind the scenes of her career transformation: from eager apprentice to salon owner, and from backstage glam to TV screens across the nation. With a salon full of loyal clients, a growing online presence, and a portfolio that includes working on shows like X Factor, Liz proves that with determination and heart, anything is possible.

We chat about:

• How a single DM turned into a career-defining opportunity
• The daily hustle of running a busy salon and juggling creative projects
• Her mentors and the pivotal advice that shaped her path
• What it’s really like working behind the scenes in TV production
• Finding harmony between a fast-paced career and family life

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your own beauty journey, Liz’s story is a powerful reminder that your big break could be one message away.

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