In a world where trends change with the swipe of a brush and beauty breaks boundaries daily, certain makeup artists stand out not just for their skills but for their vision. These artists are redefining glam, pushing creative limits, and influencing everything from runway looks to your For You Page. Whether they're blending pigments backstage at Fashion Week or transforming faces on TikTok, these are the 10 makeup artists making serious waves in the beauty industry. Trust us—you're going to want to follow them now.
What makes a makeup artist a valuable brand partner?
Their credibility, technical expertise, and deep understanding of both products and application techniques make makeup artists incredibly valuable partners for beauty brands. Unlike general influencers, MUAs bring a professional lens to product evaluation—they know what works across different skin types, tones, and textures, and can speak to ingredients, performance, and wear with authority. This level of expertise fosters consumer trust, especially among makeup enthusiasts and professionals seeking honest, skill-based recommendations.
In addition, MUAs are natural educators and storytellers. They don’t just showcase products—they demonstrate how to use them, explain why they’re effective, and often turn a simple tutorial into a mini-masterclass. This educational value drives engagement, boosts conversion, and positions the brand as performance-driven rather than trend-dependent.
Whether they’re hosting a live demonstration, filming a step-by-step tutorial, publishing a deep-dive product review, or creating an exclusive collection, MUAs have the power to elevate your brand’s authenticity, professionalism, and desirability. Their endorsements carry weight because they’re grounded in artistry, not just aesthetics.
Ultimately, working with an MUA isn’t just about promotion—it’s about aligning your brand with technical credibility, aspirational beauty, and meaningful connection with your audience.
Are makeup artists more influential than traditional beauty influencers?
In many ways, yes. While beauty influencers excel at relatability and trend amplification, makeup artists bring technical skill, artistry, and industry authority. They’re often the ones creating the looks that influencers and consumers later replicate.
MUAs are trusted because their recommendations come from hands-on experience—they test products across skin types, under studio lighting, and in high-pressure environments like runway or red carpet events. This makes their influence more credible and long-lasting.
Unlike influencers who focus on entertainment or lifestyle, makeup artists focus on education and technique. They teach audiences how to use products effectively, often turning a product mention into a mini masterclass.
While influencers offer reach, MUAs offer trust, expertise, and trend-setting power, making their influence not only impactful but often more sustainable in the long run.
Who are the Top 10 MUAs to watch?
Take a look at the official list of the Top 10 MUAs to watch, curated by Director Jack Hayes and Senior Celebrity & Brand Partnership Executive Laura Hayes.
1. Manny MUA
Manny MUA is a renowned makeup artist, beauty influencer, and YouTuber with nearly 10 million followers. Known for his creative makeup looks—ranging from glam to SFX—he shares tutorials, reviews, and transformations on YouTube. On Instagram, he offers glimpses into his personal life. Manny became Maybelline’s first male ambassador, collaborated with top brands, and launched his own makeup line, Lunar Beauty, in 2018.
2. Nikkie Tutorials
Nikkie de Jager, known online as NikkieTutorials, is a renowned Dutch beauty influencer and makeup artist. She gained global fame through YouTube with her tutorials, reviews, and “Power of Makeup” video. After studying makeup artistry, she worked professionally before focusing on social media. In 2020, she came out as transgender. Nikkie has hosted Eurovision online, appeared on Drag Race Holland, and serves as a United Nations goodwill ambassador.
3. Jeffree Star
Jeffree Star is a beauty influencer, makeup artist, entrepreneur, and musician with over 20 million followers. He first rose to fame on MySpace and later expanded into music and YouTube. His cosmetics brand, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, skyrocketed his popularity, making his channel a hub for beauty tutorials, reviews, and lifestyle content. Jeffree also launched a fashion line, worked on film sets, and is a powerful voice in beauty and influencer marketing.
4. Val Garland
Val Garland is a renowned London-based makeup artist known for her bold, artistic style. Starting as a hair colorist in Sydney, her passion for colour led to a successful makeup career. She returned to London in 1994, working with fashion icons like Alexander McQueen and Kate Moss, and top publications like Vogue. Garland became L'Oréal Paris Global Makeup Director in 2017 and a judge on BBC’s Glow Up in 2019.
5. Glow Up with Becca
Becca, known as Glow Up with Becca, is a rising health and fitness influencer promoting a balanced lifestyle through nutrition, exercise, and wellness. Her Instagram showcases colorful meals and health tips, while her TikTok features daily routines, snack ideas, and personal chats. Becca also hosts a podcast focused on feeling and looking good, covering topics like marathon training, vitamins, alcohol-free living, and motivation for a full-body glow-up.
6. The Sunday Girl
The Sunday Girl, run by Adrienne Söndag, is a beauty blog focused on makeup, skincare, and product reviews. With nearly a decade of blogging experience and a global following, Adrienne shares expert insights, beauty tips, and new releases. Her Instagram features stunning product photography and seasonal ideas. An award-winning blogger, she’s earned accolades from Cosmopolitan and Blogosphere, making The Sunday Girl a trusted name in the beauty community worldwide.
7. Jennie Jenkins
Jennie Jenkins is a leading beauty and fashion influencer with over a million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Known for her makeup tutorials, product reviews, fashion hauls, and lifestyle content, Jennie blends expert advice with relatable charm. A psychology graduate turned beauty pro, she’s collaborated with top brands like Fenty Beauty, Too Faced, and Fashion Nova. Her honest reviews and stylish content have made her a trusted voice in online beauty.
8. Dominic Skinner
Dominic Skinner is a London-based makeup artist with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Known for his creativity and passion, he has worked with top designers, photographers, and iconic artists worldwide. As MAC’s Global Senior Artist, his Instagram showcases backstage looks and global inspirations. A mentor and judge on BBC Three’s Glow Up, Dominic is dedicated to nurturing new talent and promoting makeup as a powerful, credible art form.
9. Patrick Starr
Patrick Starrr, a Filipino-American makeup artist and digital beauty pioneer, rose to fame on YouTube in 2013. Known for his bold looks and message that “makeup is one-size fits all,” he’s collaborated with stars like Katy Perry and launched five MAC collections. In 2020, he founded the inclusive beauty brand ONE/SIZE. Also a podcast host and LGBTQ+ advocate, Patrick champions self-expression and continues to break barriers in the beauty industry.
10. Belle Hassan
Belle Hassan, a former Love Island star and trained makeup artist, rose to fame in 2019 with her bubbly personality and beauty expertise. Daughter of actor Tamer Hassan, she embraced the spotlight with confidence and authenticity. Since the show, Belle has built a strong social media presence, sharing makeup tips, tutorials, and lifestyle content with over a million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Her charm and relatable energy keep fans engaged and inspired.
Ready to Work with a Beauty Influencer?
If you're looking to collaborate with an MUA influencer to boost your next campaign, you’re in the right place.
Connect directly with one of our expert Matchmakers at 0203 9580 427 to discuss every detail—from creative concept and target audience to budget and execution. Prefer a quick start online? Fill out our online contact form to begin the process. Let our influencers bring authentic reach and lasting impact to your brand.
