Top 12 International Makeup Artists

From Bobbi Brown to Sam Fine – these are the experts that beautify the celebs you love.

Written by Nisha Baghadia, MA (Mass Communication)
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Anu Pallavi, BA  • 

The famous makeup artists worldwide have time again created beauty trends that have taken the fashion industry by storm. Good fashion is not limited to the Page 3 glitterati anymore. The current generation has a striking taste and is reinventing styles every day by following celebs and experts (like cosmetologists) on social media and through beauty campaigns. But one’s makeup artistry has to be on fleek to rock those innovative and fresh styles. From A-list celebrities to the most trending lifestyle and beauty influencers, everyone has their favorite makeup artists. Whether it is runway shows, photoshoots, or red-carpet events, makeup artists never fail to groom the fashion icons to perfection. Some of us drooled over the iconic makeup looks created by them, and others aspired to become as skilled as these titans of the beauty industry. They have helped celebrities and brand ambassadors ace various looks with great swag and unflinching confidence. If you want to know more about the artists influencing the latest makeup trends worldwide, scroll down for the deets!

Top 12 International Makeup Artists

Here are the world’s top 12 international makeup artists who are recognized for their contribution in creating beauty through cosmetics. Here we go!

1. Bobbi Brown

Image: Shutterstock

Hers is a well-recognized name in the world of fashion and makeup! Bobbi Brown is one of the most well-established makeup artists in the world. She is the CEO of her cosmetics company, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and also The Today Show’s beauty editor.

2. Laura Mercier

Image: Pinterest

Have you heard of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, Body & Bath, Skincare and Fragrance? Well, Laura Mercier is none other than its creator. Celebrities such as Juliette Binoche, Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker look only to her for makeup. Apart from dolling up celebs, she contributes to cover designs and editorial shoots for some of the world’s most popular magazines.

3. Richard Taylor

Image: Pinterest

He is one of the most well-known makeup artists in Hollywood. Winner of 5 Oscars, 4 BAFTAs and many other prestigious awards, Richard Taylor is the co-founder and co-director of Wellington’s Weta companies. You may recognize his name owing to his fantastic work on the Lord of the Rings.

4. Billy B

Image: Pinterest

He is the consulting makeup artist for the cosmetic giant, L’Oreal Paris. He has worked with international fashion and beauty magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Vanity Fair. His creativity and flair is what has made him one of the most successful makeup artists today.

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Billy B is famous for his work with Lady Gaga for cover photoshoots, individual appearances, world tours, and music videos, including Bad Romance, Born This Way, and Telephone.

5. Pat McGrath

Image: Pinterest

She is named one of the most prominent makeup artists in the world by the international magazine Vogue. That’s saying something about her! She is among the beauty industry veterans and has a great social media presence. She has done makeup for film and TV celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston, and Madonna, just to name a few. She is currently Procter & Gamble’s Global Cosmetics Creative Design Director.

6. Charlie Green

Image: Pinterest

This is a woman who has been in the fashion and makeup industry for 20 years and is still one of the leading international makeup artists in the circuit! She is the talent behind some of the most fabulous red carpet looks sported by celebrities.

7. Rick Baker

Do you remember the movie “An American Werewolf in London”? Well, here is the genius behind the fantastic makeup of the 1981 movie. He has received multiple Oscars for his creative makeup and is a record holder in the Guinness World Record Book for being the recipient of the most Oscars for contributing to makeup and style in Hollywood.

8. Stan Winston

Image: Shutterstock

This is the man behind the international makeup for movies such as The Jurassic Park, Predator and Terminator series. He also worked in the movies Avatar and Iron Man. His creative genius is recognized both in Hollywood as well as on the international circuit.

9. Michele Burke

Image: Pinterest

Shadow, light, color and form is what this makeup genius works with and it is this combination that has made her one of the most esteemed makeup artists in the world. She has won 2 Oscars and 6 nominations for her contribution to make up in Hollywood.

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Michele Burke emigrated to Canada in 1973 and started working as a model in Montreal before becoming one of the global makeup artists.

10. Sam Fine

Image: Pinterest

11. Lisa Eldridge

Lisa Eldridge at the Inaugural Variety and WWD StyleMakers Event, 2015
Image: Shutterstock

Lisa Eldridge’s influence in the beauty industry is undeniable. She has worked with an array of A-list celebrities, including Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, and Emma Roberts. Lisa became the Creative Director of Lancôme in 2015, marking a significant collaboration with the renowned cosmetics brand. Her book “Face Paint: The Story of Makeup” delves into the history of makeup, showcasing her profound knowledge and passion for the subject.

12. Gucci Westman

Gucci Westman at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's 2019 Hot Pink Party at Park Avenue Armory
Image: Shutterstock

Gucci Westman flaunts an impressive career in the beauty and fashion industry, having worked with numerous A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore. Her makeup line, Westman Atelier, is known for its clean and sustainable beauty products. She began her career as a model before transitioning to makeup artistry. Gucci has been a lead makeup artist at prestigious fashion events like New York Fashion Week, with her work featured in high-profile fashion magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar.

Infographic: Top 5 Beauty Tips Shared By Famous Makeup Artists

Your makeup can make or break your entire look. Whether you are a makeup newbie or a beauty enthusiast, following the advice given by people who have been in the industry for many years can help elevate your look. Check out the infographic below for the top five beauty tips recommended by renowned makeup artists to nail your look every single time.

top 5 red carpet beauty tips shared by famous makeup artists (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Today, when it comes to makeup techniques, ideas, and products, we have a wide range of options. From Bobbi Brown to Sam Fine, our list consists of some of the most successful makeup artists. While some of them have their makeup line now, some have worked with many celebrities. For the hard work of these makeup artists, they surely deserve immense recognition! Thanks to these superbly talented and famous makeup artists who made the world of makeup so diverse for us all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the defining characteristics of a successful makeup artist?

Some of the defining characteristics of a successful makeup artist are:
• Creativity
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Professionalism
• Willingness to learn
• Time management

How do makeup artists stay current with the latest trends and techniques in their field?

Makeup artists keep up with the trends by participating in beauty events, reading trade journals, attending seminars, following industry influencers, trying out new products, and working with other makeup artists.

What advice do famous makeup artists have for beginners?

The following tips are frequently given by well-known makeup artists to beginners:
• Practice
• Be patient and consistent
• Create a solid portfolio
• Keep up with the most recent trends
• Attend a cosmetology program
• Make connections with other makeup artists

Key Takeaways

  • There are many international makeup artists, from Bobbi Brown to Gucci Westman, known for their diverse talents and few of them have also established their makeup lines.
  • These makeup artists collaborate with other popular artists to showcase their unique talent and also makeup lineup.
  • Many of them have earned international admiration by bagging Oscars and BAFTAs.
famous makeup artists

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Curious about the world’s top makeup artists? Then check out this video that lists the top 10 makeup artists around the globe.
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