5 Makeup Artist-Founded Brands That Belong in Every Beauty Lover’s Bag
From runways to your vanity, iconic brands by industry’s best
In today’s beauty landscape, it seems like everyone – from celebrities, influencers, to even reality TV stars – has a make-up line. But before the never ending flood of celebrity-backed brands, there was the true architects of beauty – professional make-up artists. They are the visionaries who worked behind the scenes, perfecting and painting faces on runways, red carpets, and magazine covers; long before launching their own make-up empires.
Unlike fleeting celebrity brands, these artist-led companies are built on technical expertise, years of industry experience, and an understanding of what truly works. Their products aren’t just marketing hype, they’re backed up by hands-on artistry over decades. Here are five must-have make-up brands founded by the real OGs of the beauty world.
Charlotte Tilbury
It’s impossible to discuss makeup artist-founded brands without mentioning Charlotte Tilbury… the woman who set the blueprint for the industry’s future. With a background working backstage at Prada, Miu Miu, and Alexander McQueen, and shooting for the world’s most prestigious magazines, Tilbury was a powerhouse long before she became a household name.
Charlotte was one of the first make-up artists to transition seamlessly into the digital influencer sphere, using YouTube and social media to build her following before launching her namesake brand in 2013. Today, her products (like the iconic Pillow Talk lipstick and Hollywood Flawless Filter foundation) are global staples. Tilbury’s philosophy? Make-up should be effortless, glowing, and confidence-boosting. And clearly, the world agrees.
Makeup By Mario
Mario Dedivanovic can single-handedly be credited for the contouring craze that then turned into a global modus operandi. Best known as Kim Kardashian’s go-to make-up artist since 2008, he revolutionised beauty trends with his signature sculpted glam. But Dedivanovic’s journey started far from Hollywood…. 20 years ago, he was working as a fragrance sales associate at Sephora in Manhattan.
His breakthrough came a year later, when he met Kim, and together, they re-shaped the beauty industry. His sold-out ‘Masterclass’ workshops became legendary, attracting aspiring artists and make-up lovers… eager to learn his signature techniques. In 2020, he finally launched Make-up by Mario, a brand rooted in pro-level artistry with easy-to-use products, reflecting everything he had perfected over the years.
Patrick Ta
Before Patrick Ta became an industry legend, he was a struggling beauty entrepreneur running a tanning and nail salon. But his setbacks didn’t stop him… it led him to work at a MAC beauty counter, and eventually he got his big break with Gigi Hadid. As Hadid’s stardom rose, so did Ta’s, and soon, he became the go-to make-up artist for Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Shay Mitchell. His own brand, Patrick Ta Beauty, is now known for its luxurious, skin-care infused formulas, particularly its famous Major Headlines Blush Duo, which is consistently sold out.
Pat McGrath
One of the most influential and successful make-up artists in the industry, Pat McGrath has built a legacy that continues to evolve. Her list of achievements is nothing short of extraordinary – she was the first make-up artist in history to receive their highest honour, served as beauty editor-at-large for British Vogue, and was recognized as a ‘titan’ of the fashion industry in Time Magazine’s 2019 list of the 100 Most Influential People.
Born in the UK to a Jamaican mother who was a dressmaker, McGrath’s creative journey was shaped by her rich cultural background and an innate passion for artistry. In 2015, she launched Pat McGrath Labs, her own beauty brand, which by 2019 had grown into a $1 billion empire. Celebrated for her bold and experimental approach to makeup, whether it’s using her fingers as her ultimate tool, or experimenting with colours and textures.
Huda Kattan
No list of make-up artist-founded brands would be complete without Huda Kattan. The Iraqi-American makeup artist started her journey in 2010, with a beauty blog and YouTube channel called Huda Beauty. What started as a passion project quickly evolved into a billion-dollar brand, with Huda Beauty now ranking among the most successful beauty companies in the world. From her viral false lashes to her best-selling Faux Filter Foundation, Huda has consistently created products that cater to a diverse audience. Known for her authentic, no-filter approach to beauty, she has built a brand that resonates with fans across various generations.
So next time you’re shopping for makeup, remember: the best products often come from the hands of the artists who have been shaping beauty long before the world knew their names.
Lead image credits : From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s July/August 2024 Cover