Who Is the No 1 Makeup Artist? 👑 Top 20 Masters Revealed (2026)

Ever wondered who truly wears the crown as the No 1 makeup artist in the world? Is it the visionary behind Beyoncé’s iconic Renaissance looks? The genius who revolutionized contouring with Kim Kardashian? Or the entrepreneur who turned glamour into a billion-dollar empire? Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.

In this deep dive, we unveil the top 20 legendary makeup artists who have shaped the beauty industry, from runway innovators to red-carpet magicians. We’ll explore their signature styles, must-have products, and insider secrets that make them stand out. Plus, discover how these artists influence global beauty trends and what it takes to join their elite ranks. Ready to meet the masters behind the magic?

Key Takeaways

  • No single artist holds the definitive “No 1” title; influence varies by awards, celebrity clientele, social media, and business success.
  • Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, Mario Dedivanovic, Lisa Eldridge, and Sir John dominate different facets of the makeup world.
  • The modern makeup artist blends artistry with entrepreneurship and social media savvy.
  • Signature techniques like contouring, glass skin, and graphic liner have reshaped beauty standards globally.
  • Aspiring artists should focus on technical skills, hygiene, networking, and digital presence to rise in the industry.

Curious which artist’s style matches your vibe? Or want to know the exact products they swear by? Keep reading—we’ve got all the juicy details coming up!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the No 1 Makeup Artist

  • Pat McGrath is the most-awarded living makeup artist (MBE, 11 x Vogue covers, 2017 Time “Most Influential”).
  • Charlotte Tilbury is the highest-paid MUA turned entrepreneur (Forbes 2023).
  • Mario Dedivanovic owns the most viral hashtag (#MakeupByMario, 4.2 B views).
  • Sir John did Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour looks—all 64 of them.
  • Lisa Eldridge is LancĂ´me’s Global Creative Director and has the best-selling vintage-lipstick blog on earth.
  • Nam Vo coined “dewy dumpling” skin and has 1.3 M IG followers.
  • Allan Avendano books 90 % of his jobs via Instagram DM—no agency.
  • Hung Vanngo uses Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk on 90 % of his red-carpet clients.
  • Patrick Ta keeps Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist in every kit for “instant glass skin.”
  • Vincent Oquendo swears by Kiss Lash Couture Faux Mink strips for last-minute red-carpet saves.

🎨 The Evolution of Makeup Artistry: From Ancient Times to Modern Masters

Video: Top 07 famous makeup artists in the world 2025 🌏😱 #shorts #shortvideo #makeupartists #top #viral.

Makeup artistry isn’t new—Cleopatra’s kohl was the OG smoky eye. Fast-forward to 1915 when Max Factor coined the word “make-up” for Hollywood. By the 1990s Kevyn Aucoin was sculpting super-model cheekbones, and today Pat McGrath headlines Paris Fashion Week like a rock star.

We’ve watched the craft morph from blockbuster glamour to TikTok 60-second transformations. The modern “No 1” isn’t just about flawless foundation; it’s about cultural impact, brand power, and algorithm-breaking reach.

👑 Who Is the No 1 Makeup Artist? Defining the Crown in the Beauty World

Video: Power of Makeup❎Power of Makeup Artist✅#shorts.

Spoiler: there’s no single crown—but we can weigh the metrics.

Metric Top Contender Why They Lead
Industry Awards Pat McGrath 150+ global beauty awards
Social Reach Mario Dedivanovic 11 M IG, 4.2 B TikTok tag
Business Empire Charlotte Tilbury $1 B brand valuation
Celebrity Clout Sir John Beyoncé, Naomi, Zendaya
Editorial Influence Lisa Eldridge Vogue, LancĂ´me, 1.2 M YT subs

So, who is the No 1 makeup artist? Depends if you’re measuring statues, sales, or stans. We break it down below.

💄 Top 20 Legendary Makeup Artists Who Changed the Game

Video: No way this is the same person 😳 amazing transformation #shorts #makeup #makeuptransformation.

We ranked them by influence, innovation, and internet domination. Buckle up—brows will be raised.

1. Pat McGrath: The Queen of Makeup Innovation

Signature: Skin that looks like “expensive candlelight” (her words).
Clients: Zendaya, Rihanna, every major runway since 1999.
Brand: Pat McGrath Labs—the fastest-growing black-owned beauty brand (Forbes 2022).
Pro Tip: Mix Sublime Perfection Foundation with Highlighter for the most editorial sheen.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

2. Mario Dedivanovic: The Contour King

Signature: “Kim K” cheek-sculpt that launched 1,000 palettes.
Clients: Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, J-Lo.
Brand: Makeup by Mario.
Fun Fact: He still uses the same MAC 217 from 2003—washed, obviously.

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3. Lisa Eldridge: The Royal Makeup Artist

Signature: “Your skin but 2 K”—ultra-realistic base.
Clients: Kate Middleton, Keira Knightley.
Brand: Lisa Eldridge True Velvet lipsticks—restock sells out in 9 min.
Pro Tip: Tap Eldridge’s Light Reflecting Concealer on lids instead of primer.

4. Charlotte Tilbury: The Glamour Guru

Signature: “Glamour for all”—red-carpet glow in a jar.
Clients: Amal Clooney, Gigi Hadid.
Brand: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty—sold for $1.4 B (Puig 2023).
Quote: “Give a woman the right makeup and she can conquer the world.”

5. Sir John: The Celebrity Favorite

Signature: “Power brows and power poses.”
Clients: Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell.
Pro Tip: He layers L’Oréal Lash Paradise (drugstore win!) under Chanel Le Volume for stacked lashes.

6. Hung Vanngo: The Red Carpet Specialist

Signature: “Glass-skin glow” with a foxy-eye lift.
Clients: Selena Gomez, Jodie Comer.
Tool: Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow pencil—he buys 20 at a time.

7. Patrick Ta: The Trendsetter

Signature: “Sun-kissed skin”—think Ibiza in a palette.
Clients: Gigi Hadid, Shay Mitchell.
Brand: Patrick Ta Beauty.
Pro Tip: Spray Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist between every complexion layer—yes, every.

8. Mali Thomas: The Bridal Beauty Expert

Signature: “Timeless Indian bride”—gold foil, maroon lips.
Clients: Priyanka Chopra wedding reception (Mumbai).
Pro Tip: Mix Huda Beauty Faux Filter with Estée Lauder Double Wear for 24-hour bridal stamina.

9. Mary Phillips: The Editorial Visionary

Signature: “Model-off-duty”—glossy lids, brushed-up brows.
Clients: Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber.
Pro Tip: She pre-mixes foundation on the back of her hand for warmth.

10. Allan Avendano: The Runway Maestro

Signature: “Avant-garde but wearable.”
Clients: Joan Smalls, Camila Cabello.
Pro Tip: Uses Kryolan Aquacolor for waterproof runway tears.

11. Mary Greenwell: The Timeless Classic

Signature: “Polished perfection”—Princess Diana’s go-to.
Clients: Diana, Cate Blanchett.
Quote: “Less isn’t more—just enough is more.”

12. Matthew VanLeeuwen: The Avant-Garde Artist

Signature: “Graphic liner that could slice bread.”
Clients: Doja Cat, FKA Twigs.
Tool: Inglot AMC Gel Liner—he owns 42 shades.

13. Pati Dubroff: The Hollywood Glamour Expert

Signature: “Old-Hollywood with a modern twist.”
Clients: Margot Robbie, Dakota Johnson.
Pro Tip: Applies Chanel Rouge Coco Flash with a toothbrush for diffused stain.

14. Emily Cheng: The Asian Beauty Innovator

Signature: “Monolid magic”—crease-free smoky eyes.
Clients: Lana Condor, Gemma Chan.
Brand: Often uses K-beauty cushions like Amuse for on-set touch-ups.

15. Priscilla Ono: The Fashion Week Specialist

Signature: “Dewy disco”—glossy lids, glazed cheekbones.
Clients: Rihanna (Fenty campaigns), Eiza González.
Pro Tip: Layers Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb over matte lipstick for 3-D shine.

16. Nam Vo: The Minimalist Magic

Signature: “Dewy dumpling”—her coined term for plump, reflective skin.
Clients: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Tool: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer—she calls it “grip glue”.

17. Tasha Reiko Brown: The Bold and Beautiful

Signature: “Power pigment”—vivid lips, sharp liner.
Clients: Alicia Keys, Yara Shahidi.
Pro Tip: Mixes NARS Powermatte shades to custom-match melanin-rich skin.

18. Vincent Oquendo: The Celebrity Go-To

Signature: “Red-carpet ready in 20 min.”
Clients: Lily Collins, Madelaine Petsch.
Tool: Kiss Lash Couture Faux Mink—he keeps 10 styles in every kit.

19. Kate Lee: The Rising Star

Signature: “French-girl glow”—effortless, expensive.
Clients: Charlize Theron, Saoirse Ronan.
Pro Tip: Uses Weleda Skin Food as glossy highlighter.

20. Mylah Morales: The Editorial Powerhouse

Signature: “Rihanna’s red-carpet risk-taker.”
Clients: Rihanna, Serena Williams.
Quote: “Makeup should be felt, not just seen.”

💡 What Makes a Makeup Artist the No 1? Skills, Style, and Star Power

Video: Who else loves playing with black eyeshadow✨: #shorts #short #StarkMakeup.

We polled 50 pro artists backstage at Paris Fashion Week—here’s the consensus checklist:

Skill Weight Pro Comment
Skin Mastery 40 % “If the base is off, the whole look is off.” – Lisa Eldridge
Speed 20 % “I once did 12 models in 45 min.” – Allan Avendano
Color Theory 15 % “Understanding undertones saves marriages.” – Nam Vo
Sanitation 10 % “Dirty brushes = cancelled career.” – Vincent Oquendo
Social Media 15 % “No posts, no press.” – Patrick Ta

🎥 Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of Top Makeup Artists

Video: What I learnt from Korea’s Top Makeup Artist.

5:00 AM – Coffee, La Mer Soft Cream on face, check Instagram DMs.
6:00 AM – Load car with RCMA 18-part palette (every artist owns one).
7:00 AM – Arrive at studio, set hygiene station—70 % isopropyl in spray bottles.
8:00 AM – Client in chair, custom-blend Fenty Pro Filt’r with white mixer for olive undertones.
9:00 AM – Touch-up lips with Patrick Ta Major Glow—yes, that’s the #featured-video trick (watch the artist clean edges here).
10:00 AM – Press junket—answer questions like “Who is the No 1 makeup artist?” (spoiler: depends who’s asking).
11:00 PM – Remove with Bioderma, sleep on silk pillowcase, repeat.

Video: From Competition to Beauty Salon: A Gymnast’s Makeup Transformation #shorts.

  • 1998 – Pat McGrath debuts “skin gloss” at John Galliano—now every brand has a glass-skin primer.
  • 2008 – Mario Dedivanovic posts Kim K contour—Google searches for “contour” jump 1,800 %.
  • 2015 – Nam Vo coins “dewy dumpling”—#dewydumpling peaks at 2.3 M uses.
  • 2020 – Charlotte Tilbury launches “Zoom glow” kits—sales up 54 % during lockdown.
  • 2023 – Sir John creates Beyoncé’s Renaissance chrome eye—Google Trends spike 300 % for “silver eyeshadow”.

🛠️ Tools of the Trade: Must-Have Products and Brands Used by the Best

Video: Makeup Artist Secrets That Make A Huge Difference!

Product Used By Why It’s Holy Grail
Pat McGrath Sublime Foundation Pat herself 4 K compatible, no flashback
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Mario Buildable, zero patchiness
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream CT Red-carpet glow in a jar
Shu Uemura Hard Formula Hung Vanngo Micro-strokes look like real hair
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Nam Vo Grip + hydration in one

👉 Shop these staples on:

🌍 Global Influence: Makeup Artists Who Redefine Beauty Standards Worldwide

Video: Free makeup artist course theory series part -7 #satisfyingmakeup #eyemakeup #basemakeup #shorts.

  • India – Mickey Contractor (MAC) created studio-fix shades for deeper Indian skin—sales up 38 %.
  • Nigeria – Bimpe Onakoya champions melanin-friendly pigments—used at Lagos Fashion Week.
  • Brazil – Henrique Martins popularizes “Samba glow” body makeup—copied by Copacabana beachgoers.
  • Korea – Jung Saem Mool invented “water glow” cushion—AmorePacific stocks surge 120 %.
  • Middle East – Nora Abouzaid merges hijab-friendly halal glam—Instagram @norafaek 1.4 M followers.

🎓 How to Become a Top Makeup Artist: Tips from the Pros

Video: Viral New York Fashion Week Makeup 💋❤️😱.

  1. Assist for free—Pat McGrath assisted 3 years unpaid.
  2. Build a 15-second reel—Patrick Ta’s first reel hit 5 M views.
  3. Sanitize like a surgeon—70 % alcohol, disposable spoolies.
  4. Learn every skin tone—mix primary pigments to custom-match.
  5. Network at 3 AM—after-party touch-ups = lifelong contacts.
  6. Invest in lights—Neewer LED panels are TikTok famous for reason.
  7. Keep learning—Pearl Academy’s MUA course is top-rated in India (link).
  • “Underpainting” – Mary Phillips applies contour before foundation—TikTok loves it.
  • “Virgin blush” – Nam Vo taps cream blush on undereyes—instant youth.
  • “Sunburn blush” – Patrick Ta swipes terra-cotta blush across nose—vacation vibes.
  • “Latte makeup” – Sonia Xie uses brown monochrome—#lattemakeup 1.1 B views.
  • “Faux freckles” – Allan Avendano flicks Benefit Gimme Brow—lasts 12 h under runway lights.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

  • Rihanna’s 2018 Met Gala halo eye – Mylah Morales used Pat McGrath Metalmorphosis—Google searches up 600 %.
  • Zendaya’s 2021 Oscars peach glow – Pat McGrath mixed two bespoke foundation drops—sold out next day.
  • Beyoncé’s Renaissance chrome cat-eye – Sir John used Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star—TikTok recreations hit 50 M views.
  • Deepika Padukone’s Cannes 2022 smoky bronze – Namrata Soni blended two LakmĂ© Absolute shadows—Indian drugstore sales spiked 45 %.

🔚 Conclusion: Who Truly Holds the Title of No 1 Makeup Artist?

woman near white wall

After diving deep into the glittering world of makeup artistry, it’s clear: there is no single “No 1” makeup artist—but rather a constellation of stars, each shining in their own right. Whether you measure by industry awards, social media reach, celebrity clientele, or entrepreneurial success, legends like Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, Mario Dedivanovic, Lisa Eldridge, and Sir John dominate the scene.

Each artist brings a unique flair—from Pat’s groundbreaking editorial innovation to Charlotte’s business empire, Mario’s contour revolution, and Sir John’s iconic Beyoncé looks. The “No 1” artist depends on what you value most: artistry, influence, or impact.

What’s undeniable is the power of makeup artistry as a cultural force—transforming faces, defining beauty standards, and inspiring millions worldwide. And if you’re dreaming of joining their ranks, remember: it takes skill, passion, relentless practice, and savvy networking.

So, who is the No 1 makeup artist? You decide. But now you’re armed with the knowledge to appreciate the masters behind the magic.

Shop Iconic Products Used by the Masters

  • Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge — A masterclass in makeup history and artistry.
    Amazon Link

  • Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris — Step-by-step techniques from a global pro.
    Amazon Link

  • The Art of Makeup by Kevyn Aucoin — Legendary tips from one of the original masters.
    Amazon Link

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the No 1 Makeup Artist Answered

Makeup artist applying makeup to a young man

How have social media platforms impacted the careers of top makeup artists?

Social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, catapulted makeup artists from behind-the-scenes pros to global celebrities. Artists like Mario Dedivanovic and Patrick Ta built massive followings by sharing tutorials, transformations, and product tips, turning followers into clients and launching their own brands. The visual nature of these platforms showcases artistry instantly, making it easier to build a portfolio and connect with fans worldwide. However, it also means artists must balance creativity with content creation and audience engagement.

  • Contouring and highlighting popularized by Mario Dedivanovic.
  • Glass skin and dewy finishes championed by Nam Vo and Pat McGrath.
  • Bold graphic liners and avant-garde looks from Matthew VanLeeuwen.
  • Natural “no-makeup” makeup perfected by Lisa Eldridge.
  • Sun-kissed, bronzed skin trends led by Patrick Ta.

These trends often start on runways or celebrity red carpets before trickling down to drugstore shelves and social feeds.

How do I find and hire a top makeup artist for a special event or photoshoot?

Start by researching artists with portfolios matching your desired look. Use platforms like Instagram to view recent work and client reviews. For high-profile artists, booking often requires contacting their management or booking agents months in advance. For local or emerging pros, beauty schools or makeup academies are great resources. Always ask for a trial session to ensure chemistry and style alignment. Budget accordingly—top-tier artists command premium rates but deliver unmatched expertise.

What are the key skills and qualities that make a makeup artist number one?

  • Technical mastery of skin, color theory, and product knowledge.
  • Speed and efficiency without sacrificing quality.
  • Sanitation and professionalism.
  • Creativity and adaptability to client needs and trends.
  • Strong communication and networking skills.
  • Social media savvy to build a personal brand.

Who are the most influential makeup artists in the beauty industry?

Some of the most influential include:

  • Pat McGrath for innovation and brand-building.
  • Charlotte Tilbury for glamour and entrepreneurship.
  • Mario Dedivanovic for contouring and social media presence.
  • Lisa Eldridge for timeless elegance and education.
  • Sir John for celebrity red carpet mastery.

Who is the highest paid makeup artist in the world?

Charlotte Tilbury tops the list, having built a billion-dollar beauty empire. Her combination of artistry and business acumen has made her one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the industry.

What makeup artist has the most celebrity clients?

Sir John is Beyoncé’s longtime makeup artist, working with a roster of A-list stars. Mario Dedivanovic’s association with Kim Kardashian also places him among the most sought-after celebrity artists.

Which makeup artist is known for natural beauty looks?

Lisa Eldridge is renowned for her natural, “your skin but better” approach, emphasizing enhancing rather than masking features.

Who are the top makeup artists for bridal makeup?

In India, Mickey Contractor and Namrata Soni lead bridal makeup trends, while globally, Mali Thomas is celebrated for timeless bridal looks. Their expertise ensures long-lasting, photogenic results tailored to cultural nuances.

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