Top 10 Makeup Artist in the World 2025
Have you ever looked at Instagram and wondered how celebrities always look so perfect? Behind every amazing red carpet look, magazine cover, and popular beauty style is a makeup artist who can turn anyone into a work of art. These artists aren’t just people with makeup brushes — they are creative leaders who set beauty trends, start big brands, and change what makeup can do.
In 2025, makeup artists are more powerful and creative than ever. Pat McGrath, named the most influential makeup artist by Vogue, leads the way, but she’s joined by many other talented artists. These artists have built huge businesses, broken down barriers, and keep pushing what beauty means.
|
No. |
Makeup Artist |
|---|---|
|
10 |
Charlotte Tilbury |
|
9 |
Allan Avendaño |
|
8 |
Gucci Westman |
|
7 |
Hung Vanngo |
|
6 |
Patrick Ta |
|
5 |
Mary Phillips |
|
4 |
Lisa Eldridge |
|
3 |
Sir John |
|
2 |
Mario Dedivanovic |
|
1 |
Pat McGrath |
10. Charlotte Tilbury - The British Beauty Empire
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzTfGag7Xj/?hl=en
Why she's iconic: Both a legendary makeup artist and cosmetic mogul, Tilbury has built one of beauty's most successful brands while maintaining her artistry credentials.
Empire highlights:
- Global brand success: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty is featured in Nordstrom, Harvey Nichols, and Bergdorf Goodman worldwide
- Fashion week veteran: Worked with Vanity Fair, V magazine, LOVE magazine, Brazilian Vogue
- Digital pioneer: Early adopter of YouTube beauty education
- Mentorship legacy: Trained other famous artists, including Sir John
Celebrity roster: Kate Moss, Amal Clooney, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek
Signature style: Timeless Hollywood glamour with modern sophistication.
9. Allan Avendaño - The Creative Visionary
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ-J-P3SoFv/?
Why he's rising: Born in Quezon City, Philippines, on October 20, 1976, Allan Avendaño is a well-known makeup artist who is praised for his work with well-known celebrities and contributions to the beauty industry.
Creative highlights:
- Artistic background: Transitioned from television production to makeup artistry
- Bold vision: Avendaño's work makes smokey shadows and glossy eyes the center of each look
- Rising influence: Allan's celebrity-studded Instagram serves up colorful, fresh beauty looks on some of the most recognized faces
Celebrity roster: Camila Cabello, Lucy Hale, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Graham
Signature style: Dramatic and exciting touch with prismatic eyes – perfect for those who want makeup as art.
8. Gucci Westman - The Clean Beauty Pioneer
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJwrbEBOQ-Q/?hl=en
Why she matters: As a respected makeup artist and businesswoman, Gucci Westman is well-known for her contributions to the beauty industry as well as her dedication to the production of premium cosmetics that are free of harmful ingredients.
Revolutionary approach:
- Clean beauty advocate: Pioneered luxury makeup without harmful ingredients
- Celebrity whisperer: Classic girl-next-door makeup tips (she paints the faces of Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Anniston, after all)
- Westman Atelier success: Westman's Westman Atelier, which saw slower, more measured growth than its peers, has become a bright spot in a post-pandemic prestige colour category
Celebrity roster: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway
Signature style: Natural, effortless beauty that enhances rather than masks.
7. Hung Vanngo - The Sultry Specialist
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBKaCyJp5RR/?hl=en&img_index=2
Why he's coveted: Hung Vanngo is a well-known makeup artist who is lauded for his creative approaches to the art of makeup application and his numerous partnerships with prominent personalities.
What makes him unique:
- International background: Born in Vietnam, moved to Canada, bringing diverse beauty perspectives
- Sultry signature: Smudged-out eyeshadow and nude matte pouts
- A-list loyalty: Clients return repeatedly for his signature sultry aesthetic
Celebrity roster: Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Emily Ratajkowski, Karlie Kloss
Signature style: Smoky, sultry eyes with perfectly nude lips – the ultimate date night look.
6. Patrick Ta - The Sculpting Sensation
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ_tXdXM137/?
Why he's booming: Patrick Ta, a renowned American makeup artist and entrepreneur, was born on February 12, 1991, in San Diego, California. He has achieved prominence for his work with high-profile celebrities and his eponymous beauty line, Patrick Ta Beauty.
Career trajectory:
- Humble beginnings: Started at MAC Cosmetics counter in Arizona after his salon went bankrupt
- Celebrity magnet: Adriana Lima, Emily Ratajkowski, Rihanna, and Gigi Hadid all turn to Patrick Ta for makeup artistry
- Business success: Patrick Ta Beauty has become a cult favorite among makeup enthusiasts
Celebrity roster: Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Shay Mitchell
Signature style: Matte and contoured looks that blend seamlessly together for sultry drama
5. Mary Phillips - The Gen Z Goddess
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKCtflpJaXl/?
Why she's trending: She is noted for her exceptional work with high-profile clientele such as Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber. Phillips represents the new generation of artists who've mastered both traditional techniques and social media influence.
What sets her apart:
- Glazed donut skin pioneer: The mastermind behind Hailey Bieber's signature dewy look
- Cross-generational appeal: Equally loved by Gen Z influencers and A-list legends
- Technique innovator: Famous for "underpainting" and creating luminous, glass-skin effects
Celebrity roster: Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid
Signature style: Bronze makeup looks with a touch of dewy skin – the ultimate "your skin but better" aesthetic.
4. Lisa Eldridge - The British Beauty Revolutionary
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrh4IXMcHX/?hl=en
Why she's groundbreaking: In December 2024, Eldridge was appointed an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to cosmetics and fashion handed out by King Charles III, and she's revolutionizing lipstick technology.
Innovation highlights:
- Velvet lipstick inventor: Before one photoshoot, Eldridge had dreamed about wonderfully surreal lips made out of velvet and tried to capture the finish on set with ribbon strips affixed to the model's lips... leading Eldridge to visit cosmetic labs around the world to develop a brand-new, industry-transforming lipstick texture
- Sustainability pioneer: Rouge Experience, the world's first 100 percent recyclable, refillable lipstick
- Education master: 250 million YouTube views teaching makeup techniques
Celebrity roster: Dua Lipa, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Eva Green
Signature style: Classic sophistication with innovative textures and finishes.
3. Sir John - Beyoncé's Beauty Mastermind
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGlQqR4y2r-/?
Why he's essential: He is best known for being a creative collaborator and make-up artist of Beyoncé, and In 2015, Sir John was named a creative director for L'Oréal Paris USA, making him the brand's first Black creative director in the United States.
Iconic moments:
- Super Bowl magic: In 2013, Sir John designed Beyoncé's make-up for the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. Her make-up was lauded as an "insanely gorgeous coppery dream of a makeup look"
- Beychella brilliance: In 2018, Sir John was responsible for Beyoncé's make-up during her performance at Coachella—dubbed "Beychella"—when she became the first black woman to headline the event
- Industry firsts: First Black creative director at L'Oréal Paris USA
Celebrity roster: Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Serena Williams, Zendaya, Margot Robbie
Signature style: 'Second skin' make-up, aka the 'your skin but better' finish that's the secret to Beyoncé's super-glowy, flawless complexion.
2. Mario Dedivanovic - The Contouring King
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrew39OF4Q/?
Why he's unstoppable: Since it launched in 2020, the company has resonated strongly with consumers and revenue is on track to be between $150 million and $200 million in 2024. Mario transformed from a Sephora employee to building a beauty empire alongside Kim Kardashian.
Career-defining moments:
- The Kardashian partnership: His long-term partnership with Kim Kardashian, which has had a considerable impact on the development of contemporary beauty trends, particularly the contouring technique
- Master Class empire: His education program teaches thousands of aspiring artists
- Business acumen: Makeup by Mario received its first ever funding last week at a $200 million valuation
Celebrity roster: Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez
Signature style: Golden skin, nude lips, and the contouring technique that made him famous worldwide.
1. Pat McGrath - The Undisputed Queen
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXbWVuOOIa/?hl=en
Why she reigns supreme: She is the first make-up artist to be made a Dame Commander of the British Empire. In 2025 she was announced as creative director of cosmetics for La Beauté Louis Vuitton. This groundbreaking appointment marks a historic moment – Louis Vuitton's first beauty line led by the world's most respected makeup artist.
What makes her legendary:
- No formal training, maximum impact: McGrath became influential through pure talent and innovation
- Runway royalty: Creative collaborator for Prada, Calvin Klein, Balenciaga, Maison Margiela
- Business empire: Pat McGrath Labs was once valued at $1 billion
- Innovation pioneer: Her first product, Gold 001, was a gold pigment that when mixed with an included solution, produced a foil-effect on the skin. Its initial run of 1,000 sold out in six minutes
Celebrity roster: Naomi Campbell, Hailey Baldwin, Paloma Elsesser, every major supermodel
Signature style: Flawless, luminous skin has always been a constant in my work – creates ethereal, otherworldly looks that blur the line between makeup and art.
Disclaimer:
This list of the Top 10 Makeup Artists in the World 2025 is based on current industry trends, popularity, and available information. Rankings are subjective and may vary depending on personal preferences and emerging talents.
