Australian makeup artist Holly Harnwell shares what it takes to attend to some the most-followed clients in the country.
Holly, you have seven years’ experience under your belt as a Melbourne-based hair and makeup artist. What training did you undertake in this field before commencing your career?
“I began my training in this field at The Academy of Makeup in South Yarra where I did my Diploma of Makeup. I then went to New York for two months and assisted top makeup artists over there to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. When I came back to Melbourne, I continued assisting and learning from the best makeup artists I knew, until I had enough confidence to say ‘yes’ to my own jobs. This was the best route for learning not only makeup and hair tips, but how to act professionally on high-profile photoshoots, which I believe is one of the most important lessons to learn for anyone wanting to make it in the industry.”
Your bio reads, “Her work is characterised by a distinctive touch, showcasing natural, flawlessly blended perfection.” What does this mean to you?
“I believe that makeup should enhance your natural features, and make you look and feel beautiful as yourself; not completely change the way you look. When I do makeup, I focus on enhancing natural beauty. I want your skin to look the best it has ever looked without being able to detect where and how the makeup has been placed. I want to make your eyebrows look like they are naturally full and perfectly shaped, without seeing the colour in them. And I want to enhance your eyes so the colour stands out, instead of adding too much makeup and too many lashes that can easily close the eyes off.
I’ve always said that you want a person’s complement after you have had your makeup done to be ‘wow, you look amazing’, or ‘you are glowing’, not ‘the makeup you have on looks nice’. To do this, you need to know what products to use, where to place them, and how to properly blend for a flawless natural finish. This is what I focus on in every makeup application.”
Name your top three can’t-work-without makeup products.
- “Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
- Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick in Truffle.”
I understand you have produced looks for some of Australia’s best-known influencers, from Steph Claire Smith to Natalie Roser. How did your first connection to the influencer space come about? And how did you go about securing ongoing work with influencers after that?
“My first interaction with models and influencers started on photoshoots. I would get booked to do a photoshoot from a client and many times, the person I was booked to do makeup for would end up being a well-known influencer. If they liked the makeup, they would share on socials and be happy to pass your name around which builds trust for other influencers looking to book you. Word of mouth is definitely one of the most important aspects of having success as a makeup artist.”
“Word of mouth is definitely one of the most important aspects of having success as a makeup artist.”
What (personal and professional) qualities do you believe have been instrumental in helping you secure the jobs you’ve done?
“Being a freelance makeup artist, you are your business. I always took a lot of pride in how I presented myself to my clients with an emphasis on professionalism. I have always made sure I have been early to jobs, organised with my kit, and done my best to form personal connections with my clients, which always leads to ongoing work. I have also always been good at remaining calm in high-pressure environments, which is important as the nature of this industry – especially on high-profile photoshoots – can get stressful at times.”
What advice would you pass on to emerging hair and makeup artists hoping to work with influencers and celebrities?
“Assist other hair and makeup artists that have the career you want as much as possible. I cannot tell you how valuable assisting was for me. Not only will you learn skills and techniques, but learning how to be professional on photoshoots and high- profile jobs will make all the difference for you securing your own work.”
Interview: Hannah Gay | Photography: Supplied/@makeupbyhollyharnwell
This article originally appeared in the Issue 01 2025 print issue of Professional Beauty magazine. Read it here.
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