Models and makeup artists play a crucial role in the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries, and when they work together effectively, they can create stunning visuals and bring artistic visions to life. But are there some ways that models and makeup artists can work better together?

We had the pleasure of speaking with Kayleigh, the brilliant mind behind 'By Kayleigh' which is an educational platform catering to makeup artists and creative beauty business owners. Kayleigh offers valuable insights on how models can foster a strong working relationship with their makeup artists during photo shoots and TV commercial campaigns, while also sharing her top tips for better collaboration between models and makeup artists. Get ready to boost your confidence and be fully prepared for any booking by diving into our latest blog post.

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Hi everyone! My name is Kayleigh, and I run an educational platform called 'By Kayleigh' which you can find more information about HERE. After being a makeup artist for 10 years myself, I noticed there was little in the way of community or a place for artists to call their own. I’m on a mission to break down the barriers that stop women from earning money and provide education and support to artists and creative beauty professionals.

Today I want to talk about how models and makeup artists can work better together. I have heard some horror stories in my time. A model will sit in my chair, and after some time chatting, will divulge some makeup artist horror stories. “They used the completely wrong colour on me”. “She double dipped her mascara” “He was SO tough on my skin”. But for a big percentage of the time, we makeup artists and models are working together, and if you ask any of the greats (makeup or models) a lot of them credit the other half, to their success and growth. So today, I wanted to talk about how models and makeup artists can best network, and how they can create a solid relationship with each other and work better! 

Here are my tips for how models and makeup artists can work better together...

BEING CREATIVE IS ALL ABOUT BEING COLLABORATIVE

Communication is everything. This might sound cliché, but I know, from sitting in a hairdresser chair myself and WISHING I had spoken up about a dodgy fringe cut, that I wished I had communicated. Most of the barriers or issues models and makeup artists come up against, can easily be sorted with some communication. If MAC Studio Fix breaks you out, tell the artist. If you dislike pink blusher and know you suit other tones better, tell them. Here’s the thing, it's our first time meeting you and sometimes, you just know your own face better. After all, you have probably been applying makeup to yourself for years! If you are oily, and makeup doesn’t tend to last, tell us. If you would prefer to apply your own mascara tell us. Sometimes, if the brief is bright pink blusher, we have to comply with what the brief says - but being creative is all about being collaborative. Everyone on set wants the best result possible and if we speak up, communicate with each other, and involve in discussion, we can all end up with a better, more confident, end result. 

Key takeaway: Effective communication is key to a successful collaboration. Models should clearly communicate their preferences, concerns, and any specific requirements they may have regarding their makeup. Similarly, makeup artists should actively listen to the models' input and ensure they understand the desired look and style.

Featured SR model: Chelsea Kent

View our new face beauty models

PREPARATION IS KEY

Some things can make our job difficult. (And yours too!) For example, being on your phone can make it 1000x times harder (and longer) for a makeup artist to do your eye makeup. Showing up with last night's makeup on or chipped nail polish or unwashed hair can all impact the end result and the day in general. I was on set once, for a laptop ad. Our lovely model showed up with black, chipped, peeling gel polish when her brief was nude nails. Despite this not being my job (makeup and manicurist can often get confused by production!) I had to run out, find acetone (not easy in the sticks!), and remove and repaint her nails. I couldn’t find acetone, and nude polish does not go easily over black. Safe to say, the nails and the shot were ruined, adding an additional 2hrs onto our shoot day (and lots of retouching for the photographer). Alas, we were not the most popular people on set that day, which could have totally been avoided by some preparation beforehand (by all parties, I could have carried acetone, our model could have been prepped better or production also could have invested in a manicurist on set, or even paid to get the models a manicure.) But here’s the thing, being prepared is key. I was never rehired by that company. Do I carry acetone in my kit now? Absolutely. It is those little key differences, that can get you another campaign. 

This is also key for models too. Sometimes there are things that makeup artists do that can make your job, or day - harder. I always like to ask my models “Would you like a quiet application?”. I once overheard 2 models talking, about how makeup artists come in at 6am and ask them 1000 questions to break the ice when really, they want to drink their coffee and get in the right mindset for the day. Now I was totally guilty of this. In TV and Film, you judge the vibe of your talent and go by that. But with models, makeup artists can get into the habit of talking their ears off, not realising they may also want to get into the right headspace for a day of shooting. If you prefer a more quiet environment, please do tell your artists. 

Key takeaway: Models should arrive well-prepared for their makeup application. This includes having clean and moisturised skin, removing any existing makeup, and following any pre-shoot skincare routines that have been advised. Models should also communicate any known allergies or sensitivities they have to specific products.

Featured SR model: Sarah-maëva

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LEAN ON YOUR TEAM

One of the best parts of the job is when you truly connect to your model, and they go from model to muse. Some of the best discussions have been with models I have vibed with in the makeup room. We have given therapy to each other, we have had some real podcast-worthy chats, putting the world to rights, and at the end of the shoot - you walk away and truly remember that model forever. If you find your artist or your model, that you truly vibe with - stay connected. The industry is small and some of the best advice I have heard from the biggest models and the biggest makeup artists is how important it is that they had a team. They had muses, artists, and photographers who they created consistently with. When it came to landing that BIG cover story, the photographer, the model, the artist, they would involve and bring on, their people. Their TEAM. So don’t be afraid to get details, arrange tests, and do creative things together. Create projects together, collaborate, and try new things. You just don’t know what could happen or where it could go. I will say, out of everyone in the industry, it has been my models, my muses, that I have stayed in touch with. They constantly recommend me for jobs, and I do the same. 

Key takeaway: Both models and makeup artists should continuously improve their skills and stay updated with the latest industry trends. Networking is key and getting to know the team that you work alongside on set can open doors to many more opportunities.