Top 20 Makeup Artists in the US

The beauty industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, with makeup artists playing a pivotal role in shaping trends and defining styles. Whether in the realms of film, television, high fashion, or special events, makeup artists are sought-after for their ability to craft stunning and distinctive looks. In the United States, the beauty industry commands a substantial market value, exceeding $532 billion, and shows no signs of slowing down. The advent of social media and the burgeoning influence of beauty influencers have further elevated the profiles of makeup artists, garnering them unprecedented recognition and attention. This article aims to explore the foremost makeup artists in the United States, delving into their unique styles, techniques, and contributions to the beauty industry.

1\. Jill Stonier

Jill Stonier is a licensed professional makeup artist, esthetician, and lash extension specialist based in St. Augustine, Florida. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Stonier is an accomplished and creative artist with a degree in graphic design. Her passion for makeup artistry began at a young age, when she would make lotions and potions with her cousin at her aunt's home. Stonier has worked with companies such as Lancome, Christian Dior, and Estee Lauder and has helped clients with various occasions, including weddings, photo shoots, and special events. She offers makeup trials to help clients plan and achieve their desired look. Stonier is dedicated to providing high-quality makeup artistry and skin care services to help her clients look and feel their best. She continues to advance her skills through ongoing education, mentorships, and collaboration with peers.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Jill Stonier on Instagram

2\. Mario Dedivanovic

Mario Dedivanovic is a renowned makeup artist and founder of MAKEUP BY MARIO, a beauty brand known for its purposeful products and high-quality formulas. He is known for creating the most flawless version of an individual and is one of the most acclaimed, followed, and influential makeup artists in the world. Dedivanovic has a significant social media following, with over 14 million followers on his MAKEUP BY MARIO Instagram account. He has worked with various celebrities, including Kim Kardashian West, Kate Bosworth, Naomie Harris, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, and Demi Lovato. In addition to his makeup artistry, he is an accomplished lash extension specialist and shares his techniques through instructional content on his YouTube channel. Born and raised in the Bronx to Albanian immigrant parents from Montenegro, Dedivanovic's career began with a retail position at Sephora in Manhattan after high school. He is known for his pioneering contributions to the beauty industry, particularly in popularizing and teaching makeup techniques that have influenced and reshaped the beauty landscape.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Mario Dedivanovic on Instagram

3\. Gucci Westman

Gucci Westman is an American makeup artist and cosmetic designer. She is the visionary behind the cosmetics brand Westman Atelier. She is celebrated for her elegant and understated makeup styles, emphasizing a natural, radiant look and a commitment to clean living. Westman has styled the cosmetic looks of cover models such as Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Cameron Diaz, and Nicole Kidman for Allure, Vogue, and W covers in the United States and Australia. She has also done the makeup of runway models for Oscar de la Renta, Richard Chai, Diane von Furstenberg, Marchesa, and more. Westman Atelier is a clean beauty brand founded by Westman in 2018. The brand offers a collection of seamless foundations, blushes, lipsticks, and other makeup products that are designed to enhance natural beauty. The formulas are clean and simple, and the brand is committed to using only the highest-quality ingredients. Westman Atelier has become a popular choice among those who are looking for clean beauty products that are both effective and easy to use.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Gucci Westman on Instagram

4\. Ann Benjamas Liendo

Ann Benjamas Liendo is a makeup artist of Thai and Chinese descent who was born in Bangkok and now lives in New York. She has been working in the industry since she was 18 years old and is known for her glamorous and unique looks. Liendo's makeup techniques are designed to achieve a flawless skin look with a happy, healthy, and dewy glow, making her a great choice for bigger wedding celebrations. Her work has been featured in various publications, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and L'Officiel. Liendo has worked with various clients, including Kate Spade, Beauty Blender, Free People, and Ralph Lauren. In addition to her work as a makeup artist, Liendo is also a writer and beauty-fashion contributing editor of L'Officiel Thailand Magazine. She offers one-on-one makeup classes and shares her beauty shortcuts with her clients.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Ann Benjamas Liendo on Instagram

5\. Caitlyn Meyer

Caitlyn is an award-winning bridal beauty specialist, educator, and founder of the Caitlyn Meyer Pro Team, which is the Mid-Atlantic's preeminent beauty authority. Her team is sought after for their signature services and relationship-driven approach, and they have redefined how exceptional on-location wedding hair and makeup can be. Meyer's talent is diverse, and she customizes a look for each client's features and personal vision. She has played a huge part in many brides' wedding days, ensuring that they not only look their best but also feel comfortable and taken care of. Meyer is also a global educator and has been recognized for her work as a wedding beauty specialist. She shares her expertise with aspiring makeup artists and hairstylists, helping them to develop their skills and build their careers. She is a highly recommended beauty specialist, and her work has been featured in various publications.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Caitlyn Meyer on Instagram

6\. Carolina Dalí-Trites

Carolina Dali-Trites is a Brooklyn-raised makeup artist and men's groomer based in New York City. She discovered her passion for makeup artistry early on when she realized that her love for painting, drawing, and fashion could coexist with a career as a makeup artist. Trites freelanced for brands such as Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent in Europe and was selected to serve as Dior's National Makeup Artist. She has collaborated with renowned photographers such as Mario Sorrenti, Sebastian Faena, Francesco Carrozzini, and Kai Z Feng, and her work has been featured in various publications, including V magazine, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Interview. Trites has also worked with celebrities such as Gisele Bündchen, Julianne Hough, Constance Wu, Storm Reid, Natalia Dyer, Ella Hunt, and Sydney Sweeney. She has worked on campaigns for Tom Ford, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, and Nike.

Social Handles

* Carolina Dalí-Trites on Instagram

7\. Sarah Tanno

Sarah Tanno is a renowned makeup artist who has made a name for herself in the industry. She is represented by Forward Artists and is the Global Artistry Director for Haus Labs. Tanno has worked on various films and TV shows, including "A Star Is Born," "House of Gucci," and "American Horror Story". She is known for her work with Lady Gaga and has been her makeup artist for years. Tanno has a significant social media following, with over 1 million followers on her Instagram account. She has her own YouTube channel, where she shares makeup tutorials and tips. In addition to her work with Lady Gaga, Tanno has worked on various advertising campaigns, red-carpet events, and press events. She is a beauty rule-breaker and has a unique creative process that sets her apart from other makeup artists. Tanno won an Emmy in 2016 for her work with Lady Gaga on American Horror Story, where she created over 60 unique looks in one season of television.

Social Handles

* Sarah Tanno on Instagram

8\. Hung Vanngo

Hung Vanngo is a New York-based makeup artist who has made a name for himself in the industry. Born in Vietnam, he moved to Canada as a child and spent his youth and early adulthood in Calgary. Vanngo's devotion to art in his youth allowed him to develop a refined hand and keen eye for color and composition, which he would later utilize to brilliant effect in his career as a makeup artist. Upon arriving in New York City, Vanngo's singular artistry captured the attention of many of fashion's top photographers. He has worked with various prestigious designers and brands, including Marc Jacobs, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, CoverGirl, Calvin Klein, Max Mara, Saks Fifth Avenue, Victoria's Secret, and many more. Hung Vanngo has also worked with Hollywood's elite, including Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Lopez, Julianne Moore, Katy Perry, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many others. His work has appeared in various publications, including Allure, Elle, Interview, Italian Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Glamour, Marie Claire, Vogue, and W.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Hung Vanngo on Instagram

9\. Tanya Bures

Tanya Bures is a makeup artist with over two decades of experience in the beauty industry. Her journey into makeup artistry began during her studies at New York's Parsons School of Design in the early 1990s, inspired by renowned makeup artists like Francois Nars and Laura Mercier. Bures honed her skills as a national makeup artist for NARS Cosmetics, working with a diverse clientele across the country. In 2013, she founded PAGE Beauty, a California-based hair and makeup company known for its modern and elevated beauty services for weddings, fashion events, and other special occasions. Bures's style is characterized by a fresh, modern, and long-lasting approach to beauty. Her work continues to draw inspiration from the world of fashion and editorials. Bures and her team at PAGE Beauty have earned a reputation for their exceptional artistry and dedication to creating memorable beauty experiences.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Tanya Bures on Instagram

10\. Vincent Oquendo

Vincent Oquendo is a globally recognized makeup artist known for his distinctive and bold aesthetic. With a significant following on social media, he boasts over 136K followers on his Instagram account. Oquendo's clientele includes celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Lily Collins, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after makeup artist for the stars. His work has been featured in prestigious publications like Allure, where he holds the title of Maybelline Brand Ambassador. Oquendo is known for his fresh, modern, and daring approach to makeup, showcasing a unique ability to create looks that seamlessly blend edginess with elegance. In addition to his celebrity work, Oquendo collaborates with renowned photographers and has been featured in top fashion magazines. As a native New Yorker, he credits his early fascination with beauty to his mother and honed his skills through apprenticeship under beauty icon Pat McGrath. His artistry draws inspiration from nature and the iconic leading ladies of Hollywood's golden era.

Social Handles

* Personal website
* Vincent Oquendo on Instagram