The Makeup Insider
The Makeup Insider is a fortnightly one-on-one podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney.. Finding your community of other likeminded mua’s – the creative, artistic, talkative, flexible, adaptable with a good eye for colour kind-of-people, can often be daunting. Like, where do you start? The Makeup Insider is designed for just that. To build a collaborative online community of artists to build their confidence, connections and help drive their career to the next level.If you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways in the show notes and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Find Vanessa @vanessabarney @the.makeupinsider
The Makeup Insider
Celebrity Glam and TV Beauty: Michael Brown’s Journey from Dance to Lancôme.
In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa sits down with the incredible Michael Brown, one of Australia’s most loved and trusted makeup artists.
Michael’s 25-year career has taken him from a dancer in Perth to a leading Sydney-based artist, educator, and television beauty expert. Known for his versatility and genuine connection with clients, Michael shares the story of how stage makeup sparked his love for beauty, his years representing global brands like Shiseido, Lancôme, and the L’Oréal Group, and his brave leap into the freelance world.
Michael opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including a severe childhood stutter, and how that journey led him to appear confidently on national television — becoming a regular on Channel Nine’s Today Extra.
You’ll hear how he’s stayed relevant in an ever-changing industry, what he’s learned from two decades behind the brush, and his advice for aspiring artists wanting to carve out a long, successful career in beauty.
Episode Highlights
- Michael’s journey from performer to professional makeup artist
- Overcoming personal hurdles and finding confidence on camera
- Lessons learned from two decades in the beauty industry
- The evolution of beauty and the importance of adaptability
- Building a reputation and network that lasts
- Why personality and professionalism are just as important as artistry
Connect with Michael Brown
Instagram: @michaelbrownbeauty
Website: michaelbrownbeauty.com.au
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