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9 Australian makeup artists who are absolutely killing the game

All hail our homegrown talent

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / October 06 2020

Considering what you're doing right now (surfing some pretty stellar beauty content) we're going to go ahead and safely assume something about you: you love makeup.

And with a love for all things lippy and lashes comes an insatiable need for inspiration, something that the social media accounts of our favourite makeup artists definitely deliver on.

But while you may already be well acquainted with some of the global standouts (from Margot Robbie's makeup artist Pati Dubroff to Gigi Hadid's go-to Erin Parsons), we mustn't forget that we also have a wealth of talent right here at home, too.

So, because we're all about patriotic pride and damn good glam, we're rounding up some of our favourite Aussie makeup artists; after all, there's no inspo quite like homegrown inspo, right?

Leah Baines

An Aussie artist with a serious affinity for colour, Baines is basically the queen of graphic eye looks. If this lemon liner doesn't convince you to follow her ASAP, we're pretty sure these 'angel wing' feather lashes will.

Images via: @leahbaines_mua

Dana Vaughan

Honestly, give us star-adorned paint splatter shadow or glitzy gem-encrusted inner and outer corners any day. Vaughan is (very clearly) a master at natural foundation and feathery brows, but it's the iridescent eye looks that keep us coming back again and again.

Images via: @danavaughan

Ania Milczarczyk

The vibes may be different (one with neon liner, glossy cheeks and wet-look lips, the other embracing classic charcoal, peachy blush and a pinky-nude pout) but it's the flawless finish the two looks share in common that serves as Milczarczyk's true makeup signature.

Images via: @aniamilczarczyk

Victoria Baron

As the official makeup artist for Chanel Australia, it's no surprise that Baron's looks are the epitome of luxury. She's created gorgeous makeup moments for stars like Phoebe Tonkin and Georgia Fowler, and is a pro at everything from gradient-style smokey eyes to bold berry lips.

Images via: @victoriabaron

Rae Morris

An industry legend, Morris has mastered everything from soft glam (for Shanina Shaik's wedding, no less) to striking graphic looks (such as this gold foil floating liner moment, which we will be spending the rest of our lives trying to recreate).

Images via: @raemorrismakeup

Max May

May's striking abilities in the 'girl-next-door-glam' department (showcased here on Aussie beauty Ksenija Lukich) are only outshone by his unparalleled creativity. Ridiculously chic case in point? This modern take on pearls; it's the perfect blend of classic and contemporary.

Images via: @maxmade

Michael Brown

He's the go-to guy for influencers and celebs alike (with Nikki Phillips and Jesinta Franklin among his high-profile regulars), and with these looks it's easy to see why. Brown's feed is loaded with everything from bronze looks to bright ones, all of them blended and blotted to utter perfection.

Images via: @mbrown_beauty

Simone Forte

Meet our number one source of neutral inspo. Nobody does black liner, bronzed skin and nude lips like Forte, and the faces of her celeb clients (ranging from Sophie Monk to Anna Heinrich) prove it. Speaking of Monk, can we take a minute for that wing?!

Images via: @simonefortemakeup

Nicole Thompson

Considering her colour-inspired moniker (Pinkie) and the faces that keep coming back to her (Vera Blue, for example), it's really no surprise Thompson is a big fan of brights. But while Blue's vibrant pink wing has us stockpiling neon liners, it's this pastel watercolour wash we can't stop thinking about.

Images via: @pinkiiieee

Main image credit: @leahbaines_mua

Looking for more inspo on the 'gram? Here's our edit of the best global makeup artists to follow...