Inspiring makeup art bloggers to follow in 2021

by Simmi Virdee
Makeup Artist

Makeup art is the craze right now. With hundreds of unbelievably talented artists showcasing their fine liner skills with gorgeous makeup looks, alternating from full face art to delicate minimalism focused around the eyes. For many artists it’s a form of self-expression, a way to represent a mood for the day, whether that’s pastel pink clouds and rainbows, or heavy black smudged out liner.

The best part about it is “one size fits all”  – anyone of any size, gender, background, skin colour or condition can rock a cool makeup art look. This is why we get to see such an array of talented people creating looks and wearing them with confidence. What was once seen only in editorial magazines and high fashion runways, can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home and the ideas keep coming!

We’ve all tried recreating looks from our favourite makeup artists and have watched endless tutorials on TikTok and Instagram on how to do so, but some artists have just got the eye for it and are running with it. This article celebrates the genius of some of my favourite artists as they showcase the endless possibilities of their creativity.

Natalia Chang

Natalia Chang is an incredibly skilled makeup artist and beauty blogger from New York,. Her in-depth online classes teach us her favourite product to use is ‘Mehron Makeup, AQ paradise palette’, a water activated product with strong pigments and vibrant colour payoff. With 30 colours you can be sure to create a wide variety of looks with the ability to mix your own custom colours for the simplest looks to the most complex.

A quick little tip I learnt from Natalia’s online classes: dip a clean liner brush into makeup remover to clean up the edges of your liner to get it looking super neat and precise.

In order to create seamless looks, you need the right products and tools. Bloggers and makeup artists recommend using fine art paint brushes for precision due to the range of sizes and brush styles professional paint brushes have to offer, and the amazing prices!

These Royal and Langnickel brushes work for me and come in a pack of 7, available online and in a range of stores such as The Range or art shops.

May Tahmina

@maytahmi

Nike Air Max inspired graphic liner ✔️ Use the hashtag #JDAirMaxYourWay for the chance to win £1000 of Nike at @jdofficial AD #fypツ

♬ Your Way – Loud Parade

Another Artist we’re obsessing over is May Tahmina. Her liner looks range from simple retro vibes to full face complex masterpieces. Her recent TikTok collab with JD and Nike had her creating fine liner makeup looks with a vibrant orange and blue liner, complimenting her perfectly on trend brushed back brows.

This alone shows how the impact of makeup art videos has spread through the industry with giant fashion brands such as Nike recognising the popularity and creativity of aspiring artists. May recommends using nail art brushes to get those precise, thin lines which curve to perfection. The link in her Instagram highlights show her favourite nail art brushes from eBay for as little as £3.39. I know what my next order’s gonna be!

Michael Brooks

Michael Brooks needs no introduction, you’ve probably seen his creations blowing up all over social media with his psychedelic waves and perfectly sculpted eye looks. For the eyeliner below, the London-based beauty blogger uses a mix of “DEPIXYM cosmetic emulsion tubes” which are vibrant liquid pigments, and “Cut creaser by Melolops” a
water activated ink, to create the gorgeous colourful waves above, making us all want to sit in front of the mirror and attempt his beautiful designs.

Being in lockdown has enabled so many people to tap into their creative side and play with looks they never thought they would wear or create, and its inspired artists and celebrities all over the world to incorporate these techniques into everyday looks as well as glamorous beauty looks.

Why not try something new today and add a vibrant neon accent to your eye looks like celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta (@Patrickta). This gorgeously blended nude toned eye look took it up a notch with neon orange stripes to accentuate the eye shape of his gorgeous client Aimee Song.

Check out more fashion and beauty content here