Afleveringen
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In this episode of The Insider Diary, I give a personal update on how work and content creation have been going. The main focus is my Instagram growth, I've picked up almost 2,000 followers in five weeks by posting reels daily, and I break down exactly which reels worked, which ones flopped, and the workflow behind it all. I also cover my content days and open the waitlist for my upcoming hair masterclass.
Started posting reels daily from 18 March this year. Nearly 2,000 new followers in about five weeks.Biggest lesson from the whole run: people only watch for 7 to 13 seconds. The hook decides whether they stay.My workflow: uses ChatGPT to help with captions, hooks and on-screen prompts, edits everything in the Edits app, posts to Instagram first, pulls the original file from Edits (not a re-download from Instagram) to post on TikTok, then reposts from TikTok to YouTube Shorts.Next move: repost her best performers again with a reworked hook, using ChatGPT to help tweak them.Advice for anyone starting out: just start. Mistakes are part of it. You'll find your style along the way. Collaboration helps (like her episode with Max) but isn't essential.Announcement: the waitlist is open for her hair masterclass. Format isn't locked in yet (leaning look-and-learn), and it'll be offered virtually too, so it's not just for Sydney or Australia.The Hair Edit Waitlist
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Adam Garland has worked backstage, assisted Sam McKnight, and had two shots at getting onto Guido Palau's team. Right now he's in his dad's garage in Somerset, UK, building a hair education platform from scratch. In this episode we talk about how he broke into session work (Model Mayhem, zero plan), the real cost of working for free, imposter syndrome, addiction and recovery, why chasing the agency dream was holding him back, and what changed when he finally let it go. He also shares the products he genuinely uses on set and why the humble ponytail elastic deserves way more respect than it gets.
How Adam fell into hairdressing at 14 and went from a village salon to Vidal Sassoon, Tony & Guy, and eventually session workFinding his way into editorial around 2008-2010 via Model Mayhem, testing before he even knew testing was a thingAssisting Sam McKnight backstage at Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld and Kendall Jenner in the chairWhat nobody tells you about walking into those environments for the first time when you're from a small townThe industry language nobody teaches you: options, confirms, releases, pencils, hard outsThe pay debate: why working for free is not a free university, it's one day of universityHis experience on Guido Palau's team, twice, and why it didn't work out either timeAddiction, recovery, and how starting his recovery journey around 2018 changed everythingWhy Sam McKnight's team stood by him for five years through the hard stuffAI in the creative industry and why "AI slop" is the wrong responseLetting go of the agency dream and what happened to his career when he didBuilding sessionhair.com: 1:1 mentoring, a free initial consult, and an education platform coming soonArchive research and why knowing your references is how you find your visual identityProducts covered in this episode:
Bedhead TIGI Queen for a Day thickening sprayKeune Get a Grip texturiserKeune Sea FoamSam McKnight Modern HairspraySession Kit elastics (sessionkit.co.uk)Connect with Adam
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This week I sat down with Sydney makeup artist Max May. Nearly 30 years in the industry, self-taught, Armani Australia ambassador, Charlotte Tilbury Glow Squad, and one of the first artists in this country to build a blog and digital presence when the industry told him it would ruin his career.
In this episode we cover:
How Max got started — growing up in the country, moving to Sydney, falling into hairdressing by accident and discovering makeup on setWhy he never did formal training and why he still thinks assisting is the best way to learn this industryWhat it was actually like to assist in those early days — it was tough, the industry was different, and he got on a bus to pick up dog poop for the person he worked underHis years doing fashion weeks in Paris, New York and MilanBeing the Australian Armani ambassador and what that role actually looked likeDirecting fashion shows in Australia for ten years straightWorking with Jennifer Hawkins, Laura Bingle, Sarah Murdoch, Cheyenne Tozzi, Miranda Kerr and Mel B on The Masked SingerWhy he finds editorial more creatively satisfying than TVBeing one of the first Australian makeup artists to go digital — he lost work and friends over it and did it anywayHis social media formula: how many times he posts a week and what the algorithm actually wants right nowWhy he has zero interest in TikTok and is not sorry about itHis thoughts on AI and staying relevant in a changing industryFull list of products mentioned over on The Makeup Insider.
Max May
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3. The Inside Edit
Tannia T has been doing this for over two decades. She started at the Napoleon Perdis counter and worked her way to global artistry — training staff, creating content, and travelling to LA and New York for major industry events.
Today she runs her own home studio, takes one-on-one clients, does bridal work, and has some clients who have been with her for over ten years.
In this episode, we get into what that kind of longevity actually looks like. The kit, the tools, the booking system, the products she keeps coming back to, and the real talk about social media as a working artist.
We cover:
How Tannia went from Napoleon Perdis retail to global artistryTraining staff and creating content for a major brandTravelling to LA and New York for industry eventsBuilding and running her own home studioBalancing bridal work, one-on-one clients, and being a mumHer Surratt eyelash curler obsession (and why it's worth it)Sonya G brushes — quality over quantityBy Terry CC Brightening and Benefit Brow GlazeHer honest take on social media as a business toolHow she manages bookings: manual tracking meets Google CalendarThe Hair Edit Waitlist
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Kiana has been in and around the makeup industry for 13 years. But her path wasn't straight. She started on the Mecca counters, stepped away to work in disability support, and came back in 2022 through The Iconic's e-commerce team.
Since then? Sydney, Milan, Paris Fashion Weeks. A freelance career built on cold calls, genuine connections, and trusting her own eye.
In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to rebuild in this industry, how networking opened doors she didn't even know existed, and why finding your own aesthetic matters more than chasing trends.
We cover:
How Kiana got back into the industry through The Iconic's e-commerce teamWhy cold-calling creative agencies actually worksHow assisting at Fashion Weeks changed her careerBuilding a skin-focused, mood-driven styleHer kit essentials — including NARS Sheer Glow and Giorgio Armani Luminous SilkWhat she wishes she'd known earlierFor aspiring and working artists, this one is worth a listen.
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What A Stylist Actually Does with Kate Lauren Harper
Recently week I sat down with Sydney-based stylist Kate Lauren Harper for a refreshingly honest conversation about what stylists really do and what that means for us as hair and makeup artists on set.
If you have ever wondered what the stylist is actually doing while you are in kit, or how to build a better working relationship with styling, this episode is for you.
We cover:
What a stylist actually does, from brief to final lookHow mood boards, client decks, and feedback rounds shape the whole shootWhy timelines and budgets are never as simple as they seemThe unspoken etiquette of working on setHow the stylist x hair and makeup relationship works (and when it does not)Kate's path from Wollongong to lead stylist, including the ecomm grind that built her skillsWhy boundaries matter more than you think, for stylists and for usThe Hair Edit Waitlist
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Episode 2 of The Insider Edit | The Makeup Insider
It's just me this week — and I'm bringing you 10 products I genuinely can't live without. Five from my kit, five I use on myself every day. Plus a quick chat about PR gifting, asking for what you want, and why a 'no' is never the end of the story.
Full list of products
Also in This Episode
How Vanessa gets PR gifting (hint: she asks for it)Overcoming the fear of pitching yourselfWhy a 'no' just means 'not yet'The scheduling technique that changed how she reaches outThe Hair Edit Waitlist
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Welcome to The Insider Diaries.
This is the first of a new monthly segment where I sit down solo and chat through what is going on in my world, in the industry, and the conversations I think we should be having as makeup artists.
In this episode I am pulling the curtain back on the last six months, sharing why I went quiet, and unpacking two big topics: visibility, and the Yana and Perth makeup artist situation.
What we cover
Where I'd been for the last six monthsMy fertility journey, IVF and where I am at nowHashimoto's, mood, motivation and how it has affected my workWhy two episodes sat in my drafts folder for six monthsThe new podcast format: two guest interviews, plus Insider Diaries and Insider Edit each monthA listener comp to be a guest on The Insider EditVisibility as a makeup artist and why it matters nowPosting daily on Instagram and what I have learnedThe Yana and Perth makeup artist situation, and my honest takeWhy I no longer do unpaid collaborationsWhat to get in writing before you say yes to any collabMentioned in this episode
Ciara from Pro Shine and her blog on visibilityMarissa Grace - Bridalpreneur Socials Ask Ellen two part reel series on discretionWant to be on The Insider Edit?
I am running a listener comp. If you would love to come on the podcast and chat about your favourite kit products, DM me on Instagram with your pitch.
Loved this episode?
Share it with another makeup artist or beauty lover, follow the show, and leave a review. It genuinely helps me reach more people.
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This week on The Makeup Insider, I sit down with Sydney based makeup artist Molly Warkentin for a chat that covers more than two decades in the beauty industry.
Molly takes us from her UK beginnings at Chichester College, through her time at Mac and the tight knit crew she calls the Makeup Mafia, all the way to the moment she chose to step back from bridal work to make space for family.
We talk about taste level, the quiet skill that separates good artists from great ones, and why building real relationships will always outperform chasing follower counts.
In this episode we cover
Molly's start in the UK and the pivot to SydneyStudying at Chichester College and what she would do differentlyLife at Mac and the network that became the Makeup MafiaAdding hairdressing to her offering and why she resisted at firstTaste level and how to build itStepping back from bridal to protect family timeHer honest advice for new artists trying to break inQuotable moments
"Skill gets you in the room. Taste keeps you there."
"The best opportunities I had came from people, not posts."
Molly Warkentin
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Magazines have fallen. So what does a beauty or fashion editor actually do now?
In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Sadaf to unpack how the role has changed, what "cross channel pollinating" really means, and why your favourite beauty experts are now on TikTok instead of glossy pages.
What we cover:
The traditional beauty editor role and why it no longer existsHow editors now work across websites, video, social and podcastsWhat "cross channel pollinating" looks like day to dayWhy interviewing dermatologists on TikTok is the new normalWhat this shift means for anyone trying to break into the industryGuest: Sadaf
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In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Julia from Co Contour to spill the products they reach for on every job. From skin prep to setting spray, this is a full walk through of what's actually inside a working makeup artist's kit.
What you'll learn:
The skin prep routine Julia uses on every brideWhy Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter is a non negotiableThe foundation that survives Aussie humidityJulia's favourite concealer for smoothing textureThe mascara that holds a curl like nothing elseEveryday personal favourites from both artistsThe Hair Edit Waitlist
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Lottie — makeup artist, educator and co-host of We Speak Beauty podcast
Episode summary:
Vanessa sits down with LA-based makeup artist Lottie, who made an unlikely leap from an accounting career into the beauty industry without any formal training. Lottie shares how she taught herself through magazines and hands-on experience, got discovered by Pat McGrath on MySpace, and built a career working on some of fashion's biggest runways. She also talks about the realities of self-employment, the pressure of social media and why so many artists undervalue themselves.
In this episode:
How Lottie transitioned from accounting to makeup artistry in Los AngelesTeaching herself through magazines and on-the-job experienceThe MySpace moment that led to working with Pat McGrathWhat fashion runway work actually looks and feels likeWhy resilience and authenticity matter more than credentialsLottie's masterclasses and the We Speak Beauty podcastHow social media has changed the industry and what artists should focus on insteadGuest links:
Instagram: @lotstarWebsite: www.lotstar.comThe Hair Edit Waitlist
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SHOW NOTES
Episode 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes with Vanessa Barney
This week we flip the mic. For our 100th episode, I'm the one being interviewed — and honestly, it felt strange and wonderful at the same time.
We go deep on what it's really been like building The Makeup Insider from the ground up, the lessons that have stayed with me, and where this podcast is heading next.
If you've been here from the start, thank you. If you're new, welcome — this is a great place to jump in.
TopicKey Takeaway
Starting from scratch
Be ready to begin again. Patience and self-grace aren't optional.The power of asking
"If you don't ask, the answer is always no." (Thanks Nicole Thompson.)Community and mentorship
This podcast exists to be the mentor I never had.Global reach
Listeners from Ukraine, Africa, and beyond — still blows my mind.What's next
More face-to-face interviews, international guests, and growing online.Thank you Julia Dillon for a wonderful chat.
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In this episode, Maddy Baucia returns after an incredible season completing 110 weddings across Tuscany, Umbria, and stunning destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Sicily. She shares the realities behind such a high-volume year: the logistics, the challenges, the systems she relied on, and the lessons she’ll carry forward.
We dive into how she plans to reduce her workload to 80 weddings next season, restructure her pricing, streamline her business model, and step away from team-based operations. Maddy also shares the importance of managing her physical and mental health, staying organised while constantly travelling, and refining her backend systems to create a more sustainable business.
This episode is a must-listen for artists working in or aspiring to enter the destination wedding space.
Topics Covered
Challenges and Support SystemsTravel and Logistics - where to base yourselfAdjusting Future PlansPricing and Booking StrategiesFuture Goals and System ImprovementsStanding Out in the IndustryShowcasing Personality on Social MediaBuilding Trust with Destination BridesUsing Facebook Groups for Destination WorkAdvice for Aspiring Destination Wedding ArtistsCoaching Calls for Wedding ArtistsTravel Fees and Pricing PsychologyTrends in European Wedding LocationsJoin Bridal Boss Academy
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Navigating the European Wedding Circuit: Lessons from a Pro Makeup Artist
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa chats with pro makeup artist Jacqui, who recently returned from a whirlwind season working across Europe’s wedding circuit.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustle of Rome, Jacqui shares what it’s really like to take your artistry abroad. The highs, the hurdles, and the lessons learned from nine weddings in quick succession.
Whether you’re dreaming of working internationally or simply curious about life behind the scenes of destination weddings, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest reflections from an artist who’s done it all.
What We Cover
How Jacqui prepared for an international wedding seasonWhy direct flights and smart packing are non-negotiablesThe realities of driving (and surviving) Italy’s wedding circuitManaging back-to-back weddings while staying creativeJacqui’s must-have travel kit and European beauty essentialsTips for choosing accommodation and balancing work with restThe mindset shifts that come with working outside your comfort zoneKey Takeaways
Preparation meets flexibility: The most successful destination artists plan for everything — and still stay open to the unexpected.Logistics matter: Cars, accommodation, and kit safety can make or break your experience.Growth through discomfort: Every challenge abroad helps strengthen your artistry, confidence, and business mindset.Community counts: Collaborating with trusted peers (like Jacqui’s hairstylist partner Brooke) makes all the difference.Listen if You’re…
A bridal makeup artist dreaming of international workCurious about the European destination wedding sceneLooking for practical travel and business advice from a working artistReady to take your artistry global — and want to know where to startConnect with Jacqui
Follow Jacqui’s adventures and artistry on Instagram: @jacquibradfieldmakeup
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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 artistOvercoming personal hurdles and finding confidence on cameraLessons learned from two decades in the beauty industryThe evolution of beauty and the importance of adaptabilityBuilding a reputation and network that lastsWhy personality and professionalism are just as important as artistryConnect with Michael Brown
Instagram: @michaelbrownbeauty
Website: michaelbrownbeauty.com.auThe Hair Edit Waitlist
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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, I’m joined by personal branding and business coach Suz Chadwick to break down the four essential content types every creator needs to master. Whether you’re a makeup artist building your portfolio or a creative entrepreneur growing your digital presence, these content strategies will help you stand out, connect deeply with your audience, and build a brand that sells.
What We Cover in This Episode:
Authority Content – how to showcase your credibility and expertise through behind-the-scenes, testimonials, and client experiences.Personal Brand Content – why sharing your quirks, passions, and personal stories makes your brand memorable.Value & Teaching Content – the importance of tutorials, tips, and insights that position you as a go-to resource.Commentary Content – how to add your voice to industry trends and conversations to build thought leadership.Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Suz shares practical, actionable advice on weaving these content types into your strategy so you can mix things up, stay relevant, and keep your audience engaged. This isn’t about creating more content, it’s about creating smarter, stickier content that builds connection and loyalty.
Links & Resources:
Connect with Suz Chadwick: @suzchadwickSuz Podcast Episode
For more insights, visit the blog: Suz BlogIf you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Makeup Insider wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to share it with a friend who’s ready to take their content game to the next level.
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In this episode, Vanessa chats with bridal makeup artists Megan and Adele about the realities of working in the bridal industry. You’ll hear:
Getting started in bridal makeup – how retail counters, experimentation, and building a signature style lay the foundation.Pricing strategies – packages vs à la carte, setting fair yet sustainable rates, and communicating transparently with clients.Managing extras – travel, accommodation, and why clear boundaries upfront matter.Marketing & branding – building a reputation, using high-quality visuals, and keeping the client at the heart of your brand.Education & networking – the value of workshops, mentoring, and shadowing experienced artists at weddings.Digital tools & trends – how embracing content creation and online platforms can grow your reach and client base.Lessons learned – the balance between artistry, business, and heart in bridal beauty.Whether you’re a new artist, or an industry pro, this conversation will give you insights, tips, and inspiration from three different journeys in bridal makeup.
The Bridal Edit by Adele
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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, I sit down with Dolores Lavin, the powerhouse behind DLM Management, to unpack the world of creative representation and what it really takes to build a successful career as a creative agent.
Dolores has been in the industry since the early ’90s, building a reputation as a dedicated agent who not only manages the business side but also nurtures the personal growth of the artists she represents. With nearly four decades of experience, she shares her unique perspective on how agents and artists can work together to achieve long-term success.
What We Cover in This Episode:
Dolores’ unexpected journey into becoming an agent.The true role of an agent — and why it’s more than just booking jobs.Why communication and personal relationships are at the heart of representation.How Dolores helps artists map out their career paths strategically.The importance of balancing editorial work with commercial opportunities.The traits and personalities that stand out when she’s looking to represent talent.Practical advice for artists seeking representation in today’s industry.Whether you’re an aspiring makeup artist, hairstylist, or creative professional, this conversation is packed with valuable insights into the business side of artistry — and the powerful role an agent can play in helping you thrive.
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Navigating the Bridal Makeup Industry: Pricing Strategies & Insights from Experienced Artists
Pricing your services as a makeup artist can feel like walking a tightrope balancing your skills, expenses, market value, and confidence. In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa is joined by fellow artists Mel, Megan, Jacqui, and more to unpack what really goes into setting your rates and building a sustainable bridal business.
Together, they share candid insights on:
The real costs of running a freelance makeup business (GST, taxes, super, and more)How to calculate your earnings and factor in seasonal workWhy pricing is as much about brand perception as it is about skillThe power of word-of-mouth and industry connections over social media aloneHow to adapt your pricing as your life and skills evolveSimplifying your packages so clients understand and value your workWhether you’re just starting your makeup career or are a seasoned artist looking to refine your business strategy, this conversation will give you practical tools and fresh perspectives to confidently set your prices and stick to them.
Get to know the guests.
jacquibradfield.com.au
@jacquibradfieldmakeup
Megans website
@meganharrisonmakeup
@melricciomakeup
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