My favorite people to follow on Instagram? Makeup artists, for sure (sorry, friends and fam). Following a makeup artist on Instagram is a great peak behind the curtain. You get new makeup tips and tricks, deets on products that you absolutely have to try out, and behind the scenes pics of your favourite celebrities. Seriously, what’s not to love? But with all the Instagram makeup artists out there, it can be hard to separate the real from the fake. So, I went through my feed and did the painstakingly hard work of picking my faves, just for you. It's time to unfollow your ex and reset your feed with these 20 best makeup artists, below.
In the world of Pat McGrath, more is more. The mother of makeup’s Instagram is one of the most vibrant things you’ll ever see, thanks to bright hues, fun accessories (think: bedazzled jewels), and glittery makeup.
It’s hard to describe Nam Vo’s makeup style in just one word, but I’ll try: dewy. She’s the reigning highlighter queen on Instagram and a couple scrolls through her feed will show you why. If you’re trying to get a highlighter so bright that even NASA can spot it, you should go follow her for Instagram makeup tips, like now.
While he didn’t invent contouring (we can thank the drag community for that), Mario did take it to viral levels. I mean, what else do you expect from Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist? Go to his Instagram page for the high cheekbones, stay for the behind the scenes Kardashian pics.
Patrick Ta is a pro at the I-just-got-back-from-an-Italian-vacay makeup look, which is great for people like me, who did not just get back from an Italian vacay, but still want to recreate the look. Peep this Instagram makeup artist's feed for bronze, glowy skin and bold lips on all your fave celebs, like from Shay Mitchell and Gigi Hadid.
Chances are you’ll catch this French makeup artist creating editorial masterpieces on models rather than doing celebs, but regardless of who she’s making up, you can bet they’ll look really freakin’ good. Violette is an Instagram makeup queen—if you’re looking for the perfect red lip (let’s be honest—does this search ever really stop), her Instagram feed is all the inspo you’ll need.
Over-the-top, extra, glam: there’s a lot of words that you can use to describe Hrush. But, when it comes down to it, the woman really knows how to beat a face, and the proof is in her Instagram makeup pics. Babes from the Kardashians to JLo rely on Hrush for selfie approved makeup that’s flawless AF.
Every wondered how Halsey’s makeup always looks so fire? It’s all Denika Bedrossian aka DenDoll on Instagram. Peep her Instagram makeup for looks that she whips up for her clients, like this smokey sunset yellow eye and bright multi-hued orange look.
His makeup brushes have touched the faces of Selena Gomez, Kate Bosworth, and Bella Hadid, to name a few. Hung Vanngo takes even the most basic of Instagram makeup looks (read: a black smokey eye) and takes them to the next level. Warning: You’ll probably end up stalking his Instagram feed for hours.
Not only does Charlotte Tilbury have an incredible makeup line that’ll give you the skin/eyes/lips/contour of your dreams, but she also kills it at giving her clients looks that you won’t be able to get out of your head. Hit the follow button on this Instagram makeup artist if you’re trying to figure out how to rock a pink (or, tbh, any bold color) lip.
You'll never find Robin in an Instagram photo because she's also the woman behind the lens. Be prepared to get some fun and colourful Instagram makeup inspiration from this artist's feed.
If Mario and Kim helped contouring go viral, Ariel and Kylie definitely had a hand with bringing matte lips back from its 90s graveyard. His Instagram makeup feed makes a strong case for nude lips, golden eyes, and strong brows.
Working on basically every single model in the industry, it’s hard to call out Vincent’s signature look. But ifI had to guess (which I don’t, but I will) I’d have to to say it’s the razor-sharp winged liner look that he slays time after time. I’m serious, go check out this Instagram makeup artist—he’s perfected the cat eye.
Val’s Instagram is an archival goldmine. She's a master at makeup and the artist behind some of the most iconic beauty looks that have ever walked the runway, landed on magazine pages, and graced the faces of models and celebs alike in campaigns.
Glitter under the eyes, rhinestone liner, and rainbow shadow. The looks from HBO’s hit show, Euphoria, have been everywhere recently. And you can thank Doniella Davy for that. Follow her Instagram makeup looks for behind the scenes deets on your favourite characters (aka Maddy).
Pati Dubroff has worked with Miley Cyrus, Cameron Diaz, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Dakota Johnson, and Zoë Kravitz to name a few. And if you’re looking for a new go-to no makeup makeup look, you need to follow her Instagram account ASAP.
This L'Orèal Paris makeup artist's roster includes Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Soo Joo Park, Joan Smalls, Khloé Kardashian, and more—and he just might be the nicest (and most humble) human on earth. He also slays a fire nude lip—on all skin tones—so tap the follow button and get ready to save all of the Instagram makeup pics.
Don’t know how to wear gloss on your eyes? Or cheeks? Or lips? Thankfully, Katie Jane Hughes is here to help you out. Follow her for all the glowy, glossy, and glittery Instagram makeup inspo.
A slew of celebs turn to Mary to get red-carpet ready. Why? She absolutely kills it at making brows look amazing—they're the centerpiece of any look she does. Check out her Instagram makeup posts for proof.
If you’re going for that cherub, baby angel sent from above vibe, look no further than Keita Moore's Instagram makeup feed. Those lucky enough to get his magic touch include Nicki Minaj, Tiffany Haddish, and Janet Mock.
Get you a girl who can do both. Seriously, not only has Britt Sully mastered the “Is she wearing makeup or does she just have really good skin?” look on her clients, but she can also give them perfectly imperfect beach waves. Add this Instagram makeup artist to your feed if you’re trying to become a jack of all trades.
Credit: Cosmopolitan