9 Makeup Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram

If you’re a true beauty junkie, your social media feeds are probably filled with top makeup artists like Pat McGrath, Mario Dedivanovic, and Charlotte Tilbury. They can contour to the gods and cut a crease like no other, but since we live in a time when literally everything is at our fingertips, we always have our eyes peeled for talent that’s shaking things up.

To keep your Instagram feed exciting and inspiring, here are nine of the coolest makeup artists to follow right now. This group is on the rise, and many of them found breakout moments for their careers from the ’gram. Plus, they’re working with some of the hottest celebs today and breathing new life into the beauty industry.

Jessica P. Smalls

Makeup artist Jessica P. Smalls is best known as Janelle Monae’s go-to gal. But she also works on the faces of Danielle Brooks, Uzo Aduba, and even Mary J. Blige when she has the time. Plus, Smalls isn’t just a ladies girl the multitalented artist is a groomer as well, having worked with NBA player Carmelo Anthony and actor Omari Hardwick in recent months.

Samuel Rauda

A Artist At Work ???? @amandasteele // #StayTuned

A photo posted by S A M U E L R A U D A (@makeupbysamuel) on Dec 6, 2016 at 2:28pm PST

You just might recognize the name Samuel Rauda, as he occasionally works with Kylie Jenner. Rauda also paints the faces of Barbara Palvin, Sofia Richie, Chrissy Teigen, and YouTuber Amanda Steele, to name a few. Plus, he has his own YouTube channel, where he dishes on his client’s makeup looks.

Melissa Hernandez


At only 26, Melissa Hernandez is a makeup artist to watch. As the woman behind Hailee Steinfeld’s red carpet looks, Hernandez is quite busy (especially considering that Steinfeld has transitioned from accomplished actress into successful singer). Hernandez also works with young starlets like Bailee Madison and Chloe Lukasiak, and if you follow her on Instagram, you’ll learn that she likes to make up her own face to keep things interesting.

Andre Sarmiento

Halloween Weekend with Nic. #starsprinkles #makeupbyandre

A photo posted by Andre Sarmiento (@andremakeup) on Oct 29, 2016 at 2:29pm PDT

Andre Sarmiento, the mastermind behind the majority of Nicola Peltz’s looks, is a must-follow on Instagram. His relationship with Peltz gives way to many outside-of-the-box makeup looks (think star “sprinkles” and a cat-eye that will induce major jealousy pangs). He doesn’t stop there Sarmiento also works with beauties like Brittany Snow, Zoey Dutch, and Kate Bosworth.

Grace Lee


Grace Lee, a lead artist for Maybelline New York in Canada, works with countless top models for fashion editorials and is, of course, backstage throughout fashion month. She showcases all of this on her ’gram (as well as the best spots to eat in whatever city she’s in). Lee also works with Gigi Hadid from time to time and Meghan Markle (yes, that Meghan Markle).

Vincent Oquendo

Happy bday Bells love you to pieces❤️
A photo posted by Vincent Oquendo (@makeupvincent) on Oct 9, 2016 at 7:37am PDT

Don’t know about Vincent Oquendo? Well, you should. His makeup brushes have basically graced all of the “it” girls, from Bella Hadid to Stella Maxwell and he’s not slowing down. Oquendo’s client roster reads like a “who’s who” from Ashley Graham, Kendall Jenner, and Soo Joo Park, he’s on every hot model’s list.

Liz Castellanos


If you’re a fan of Olivia Culpo’s (always flawless) makeup, then look no further than Liz Castellanos. Castellanos is an E! News makeup artist regular and the hands behind the majority of Culpo’s looks, as well as Catt Sadler, Morgan Stewart, and Sofia Richie.

Lindsey Williams

Makeup artist Lindsey Williams maintains a healthy mix of editorial and celebrity makeup in her repertoire, and if you’re looking for daily inspiration, her Instagram feed is where to find it. From bold lip looks to glossy eyes, her behind-the-scenes looks at countless editorials give you a one-stop-shop for endless inspo.

Erin Ayanian Monroe

Makeup artist Erin Ayanian Monroe is the artist behind most of Dakota Fanning’s red carpet looks, but she is also known for her work with Jasmine Sanders (better known as Golden Barbie) and her absolute creativity when it comes to the editorial world. Whether she’s painting on mini hearts with lipstick or creating an utterly graphic midnight metallic eye, her looks never disappoint.

Read More:
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10 Contour Palettes Celebrity Makeup Artists Swear By
What It’s Like to Be One of Pat McGrath’s 75 Assistants

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