The Makeup Insider

Vanessa Barney

The Makeup Insider is a fortnightly one-on-one podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney.. Finding your community of other likeminded mua’s – the creative, artistic, talkative, flexible, adaptable with a good eye for colour kind-of-people, can often be daunting. Like, where do you start? The Makeup Insider is designed for just that. To build a collaborative online community of artists to build their confidence, connections and help drive their career to the next level.If you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways in the show notes and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Find Vanessa @vanessabarney @the.makeupinsider

  1. What It Really Takes to Work Destination Weddings Abroad with Jacqui Bradfield

    20/10/2025

    What It Really Takes to Work Destination Weddings Abroad with Jacqui Bradfield

    Send us a text 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  @the.makeupinsider Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG

    1 h 2 min
  2. Celebrity Glam and TV Beauty: Michael Brown’s Journey from Dance to Lancôme.

    06/10/2025

    Celebrity Glam and TV Beauty: Michael Brown’s Journey from Dance to Lancôme.

    Send us a text 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.au @the.makeupinsider Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG

    1 h 37 min
  3. Elevating Your Content Game – The Four Must-Have Content Types with Suz Chadwick

    22/09/2025

    Elevating Your Content Game – The Four Must-Have Content Types with Suz Chadwick

    Send us a text 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 Blog If 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. @the.makeupinsider Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG

    46 min
  4. Navigating the World of Creative Representation with Dolores Lavin

    25/08/2025

    Navigating the World of Creative Representation with Dolores Lavin

    Send us a text 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. @the.makeupinsider Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG

    30 min
  5. Fashion MUA Ciara O’Shea shares her journey—from working with the Pussycat Dolls to Madonna, and being part of legendary teams like Charlotte Tilbury’s and Pat McGrath’s—plus everything in between.

    28/07/2025

    Fashion MUA Ciara O’Shea shares her journey—from working with the Pussycat Dolls to Madonna, and being part of legendary teams like Charlotte Tilbury’s and Pat McGrath’s—plus everything in between.

    Send us a text In this inspiring and in-depth episode, Vanessa sits down with London-based makeup artist Ciara O Shea to explore her incredible journey from a small town in Ireland to the forefront of the international fashion scene. Ciara shares how a childhood love of fashion magazines sparked her passion for beauty, leading her to study at the London College of Fashion and kick-start her career in retail makeup. She opens up about navigating the world of freelance artistry, comparing the pros and cons of self-representation versus working with an agent, and offers real talk about persistence, creativity, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry. We dive into behind-the-scenes stories from working with major names like The Pussycat Dolls and Madonna, and hear what it’s really like backstage at fashion shows and on set for editorial shoots. Ciara also talks about building her own beauty brand, Pro Shine, and how she’s using tools like AI and social media to grow her presence and connect with a global audience. This episode is packed with insight, humour, and practical advice for makeup artists and creatives alike. Highlights: • Growing up in Ireland and discovering a love for beauty • Training at the London College of Fashion • Breaking into the fashion industry - working under Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath. • Working with celebrities and navigating high-pressure environments • Freelancing versus agency representation • Launching her brand, Pro Shine • Using AI and social media to build a modern personal brand Ciara Does Makeup Substack @the.makeupinsider Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG

    1 h 43 min

Sobre

The Makeup Insider is a fortnightly one-on-one podcast exploring the life and career of makeup artists, hosted by freelance mua Vanessa Barney.. Finding your community of other likeminded mua’s – the creative, artistic, talkative, flexible, adaptable with a good eye for colour kind-of-people, can often be daunting. Like, where do you start? The Makeup Insider is designed for just that. To build a collaborative online community of artists to build their confidence, connections and help drive their career to the next level.If you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a long time, tune in now, check out the key takeaways in the show notes and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Find Vanessa @vanessabarney @the.makeupinsider