Caitlin Rose McArdle of Caitlin Rose Makeup and Beauty named SA’s best lash technician

Caitlin McArdle said she hopes more people pursue their dreams of becoming lash technicians and join the “industry that embraces everyone”.

Eva Blandis

2 min read

October 15, 2023 - 10:53AM

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Caitlin McArdle has been crowned South Australia’s best lash technician of 2023. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

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South Australia’s best lash technician of 2023 said she enjoys working in a field that encourages its workers to reach their full potential.

Caitlin Rose McArdle, of Caitlin Rose Makeup and Beauty, started her business seven years ago when she decided to leave her retail job and pursue her passion.

“I was working in retail and having an identity crisis,” she said.

“I’ve always loved makeup, lashes and brows (and) people always say if you’re passionate about something you never work a day in your life.

“I’m a nerd for everything beauty.”

Ms McArdle first started out as a makeup artist before progressing, within months, to lash and brow services.

“I’ve never questioned (the decision), I love this industry,” she said.

“It’s an industry that embraces everyone … you’re encouraged to flourish, there’s no glass ceiling.

“The industry is flourishing, there is the opportunity for everyone to thrive.”

The 30-year-old, from Lower Mitcham, said she thinks of her Glenside studio and its clients as a special sisterhood.

“It’s a place that's safe for everyone,” she said.

Caitlin at her Glenside studio. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

“I’m an only child but I feel like my clients are my sisters. It’s like a sisterhood.”

The dedicated beautician said she feels a connection with all clients that walk into her studio and enjoys working with them to make them feel their best.

“It’s intimate and personal,” she said. “In retail you can’t get to that level with some people.”

Ms McArdle said one of her favourite things about the job is being able to improve people’s days.

“Someone can walk in after having an average day and leave feeling better,” she said.

The lash technician said she wishes she got involved in the field earlier and hopes younger generations pursue their beautician dreams.

“I would’ve loved it to have been an option … I hope that happens for younger people,” she said.

Ms McArdle said she started tearing up when she heard she had been voted South Australia’s best lash technician.

“I had to hold back tears,” she said. “I’m so so excited.”

“I love everything about it (being a lash technician) … it goes down to my core.”

The lash technician, who also offers brow and makeup services, said she hopes to see her business continuing to grow and others following in her footsteps.

“I want to keep growing my business,” she said.

“I want to see more people coming into the industry.”