‘Dream come true’: Toowoomba’s top 10 make-up artists revealed
The Chronicle asked the public to name the beauty professional they thought deserved to be crowned the region’s best and now we can officially reveal the top 10, as voted by you.
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Whether they can perfect a smokey eye or plump lips like a pro, Toowoomba is full of talented and successful make-up artists.
The Chronicle asked the public to name the beauty professional they thought deserved to be crowned the region’s best and now we can officially reveal the top 10, as voted by you.
1. Stacey Morris – Mirror Mirror Make-up Artistry
Growing up, Stacey Morris spent many days helping out at her mum’s hairdressing salon and watching in awe as clients underwent transformations.
After years of practising make-up application on anyone willing to volunteer, including her younger brother, Ms Morris turned her passion into a successful career and has been a qualified make-up artist for nearly 12 years.
Inspired by both her parents who ran their own ventures, and the small businesses she assisted when working in an accounting firm, the make-up specialist opened her own studio Mirror Mirror Make-up Artistry in early 2012.
Over the course of six years, Ms Morris spent most weekends, lunch breaks and time in between her job with the firm developing her business brand, until she eventually took the leap to pursue make-up full-time.
“I have loved hair and makeup for as long as I can remember, but back then I didn’t think you could actually make a career out of being a makeup artist, so I was never drawn to it as a career until much later in life,” she said.
“It’s so rewarding knowing that I get to support myself with a full time income, doing something that I love.
“I love that I get to use both sides of my brain – my right brain gets to be creative with makeup, talk to people all day and hear their interesting stories and I get to flex my left brain with the (behind the scenes) stuff people don’t see.”
The talented professional received the most votes in The Chronicle’s online poll for Toowoomba’s best artist – a title she has claimed for the second time after previously also winning in late 2022.
Specialising in wedding make-up, Ms Morris said she loved travelling across the Sunshine State and NSW, meeting interesting people and helping others feel beautiful were her career highlights.
“I treat this job as so much more than just ‘painting faces’,” she said.
“Every time I get to show someone their makeup in the mirror – watching their face light up, their confidence skyrocket, and seeing them truly love how they look – is so special.”
“I also love being able to be a calming presence on a wedding day and help contribute to fun, relaxed, happy memories of peoples’ wedding mornings.”
Not one to sit still, the business owner is working towards enhancing her work-life balance by taking up painting as a hobby, performing house renovations and volunteering as the treasurer of her husband’s cricket club.
2. Ellie Bee – Luminosa
Nothing brings Ellie Burgoyne more joy than spending time with her family or helping her clients to feel beautiful in their own skin.
With more than 16 years experience in running a business – more than a decade of which Ms Burgoyne has owned Luminosa and worked as a make-up artist, every day is filled with joy.
“I was inspired to take the leap to really do something that was for me and it was important to me to do something that not only brings me joy everyday but also makes others feel good in the process,” she said.
“My most heartfelt memories would be being a part of people’s journeys and the biggest moments in their lives – and that is so wonderful.
“From doing formal make-up for girls, to then go on and do their make-up for their engagements, weddings and baby showers.”
Despite her love for the natural style of make-up, the talented artist also enjoys the creative and experimental process of creating looks for editorials, with one of her favourites being a ‘water’ themed magazine shoot called Serene.
While Ms Burgoyne admits running a business is a whirlwind experience filled with highs and lows, she is grateful for every day.
“Seeing all of the comments and tags come through on the original (make-up artist nomination) post was so heartwarming,” she said.
“I feel so honoured to be among Toowoomba’s best … we truly are blessed to have such amazing talent in our beautiful city.”
3. Claire Hamilton – Claire Hamilton Make-up Artist
After travelling to Monaco to work as a make-up artist at the Formula 1 Grand Prix alongside a small team of artists, Claire Hamilton has certainly made her mark in the world of make-up.
Working as a make-up artist for almost a decade, the dedicated professional first fell in love with the industry when she was a young dancer and had to apply her own look.
“I remember I would get so excited about doing my makeup to match the colours in our costumes and I would practise my makeup application for weeks prior to the performances,” Ms Hamilton said.
“It was my dream to work overseas one day and although that hasn’t come true yet, I (was able to work in Monaco) – one of the most incredible locations in the world.”
While there is plenty she adores about her job, Ms Hamilton said her favourite parts were travelling to stunning locations, meeting new people, building connections with clients and helping others feel amazing.
Specialising in soft natural glam make-up, Ms Hamilton said her best tip was to invest in quality moisturiser to keep skin soft, hydrated and prepped for application.
The Toowoomba woman who started her own mobile make-up business Claire Hamilton Make-up Artist, three years ago described it as the best decision she had ever made, despite the hard work involved.
“I have learnt so much over the past three years and continue to learn so many valuable business skills which I wouldn’t have been able to achieve working for a company,” she said.
“There’s nothing quite like showing clients the finished look and seeing their reaction or starting the appointment off as strangers, only to end it feeling like you’ve known each other for years.”
The most unique and fun request Ms Hamilton has received to date was a bride who asked for bright green, glittery, smokey eyes for her wedding.
When Ms Hamilton does not have a make-up brush in her hand, she can be found riding her horse, exploring the outdoors with her dog or working part-time at a horse stud farm.
4. Danielle Flint – Dani Flint MUA
When it comes to the art of make-up, Danielle Flint’s best tip is ‘less is more’.
The professional who has worked as a make-up artist for the past eight years opened her own business Dani Flint MUA in 2019.
“I love meeting a wide variety of women, listening to their personal stories and having them leave my makeup chair feeling their absolute best and ready to take on the world,” she said.
“One of my favourite memories is donating my time to complete make-up for students for the Clifford Park Special School’s senior formal … I loved it so much that I now do it every year.”
The artist who loves nothing more than exploring her creative side at work, said she loved running her own business as it offered flexibility – an essential requirement for the hands-on mum.
While Ms Flint assists with make-up for weddings and other special occasions, she has always enjoyed playing around with special effects for Halloween.
The talented creative was also named Queensland’s Best Emerging Artist in a competition at the 2018 Brisbane Hair and Beauty Expo, for her make-up submission which represented Ayres Rock.
“(That make-up) holds a special place in my heart,” she said.
“I was very humbled to be voted in (The Chronicle’s) top 10 as there are some brilliant artists in our community.”
When tools are down, you will find Ms Flint spending time with her three children, heading to the beach or enjoying a sneaky pina colada.
5. Giana-Francesca Blake – Bella Beauty by Gee
For Giana-Francesca Blake, this year’s birthday will be one to remember after it was that same day she discovered the public had voted her in as one of the top 10 artists in The Chronicle’s poll.
“I am actually still in shock but I just felt so grateful and honoured to be voted for,” she said.
“What a special message to receive on my birthday and it reinforced that I chose the right career.”
The talented make-up artist has worked in the industry for several years and opened her own business Bella Beauty by Gee two years ago.
Grateful for the opportunities she has received through her small business, Ms Blake said the flexibility of the mobile venture allowed her to raise her two daughters, while helping boost the confidence of her clients.
With a passion for accentuating her clients’ eyes and creating a gorgeous glow, Ms Blake said she also liked to ask clients questions to grasp their preferences.
Ms Blake said in addition to being part of some of the most memorable occasions in people’s lives, she loved seeing the look on the faces of her clients after she applied their make-up.
“For me there is no greater honour or better feeling than knowing you’ve made someone feel so beautiful and seeing that look of happiness on their face,” she said.
“I believe everyone is already beautiful – I just enhance that beauty and bring out what’s already there – bringing out their beauty from within.”
One of the most unique experiences Ms Blake has encountered during her lengthy career was being asked to run a ‘glitter bar’ for a Euphoria-themed New Year’s Eve party at a nightclub.
Describing her career as a “dream come true” the make-up artist said she would not have achieved what she had without the support of her clients and loved ones.
“As a small business owner, it means the world to me to have this opportunity,” she said.
“My two beautiful girls are another reason why I started my business – they are my biggest fans and I wanted to show them you can do anything you set your mind to.
“Make-up lights up my soul and I look forward to glamming for a long time to come.”
On her days off, you will find the Toowoomba creative being a loving mum to her two girls, keeping up with the latest products and trends and upskilling.
6. Sienna Bowden – Sienna Bowden Makeup Artist
Almost 10 years ago Sienna Bowden started her own business in her dining room, after being fascinated by all things hair and make-up since early childhood.
Formally known as Ziel Makeup Artistry, Ms Bowden later changed the brand name to Sienna Bowden Makeup Artist, when she discovered her real allegiance laid with beauty and she began offering make-up services solely.
“I wouldn’t say anything in particular inspired me to take the leap to start the business … it was just pure passion and I knew this was what I wanted to do so I just went for it,” she said.
“Many of my clients will know their time in the chair is valuable and we’re always up for a good chat and many clients have turned into friends over the years.
“Clients aren’t just another number, they’re everything to me, so being able to take the time of day during their service to talk and laugh and get to know them is one of the things I love most about having my own business.”
After working at many salons over the years, the venture soon became mostly mobile, allowing the make-up artist to travel far and wide to offer her services for a variety of special occasions.
But her most treasured memory was standing by her sister’s side as maid of honour at her sister’s wedding and styling all the hair and make-up looks for the bridal party on the day.
“Getting your own sister ready for her special day and finalising her hair and make-up is a moment between two sisters that I will truly cherish forever,” Ms Bowden said.
“I also did my own wedding hair and make-up which I think is pretty special … I had that moment all to myself and got to create the wedding hair and makeup of my own dreams – it’s not every day you get to do that.
“But every group I have worked on individually holds a place in my heart forever.”
Grateful for the support she has received over the years, Ms Bowden thanked her clients and the community for their constant encouragement.
When the beauty pro is not working her magic in the make-up chair, you will most likely find her spending time with her husband and six children, riding motorbikes, camping or enjoying a classic pub feed.
7. Kylie Nolan – Framed Hair and Beauty
Whether she’s holding a make-up brush at work or paint brush at home, Kylie Nolan is always creating a masterpiece.
The talented beauty professional has worked in the industry and helping clients find a new-found sense of confidence for almost two decades.
Starting out as a subcontractor on the Gold Coast, Ms Nolan’s career has led to many exciting opportunities in hair and make-up, from creating looks for photoshoots and weddings, to television commercials.
The beauty professional even once applied make-up for a fashion show, using fishnet stockings and an airbrush to spray the pattern on the face of a model.
Since relocating to Toowoomba, Ms Nolan now works as a freelance make-up artist at Framed Hair and Beauty.
“What drew me to a career as a makeup artist was wanting to help women realise and see their own intrinsic beauty,” she said.
“Running my own business has been a dream come true – I am constantly learning and growing and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
While her career has been filled with sweet and heartwarming moments, it was one particular appointment with a new client which struck a chord for Ms Nolan.
The client who was sad and quiet during the beginning of an appointment burst into tears when Ms Nolan handed her a mirror after the application.
“I was initially worried that she didn’t like it, but she explained that she had given up on making herself look good for a long time, had been putting everyone else first and she feared she wasn’t able to feel good about herself anymore,” she said.
“She was lacking confidence and had lost her spark, but when she looked in the mirror, she said she saw her ‘old self’ again and she was still beautiful.”
The Toowoomba artist often receives compliments and messages about her technique to make eyes pop by enhancing the shape of the eye with waterline and using contrasting eyeshadow colours.
8. Harna Robertson – Sweet Cheeks Mobile Makeup
Staying hydrated and protecting skin from the sun are two pearls of wisdom Harna Robertson offers clients for a flawless finish.
The make-up artist who opened her own business Sweet Cheeks Mobile Make-up in late 2009, said the initial reason behind the side hustle was to create a flexible lifestyle so she could also care for her baby.
Nearly 15 years on and as the artist’s family has grown, she fell in love with her business and clients.
Whether she’s perfecting a look for school formals, galas, special occasions or weddings, Ms Robertson said she loves witnessing special moments through her mobile business.
“I often think, there are not many professions where you get to work with people constantly on their best days,” she said.
“People welcome me into their homes, motel rooms, camp sites and school dorms and I am greeted with smiling, happy faces or by people that are so full of excitement and nerves that you can’t help but join in their emotions too.”
The Toowoomba business owner said she wanted clients to feel comfortable sitting in her make-up chair and leave feeling incredible in their own skin.
“I want my clients to feel like they are having a chat with a friend while being made to feel a bit special too – I aim to be an artist for every type of person,” she said.
“Being mobile, it’s often that a client will ask to have hair and make-up done in the same place and I am always welcomed so warmly by hair salon staff and owners.
“(I’m grateful for) the wonderful relationships I have formed with other wedding and event vendors over the years, especially the local hair stylists.”
In her spare time, the mum of two enjoys popping a podcast on, while painting masterpieces on canvases which she occasionally sells at the local markets.
9. Alora Kuhn – Alora Jane Makeup Artist
For Alora Kuhn, make-up started out as just a hobby but she soon discovered a passion for creating looks for photographic and on-screen work.
Since 2013, Ms Kuhn began collaborating with other local businesses before officially opening her own venture Alora Jane Make-up Artist, in 2022.
“I decided to take a leap of faith and venture out on my own and I feel that the demand for make-up artists in Toowoomba has really taken off post Covid,” she said.
“It really made me feel empowered and I was overcome with joy to be recognised in the industry (through The Chronicle’s online poll) alongside so many other talented make-up artists.”
While the mum of one studied special effects make-up and enjoys dappling in spooky Halloween-themed looks from zombies and fairies, to skeletons and witches, she has also made her mark as a popular choice for weddings and special occasions.
“I love creating looks for people who want their make-up to stand out for their event, but I can never get past the feeling of handing the mirror to a bride on her special day,” Ms Kuhn said.
“I’m an incredibly empathetic person, so when they cry, I cry and when they laugh, I laugh – it’s such a beautiful connection to share, and I feel honoured to bring so much joy and confidence to my brides.”
When the Toowoomba artist is not forming connections with her clients and making a positive impact on their special days, Ms Kuhn is usually being kept on her toes by her toddler.
“He is the reason why I do what I do, and he brings so much joy to my life,” she said.
10. Stephanie McQuade – Stephanie Louise MUA
As a young child, Stephanie McQuade would often sneak into her mum’s room and play with her collection of make-up, but it was not until she was 13 and attended a career workshop at school when she realised her desire to pursue it as a career.
Enrolling in make-up courses straight after high school, Ms McQuade has now been working in the industry for more than two decades and runs her own business Stephanie Louise MUA.
“It’s hard to call it work when you love it this much – I just absolutely love what I do,” she said.
“I was always the person people got to do their make-up even before attending a private make-up academy, and from the age of 19 I have operated as a sole trader.”
While Ms McQuade admits it can be a challenge juggling a business with motherhood, drama classes, soccer practice and Little Athletics for her kids, as well as volunteering and renovating her home, she would not have it any other way.
The down to earth artist said she loved making clients feel beautiful and confident in their own skin and meeting people from all walks of life.
From school formals, graduations and birthdays, to engagements, weddings and maternity shoots, the mum of two said she found it incredibly rewarding to be part of so many special and intimate occasions.
“(For me) it’s the loyal clients that have supported me through so many phases of my career and life that have become dear friends or the moment a bride looks in the mirror and their eyes light up – nothing beats seeing that,” she said.
“I’ve always gone above and beyond to fit clients in and I’m known for taking bookings at all hours – I’ll quite often be starting faces at 4am during event season, but I love it.”
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