The Makeup Insider

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Lottie — makeup artist, educator and co-host of We Speak Beauty podcast
Episode summary:
Vanessa sits down with LA-based makeup artist Lottie, who made an unlikely leap from an accounting career into the beauty industry without any formal training. Lottie shares how she taught herself through magazines and hands-on experience, got discovered by Pat McGrath on MySpace, and built a career working on some of fashion's biggest runways. She also talks about the realities of self-employment, the pressure of social media and why so many artists undervalue themselves.
In this episode:
How Lottie transitioned from accounting to makeup artistry in Los Angeles
Teaching herself through magazines and on-the-job experience
The MySpace moment that led to working with Pat McGrath
What fashion runway work actually looks and feels like
Why resilience and authenticity matter more than credentials
Lottie's masterclasses and the We Speak Beauty podcast
How social media has changed the industry and what artists should focus on instead
Guest links:
Instagram: @lotstar
Website: www.lotstar.com
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SHOW NOTES
Episode 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes with Vanessa Barney
This week we flip the mic. For our 100th episode, I'm the one being interviewed — and honestly, it felt strange and wonderful at the same time.
We go deep on what it's really been like building The Makeup Insider from the ground up, the lessons that have stayed with me, and where this podcast is heading next.
If you've been here from the start, thank you. If you're new, welcome — this is a great place to jump in.
TopicKey Takeaway
Starting from scratch 
Be ready to begin again. Patience and self-grace aren't optional.
The power of asking 
"If you don't ask, the answer is always no." (Thanks Nicole Thompson.)
Community and mentorship 
This podcast exists to be the mentor I never had.
Global reach 
Listeners from Ukraine, Africa, and beyond — still blows my mind.
What's next 
More face-to-face interviews, international guests, and growing online.
Thank you Julia Dillon for a wonderful chat. 
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In this episode, Maddy Baucia returns after an incredible season completing 110 weddings across Tuscany, Umbria, and stunning destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Sicily. She shares the realities behind such a high-volume year: the logistics, the challenges, the systems she relied on, and the lessons she’ll carry forward.
We dive into how she plans to reduce her workload to 80 weddings next season, restructure her pricing, streamline her business model, and step away from team-based operations. Maddy also shares the importance of managing her physical and mental health, staying organised while constantly travelling, and refining her backend systems to create a more sustainable business.
This episode is a must-listen for artists working in or aspiring to enter the destination wedding space.
Topics Covered
Challenges and Support Systems
Travel and Logistics - where to base yourself
Adjusting Future Plans
Pricing and Booking Strategies
Future Goals and System Improvements
Standing Out in the Industry
Showcasing Personality on Social Media
Building Trust with Destination Brides
Using Facebook Groups for Destination Work
Advice for Aspiring Destination Wedding Artists
Coaching Calls for Wedding Artists
Travel Fees and Pricing Psychology
Trends in European Wedding Locations
Join Bridal Boss Academy 
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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 season
Why direct flights and smart packing are non-negotiables
The realities of driving (and surviving) Italy’s wedding circuit
Managing back-to-back weddings while staying creative
Jacqui’s must-have travel kit and European beauty essentials
Tips for choosing accommodation and balancing work with rest
The mindset shifts that come with working outside your comfort zone
Key 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 work
Curious about the European destination wedding scene
Looking for practical travel and business advice from a working artist
Ready to take your artistry global — and want to know where to start
Connect with Jacqui
Follow Jacqui’s adventures and artistry on Instagram: @jacquibradfieldmakeup 
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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 artist
Overcoming personal hurdles and finding confidence on camera
Lessons learned from two decades in the beauty industry
The evolution of beauty and the importance of adaptability
Building a reputation and network that lasts
Why personality and professionalism are just as important as artistry
Connect with Michael Brown
Instagram: @michaelbrownbeauty

Website: michaelbrownbeauty.com.au
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