20 Makeup Artists You Absolutely Need to Follow on Instagram
Discover the top makeup artists on Instagram for dazzling inspiration, insider beauty tips, and celebrity-level glam—all in your feed.
If you’re a beauty enthusiast or aspiring MUA, following the right makeup artists on Instagram transforms your feed from a scroll of selfies to a source of perpetual inspiration. Whether you want backstage tricks, celebrity beauty secrets, or just crave jaw-dropping artistry, these 20 makeup artists are guaranteed to elevate your beauty game. From glitter and glow to those razor-sharp wings, here’s who to keep on your radar for must-know makeup trends and techniques.
Why Follow Makeup Artists on Instagram?
- Exclusive Tips & Tutorials: Learn application techniques and product recommendations directly from the pros.
- Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Experience red carpet beauty prep and editorial shoots through their eyes.
- Celebrity Beauty Insights: See how your favorite stars achieve their iconic looks.
- Trendspotting: Be the first to see emerging beauty trends and bold new styles.
- Creative Inspiration: Feed your imagination with experimental, editorial, and avant-garde makeup art.
The Best Makeup Artists on Instagram—Our Top 20
Unfollow the ordinary and reset your feed with these ultra-talented artists. Each one offers something unique—glitter bombs, natural glow, technical wizardry, or surreal creativity. Dive in:
1. Pat McGrath – Queen of Glitter and Beyond
Known For: Unparalleled use of color, texture, and shine.
Dubbed the “Mother” of makeup, Pat McGrath’s Instagram is a vibrant wonderland of editorial looks, metallics, and bedazzled accessories. She pushes boundaries with bold pigments and innovative materials. Expect stunning glitter creations, illuminated skin, and lots of jaw-dropping backstage peeks from the world’s top fashion shows.
2. Nam Vo – Glowy, Dewy Dreamscapes
Known For: The ultimate glass-skin glow and ethereal highlights.
The reigning highlighter queen, Nam Vo creates radiant makeup that’s never greasy—just fresh, light-filled skin. Her Instagram is a masterclass in all things luminous, with emphasis on strategic dewiness. Perfect for mastering the highlighter so beaming it could be picked up by satellites.
3. Hrush Achemyan – Contouring to Perfection
Known For: Expert contouring and red-carpet glam looks.
When A-list faces like the Kardashians and J.Lo want sculpted, flawless glam, Hrush Achemyan is their secret weapon. Her feed is packed with gorgeously blended contour, dramatic eye looks, and enough glam selfies to fill a Hollywood party.
4. Mario Dedivanovic – Sculpting Selfie Royalty
Known For: Crafting some of the most famous faces and pioneering the contour movement.
The artist many credit with perfecting Kardashian glam, Mario Dedivanovic’s posts offer a peek at selfie-approved techniques and essential product tips. His artistry sets social media standards for beauty pros worldwide.
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5. Lisa Eldridge – Timeless British Sophistication
Known For: Elegant, wearable looks and encyclopedic beauty knowledge.
Lisa Eldridge’s tutorials and product reviews are beloved for their clarity and creativity. Expect sophisticated skin, vibrant lip looks, and historical explorations of makeup through the ages.
6. Patrick Ta – Modern Glamour Meets Fresh Skin
Known For: Effortless, glowing celebrity looks.
Patrick Ta’s clients list includes supermodels and pop stars; his Instagram is a celebration of “fresh face, big impact” beauty. His signature: soft smokey eyes, glossy lips, and flawless skin with a major glow factor.
7. DenDoll (Denika Bedrossian) – Eye-Catching Color Stories
Known For: Bold eye looks, playful colors, creative experiments.
DenDoll is behind countless head-turning looks for clients like Halsey. From smokey sunset eyes to burst-of-orange lids, her feed is essential for exploring edgy color and inventive combinations.
8. Hung Vanngo – The King of Smokey Eyes
Known For: Soft-yet-striking eyes, timeless beauty, and star-studded portfolios.
With celebrity clients such as Selena Gomez and Bella Hadid, Hung Vanngo can make even classic black smokey eyes feel runway-fresh. His Instagram is filled with flawless, well-blended looks, bold lashes, and luminous skin.
9. Charlotte Tilbury – Iconic Pink Lips & Celebrity Transformations
Known For: Dramatic lips, skin-perfecting finishes, and an eponymous beauty line.
Charlotte Tilbury’s account delivers daily doses of dreamy lip colors and red carpet-ready makeup. Purple, pink, or classic nudes—her brand and artistry set trends and create beauty obsessions worldwide.
10. Robin Black – Photography as Art, Makeup as Muse
Known For: Artful, colorful photographic compositions of beauty looks.
You’ll rarely spot Robin Black herself in photos—she’s the creative force *behind* the lens. Her Instagram is a kaleidoscope of color, editorial shots, and makeup inspiration for art lovers and industry insiders alike.
11. Ariel Tejada – Matte Lip Mastery
Known For: Statement matte lips, golden eyes, and the modern brow.
If you’ve ever double-tapped a photo of Kylie Jenner’s crisp nude lip or killer brow, you’ve admired Ariel Tejada’s work. His feed celebrates the return of ‘90s matte, but with a fresh, contemporary attitude.
12. Vincent Oquendo – The Ultimate Winged-Liner Technique
Known For: Sculpted skin and impeccable cat eyes.
With an ever-growing portfolio of models and celebrities, Vincent Oquendo is the maestro of precise winged liner. For those obsessed with the perfect flick, his detailed looks are a masterclass in symmetry and restraint.
13. Val Garland – Editorial Iconoclast
Known For: Creating some of the most iconic runway and editorial looks ever published.
Val Garland’s Instagram is a scroll through beauty history. As a legend in the makeup world, her archive offers gems from backstage at international runway shows, magazine covers, and legendary advertising campaigns.
14. Donni Davy – ‘Euphoria’ Makeup Magic
Known For: The viral, sparkly, avant-garde looks of HBO’s Euphoria.
If you crave rhinestones, holographic liners, graphic color, and experimental shapes, Donni Davy is your go-to artist. She’s responsible for the now-legendary “Euphoria makeup” trend that’s taken over runways and TikTok feeds.
15. Nikki Wolff – Social Media’s Favorite Soft Glam
Known For: Flawless blending, soft glam, and naturally snatched looks.
Nikki Wolff wields her brushes with a featherlight touch, producing seamlessly soft contouring and radiant skin. Her Instagram offers endless inspiration for the aspirational glam girl.
16. Katie Jane Hughes – Editorial Meets Real Life
Known For: Wearable versions of runway creativity.
Brow bleaches, unexpected shimmers, and experimental liner—Katie Jane Hughes balances pro techniques with relatable, real-world tutorials. Her honest captions and approachable advice keep fans coming back for more.
17. Allan Avendaño – Star-Studded Red Carpet Looks
Known For: Glowy skin, dramatic eye shapes, and making every client look like an A-lister.
From fashion week to music awards, Allan Avendaño’s Instagram is a treasure trove of red-carpet secrets. Follow for insights into achieving that celebrity glow.
18. Hung Vanngo – Precision Color and Texture
Known For: Vivid pigments delicately placed for max impact.
Appearing twice for good reason, Hung Vanngo creates both subtle and statement looks that always appear editorial-ready and luxuriously wearable—even the most daring are surprisingly easy to adapt.
19. Nam Vo – Ultimate Dewy Skin
Known For: A repeat mention for those seeking a lit-from-within glass skin effect.
If radiant skin is your main goal, Nam Vo offers lessons in strategic highlighting, sun-kissed minimalism, and glowing health.
20. James Molloy – Playful Color and Graphic Shapes
Known For: Bright, editorial color and experimental shapes.
James Molloy plays with every pigment under the sun, crafting looks that are both high-fashion and joyful. His reels and how-tos break down bold styles into achievable everyday statements.
Quick Reference Table: Who to Follow for What
| Artist | Instagram Style | Signature Look |
|---|---|---|
| Pat McGrath | Glitter & Color | Vibrant, glitter-bombed editorial |
| Nam Vo | Dewy & Glowy | Glass-skin highlight |
| Hrush Achemyan | Glam Contour | Carved cheekbones |
| Hung Vanngo | Polished Smokey-Eye | Sculpted eyes |
| Charlotte Tilbury | Red Carpet Classic | Perfect pink lips |
| DenDoll | Eye-Catching Color | Bold liner and shadows |
| Robin Black | Creative Photography | Color story art shots |
| Ariel Tejada | Matte Magic | Crisp nude lips |
| Val Garland | Editorial Iconic | Runway transformations |
| Donni Davy | Euphoria-Style | Rhinestones & vivid color |
| Vincent Oquendo | Graphic Liner | Perfect winged eyes |
| Lisa Eldridge | Sophisticated | Classic glam |
| Katie Jane Hughes | Editorial Realness | Wearable boldness |
| Patrick Ta | Supermodel Glow | Luminous skin |
| Nikki Wolff | Soft Glam | Seamless blending |
| Allan Avendaño | Red Carpet | Glowy celebrities |
| James Molloy | Playful Color | Graphic shapes |
Trending Techniques and What to Look Out For
- Extreme Highlighting: Glowing skin remains a dominant trend, with new liquid illuminators leading the pack.
- Creative Eye Graphics: Bold liners, gems, and colored mascara add flair to everyday looks.
- Modern Matte Lips: Statement yet soft matte finishes are back and bolder than ever.
- Editorial Experimentation: As seen with Euphoria-inspired looks, the line between runway and street style keeps blurring.
- Effortless/No-Makeup Makeup: The “barely-there” look, crafted by pros like Nam Vo, remains a perennial favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I replicate these pro looks at home?
A: Break down the key elements: Start with a solid skincare routine for the perfect base, use quality brushes or tools, and don’t be afraid to experiment with color and product placement. Many artists post step-by-step tutorials or product breakdowns in their captions or Stories.
Q: What are some must-have products these artists use?
A: Highlighters, setting sprays, precision liners, and a reliable palette of both neutrals and vivid hues. Pat McGrath Labs, Charlotte Tilbury, and Fenty Beauty are frequently mentioned brands.
Q: What’s the best way to stay updated on new makeup trends?
A: Regularly follow and engage with diverse artists—many debut new looks and product launches on their Instagram accounts ahead of broader trends.
Q: Who do celebrities trust for their red carpet looks?
A: Some favorites include Mario Dedivanovic (Kim Kardashian), Hung Vanngo (Selena Gomez), Ariel Tejada (Kylie Jenner), and Patrick Ta (Gigi Hadid among others).
Pro Tips for Getting More Out of Your Instagram Beauty Feed
- Turn on post notifications for your favorite artists to catch tutorials and product drops as soon as they go live.
- Explore Stories and Highlights—often packed with detailed breakdowns and Q&As.
- Experiment with tagging or DMing artists; many answer questions or feature community recreations.
- Don’t just scroll—save or organize your favorite looks to reference for future events or makeup practice.
- Broaden your horizons: Follow both established legends and up-and-coming creators for a well-rounded feed.
Level Up Your Makeup Game—Starting Now
No matter your skill level or signature aesthetic, these makeup artists make Instagram an endless source of new ideas and real-world tricks. Whether you’re practicing a sharper wing, layering highlight for glass-skin glow, or going full-Euphoria, hit ‘Follow’ and prepare to leave the ordinary behind.
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