Best Makeup Artists for Brown Skin (Tried & Tested By Me)
/Finding a makeup artist who truly understands brown skin can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. From shade-matching foundation without leaving an ashy finish to celebrating undertones with the right techniques, the difference between a good makeup look and a great one is all in the artist’s skill.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with some of the most talented makeup artists who specialize in brown skin. Each of them brings their own unique style—whether it’s natural glam, bold editorial looks, or flawless bridal transformations. This post is my personal list of the best makeup artists for brown skin that I’ve worked with, so you can book with confidence knowing they’ll make you look and feel your absolute best.
Blended by Dhara B.
As you can see, Dhara has been one of my go-to makeup artists for years now — and you can trust I’m not the only one. She’s also the go-to makeup artist of choice for the editor-in-chief of TeenVogue, singer Zahra Khan, and many other celebrities and top influencers, so you know she’s the real deal. And the best part is, she can truly do it all. From a natural look, to soft glam, to full glam and over-the-top editorial looks, there’s nothing Dhara can’t do!
Payal Jessica Shah
Another favorite, Payal is incredible for accentuating your natural features and bringing balance and symmetry to your face. From slightly overlining my lips to give them a plump, glossy look to adding to the natural contour of my cheek, she did it perfectly and I didn’t have to say a word!
Preeti Artistry
The smokey-eye look Preeti created for me for this Anita Dongre shoot continues to live in my head rent-free. I wish I could find a more close-up shoot, but it’s one of my favorite looks to this day!
Cinderella Bridez by Barbie Patel
Cinderella Bridez is excellent for when you need a big team, like at your wedding! Her team can tackle your whole bridal party or family depending on what you’re looking for, and truly not having to coordinate with multiple different makeup artists on your big day is such a big time saver.
Nicole Fidalgo
Another hot favorite, Nicole may not be Indian, but she definitely understands Brown skin. I made someone take me out after this shoot because my facebeat deserved some more air time…yes, it was that good!
I cannot speak highly enough of Ratna Soni! She did my makeup at 9AM for a shoot after a very late night — but even more daunting was the fact that I needed a look that would work for my day AND night outfits, survive an all-day outdoor shoot during the summer, and look flawless all night through a party. And wow, did she deliver!!! These looks are two of my most memorable, and I can attest to the fact that the makeup did not move at all. 10/10
Parab
Shenyce Karysa
Shenyce did a stunning old Hollywood glam look on me, and it was absolutely stunning. I had an event to go to after my shoot, and it stayed flawless through the night.
Brown skin deserves to be celebrated, not compromised—and these makeup artists know exactly how to do that. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a photoshoot, or just want to treat yourself to professional glam, the artists on this list are tried, tested, and truly understand how to bring out your natural beauty.
✨ Save this guide for later, share it with your friends, and let me know in the comments which makeup artists you trust and love. Because when we celebrate artists who get it right, we make space for more inclusive beauty everywhere.