It’s easy to get lost in the social media scene, but the beauty of its ever-expansive reach is the access it opens to a wealth of inspiration from creators around the world.

We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the must-follow social media stars as your source for the latest trends, best new products, and technique how-tos. You might recognize some as makeup artists to the stars, while others are the up-and-comers shaping the industry’s future – from “no-makeup” makeup masters to out-of-this-world effects artists, here are ten makeup influencers we love right now.

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What Does a Makeup Influencer Do?

Makeup influencers, often referred to as beauty gurus or beauty bloggers, are individuals who have used social media platforms to create a name for themselves in the beauty industry. Their primary role is to inspire, educate, and entertain their audience by sharing makeup looks, skincare routines, and beauty tips through various forms of content.

One of the most popular formats for this content is makeup tutorials, often posted on their YouTube channel or TikTok account. These tutorials range from detailed step-by-step guides on how to achieve a particular look to quick tips for enhancing natural beauty. They might also offer product reviews, where they provide their honest opinions on the latest products from both well-known and emerging makeup brands.

Beauty influencers are a significant part of influencer marketing in the beauty industry. Companies frequently collaborate with them to promote their products, because influencers have built a level of trust and engagement with their followers that brands can leverage. When a beauty guru raves about a skincare product or demonstrates how to use a new makeup item, their endorsement carries weight.

Influencers also often get the first look at new products, sharing 'sneak peeks' and reviews before they hit the shelves, making them trendsetters within the beauty community. They frequently partner with beauty brands for sponsored posts, where the influencer receives payment or products in exchange for their promotion.

Beyond the YouTube channel and TikTok realm, Instagram is another primary platform for beauty influencers. Here, they showcase their makeup looks through photos and videos, often accompanied by a list of products used, allowing followers to recreate the look themselves.

Being a makeup influencer isn't solely about makeup tips and product reviews. They are educators, sharing knowledge on skincare routines and tips for maintaining healthy skin. They are also entertainers, creating enjoyable content that can range from ‘get ready with me’ vlogs to humorous and relatable takes on beauty mishaps.

With the rise of social media influencers, the role of a beauty guru has evolved. They are now considered trusted experts, whose opinions are valued not just by their followers, but by beauty brands themselves. Their insights can influence product development, marketing strategies, and more, making them key players in the modern beauty industry.

10 Popular Makeup Artists You Should Check Out

Here are our favorite makeup artists right now:

1. Angel Merino
2. Jasmine Brown 
3. Ariel Tejada
4. Mario Dedivanovic
5. Kara McGrath
6. Karen Camargo 
7. Ohemaa Bonsu
8. Nam Vo 
9. Jenna Rennert 
10. Gila Roby

Let's highlight each influencer!

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1. Angel Merino

This celebrity makeup artist boasts a portfolio of clientele that includes Ariana Grande, Toni Braxton, Chanel Iman, and more. Recently, his success as an artist has resulted in his own cosmetics line called Artist Couture. Alongside his bearded beauty looks, you’ll also find bonus content from his fabulous travels and favorite products.

2. Jasmine Brown 

Hair. Fashion. Lifestyle. Beauty. You’ll find it all on Jasmine’s feed. As a model and YouTube star, she continues to gain popularity posting her lifestyle and beauty tutorials to more than 2.4 million subscribers.

3. Ariel Tejada

Ariel is responsible for some of the best beauty looks on Kylie Jenner’s Instagram, her Kylie Cosmetics campaigns, and her red carpet events. In addition to cameos from the Kardashian/Jenner crew, fellow celebrity makeup artist Patrick Starrr often makes an appearance on Ariel’s page.

4. Mario Dedivanovic

Mario, who got his start with a job at Sephora as a teenager, is now best known for his superstar work with Kim Kardashian West, Kate Bosworth, and Gabrielle Union, to name a few. His less-is-more approach is an ode to natural beauty, and his Instagram feed is full of flawless inspiration for the freshest of looks.

5. Kara McGrath

Kara may not be your typical makeup influencer, but this is a woman who knows her stuff. From 2014 to 2019, she led the launch and development of Bustle’s beauty vertical and is currently serving as the deputy editor of Allure. Follow her for the scoop on the newest products, trends, and people to know in the business.

6. Karen Camargo 

Karen’s influence resonates through aesthetic beauty videos that will make you want to buy every item she features. As a whole, her Instagram is like a visual candy store filled with yummy colors, textures, and looks that makeup artists will find irresistible.

7. Ohemaa Bonsu

Ohemaa is a champion of representation for the Black creators’ community, aiming to inspire dark-skinned artists and beauty enthusiasts to try fun color combos and find the self-expression that makeup brings. She features a ton of helpful tutorials, from genius how-tos to slick application hacks.

8. Nam Vo 

Nam Vo is cheeky in more ways than one. She calls herself “queen of the glow job” and rose to fame for creating luminous cheeks that she’s dubbed "dewy dumplings." Her platforms are filled with hypnotizing videos transforming her clients into glowing goddesses with her go-to beauty products.

9. Jenna Rennert 

As a former Vogue editor, Jenna is a go-to arbiter of all things beauty. Her feed is a gold mine for quick and easy tutorials, time-saving tricks, and industry tips. Though she’s swapping out her title from magazine editor to mom-to-be, she’s still cranking out daily makeup and beauty content that is very much Vogue-worthy.

10. Gila Roby

If you’re looking for over-the-top drama with Lady Gaga-esque theatrics, stop scrolling. Gila Roby is a micro-influencer serving up major looks from Milan. You’ll find accessories, costumes, and glitter galore on his ‘gram. For bonus content, follow his inspiration page @hausofdavinci that showcases other rising Italian artists with equally sensational skills.

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Conclusion

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In the ever-evolving world of beauty, these 10 influencers are more than just content creators – they are artists in their own right. Whether they are a professional makeup artist working behind the scenes of a glamorous event, or a self-taught makeup artist sharing their journey, their impact on the industry is undeniable. From the all-American glam looks to the intricate artistry of eye makeup, these influencers are setting the makeup trends one eyeshadow palette at a time. They offer a window into the world of beauty, where glamour meets real-life through their tutorials, hauls, and reviews of the latest makeup products. As they skillfully navigate beauty trends with a brush in hand, they inspire both seasoned professionals and everyday enthusiasts to explore, create, and celebrate the art of makeup.