What is an MUA?
What is an MUA? Discover the role of a MUA and get a glimpse into the magical world of makeup artistry.
- 5th January 2024
- By Charlotte Tilbury
7 minute read
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What is an MUA?
Darlings, an MUA is a Make Up Artist!
MUA is an acronym for Make Up Artist, so when you see accounts on social media that refer to themselves as an MUA, this probably means that they either work as a make up artist or create makeup content online.
Make up artists have been around for decades working in theatre and entertainment to create every beauty look you could imagine. As makeup artists, we use the power of makeup and our artistic skills to beautify every face that lands in our makeup chair! I believe that it’s our job to help everyone to look and feel like the most beautiful version of themselves.
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Charlotte Tilbury MUA: A Magic Story
I have always been surrounded by creatives – my father Lance was a talented painter and my mother Patsy worked as a fashion producer. They both encouraged my creativity from a young age and having this creative energy around me is what inspired me to become a make up artist!
There were two magic moments that helped me to realise the power of makeup. The first was meeting legendary make up artist Mary Greenwell when I was 11 years old, which opened my eyes to the world of makeup. The second was the first time I wore mascara at age 13 – I remember looking in the mirror and feeling instant confidence. I had unlocked the secret to how makeup could change how you feel about yourself and the world, and I knew then that it was my calling to become an MUA.
My makeup career started in the 90s when I began assisting Mary Greenwell – she was an incredible mentor and taught me tips and tricks that I still use today! I worked backstage at fashion weeks, editorials and red carpets, going on to become a make up artist to the stars!
In my 30-year career as an MUA, I’ve had the honour of doing makeup for countless magazine covers from Vogue to Vanity Fair; working up to 40 fashion shows a season from New York to Milan; being Creative Product Developer for iconic brands such as Helena Rubenstein, MAC, Armani, Burberry and Tom Ford; and doing makeup for everyone from Amal Clooney to Kate Moss! All of this and more led to the magical moment I received an MBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to makeup and fashion – an honour that I will always treasure.
Darlings, it’s my career as an MUA that enabled me to create Charlotte Tilbury Beauty! This brand is built on years of experience in makeup artistry – and now, my magical makeup and skincare innovations belong in every professional makeup artist's kit!
Foundation
The secret to flawless-looking skin is a high-performance foundation in your perfect shade. Start by purchasing one or two shades and mix them together to experiment with different tones, then as you build up your client base, purchase a wider variety of shades and mixing mediums to make sure you’re equipped for any skin tone or skin type.
Charlotte’s Choice: Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation
Face Palette
Having a face palette in your kit saves you from having to carry around multiple products. A palette containing a flattering bronzer and a mesmerising highlighter will allow you to add light and shade to your makeup looks and save the complexion you’ve created from looking flat and one-dimensional.
Charlotte’s Choice: Filmstar Bronze & Glow
Eyeliner + Mascara
Enhancing the look of your eyes is one of the most magical parts of makeup for me. I become a new person when I’m wearing mascara and I’ve created my Feline Flick winged eyeliner look. Add liquid eyeliner and lashings of mascara to any look and it will pop!
Charlotte’s Choice: The Feline Flick in Panther + Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara in Super Black
Lip Liner + Lipstick
Finding the perfect lipstick to complement your look can be challenging for makeup beginners. I recommend investing in one red lipstick for more dramatic looks; one nude lipstick for more dressed-down looks; and one pink lipstick that goes with everything. Whichever shade you choose, be sure to use a lip liner for a well-defined, fuller-looking lip shape.
Charlotte’s Choice: Matte Revolution Lipstick and Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Original
Moisturiser
Darlings, skincare is the secret to a flawless makeup application. I never do makeup without applying my award-winning face cream, Charlotte’s Magic Cream. This formula was born backstage and is designed to give skin an immediate revival. Instantly, skin looks smoother and plumper and has a gorgeous glow, and in turn, makeup will never look better!
Charlotte’s Choice: Charlotte’s Magic Cream 50ml
Discover more about the #1 Face Cream 50ml in the UK Prestige Skincare Market*
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Author Details
Charlotte Tilbury
Founder, President, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty
With over 30 years experience, Charlotte Tilbury MBE is the world's number 1 makeup artist and British beauty entrepreneur. Charlotte established Charlotte Tilbury Beauty in 2013, which is now a record-breaking beauty brand that has won over 400 awards.
