A B O U T  M E

My name is Mariella and I’m an award winning makeup artist based in Oxfordshire. I specialise in bridal and wedding makeup, and have over 8 years of experience within the makeup industry. My passion for makeup began in my very early teens. As a child, right through into early adulthood, I was a dancer and performer, and that was always what I had dreamt of doing. I was so mesmerised by the transformative aspect of costume, and applying makeup before heading on to perform, so I always enjoyed getting ready for shows, just as much as being in them!

When it became clear that dance was no longer my path, I realised that I was so inspired by makeup as an art form, and wanted to still be involved in something as creative and exciting as dance had become for me, over the years. Having studied Art & Textile design at A-level, I had always had a creative flair, and found so much joy in applying my own theatrical style makeup, for my performances, but also day to day. It dawned on me that makeup was quite a powerful tool, and form of expression.

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Having gathered together a whole collection of makeup products, brushes, and books, over the years of doing my own makeup for performances and shows, and obsessing over makeup artists such as Charlotte Tilbury, and Lisa Eldridge- I applied for college as soon as I could.

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I began with the Beauty Therapy course, in which I learnt many treatments and techniques, from facials, to manis and pedis, eyebrow treatments...you name it. I learnt about etiquette during treatments, client care, and how vital it is that you nurture the person sat in your treatment chair, it’s all about their contentment and confidence. The course taught me a great deal about the skin and what happens beneath it, skin types and conditions- which definitely stood me in great stead for makeup artistry, as it made me aware of the importance of understanding what's going on underneath all of the makeup too, to ensure a beautiful application and wear. A small module within the beauty course was studying cosmetics, and that reinforced my love for makeup artistry, it lit a fire in my belly, I had to do a makeup specialised course. 

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I headed to The City of Oxford College and graduated with a qualification in ‘TV/Film & Theatrical’ makeup. As much as I loved applying a prosthetic noses, learning how to apply casualty makeup, or painting someone to look like zombie...bridal and beauty makeup is where my true passion was- I knew this was the aspect of makeup that I wanted to pursue.

Alongside my beauty therapy course, I had worked for the brand Clinique, which aided in my knowledge of skincare and client communication, but while studying makeup over the years that followed, I landed my dream role as a makeup artist for Charlotte Tilbury.

I spent 4 amazing years with the company, learning even more about, products, techniques, I made up countless faces everyday and hosted many makeup masterclasses and events for the brand.

I was fully immersed in the dreamy, glowing, hollywood wonderment that was Charlotte Tilbury. My favourite thing about my role was that I was becoming the expert within a brand I already loved, and I got to share that love and passion with different clients everyday. No matter their age, skin type and tone, preference, or skill level, I could bring them into my ‘Tilbury bubble’ and show them how they could look and feel their most beautiful.

The philosophy of Iooking and feeling your your best, whatever that means to the individual, is what spurred me on go fully freelance in Autumn 2020. As I’d been building up my client base and working with lots of brides on their wedding days, alongside my part time artistry roles, I felt ready to ‘go at it alone’, and I’ve never looked back.

The deep rooted love I have for makeup, goes further than making people ‘look pretty'. I believe that makeup is more than exterior beauty, it can change a persons confidence level- it feels good to feel good! 

I adore makeup, it's my magic, and I find so much joy in sharing that with my brides and clients. I am so lucky to work with such wonderful people and call my passion, my full time job. I pride myself on the wonderful relationships I build with my clients, and I really am so excited to make up everyone who sits in my chair.

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As Charlotte Tilbury once said “Give someone the right makeup and they can conquer the world”.

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If you'd like to make a booking enquiry, or receive a bespoke quote for your event, please get in touch via the Contact page!