Need Some Beauty Inspo? These Are the Black Makeup Artists You Should Be Following

We look to celebrities for beauty inspiration a lot, but you shouldn't forget about the artists behind some of the most iconic looks we've seen in films, on television, and on red carpets. Much like your favorite beauty brands and influencers, professional makeup artists deserve recognition, too, especially Black artists who are wildly underrepresented in the beauty industry. In the same way that we like to highlight Black-owned beauty brands and founders, we should also be celebrating Black makeup artists.

With this in mind, we rounded up some of our favorite Black beauty pros who have worked with superstars like Beyoncé, Ciara, and more. Check them out ahead.

Erika La' Pearl

Erika La' Pearl is known for being the artist behind some of Cardi B's most iconic looks — including that colorful pizza palette look the rapper wore during Rolling Loud Music Festival in 2018.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @erika_lapearl_mua

Sam Fine

From Queen Latifah to Gabrielle Union to Tyra Banks, name any OG Black entertainer, and you'll find that Sam Fine has likely worked with them.

Where to follow him on Instagram: @iamsamfine

Letitia Sophia

If you often find yourself saving makeup inspo photos of Maya Jama, Winnie Harlow, and Rochelle Humes, there's only one person to follow: Letitia Sophia. Jama's longtime makeup artist shares behind-the-scenes looks of her client's glam as well as snippets from her masterclasses.

Where to follow her: Instagram @lletitia.

Michael Anthony

We know you're obsessed with all of Ariana Grande's makeup — specifically that white graphic eyeliner — from the "Rain On Me" music video, and that's all thanks to Micheal Anthony. Outside of doing editorial work, he also shares some pretty spellbinding looks on Instagram that really put the "artist" in "makeup artist."

Where to follow him on Instagram: @manthony783

Pauline Briscoe

Pauline Briscoe will not only give you all of the celebrity makeup inspo, but she'll also teach you how to create glam looks at home on her YouTube channel, which is full of tips and tricks.

Where to follow her: Instagram @paulinebriscoe

Porsche Cooper

In addition to having enviable personal style (her collection of hats and scarves is epic), makeup artist Porsche Cooper's famous clients span across every facet of the fashion and entertainment world. She works with award-winning musicians (Mary J. Blige, Andra Day), top models (Iman, Imman Hammam, Joan Smalls, Winnie Harlow), actors (Neicy Nash), and directors (Melina Matsoukas).

Where to follow her: Instagram @porschefabulous.

Sheika Daley

When Zendaya's not doing her own makeup for red carpet events, she's enlisting the help of Sheika Daley, who's also the go-to makeup artist for Nicki Minaj, Kelly Rowland, and LaLa Anthony.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @officialsheiks

Jerry Johnson

Jerry Johnson is the official MUA for Laura Mercier Cosmetics, and he's also worked with celebs like Paris Hilton and Courtney Love.

Where to follow him on Instagram: @mercier_mua_jerry

Sir John

Sir John is best known for being the official makeup artist for Beyoncé, though makeup inspo isn't all he's good for. A thorough scroll through his Instagram page will leave you with a few cocktail recipes and a lot of inspiration on how to live your best life.

Where to follow him on Instagram:: @sirjohn

Margina Dennis

Dennis is also a beauty OG, and you can find most of her work in a ton of colorful, out-of-the-box editorials.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @marginadennis

Renee Garnes

NYC-based makeup artist, Renee Garnes, is an industry veteran whose work can be in seen in magazines, ad campaigns, and on the red carpet. Legends like actors Angela Bassett and Shonda Rimes, and supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Adriana Lima are longtime clients, as are some of today's hottest stars: Indya Moore, Lizzo, and Halima Aden.

Where to follow her: Instagram @reneegarnes

Danessa Myricks

Danessa Myricks isn't just a makeup artist, she also founded her own beauty brand that sells everything from bold metallic eyeshadow colors to statement lipsticks.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @danessa_myricks

Pat McGrath

A veteran in the industry, Pat McGrath took her knowledge of makeup and turned it into an empire back in 2016. Four years later, the products included in her namesake brand are some of the best and most luxurious ones out there.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @patmcgrathreal

Yolonda Frederick

Yolonda Frederick is Ciara's go-to makeup artist, and she's also worked with celebs like Cassie, Angelica Ross, and Jennifer Hudson.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @yolondafrederick

Mali Thomas

This master MUA has worked with a number of famous faces like Tiffany Haddish, Adrienne Bailon, and Dear White People's Ashley Blaine Featherson.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @kingmalimagic

Deja Smith

Deja Smith is an Emmy-nominated makeup artist who's not only worked with Laverne Cox, but she's also created looks for some of our favorite Pose actresses like Mj Rodriguez and Dominique T.A.R Jackson.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @theladydeja

Tiyana Robinson

Outside of being a celebrity makeup artist, Tiyana Robinson is also a beauty educator who recently launched an online school exclusively for makeup artists called Makeup Mogul University.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @tiyanarobinsonbeauty

Shayla Mitchell

When it comes to Black beauty YouTubers, Shayla is one of the OGs, and she has dozens of tutorials and a handful of successful collaborations with popular brands to prove it.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @makeupshayla

Dionne Wynn

A makeup artist for various celebs like Tiffany Haddish, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jada Pinkett Smith, Dionne Wynn's work has been featured in film, television, and magazines.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @makeupbydionne

Camara Aunique

In addition to being a makeup artist to the stars, Camara Aunique frequently shares her knowledge of the beauty industry as the voice behind her very own podcast, The Aunique Beauty Podcast. She also founded her own line of handcrafted faux-mink lashes in case you're looking for another Black-owned beauty brand to shop.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @camaraaunique

Keita Moore

Based in New York City, Keita Moore has worked with a handful of major celebrities like Issa Rae and Halima Aden. He's also created looks for campaigns behind brands like CoverGirl and Maybelline.

Where to follow him on Instagram: @kilprity

Moshoodat Sanni

Moshoodat Sanni has created some stunning beauty concepts through her work for brands like Black Opal and Refinery29, and she's also the creator of Crowned by Moshoodat, a line of royalty-inspired headpieces.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @moshoodat

AJ Crimson

AJ Crimson is a self-proclaimed "rock star" of the beauty industry who's not only worked with stars like Bresha Webb, Naturi Naughton, and Brandy, but he's also the founder of his own cosmetics line, AJ Crimson Beauty.

Where to follow him on Instagram: @ajcrimson

Amber Amos

Amber Amos's work has been seen on the likes of Black-ish star Marcus Scribner, Pose's Ryan Jamaal Swain, and Travis Scott.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @ber_amos

Jessica Smalls

Male grooming is listed as one of Smalls's specialties, though she's also done makeup on Tessa Thompson, Janelle Monáe, and Yara Shahidi.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @jessicasmalls

Jaleesa Jaikaran

If there's one thing you should follow Jaleesa Jaikaran for, it's her makeup looks that are never short on color. She's also shared her expertise in a series of Carnival-inspired makeup tutorials for us to all keep in mind for future celebrations.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @jaleesajaikaran

Jonet Williamson

Jonet Williamson is basically the queen of graphic eyeliner, and many of her looks have been featured in editorials for Makeup.com and Shea Moisture.

Where to follow her on Instagram: @jonetwmakeup

Latrice Johnson

Based in LA, makeup artist Latrice Johnson's work can be spotted on TV, music videos, and film. In 2019, however, she spent most of her time working with Regina King, creating her looks for award shows (including the Oscars!), magazine covers, movie premieres, and press appearances.

Where to follow her: Instagram @makeupbylatrice

Fatimot Isadare

Up-and-comer Fatimot Isidare doesn't shy away from bold colour and textures, a fact that's gotten the attention of magazines like Cosmpolitan, Teen Vogue editor in chief, Lindsey Peoples Wagner, and stars like Kelly Rowland.

Where to follow her: Instagram @fatimotisadare

Oslyn Holder

Holder works with industry veterans like Tyra Banks, Vanessa Williams, Bette Midler, and Regina King.

Where to follow her: Instagram @oslynholder