These celebrity black makeup artists are insanely talented

You know when you think you’re good at makeup because you’ve drawn the sharpest wing on one eye but then you go to duplicate the liner and you realize, no, your talents are most definitely elsewhere? Well, for these ultra-talented, celebrity-loved black makeup artists, winged liner is the equivalent of child’s play. Among their casual roster of clients is Beyoncé, Zendaya, Kelly Rowland, and Naomi Campbell and in addition, many of them have a killer side project, you know, including their regular red carpets and Vogue covers. Check your liner-shame at the door and let’s please applause these incredibly talented black makeup artists.

Beyoncé’s very own makeup artist Sir John has worked with some of the biggest names in the game: Chrissy Teigen, Serena Williams, and Joan Smalls just scratch the celebrity surface. Sir John met Beyoncé at Tom Ford’s first womenswear show in 2010 and has since been her go-to MUA on her Formation, On the Run, and Mrs. Carter tours.

Costume designer, creative director, stylist, and, of course, makeup artist Moshoodat Sanni will become your go-to source for extravagant glamour and glitter after you peruse her awe-worthy feed. The makeup artist is a total glam creative and as a cool side project, she’s also the owner of Crowned By Moshoodat, a royalty-inspired accessories collection that Beyoncé herself has worn in Black is King.

Celebrity makeup artist Sheika Daley counts Zendaya, Kelly Rowland, and
Beyoncé among her loyal roster of A-list clients. Her MUA work has appeared in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Marie Claire (among many, many others) and to put us all to shame, she’s also the creator and founder of Elora Lane Beauty alongside Kelly Rowland.

Long-time makeup artist Sam Fine has been mastering the art of makeup since the early ’90s (on Naomi Campbell no less). Known as Vogue’s “go-to makeup master for women of color”, the creative and author has been trusted by some of the world’s most famous ladies, including Iman, Queen Latifah, and Kerry Washington.

The New York-based beauty expert Porsche Cooper has been the creative on-hand for countless ELLE, Teen Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Vogue, and L’Officiel covers. She’s on the speed dial of more than one celebrity and has gracefully done up the faces of Angela Bassett, Grimes, Alicia Silverstone, and Laverne Cox.

Makeup artist and entrepreneur AJ Crimson is a self-taught creative who’s work has been featured in Esquire, Glamour, Essence, and InStyle. The MUA branched out to create his very own line of cosmetics, AJ Crimson Beauty, in 2013. The brand has become a Hollywood favorite and counts Hilary Duff, Adrienne Bailon, and Fergie as fans.