The 5 best makeup artists in London for getting that game face on

Tired of your makeup looking like it was done in the dark with a blunt crayon? Darling, it’s time to ditch those questionable drugstore finds that promise the world but deliver a patchy disappointment. London’s calling and it’s not for another royal wedding (although those are fun too). 

We’re talking about a glam squad of makeup artists who are here to rescue your face from the clutches of mediocrity. These professionals are armed with the skills, the tools, and the insider knowledge to transform your face from “meh” to “mesmerising”. 

From flawless foundation to smoky eyes that smoulder, these top professionals will have you looking like you just stepped off a magazine cover.

How much do make up artists charge in London? Most makeup artists in London typically charge around £30 per hour. However, bridal makeup can cost around £180 per hour. Still, the final price will depend on the artists’ experience and the type of service you avail.

How we chose

• Experience and expertise – We prioritised artists with a proven track record in the industry, considering their years of experience, training, and specialisations.

• Style and portfolio – We carefully reviewed each artist’s portfolio to assess their versatility, creativity, and ability to cater to diverse client preferences.

• Client reviews and recommendations – We analysed client testimonials and feedback to gauge client satisfaction, professionalism, and overall service quality.

• Pricing and packages – We considered the range of services offered and their corresponding prices to ensure a balance of value and affordability.

• Professionalism and communication – We evaluated each artist’s professionalism, responsiveness, communication skills, and ability to understand and fulfil client expectations.

1. Tabby Casto Makeup Artist & Manicurist

Contact: +44 7867 693051

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Website

Tabby Casto is in our list because of how she’s made a name for herself with her experience. With over 16 years in the industry, Tabby’s makeup and nail artistry have graced the pages of both high fashion and indie magazines like Vogue, Wonderland, and Hunger Magazine. 

Her makeup services include bridal makeup, editorial shoots, commercial projects, and special events. This can be seen in her portfolio, which includes collaborations with designers and companies such as Ted Baker, Lazy Oaf, and Oliver Bonas. 

She also offers a range of nail services, including manicures, vegan manicures, gel removal, and intricate nail art. But it’s her vegan-friendly and cruelty-free products that really piqued our interest. 

Plus, pricing is great. It’s £30 for a luxurious 1 hour and 10-minute session. 

Provides a fantastic bridal makeup trial with expert knowledge 

“I booked with Tabby for a bridal makeup trial and the experience was fantastic! Tabby is really knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything as well as being really fun and lovely to chat to. I feel like I learnt a lot about doing my own makeup as well as having the perfect look created. I’m so excited to have Tabby do my makeup on the day and would recommend her to anyone.”

Charlotte Knight, Google Review

Offers personalised makeup looks and a stress-free experience

“Having never had my make-up done before, Tabby was the perfect person to help me with my bridal make-up. She is so friendly and helpful – she completely calmed my nerves for both my trials and the morning of my wedding! It is not only her personality which is 5 stars, Tabby’s work is fantastic. She is incredibly talented and is able to follow a brief, but amend it to suit each individual person. On my wedding day, she completed make-up for SIX people, including myself. Every single person had a different style and brief (alongside different skin textures and pigmentation) – she somehow effortlessly and seamlessly created an individual look for each person. I cannot recommend Tabby enough! <3 xoxo”

Robyn Adams, Google Review

2. Facebar London

Location: ​​4, Cleeve Workshops, Boundary St, London E2 7JD, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7789 618125

Operating hours:

• Tuesday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
• Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Website

Our list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include the UK’s first professional and independent makeup bar, Facebar London. They’re particularly known for having makeup artists like ILIA, Jillian Dempsey, and Ellis Faas. 

But it’s their “Fast Fix” session that makes them stand out. Priced at just £20 for 20 minutes, this service provides a professional finish in a short amount of time, making it ideal if you’re on the go. 

However, if you’re looking for something more comprehensive, we recommend their “Full Look” session. For £45, you get a 40-minute session that includes a thorough consultation, skin prep, and a complete makeup application tailored to your preferences.

We also love how easy it is to schedule your session online, with no need to call. In fact, some of the customers we’ve talked to rave about the convenience and quality of the services at Facebar London.

Provides a transformative makeup experience

“Absolutely incredible place! Had my makeup done for a 21st and came out feeling transformed both inwardly and outwardly! I’m usually quite particular about my makeup and told Nikki that i only wanted a slight glow up and to not feel too caked and that’s exactly what she did. The contour she did was brilliant. I’d also had quite a full on day shopping beforehand and Nikki was so lovely and understanding and gave some really good advice. Will definitely be back for special events in future!”

Lizzie Bridge, Google Review

Exceeds expectations with her incredible wedding makeup talent

“Nikki did an absolutely incredible job with my wedding makeup. The shop has lovely lighting and Nikki herself is very professional and personable. I came in feeling stressed and with quite angry skin the day of, and left not only feeling completely calm but looking fantastic. She used high quality quality products, many of which she chose specifically for my very sensitive skin. She perfectly executed the really natural look I wanted to achieve, but with the heavier coverage that I needed. Wedding day makeup is so important and mine made me feel beautiful all day and night. Thank you so much Nikki!”

Kara Carpenter, Google Review

3. Kristina Gasperas Makeup Artist Ltd

Location: ​​K-Studio, 85 White Hart Ln, London SW13 0PW, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 8255 5267

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
• Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Website

Since 2009, Kristina has been transforming faces with her artistry. Her skills were rightfully recognised when she won the National Award for Bridal Makeup at The Wedding Industry Awards in 2013. 

Her team also caught our eye: the K-Team, a handpicked group of professionals chosen by Kristina herself. We love how they deliver top-notch makeup and hairstyling services across the UK and internationally – and have a reputation for professionalism at such engagements.

She also offers individual lessons that are priced at £400 for a two-hour session, while sessions with other talented K-Team artists are £230 for two hours. We love how these lessons can even be given as gift vouchers – a perfect treat for someone special!

But what really excites us is Kristina’s personally curated range of makeup brushes, the K-Brushes. These brushes, designed for eyes, face, and lips, are a hit among customers we’ve spoken to. 

Highly recommended for their exceptional hair and makeup skills

“Gintare and Gabija are truly amazing at what they do and I couldn’t recommend them more, there is no way I would have felt as confident and beautiful on my wedding day without their work. They did my hair and make up for both my legal wedding in London and also my big wedding in Italy, and although it is an investment, I wouldn’t have changed a thing! They were one of the first things I booked as I always knew I wanted a member of the K-Studio team to do my hair and make up for my wedding. They also did my mums hair and make up who usually hates having her photo taken and attention on her but she said she’d never felt so confident before and said for the first time in a long time she loved what she saw in the mirror which also made my day seeing her happy. Both my mum and I said we’re sad the wedding is over as we wish we could have the girls do our hair and make up again! Any events in the future I will definitely book them. Thank you girls! Xx”

Melissa Blake, Google Review

Delivers a flawless hair and makeup look that exceeds expectations

“Zivile was absolutely fantastic! I lived my look so much. I can’t remember the last time I looked so good yet not overdone. She absolutely nailed the hair and make up. Arrived on time, very friendly yet very professional. It was an absolute pleasure. I wish i could do this every week! She really understood very well what colours suit me and managed to read between the lines and judge to five me a look that I more or less imagined. Couldn’t recommend more! Will definitely be back.”

Indre Butke, Google Review

4. Tracey Baden

Location: ​​Coleman Court, Kimber Rd, London SW18 4PA, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7807 537908

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Website

Since 2006, Tracey has been making brides across the UK and Europe look stunning on their special days. Customers we’ve spoken to rave about her exceptional results and the consistent quality she delivers. 

We appreciate how she uses only the finest quality products, including top brands like NARS, Laura Mercier, M.A.C, Bobbi Brown, Chantecaille, and Makeup Forever. No unknown-brand cosmetics that run or smudge at the wrong time!

Tracey offers a range of services, from bridal and special occasion makeup to makeup lessons and eyelash extensions. Her services are tailored to individual needs, making each experience unique. 

By the way, her rates vary depending on the service, so it’s best to call or email her to discuss your specific requirements.

Leaves her clients feeling their best

“Tracey was absolutely wonderful and I’m so happy she was able to do my wedding make-up and hair. From the very beginning, Tracey was communicative, responsive and friendly making the whole process as stress-free as possible. On the day: Tracey and her assistant did hair and make-up for myself, 4 bridesmaids and my mum. Nothing was too much trouble and everyone was so happy with their hair and make-up. She did a fantastic job and was made to feel beuatiful and confident on my big day! I would really recommend Tracey to anyone looking for hair/ makeup on their wedding day or any other special occassion. Thank you xx”

Samia, Google Review

Tracey’s expertise shines in creating gorgeous and long-lasting looks 

“Wow, what a find! Tracey did my wedding hair and make-up plus make-up/hair for my three adult bridesmaids (different ethnicities and complexions). Not only was the make-up gorgeous and hair exactly what we wanted (and stayed in place all day), but Tracey was also an excellent communicator, polite, professional and put everyone at ease. It was so lovely being pampered on the big day (and also at the rehearsal). I would definitely recommend Tracey for any special occasion – thank you!”

Jayne Bowie, Google Review

5. Amanda Roberts | Hair & Makeup

Location: ​​212 Upland Rd, London SE22 0DH, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 7961 118414

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website

With over 25 years of experience, Amanda Roberts is a good option if you want a seasoned makeup artist. She even has experience in fashion and TV work, aside from the usual bridal makeup.

Despite her level of expertise, her pricing is decent. For weddings, Amanda offers hair and makeup services starting at £140 for the trial. For other occasions, her services start at £175, though makeup lessons begin at £200. 

We’re also fans of Amanda’s simple and efficient booking process. All you need to do is fill out her preliminary booking form with essential details like your name, event type, address, date, and location. 

Once submitted, you’ll receive a detailed quote. If you’re happy with it, you secure your booking with a £100 non-refundable booking/admin fee.

Provides a transformative makeup lesson

“I absolutely loved my 3 hour make up experience with Amanda. I really wanted some advice on how to improve my skin care and how to maximise my make up skills for both everyday and going out. The 3 hours just flew by and it was so great to understand what suited me best and just to improve both the tones and way I applied make up to suit me best, as well as getting colour and product recommendations especially tailored to me and my skin and face and look. Amanda was brilliant at explaining amevwrything clearly and demonstrating techniques and supporting me to get to grips with everything. She has also been fantastic at follow on advice. Completely worth every penny! I feel a lot more confident and happy with what I am doing on a day to day basis now.”

Katie Snape, Google Review

Makes everyone feel beautiful and confident on the wedding day

“Amanda was absolutely amazing! She was so lovely and so calm and organised throughout the morning of my wedding. I was beyond happy with my hair and make up. She got the tone exactly right and made it all seem so effortless! I had so many lovely comments from guests on the day! My bridesmaids and my mum and my husbands mum also had their hair and make up done and they all looked absolutely stunning! Would recommend her over and over again!”

Rosanna Watts, Google Review