Vanessa is a licensed cosmetologist, barber and production make up artist. Hailing from the UK, she carries a keen sense of European aesthetics. She has enjoyed a life long practice in art, dance performance and make up, during which she became a personal make up artist to flamenco teacher Amarita Vargas in the late 90’s in London. She holds a MA in education, taught anatomy at the Edinburgh University cadaver labs, and her understanding of medical conditions, injury, movement, and therapeutic use of art is first hand as an ex health care professional and therapist. She is known for her drive for excellence, color sense, attention to design detail, period reference, realism, authentic research, confidentiality and creating in strong teams to match the client’s vision and needs.

Her recent work includes period and modern looks for Netflix, Amazon Original, STARZ, HBO, Showtime, Comedy Channel, Sports Illustrated, Bulgari, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet, Apple, Google, Instagram, and major feature films.  She was a  consultant to BFI and BAFTA for  government approved Covid 19 guidelines for the UK film industry, and enjoys being a multi IATSE committee member, Make Up Artist Magazine contributor and Emmy’s judge. She is honored to have Michele Burke as her mentor, known for Coppola’s Dracula and the first female Oscar winner for make up.

Health, safety and hygiene: - Vanessa has been trained in infection control and health & safety - on set, as a cosmetologist, and in community and medical settings - for over 20 years combined.

Vanessa is available for

·      Make up for all productions – beauty, period, realism, out of kit FX.

·      Minimal natural grooming for men and women

·      Hair on request including mens cuts

·      Body make up and live performers

·      Crewing up- staffing and liaison services for teams of make up, hair, nail artists, plus wardrobe and styling.

·      Design for make up and hair, body make up, accessories and styling.

·      Research – period research,  design, products, services

·      Consultation – make up product, product placement for PR, educational curriculum, infection control compliance, ergonomics, British culture.

Vanessa works in the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, UK, available for global travel.

She lives in California with her family, dog, and chickens.

She enjoys all things tea, skin, gothic literature and perfume.

Resume and references on request.

Click here for Covid Compliance, health & safety standards