Instagram was made for the ‘tap for credits’ blogger generation, I get it, I really do. But heavily curated brunch shots, #sponsoredposts and ‘link in bio’’s aside, my second favourite social media stalking site also boasts a unique window into the lives and product loves of the beauty industry’s top players. They might not vlog (and thank Christ, frankly) but these guys got game; follow at your peril.
1. Isamaya Ffrench
Isamaya Ffrench is everything. In the same way that Faustine Steinmetz rejects fashion’s typical trajectory, Ffrench’s idea of beauty extends far beyond a lick of black paint to the lid. UK Ambassador for YSL and beauty editor at i-D, the twentysomething’s make-up bag is as likely to boast Lego as it is the French brand’s latest shade of scarlet. A constant source of fascination, upon her feed you’ll find a healthy dose of prosthetics, body paint and self portraits.
2. Pat McGrath
Her handle is @patmcgrathreal, Vogue once described her as ‘the most influential make-up artist in the world’, and her name comes tagged with an MBE, so, umm, you’re probably already following the Creative Design Director for P&G Beauty. Oh you’re not? Then you’re missing out on a big gun behind the scenes masterclass that features the likes of Prada, Givenchy and Valentino; shoutout to McGrath for getting a selfie with Derek and Hansel last season.
3. Lucy Bridge
Recently signed to Streeters – joining Ffrench, McGrath and Garland; believe me when I say agency rep is a big deal in the industry – Lucy Bridge is a London favourite, with the likes of Bleach, Ashley Williams and Wonderland all utilising her skillset. A former Tim Walker subject (ultimate dreamy vibes photographer, FYI), follow Bridge for young fun, a Wednesday Addams alike wardrobe and snapshots of a babe at work.
4. Val Garland
Garland is one of those people who can get away with a ‘the’ handle precursor (see also @themarcjacobs). A bona fide profesh, she’s been painting faces for over two decades, which in Insta terms translates as a helluva lot of #TBTs; only under Garland’s moniker you’ll find these defined instead as a #valsvintage, ‘cause that’s what industry respect earns you amiright? Alongside her fashion week work The Val posts Wonder Woman clips and manga cartoons.
5. Anne Sophie Costa
That this make-up artist’s first love was graphic design will come as little surprise if you scroll hard enough (lightly does it, actually). Born in Lisbon, currently dwelling in London and for the last 937193793 months apparently in paradise, Costa’s feed tells the story of a woman obsessed with waves, rainbows and technology; it could almost be pretentious, if it wasn’t so goddam brilliant and resolutely authentic. Little wonder she’s been tapped by periodicals such as Tank, Clash and Jalouse.
6. Peter Philips
In his role as Creative and Image Director for Christian Dior Make-Up Philips has most recently gone to town on the likes of RiRi and J-Law (results on his feed, obvs), but prior to that he’s perhaps most noted in industry circles for his work with photographer Willy Vanderperre or his collaborations for the late Alexander McQueen. File under ultimate inspo and return often.
7. Gina Blondell
A self-defined Peckham Princess, animal lover and eco warrior in training with the emoji doused bio to match, Blondell’s work has been doing the rounds up and down the country in your local big chain chemist cough, Boots, splutter taking the shape of WAH London’s debut campaign. Amongst ‘Product of the Day’s’, random private memories and heyday pictures of Roseanne Barr you can expect flawless editorials and plenty of close ups.
Like this? You might also be interested in...
Follow Zoe on Twitter @zoemaywhitfield
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.