Meet Marie Brenda Barthélémy of Look Art Her Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Brenda Barthélémy.

Hi Marie Brenda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I don’t think my story makes sense on paper… and honestly, I kind of love that.

My story is funny because becoming a makeup artist was never actually the plan.

I’ve always been an artist before anything else. I always say that I’m not a makeup artist—I’m an artist, and makeup just happens to be one of my mediums. I’ve always been fascinated by colors. Long before I knew what undertones or color theory were called, I just instinctively understood how colors worked together and how they could completely transform the way someone feels.

I worked in the health industry because it felt like the responsible thing to do. Then, after an eight-year relationship ended, I decided it was finally time to choose myself. I left the safe career behind, took a chance on makeup, and started building a business one face at a time.

What’s hilarious is that none of what’s happened since was on my bingo card.
Working on TV sets? Celebrity clients? If you had told me that a few years ago, I would’ve laughed. Even now, there are moments when I stop and think, “Wait… how am I a celebrity and TV makeup artist?!” It still makes me laugh.

That leap didn’t just change my career—it changed how I live. I’m the kind of person who’ll book a writing retreat in Portugal because I have stories I want to tell. I’ll fly to Turkey to invest in myself. I secretly eloped in Morocco because ordinary has never really been my style. And after months of weddings, proms, and long days on set, I’ll probably disappear somewhere in the world to refill my creative cup before coming home and doing it all again.

I’ve realized that my career was never just about makeup. It’s about creativity, connection, and having the courage to bet on yourself—even when you have absolutely no idea where it’ll take you. Apparently… sometimes it takes you onto TV sets. Who knew?

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I wouldn’t trade it.

One thing people don’t realize about this industry is how physically demanding it is. As makeup artists, we’re constantly standing, twisting, reaching, carrying heavy kits, and working long hours in the same position. Over time, that takes a toll.
For me, it’s meant dealing with chronic pain, inflammation, and exhaustion. There are days when I’m taking an anti-inflammatory after a 14- or 16-hour shoot, setting four alarms because my call time is before sunrise, and somehow finding the energy to come home and still wash, dry, sanitize, and reorganize every single brush and my kit before I can finally go to bed.

And the funny thing is… the work doesn’t stop just because life happens. You still have to show up. Whether you’re celebrating something, grieving something, or carrying whatever is happening in your personal life, your client deserves your full attention. The moment they sit in your chair, it’s about them.

As challenging as that has been, it’s also forced me to become much more intentional about my health. I used to be someone who was constantly on the go, always saying yes, always chasing the next opportunity. Now I understand that taking care of myself isn’t a luxury—it’s part of my job.

That means regular deep tissue massages, seeing my incredible osteopath, Sébastien (truly one of the best in our industry), prioritizing recovery, learning how to regulate my nervous system, and accepting that rest is productive too.
I’ve realized that longevity in this career isn’t just about talent—it’s about taking care of the artist behind the art. Because if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t show up as my best for the people who trust me with some of the biggest moments of their lives.

As you know, we’re big fans of Look Art Her Studio . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Look ART Her Studio has never been about makeup alone—it’s about creating an experience.

I always say I’m not just a makeup artist, I’m an artist, and makeup is one of my mediums. But people don’t just sit in my chair to have foundation applied—they come to slow down, feel seen, laugh, vent, celebrate, cry sometimes, and leave feeling a little more like themselves.

One of the first questions I ask almost every client is, “What do you do?” followed by, “Do you actually love it?” You’d be surprised where that question leads. Some of the most beautiful conversations have started there. Somewhere along the way, makeup appointments became equal parts beauty session, life coaching, therapy, brainstorming, and girl time. Many of my clients have become genuine friends, and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.

When someone walks into my studio, I want every one of their senses to feel taken care of. Beautiful art for the eyes, a curated playlist for the ears, the scent of Bal d’Afrique or Mojave Ghost from Byredo in the air, healthy organic snacks, coffee or tea to enjoy, and a calming, intentional touch as I work. Before I even pick up a brush, I have my little ritual of applying L’Occitane Almond Hand Cream because I know my hands will be on someone’s face for the next hour, and I want that touch to feel as comforting as possible.

The space itself reflects who I am. Basquiat has always inspired me, my walls are filled with his artwork, and I even hand-painted a mural myself. That’s exactly why it’s called Look ART Her Studio. The art isn’t just hanging on the walls—it’s in every conversation, every brushstroke, every connection, and every person who walks through the door.

Of course, I care deeply about creating beautiful makeup. Whether it’s for a bride, a television production, a campaign, or a special event, my goal is always the same: I want people to look at my clients and think, “Ouuuh… look ART her!” That little double take.

But if you ask me what I’m most proud of, it isn’t a celebrity client or a TV credit.
It’s that people leave my studio feeling lighter than when they arrived.

If my clients walk out looking beautiful and feeling understood, then I’ve done my job.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think one of the most valuable things you can do is be unapologetically authentic. One of my personal beliefs is that authenticity is the most powerful energy you can bring into a room. People can feel when you’re trying to fit in, but they can also feel when you’re genuinely being yourself. That authenticity is what creates trust, and trust is what opens doors. Opportunities often come from people believing in you, not just your talent.

I also want to encourage people who don’t have access to a mentor. I never had one person guiding my career from beginning to end, and for a long time I thought I was missing something. Looking back, I realized I built my own ecosystem of mentors.

I poured into my mind every single day. I listened to podcasts, watched talks from people like Joe Dispenza, Tony Robbins, Mel Robbins, Simon Sinek, and other leaders in personal development. I read books about overcoming limiting beliefs, developing emotional resilience, regulating my nervous system, building confidence, and changing the way I approached challenges. Practices like meditation, EFT tapping, journaling, and visualization became part of how I stayed grounded and continued growing. While different teachers have different philosophies, I focused on the ideas that helped me become more disciplined, self-aware, and resilient.
Professionally, I found inspiration by studying artists whose careers I admired. I watched the journeys of people like Danessa Myricks, Painted by Esther, Sir John, and other makeup artists who built incredible brands and became respected voices in the beauty industry. Even though they didn’t know me personally, I learned from the way they created, led, and showed up consistently.

So my advice is this: if you don’t have the resources to hire a mentor, become intentional about what mentors your mind every day. Your books can mentor you. Podcasts can mentor you. Interviews can mentor you. The people you choose to listen to will eventually shape the way you think, and the way you think will influence the decisions you make.

At the end of the day, your greatest investment isn’t just in your kit, your portfolio, or your résumé—it’s in your mindset. Because your skills might get you into the room, but your character, your consistency, and your authenticity are what keep you there.

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