A little bit about me...
My passion for makeup began when I was a child, watching in awe as my aunt meticulously applied her makeup in the 80s, paying attention to every perfect detail. Inspired by her, I pursued art and graphic design, always having a natural eye for colour. During my studies, I worked in makeup sales, helping people discover the right shades and teaching them how to apply makeup for their unique features.
Since 2002, I've been a professional makeup artist and hairstylist in London. I trained at the prestigious Glauca Rossi School of Makeup under the talented Hannah Murray, who was Charlotte Tilbury's first assistant at the time. It was there I learned the art of achieving that iconic glossy skin and nude lip that Charlotte Tilbury is known for—a long time before her products hit the market!
One of the highlights of my career was hosting my own makeup masterclass at the Charlotte Tilbury flagship store in Covent Garden—an unforgettable experience as the first non-CT employee to be invited to host a masterclass there! They’ve since asked me back for another makeup masterclass, and I can’t wait for the next one.
Over my 20+ years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous celebrities, creating stunning hair and makeup looks for commercial photo shoots, advertising campaigns, and fashion magazines.
Alongside my work as a makeup artist, I’ve been the lead fashion and beauty tutor at Brushstroke Makeup School for 16 years, where I teach fashion, beauty, and bridal makeup & hairstyling. I also manage the ITEC qualifications, ensuring the syllabus stays up-to-date and relevant for students looking to enter the beauty industry. I’ve taught hundreds of aspiring makeup artists, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in TV, theatre, and fashion, and seeing their names in credits is one of my greatest joys.
Originally from South Africa, I moved to the UK at 22, and I now live in Twickenham, Surrey with my wonderful husband and two children, Eva and Alex. When I’m not creating hair and makeup, you’ll find me chasing them to gymnastics or martial arts practices! I also have a red miniature dachshund called Rosie Bear who is always by my side and frequently makes appearances on my Instagram.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I can’t wait to work with you and bring your bridal hair and makeup dreams to life!
Get to know me
Family
Originally from South Africa I moved to the UK when I was 22 years old. I currently live happily in Twickenham, Surrey (South West London - where my makeup studio is based), with my amazing husband and two children, Eva & Alex. They keep me very busy with gymnastic and martial art runs when I am not doing makeup!
Teaching
I’ve been the lead fashion and beauty tutor at Brushstroke Makeup School for 16 years, where I teach fashion, beauty, and bridal makeup & hairstyling.
Dog
I have a red miniature dachshund called Rosie Bear who always brightens up my day and is literally my little shadow. I am sure you will see her a lot on my Instagram posts!
Favourites
My addictions are: oat lattes, makeup purchasing (I probably spend as much as I earn!) , and my LED face mask!
"I have worked with photographers & makeup artists for over 15 years but its always different when it is your wedding. Carla - you were the kindest, most generous, most knowledgeable + most supportive person I could have imagined being there on my special day. I cannot thank you enough. You made me look amazing - thank you. I would not hesitate to recommend you - all my friends want your number."
Liz
"Carla, Thank you so much for coming out to Nice in France and doing our hair and make-up. We had the most amazing day of our lives and I felt a million dollars!!"
Olivia
"I've worked with Carla on numerous shoots over the years so she was my first choice when I needed someone to do hair and make-up for my wedding. She was brimful of inspiring ideas and created a look which I could not have been happier with. On the big day her calming presence was especially welcome and I was absolutely delighted with the end result. However I was not surprised as she is exceptionally good at what she does"
Mernie
"Carla is extremely professional which made me feel very at ease and relaxed on the morning of my wedding. I loved my hair, and the makeup completely transformed me! She made me feel like a million dollars on my wedding day, so I can't thank her enough! The hair style and makeup stayed flawless the whole day - I didn't have to do a thing to it! The quality of Carla's work really shows in all our photos too."
Ruth
"Carla, I want to say a big thank you for your contribution with making my wedding day something very special. I am sure for any bride; everything has to be 110% to ensuring the day is perfect. The makeup and hair was no exception. From the very first meet and greet session we had, you struck me as someone who has an eye for vision, colour and perfection in enhancing someone’s features. The bridesmaids and I had amazing response from the family and friends. It was fun, fresh and I loved what you did, totally 110% satisfied! Keep up the good work!"
Yin
Publications
French Vogue
Tank Magazine
Cosmopolitan Hair and Beauty
Cosmopolitan Bride
Glamour
Elle
Grazia
Maxim
Goodhousekeeping
Sunday Times Style
YOU Magazine
OK Magazine
Hello Magazine
Commercial clients
ASOS.com
Marks & Spencers
EMI Music
Adidas
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK
Agent Provocateur
Topshop
Dermalogica
Stella McCartney for Adidas
Ann Summers
Sony Ericsson Music
L'Oreal Colour Trophy
Getty Images
BMW Mini
The Crew Clothing
Personalities I worked with
Emily Blunt
Jamie Oliver
Lisa & Dustin Hoffman
Holly Willoughby
Chloe Madeley
Amy Willerton
Archie Panjabi
Natalie Dormer
Pixie Lott
Emma B
Gordon Ramsey
David Walliams
Louise Galvin
Ricky Gervais
Rupert Grint
Amanda Lamb
Victoria Pendleton
Trinny Woodall
Karren Brady
Rose McGowan
Achievements
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I am a proud member of the Kristina Gasperas Online Academy and frequently attend advanced training sessions with renowned stylist Kasia Fortuna and bridal makeup artist Kristina Gasperas. As part of my commitment to staying at the forefront of bridal hairstyling, I’m regularly gifted top-of-the-line equipment from leading brands like GHD and Nicky Clarke, which allows me to create trendsetting looks with the latest tools and techniques. Recently, I was honoured to make it to the Top 100 in The One Shot Hair Awards as well as regional finalist for the TWIA 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 for South East England.
I’m always striving to stay ahead by updating my skills and learning new techniques. This includes experimenting with the latest hairstyling tools, testing new hairstyling products, and refining my skills. I’m also part of a few makeup mentorships and academies, where I not only strengthen my technical knowledge but also learn about the business side. This is everything from things like hairstyling consultation sheets to terms and conditions. To keep myself motivated and performing at my best, I regularly listen to podcasts that inspire me and enhance my mindset. This helps me to deliver the best results for my clients.
