Linda Cantello touching up Megan Fox’s makeup for Giorgio Armani Beauty Campaign photoshoot

As young pre-teen in growing up in England, Linda Cantello watched a BBC television special that would change her life.  She sat mesmerized as she watched David Bowie perform. Linda she watched the strange and beautiful Bowie perform.  She credits this event as the first ripples in a stream of creativity that would eventually carry her to the highest levels in the beauty and fashion industries.

As a graduate of Harrow Art School in London Cantello chose an unusual path. Instead of painting, photography, or sculpture, Cantello choose makeup as her primary medium of expression. Upon graduation, she relocated to Rome and began carving out a career as a makeup artist.

Linda teamed up with hairstylist Sam McKnight and together they worked to build the portfolios they would need to garner paid assignments in Rome. Eventually, she got the attention of photographer Alberta Tiburzi.  The publication of her work with Tiburzi in Linea Italiana magazine gave her the credibility and confidence to take a chance and head to New York City.

The gamble to head to New York paid off. The team of Cantello and McKnight were booked for a Vogue shoot with legendary photographer Irving Penn within 5 days of landing in New York. The duo so impressed beauty editor Andrea Robinson that they were booked regularly after that.

Linda  is the International Make-up Artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics and is represented by Joe Management

MOST MEMORABLE LOOKS

Vogue Russia May 2010 by Paolo Roversi

Emma Watson Vogue UK December 2010 by Mario Testino

V #46 by Mario Sorrenti

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge             Vanity Fair July 2011 by Mario Testino

Armani Runway A/W 2010

Kate Winslet Vogue UK April 2011 by Mario Testino

Vogue China Dec 2010 by Michelangelo di Battista

WHAT I’VE LEARNED FROM LINDA CANTELLO

Expand your range. Linda Cantello can do everything from a Covergirl ad to the most avant-garde runway looks.  She does print and runway. She represents a major cosmetics brand and has also tried her hand at creating her own line. Being a Jack (or Jill) of all trades can lead in surprising directions.

Team Up.   Teaming up with hairstylist Sam McKnight gave Linda an advantage.  Being able to book hair and makeup with one call made things easier for bookers.  She had the additional advantage of working with someone who understood her work habits and pacing.

Good can get better. Many artists would have been content to stay in Italy and continue to work.  Linda decided that good wasn’t good enough and made the trip to New York.  The move and the work for Vogue that resulted, changed everything.

Makeup by Angela Hall

The best way to find a good makeup artist is by getting referrals from people you know. I don’t recommend referrals from online. Online forums are often filled with upcoming brides who have booked an artist but have not worked with the artist. Their perceptions are likely based on the friendliness or price range of the artist instead of their ability. Is always better to get referrals from someone who is actually had that artist apply makeup on the day of their wedding.

Another great place to find referrals for makeup artists is through other vendors you may be using. Bridal gown shops, florists, and event planners are all excellent resources. Ask them which makeup artists they have worked within the past and which they would recommend. Also important, ask them why they recommend that artist. Some vendors may prefer a particular makeup artist because of their organizational skills and ability to finish on time and less for their makeup skills.

If you I live in a city of some size, a Google search for makeup artists in your city ( for example, makeup artist Chicago) will give you dozens if not hundreds of makeup artist web sites to review. When reviewing makeup artist websites look for overall presentation and professionalism. Look through their portfolio for images of makeup similar to the makeup style you’re considering for your wedding. Try not to be swayed by the emotional nature of the images but by the quality of the makeup work. Select no more than five and run another Google search for the artist by name. Read any reviews, articles or other web presence that you find. Use your findings to narrow down to three. Call to schedule trials. Most artists charge a fee for trial/consultations that can range from $75 – $200 here in Chicago.
Or if you live in Chicago just save yourself the trouble and hire me