A True Visionary in the Make Up World.

By Chereine Waddell

With a background in Visual Arts, he flawlessly analyses facial structures and transforms clients’ visions into stunning reality.

His expertise has taken him across the globe, sharing his knowledge as an international guest artist and leaving his artistic imprint on countless faces. Merton Muaremi is a true visionary, redefining the art of makeup with every brushstroke.

You have had an illustrious career as an international makeup artist. What initially ignited your passion for makeup, and how did you decide to pursue it as a profession?

I studied art from primary school all the way through to high school and TAFE. I loved art; however, I felt like something was missing. When I moved to Sydney at the age of 18, I randomly came across an ad in a magazine advertising a makeup course. I thought it could be fun, so I started the course. Initially, I thought I would dive into special effects, but once we studied the beauty component, I fell in love with being creative on three-dimensional forms. And now, 19 years later, I am still loving it.

With over 19 years of experience in the industry, how have you witnessed the evolution of the makeup field, and which trends or changes have you found most exciting or impactful?

The first thing that comes to mind is social media. It’s something that I didn’t grow up with back in the day. We are now seeing more and more traditional makeup techniques coming back to life, such as contouring, with slight adjustments for HD cameras and other advancements.

Another exciting aspect is the vast variety of makeup applications and styles that we see online. From fashion to creative to beauty editorial to bridal and special occasions, I love seeing artists express their art through their individual styles of application. Whether it’s natural or full glam, makeup is a form of self-expression, and it really shows in artists’ individual styles.

Skincare plays a pivotal role in any makeup routine. How do you prepare the skin to achieve a consistently flawless base for your diverse clientele?

For beauty and editorial looks, I need the skin to look fresh, dewy, and flawless for the camera. Since I’m on set all day, I need the application to be light so that I can make quick changes if needed. I start by cleansing the skin, applying serums, massaging moisturizer, and then using a lightweight foundation.

For bridal makeup, since I’m not there all day, I need the makeup to last. The key is to apply as little product as possible while still prepping the skin. I usually cleanse the skin, apply primer, and then use a long-wearing foundation for longevity. However, I always advise my clients to take care of their skin leading up to their big day.

Could you share some of your favourite products or techniques that help achieve your timeless signature makeup transformations?

I absolutely love high-quality eyeshadows that have intense colour payoff and are easy to blend. Some of my favourite brands include MAC, Natasha Denona, and NARS.

Eyebrows play a vital role in framing the face. How do you approach shaping and filling in eyebrows to enhance your iconic looks?

I always envision a full arched brow shape and apply this shape to all my clients. If someone has sparse brows, I go in with a specific shape in mind (full and arched) and use two to three different shades to create a more realistic-looking brow. I shape the brow using brow powders and then define it with thin, hair-like strokes. I always make sure to leave some skin showing through so that the brows don’t look too painted on.

Alongside high-end fashion looks, you have also demonstrated your talent for creating captivating, natural makeup. What do you consider the key elements in achieving a flawless and natural makeup look?

The key to natural makeup is less is more. I use makeup to enhance the model’s features rather than cover them up. I find that using my hands to apply moisturizers and foundations warms up the product and allows it to melt into the skin, giving it a more natural finish.

How does your artistic background, stemming from Visual Arts, influence your approach to creating makeup looks and analysing facial structures?

Learning how to create three-dimensional forms from two-dimensional ones through shading and highlighting has greatly influenced my ability to enhance my clients’ features. I ask myself questions like, “What do I want this product to do?” and “Will this product placement lift and enhance the shape of the eye?” Applying products with intent really elevates the result.

You’ve had the privilege of working with renowned fashion brands and designers such as Gucci, Versace, and Chanel. Can you highlight some of your most memorable experiences or projects in the world of high-end fashion?

One of my most memorable experiences was my first-ever show straight out of makeup school, which was Versace. I still remember to this day how excited I was. Seeing all those stunning models and the designer’s creations walking down the runway truly brought my love for makeup to life. It was at that point that I knew without a doubt that this was what I wanted to pursue as a career.

Makeup trends are constantly evolving. How do you stay up to date with the latest beauty trends and techniques, and how do you incorporate them into your own work?

Makeup is always evolving, and there are always new trends. However, trends come and go, so I prefer to stick to the basics. I take what trends work and are current and leave the rest behind. It’s important to stay knowledgeable about the latest techniques and products, but it’s equally important to have a strong foundation in timeless makeup techniques.

Extensive travel for your profession must have exposed you to diverse beauty cultures. How have these global experiences influenced your approach to makeup, and how do you infuse international inspiration into your creations?

Through my travels, I have witnessed how different countries and cities apply makeup in unique ways. For example, when I was working in Indonesia, I learned what foundations work best in hot and humid weather, which I then brought back with me for our hot summer days in Australia. These global experiences have broadened my perspective and allowed me to incorporate international inspiration into my creations.

Your expertise extends beyond practicing makeup to teaching aspiring professionals and enthusiasts. What inspired you to share your knowledge and expertise with others, and what do you find most rewarding about teaching makeup techniques?

I have a tremendous amount of passion for the application of makeup, and it brings me great joy to express myself on the human form using various cosmetic mediums, from makeup to glitter to paints. I love exploring different mediums and getting creative. Sharing my tips and techniques with other artists and teaching them to use makeup as a form of expression is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing what they create is pure art.

As an international guest artist, you’ve conducted masterclasses and worked with students from various countries. How do you adapt your teaching style and techniques to cater to different cultural contexts and beauty preferences?

When I travel overseas for work, people are often interested in seeing how makeup artists from Australia do their work. They love the fresh and natural look that our fashion makeup embodies. However, I always consider the cultural context and beauty preferences of the country I am visiting. It’s important to adapt and respect the diverse approaches to makeup.

Social media has played a significant role in your success and growing following. How do you utilize platforms like Instagram to showcase your stunning transformations and engage with your audience?

Social media is ever evolving. Love it or hate it, it’s here to stay, and more and more people are using it. As makeup artists, we need to keep up with what’s relevant; otherwise, we’re no longer in the game. I see social media as a storefront where I can showcase my work. Even with a small following, I booked one of my biggest jobs, which was to present a makeup masterclass in Jakarta, Indonesia. You never know who might be looking at your work, so it’s essential to put yourself out there.

How has your experience as a successful makeup artist influenced the development and formulation of your own makeup accessories range?

As a working makeup artist, I found that some products on the market didn’t work well for me because they weren’t designed by makeup artists themselves. We know what works and what we need for our kits, from makeup brushes to palettes. I identified the gaps in my own makeup kit and decided to produce products that would elevate my work and my kit. This includes makeup palettes with the right number of eyeshadows and brushes that blend beautifully. I also developed practical accessories like a foldable brush cup that saves space in my kit and a mini big bag holder to keep my makeup station clean.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future? Are there any dream projects, collaborations, or destinations that you would love to explore in your makeup career?

In the future, I aspire to continue to work in different fields of makeup, including bridal, theatre, fashion, and film. Most recently, I have had the opportunity to work on a few films and have enjoyed the atmosphere. It’s important for artists to try different things to avoid feeling stuck in a repetitive routine and to continue growing their artistic abilities. I am open to dream projects, collaborations, and exploring new destinations as I continue my makeup career.