Mary Greenwell is a highly regarded makeup artist known for her work with supermodels and royalty, and her influence on the global fashion and beauty industries. After establishing her early career foundations with makeup brand Il Makiage in Los Angeles, Mary Greenwell solidified her global reputation as a highly sought-after makeup artist upon relocating to Paris in the mid-1980s. During this pivotal period, Greenwell expanded her portfolio significantly by collaborating with an array of high-profile photographers and regularly traveling between major fashion capitals including New York, London, and Paris for editorial shoots. Her exceptional talent quickly attracted prominent figures such as supermodels Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford.
Her expertise further extended to working with royalty, most notably Diana, Princess of Wales, firmly establishing her as a preferred artist for A-list celebrities and influential personalities worldwide. Throughout her distinguished career, Greenwell played a significant and influential role in major fashion events, particularly during the formative years of London Fashion Week. Collaborating extensively with long-time friend and acclaimed hairstylist Sam McKnight, she contributed to numerous iconic shows and partnered with pioneering designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Matthew Williamson. A landmark moment in 1998 saw Greenwell creating the distinctive makeup look for supermodel Kate Moss at Matthew Williamson’s inaugural catwalk show, featuring exaggerated rosy cheeks that became an indelible part of Mosss outfit.
She further cultivates a substantial online presence, engaging with a significant audience through platforms like Instagram, demonstrating her continued relevance and impact on contemporary beauty dialogues. Reflecting on the dynamic evolution of the industry, Greenwell observes a notable shift towards either highly extraordinary or subtly natural looks dominating current fashion shows, underscoring her ongoing engagement with and insight into ever-changing trends, solidifying her status as a revered authority in the field.