MAKE your MARK

This year saw the exciting launch of our Make-up Competitions, with talented and ambitious MUAs impressing the judges with their creative flair

Hosted by Irish Beauty, the Make-up Competitions at Professional Beauty & Hair featured some amazing entries from a variety of talented MUAs. From movie star glamour to catwalk creations, there was no shortage of show-stopping looks to turn the judges' heads. Led by Debbie O'Sullivan, the panel included Glow Up Ireland's James Mac and Niall Casey, and Make Up Allstars' founder Jennie Guinan.

Winning looks

The History of Catwalk category was won by Viktoriia Zalevska, while the Into the Future category was won by Danielle Fitzgerald.

Dorina Sirbu took the honours in the Hollywood Glamour category, while Sarah Marie Howes won in the Carnival Couture category.

The Overall Runner-up was Dorina Sirbu, while Danielle Fitzgerald was named the Overall Winner. Fitzgerald has won a trip to compete in the Professional Beauty UK Make-up Competitions.

Meanwhile, the winner of the preshow Digital Takeover Competition, which was open to both the public and judges' vote, was Nataliya Stetsyna.

“Competitions are the best way to learn about team work. You meet so many new people, who will help you in so many ways.” James Mac

“Entering competitions can help MUAs to elevate their career in a range of ways,” said O'Sullivan.

“They can share on social media that they’ve won or participated in a particular one, and this really helps to attract a new clientele. It's great for them to compete against their peers as well, as they can learn from one another. The MUA community is an absolutely brilliant environment for everyone in it to find fresh ideas and pick up new techniques.”

According to James Mac, competitions are the best way to learn about team work.

“You meet so many new people, who will help you in so many ways. My first ever competition was at this show in 2018, a move that kickstarted my career as it pushed me from the student category into the professional world.

“Now, as a professional artist, one of my objectives is to give back to the community that has given me so much. It's been so special meeting the competitors, and I've learned lots from all of them. I'm a firm believer that the day you think you know everything about make-up is the day you stop being a make-up artist.”