FEATURE FRIDAY: Makeup Artist Tamara Bickley on Tips, Skin Care, Celebs—and Heavy Metal Music

Tamara Bickley is a professional makeup artist who specializes in makeup application for film, television, and photography; special effects; events such as weddings; and everyday looks. She also offers private and group makeup lessons and has her own brand of cosmetics.

Prior to entering the beauty industry and becoming a sought-after makeup artist, Bickley’s first career was as a journalist in her hometown of Chicago.

She moved to Scottsdale with her husband, Dan, in 1998. While living here she launched Makeup Artistry by Tamara, LLC.

Here, Bickley shares her thoughts on her career, makeup tips, the person she’d most like to do makeup on, and the one thing we’d be surprised to learn about her.

When did your love for makeup begin?

The first time I borrowed my friend’s black eyeliner and mascara in seventh grade, I fell in love with makeup. My mother didn’t allow me to wear it at that age, so I had to get sneaky by applying it in the bathroom when I got to school, then removing it before I returned home. I was in awe at how my eyes came alive with that Maybelline magic. I was a shy girl, but at that moment, as a result of that small physical transformation, I developed self-esteem.

You work in a salon and on location—tell us what that means …

Salons are full of life, with focus on beauty and positivity, and therefore, are happy places for me. I’m thankful to regularly work out of two salons in the Valley: VJordan Salon in Scottsdale, where I service my Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Phoenix clients; and FH Hair Studio in Fountain Hills, where I service my Fountain Hills clients.

I also travel to clients’ homes or hotel rooms if requested, mostly for weddings. I travel on-site for corporate events, film, and whatever else comes my way, and this includes travel out of state or out of the country.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Witnessing a woman shed tears of joy after glancing at herself post-makeover in my handheld mirror brings me great elation. Obviously, I’m thrilled she’s satisfied with my work. Though more importantly, there’s no better feeling to me professionally than elevating someone’s love for herself through outer beauty.

Top makeup tips?

I offer different tips and methods of application during lessons that work best with the individual’s facial features, skin, and makeup application abilities. Makeup is not one-size-fits-all. A face is unique, and what may be a popular product or look may appear fabulous on one person, yet not on another.

My No. 1 philosophy is forget trendy. Does it work for YOU? Do you like it on yourself, and does it make you feel beautiful, confident, and true to who you are? If winged eyeliner is in style, but your eyes are hooded, possibly causing that style to look strange on you, don’t wear winged liner. Second, skin health is imperative. If your skin doesn’t look optimal, your makeup won’t either.

Also, we have to take people’s skills into account. I’m an artist, and I can do things with makeup that some people cannot, and that’s okay. Make your desired look work for you by sticking to what you can do and do well.

Tamara Bickley of Makeup Artistry by Tamara, LLC. Courtesy Tamara Bickley

What made you launch your own makeup line, and what sets it apart from others?

After years of teaching other people how to apply their own makeup, I realized the most-asked question from clients was, “What brand of makeup should I use?” To that, I had no answer. But I wanted an answer that I knew would provide chemical-free, high-quality makeup in the correct shades for each person.

So, in 2014, I launched my own custom, skincare foundation line called Tami B. Custom Makeup. I custom match people’s skin via an appointment, during which we also nail down what botanical skincare additives would suit their skin, and those are blended into the foundation I mix it up right in front of the clients.

In years since, I’ve added all makeup such as blushes, bronzers, powders, eye makeup, lipstick and gloss, etc., to my line. Recently, I launched a substantial line of vegan skin care that includes active ingredients.

Can you share any names of any of the celebs you’ve worked with?

To name some, I’ve worked with the late vocalist Chester Bennington from Linkin Park, rock star Alice Cooper, actress Rita Wilson, comedian Rob Riggle, professional golfer Cheyenne Woods, former senior advisor to President Obama and political analyst David Axelrod; singer and actress Katharine McPhee, and singer Pia Toscano.

The person you’d most love to do makeup on is …

For years I’ve been saying if I could only do makeup on Boy George, I’d feel like the most legit artist. Is there any male other than David Bowie who was so iconic with his makeup looks? He used to do his own makeup, which I highly respect. Now, he has a makeup artist. But I think he needs a fresh look, and I’m here to offer that!

Most fun job you’ve had?

I was hired as the solo artist in 2023 to do makeup for celebrities aboard the Ritz Carlton Yacht called the Evrima, which sailed the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I had my own private makeup suite with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. It was the experience of a lifetime for me.

When you’re not working, we’d find you …

At the gym! Likely in the weight room.

One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?

My soul is moved by heavy metal music. My children cannot even tolerate it. That’s when you know you’re cooler than they are!

Tamara Bickley of Makeup Artistry by Tamara, LLC. Courtesy Tamara Bickley