Ana Takahashi is a London-based makeup artist renowned for her boundary-pushing, painterly approach to beauty. Born to Japanese, Spanish, and Brazilian parents, she began experimenting with makeup as a teenager, inspired by the high-end products her mother brought home from her job at a duty-free shop. Initially studying makeup for performance at the London College of Fashion, Takahashi found the academic environment limiting and left to pursue a freelance career. Her distinctive aesthetic—combining fine art techniques with bold color choices—quickly gained attention on Instagram, leading to collaborations with emerging designers and photographers. Notably, she worked on Central Saint Martins graduate shows and features in publications like Vogue and Dazed, cementing her reputation as a rising talent.

Takahashi’s work is characterized by its fusion of fantasy, nostalgia, and cultural references. Drawing inspiration from sources like Japanese kabuki theater, 1990s rave culture, and video games, she creates looks that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Her collaborations span a range of high-profile clients, including Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Acne Studios, Marc Jacobs, and Byredo. Her editorial work has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, Dazed, and AnOther Magazine . In 2023, her pillowy, double heart-shaped lips for Chopova Lowena’s Spring/Summer show became a social media sensation.

Beyond traditional makeup artistry, Takahashi has explored the intersection of beauty and technology. In a collaboration with Studio Halia, she designed “living makeup” looks that integrated augmented reality elements, creating dynamic visuals that responded to movement and light . Her innovative approach and commitment to storytelling have positioned her as a leading voice in contemporary beauty, challenging conventional norms and inspiring a new generation of artists.