Aaron de Mey
Makeup Artist
Sculpted skin and a couture eye — finishes that hold a flashbulb without performing for one.
Aaron de Mey, a New Zealand-born makeup artist, has carved a distinctive niche in the beauty industry with his fusion of raw energy and refined artistry. After studying fine arts at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in Auckland, he transitioned from painting to makeup, bringing a painterly sensibility to his work. In 1997, de Mey moved to New York, and within weeks, he landed a pivotal assignment by doing Naomi Campbell’s makeup for the cover of i-D magazine. This breakthrough led to collaborations with industry luminaries such as François Nars, Craig McDean , and Edward Enninful, establishing his reputation for creating looks that balance imperfection with elegance.
De Mey’s career is marked by high-profile collaborations and influential roles. From 2008 to 2015, he served as the International Artistic Creative Director for Lancôme, where he launched notable collections like “Pink Irreverence” and “Declaring Indigo,” infusing the brand with a modern, edgy aesthetic. His work spans editorial and advertising campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein , Saint Laurent , Prada , and Givenchy . De Mey’s signature style—merging polished minimalism with bold, expressive elements—has been showcased in publications including Vogue, W, and Self Service.
Beyond his commercial success, de Mey is celebrated for his innovative approach to makeup artistry. He often draws inspiration from diverse sources, blending surf culture with gothic elements to create unique, transformative looks. His collaborations with photographers like Hedi Slimane and Mario Sorrenti have produced iconic images that challenge conventional beauty standards. De Mey’s commitment to embracing imperfection and individuality continues to influence and inspire the fashion and beauty industries.
Beyond his commercial success, de Mey is celebrated for his innovative approach to makeup artistry. He often draws inspiration from diverse sources, blending surf culture with gothic elements to create unique, transformative looks. His collaborations with photographers like Hedi Slimane and Mario Sorrenti have produced iconic images that challenge conventional beauty standards. De Mey’s commitment to embracing imperfection and individuality continues to influence and inspire the fashion and beauty industries.
Milestones
- Pat McGrath Labs — ASSISTANT (2007–2020) — Backstage assistant across the Paris couture rotation. Three seasons of brush work and breakdowns.
- Pat McGrath Labs — Pat McGrath Labs (2018–present) — Backstage assistant across the Paris couture rotation. Three seasons of brush work and breakdowns.
- Pat McGrath Labs — Labs (2010–2020) — Lead artist on five consecutive runway seasons. The black-lined eye and bare lip became the house code.
Notable Collaborations
- Steven Meisel (2014) — A decade of editorial work together for the Italian and American biannuals. Twelve covers and counting.
- Anthony Vaccarello (2017) — Consulting creative on the house's makeup launch; named on six core shades across the colour line.
- Jonathan Anderson (2020) — Three years as lead beauty artist at Loewe, including the bare-face sculpting that defined the period's runway look.