Welcome to “Beneath The Brush,” where we explore the stories behind some of the most notable MUAs in the game. Each feature will highlight the “why” for each MUA and showcase their career trajectories, go-to products, and makeup tips.
“Pressure makes diamonds” may be an old quote, but it still applies today. The phrase describes how experiencing hardship can lead one to unlock personal growth and a favorable outcome. And celebrity MUA Danielle Henry can relate to this sentiment. “My journey as a makeup artist was born out of necessity,” Danielle exclusively tells HelloBeautiful. “I had recently lost my job at a prominent private hospital in Manhattan and was trying to figure out the next steps.”
While most folks would say losing a job would put them into an immediate tailspin, Danielle took the time to explore her interests. She sang background for indie artists and recorded lead and background vocals on various projects. “I have always been creative,” the Brooklyn native says. “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a singer. I attended the acclaimed Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music, Art, And the Performing Arts and was a vocal music major.”
The talent also explored the fashion world, mainly brooch designing. She started a business, Danielle’s Brooch Boutique, and partnered with a friend with a vintage clothing pop-up store. After months of marketing their products, the pair organized a fashion show. While working as the show’s lead hair and makeup artist, a career in the beauty industry became clear for the creative. “As each young lady got out of my chair, I could see that she was more confident than when she had sat down,” Danielle says. “I saw how I could affect change in real-time, and I knew I wanted to keep doing that for as long as possible. I had finally found my passion.”
Danielle sprung into action by utilizing “YouTube University” and various webinars with notable MUAs. After two years of honing her skills, she tapped in with her industry connections and began sharing her makeup aesthetic. From crafting looks for Missy Elliot’s dancers in music videos to working with Latoia Rondo for her Italian wedding, Danielle’s confidence and career have been on a steady high.
“Working as a published MUA has helped boost my confidence inside and outside the industry because it’s a validation of sorts,” she says. “It’s proof to myself and others that my work meets the industry standard.”
With over a decade in the industry, Danielle is revered as one of the most notable published and celebrity MUAs in the game. Her A-list clientele—from Ursula Stephen to Aisha Hinds—speaks for itself. Spanning the bridal, editorial, lifestyle, and red carpet lanes, the creative continues to show that her talent knows no bounds.
Below, Danielle Henry shares her definition of beauty, her beauty kit must-haves, advice for aspiring MUAs, and more.
Danielle Henry shares how she defines beauty
“Truthfully, beauty is kindness. Beauty is sincerity, empathy, and generosity. To me, beauty comes from within. It’s easier to enhance the beauty of someone who is lit from within.”
On the first time she fell in love with makeup:
“I became intrigued with makeup as a child. My aunt, Michelle, wore bright-colored lipstick, which I remember being drawn to. I thought it was so pretty. When she’d come over, I loved greeting her with a big kiss on the lips so that her lipstick would rub off on mine. That is when my love for makeup began to bud.”
On prioritizing self-care:
“In this field, you spend a lot of time tending to others very intimately. As an introvert, I prioritize self-care by spending a lot of time alone. It recharges me, gives me plenty of time to think, and always helps me to be both introspective and retrospective. After I’m recharged, I spend time with my loved ones.”
Three must-haves in Danielle’s kit:
1. The MAC Cosmetics Chestnut Lip Liner ($25, Ulta.com) because I predominantly work with black women, and I want to be sure that I can make any lip color they choose work for them. It’s the perfect transitional shade for any color.
2. Embryolisse’s Lait Creme Concentre Moisturizer ($17, Amazon.com) doubles as a primer, and I love the finish it gives to all skin types and textures.
3. The Inglot Gel Liner #77 ($16, Amazon.com) is the perfect black liner. I prefer gel liners over liquid liners because gels are easier to control.
One makeup hack to avoid:
“One makeup hack I’ve encountered that people should avoid is using hair bonding glue on their lashes. There are so many harmful ingredients for the eyes in them.”
Advice for aspiring MUAs:
“The advice I would give aspiring celebrity MUAs is to perfect your craft and find your reason why. Perfecting your craft will get you noticed. Finding your reason why will keep you going when you realize that things aren’t always as glamorous as they may seem from the outside looking in. Your motivation can’t be proximity to celebrities in hopes of becoming one or some kind of come-up because if it is, you’ll get tired very quickly.”
Follow Danielle Henry on Instagram here to keep up with her career journey. For bookings, check out Danielle’s website here.
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