Chereine Waddell crowned Makeup Artist of the Year at MAGAP Awards

Known for her genuine artistic originality and versatility delivered with inimitable personal quirk, Chereine Waddell took out the coveted title of Makeup Artist of the Year at the annual MAGAP and Beauty Boss Awards gala dinner.

The MAGAP awards, established in 2017 and organised by the Makeup Artist Guild Asia Pacific, aim to promote and elevate the makeup industry in the region.

The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts and are open to all makeup artists and hairstylists working in the Asia Pacific region.

The awards ceremony, held at View by Sydney at Walsh Bay, was an opportunity for industry professionals to network, share knowledge, and celebrate the art of makeup.

Melanie Burnicle, founder of the Makeup Artist Guild Asia Pacific and passionate about empowering others to achieve their full potential, has become a well-respected business leader and entrepreneur in the Australian business community.

As host of the evening, Melanie opened with a speech addressing the support for one another in the room.

“Tonight we celebrate the finest makeup artists in Australia and the brands that support the makeup artists,” she said.

“We really are about showcasing the diversity of the industry. And yes, people do different things, but we are not necessarily competing with each other, we all have a place to excel.”

Addressing guests at the event, Chereine, who also won NSW Makeup Artist of the Year, said she was speechless about winning such an accolade.

“I don’t know what to say,” she said. “We all enter awards because we like a bit of recognition and to challenge ourselves. But so often, we don’t actually take a moment to think about what we’ve done and be grateful. I’m so grateful for all of my inspiration from my friends around me and from my husband for helping me to win this award.”

Another major MAGAP award win on the night included Lesley Vanderwalt who was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Lesley has worked in the film industry for over three decades and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and is best known for her work on the films Mad Max: Fury Road and The Great Gatsby, both of which earned her Academy Awards for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.