From Napoleon Perdis to Freelance: Tannia's Story
From Napoleon Perdis to Freelance: Tannia's Story
Tannia started her makeup career with an eight-week course at Napoleon Perdis straight out of high school in 2000. She went from retail counter work to the global makeup artistry team, travelling for head office training sessions and creating educational content. She worked with publications, personalities and everything in between.
Then Napoleon Perdis went into receivership. For a lot of artists, that would feel like the ground disappearing beneath their feet. For Tannia, it was the push she needed to back herself.
She went freelance. Set up a home studio. Balanced building a business with being a mum. And created a loyal clientele who keep coming back specifically for her.
We also talked about social media and what it's actually done for the industry. Tannia is realistic about it. Instagram matters for client bookings, especially in bridal and events. It's not optional anymore. But it doesn't replace skill and it doesn't replace relationships.
The Products: Every Single Thing in Tannia's Kit
Now for the part you're actually here for. These are Tannia's real picks. The things she has tested, used on real clients and kept coming back to.
Brushes and Tools
Great makeup starts before a single product hits the skin. Tannia's brush collection is a mix of Japanese craftsmanship and smart everyday tools.
Surratt Eyelash Curler The fit is perfect. The silicone pad is quality. For Tannia, there's no going back to any other curler. Available at Mecca.
The Skincare Tools Sculptor A dual-ended tool with diamond bearings and a gua sha end. Tannia uses it personally and professionally to prep skin before makeup. It de-puffs, defines and creates a smooth, lifted base.
Sonia G Brushes Handcrafted in Japan by master brushmakers. Tannia's holy grail for applying both cream and powder products. The quality is genuinely different. Available via Beautylish, which ships to Australia.
Rephr Shodō Range Inspired by Japanese calligraphy. The bristle structure creates a wispy, feathered effect that's perfect for detailed eye work and blending. Tannia loves these for precision.
Beautylish Yano Series Tannia's most recent obsession. Handcrafted in Kumano, Japan, incredibly soft, and perfect for delivering a wash of colour. Available via Beautylish.
Brows and Contour
Benefit Dream Sheen Brow Glaze Tannia loves the wet, metallic sheen this gives her brows. It's fresh, editorial and completely effortless to apply.
Victoria Beckham Contour Stylus Ultra slim, incredibly blendable. Tannia reaches for this when she wants controlled, precise sculpting. Available at Mecca.
Isamaya Contour Pens The shade range is wider than most contour products on the market. Blends seamlessly and gives a skin-like finish.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Microstroke Brow Pen Micro-fine brush tip that creates hair-like strokes. Tannia uses this for realistic, defined brows that last. Available at Sephora Australia.
Skin, Glow and Complexion
This is where Tannia's philosophy really shows. She lets skin be skin. She enhances, she doesn't cover.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème SensitiveThe makeup artist's go-to. Reliable moisturiser with no complications. Works as a primer, moisturiser and makeup remover. Available at Adore Beauty.
By Terry Brightening CC Serum Tannia layers this under or mixes it with foundation to customise the finish and glow level. Eight shades, colour-correcting, light-reflective. Available at Mecca.
Weleda Skin Food Super Serum A personal favourite. Deeply hydrating, botanically powered, and gives the skin that juicy, healthy look before any makeup hits.
MERIT The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 Lightweight, sheer coverage with built-in SPF. Tannia loves this for clients who want skin protection without foundation coverage. Available via Sephora.
NARS Light Reflecting Luminizer For a wet, dewy finish that lasts. It doesn't sit on top of skin, it integrates with it. Tannia's favourite highlighter for that lived-in glow. Available at Mecca.
Hung Vanngo TanSculpt Cream Bronzer A gel-balm-to-powder formula that sculpts and bronzes with a soft-focus finish. From celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo's own line. Available from the brand website and Sephora US.
Dior Contour Powders Subtle and skin-like. Tannia uses these to add depth without masking the skin underneath. Available at Sephora Australia.
Eyes
Victoria Beckham Satin KajalsRich, creamy and available in genuinely wearable shades. Tannia's picks: Terracotta, Cocoa Pavé and Cinnamon. Available at Mecca.
Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes Velvety liquid-to-powder eyeshadow with long-lasting wear. Dries quickly, no creasing. Tannia's reach for when she needs the eye look to hold all day. Check Mecca for availability or shop direct at ellisfaas.com.
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Sepia A high-impact matte eye shadow stick that glides on effortlessly. 24-hour wear. Tannia uses Sepia specifically for its warmth and versatility. Available at Mecca.
Lips
Westman Atelier Lip Suede English Rose is the shade Tannia keeps returning to. It's a hydrating matte that feels nothing like a traditional matte. Three types of hyaluronic acid in the formula. Available at Mecca.
Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer A micro-correcting concealer pencil for blemishes, broken capillaries and precision work. Tannia uses this for clean-up and detailing around the mouth and eyes. Ships to Australia from lisaeldridge.com.
Tanielle Jai Stayliner An Australian-made product that works across eyes, lips and even contouring. Cookie is Tannia's go-to shade. Shop direct at taniellejai.com.
Listen to The Makeup Insider and hear it all from Tannia herself.