I’ve drawn inspiration from maximalist makeup artists for years—here are three professionals you should have started following yesterday.

      Cinemaphiles enjoy the movie theater, music enthusiasts have concerts, but for makeup aficionados? We turn to Instagram. From a young age, I've been captivated by bold and expressive makeup; my eyes have sparkled and smudged since I could twirl onstage in a tutu. After countless dance performances in my childhood where I painted my face, I started drifting to sleep with the sounds of YouTube makeup tutorials playing on late school nights, dreaming of shade names, application techniques, and beauty inspirations. Over the years, my admiration for "pretty" makeup transformed into a fascination with the vivid realm of fashion—swapping out smoky eye tutorials for the stunning artistry of Dame Pat McGrath on Christian Dior's early-2000s runways and observing how the unconventional makeup looks at Alexander McQueen shows unified each collection. Naturally, I began experimenting with my own editorial makeup—drawing endless inspiration from magazines, YouTubers, and my favorite music. In the process of honing my craft, I encountered others who encouraged me to think bigger, sketch to make a statement, and unlock my creativity. Below are three remarkable maximalist makeup artists and sources of inspiration I've discovered on social media (content creators and artists you should have started following yesterday).

      **Kauv Onazh**

      Kauv Onazh, known as Top Kuhnt on Instagram, is a must-follow. This celebrity makeup artist, originally from Detroit, Michigan, now resides in New York City, showcasing her artistry through stunningly detailed makeup looks that range from insect-themed eyes to eye-catching transformations on celebrities like Julia Fox and Doechii. Her work oscillates between edgy and soft, vibrant and muted—demonstrating that both can coexist, even in the same makeup look.

      **How did you get started with editorial makeup?**

      Onazh: Growing up, I was fascinated by science fiction and the anatomy of various characters, dreaming of being them. I also adored watching my mom and older sister do their makeup, especially those iconic Y2K beauty trends. Ultimately, during my transition, I realized I had the power to create anything and express myself in any way I wanted.

      **Where do you find inspiration for your looks? Additionally, what helps recharge your creativity when it’s low?**

      Onazh: Nature is always my main source of inspiration. The amount of creativity one can draw from it is endless. Honestly, I find inspiration in everything around me. Recently, I drew inspiration from a new pair of earrings. Living in New York, I recharge creatively by visiting places where nature is pristine and untouched.

      **What’s a makeup tip you wish you had learned earlier?**

      Onazh: There are so many—but that’s part of the joy of makeup. You never stop learning. I’d say using the Makeup Forever Aqua Seal as a lip liner primer and understanding the differences between setting and finishing powders were key lessons I wish I had known earlier.

      **Do you have a favorite look you’ve created?**

      Honestly, no, I love them all for what they represent. However, if I had to pick, it would be this one. Wearing this look felt truly transformative—like a reptilian goddess.

      **Rowi Singh**

      If you've been involved with makeup and online communities since the late 2010s, you're probably familiar with Rowi Singh. The highly creative makeup artist and founder of Embellish by Rowi—born out of her limitless creativity with face gems, stickers, and studs—hails from Sydney, Australia. She is known for her 3D looks that merge elements of fashion with vibrant colors (imagine grommets paired with lilac eyeshadow or studs adorning glossy lips). One glance at her colorful Instagram feed will have you questioning why you didn’t follow her sooner.

      **How did you get started with editorial makeup?**

      Singh: Makeup became my form of creative expression after I left high school and began university, providing me the freedom to experiment with my face and body. My high school experience didn’t allow for such creativity (there were strict limits on self-expression). From that time on, makeup became my playground—a chance to explore and challenge conventional aesthetics with unique shapes and bold hues. I took inspiration from editorial runway makeup and combined it with my own maximalist style.

      **Where do you find inspiration for your looks? What recharges your creativity when it feels drained?**

      Singh: Inspiration is truly everywhere. It can come from the food I eat, the trends around us, my home decor, museums I visit, walks with my husband, or flowers I buy to lift my spirits. The colors in our world always fuel my editorial design; they serve as a springboard for interesting color pairings. When I lack inspiration, I turn to Pinterest! Other people's creativity often sparks my own. Boredom can foster creativity, and taking time to quiet my mind is