PRO TALK: Bronte Scullion, Makeup Artist
"The makeup needs to hold up through tears, hugs, dancing, and everything in between."
Welcome to Unbridled PROTALK, a captivating series that invites you to immerse yourself in the realm of beauty and wellness. Allow us to play cupid as we connect you with the industry's leading experts, becoming your gateway to unlocking valuable industry tips and discovering beauty hacks from the most credible sources.
Bronte Scullion is an Australian Makeup Artist making her mark on the beauty industry, celebrated for her refined, skin-focused approach that enhances rather than masks.
With a career spanning bridal, editorial, and high-profile commercial work, she has collaborated with world-renowned brands including Armani Beauty, YSL Beauty, Petal & Pup, Sueur Swim, and more.
Bronte’s artistry has taken her from working on the BAFTA and Academy Award–nominated film Elvis, to being featured twice in British Vogue, to seeing her work on billboards in Seattle and Chicago. Flown interstate and internationally for her craft, she is sought after for her calm presence, timeless style, and ability to make every client feel like the most confident and radiant version of themselves.
In this interview, Bronte shares her journey, career highlights, and the artistry principles that have helped her carve out a name for herself in the beauty world.
Your makeup style is so refined and effortless — there’s a softness to your work that still feels elevated and editorial. Can you walk us through your approach when creating a bridal look? How do you balance timeless beauty with the personal features and vibe of each client?
I love to approach bridal makeup with the same soft, signature style I’m known for, customizing each look to enhance my client’s natural features. On the wedding day, I’ll revisit the look we created during the bridal trial and check in to see if there are any changes the bride would like to make. For brides who haven’t had a trial, I’ll begin with a thorough consultation to ensure we're aligned on their vision and expectations. My goal is for the bride to feel like the most confident and radiant version of themselves. I truly believe that less is more, sometimes it’s about taking a step back, assessing the overall look, and making subtle adjustments where needed.
You’ve worked across a range of faces, styles, and settings — from bridal to editorial. What have been some of your biggest career highlights or moments that have made you pause and feel really proud of your journey so far?
I have worked with internationally renowned brands throughout my career including Sueur Swim, Petal and Pup, Crop Shop Boutique, The Langham, Milrey and more. There have been so many moments throughout my career that I’m incredibly proud of.
One of the major milestones was working on the Elvis film. Being a part of such a globally recognized production, was an incredible milestone in my career that will stick with me forever, especially as the film received a BAFTA Award for Best Make Up and Hair, a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Hair and Makeup, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Another highlight was being featured in British Vogue twice this year, for two incredible campaigns I worked across last year with Sueur swim, one of which I was flown interstate for. Sueur Swim’s Inaugural Campaign was so successful that it led to the brand’s products being used in the promotional shoot of the popular realty series, Love Island UK’s 2024 All Stars Season.
Additionally, my work with Petal & Pup was featured on billboards in Seattle and Chicago. Seeing my work displayed internationally was a full circle moment for me.
Furthermore, given my success as a Hair and Makeup Artist, I have been fortunate to collaborate with world renowned brands such as Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Beauty, Davroe, Brow Code, Mermade Hair, and more, in the development of marketing contents for social media outlets such as Tik Tok and Instagram. Influencer partnerships with iconic brand names in the luxury beauty market serve as endorsements of the artist’s talent, creativity, and authority in the industry. The fact that these internationally renowned brands have consistently chosen to collaborate with me in these marketing campaigns is a significant achievement that verifies my acclaimed reputation in the industry.
With the rise of skin-focused makeup, there are so many micro-trends floating through the beauty space. Which current trends are you loving — and are there any you tend to steer away from when it comes to bridal?
I love that skin-focused makeup is paving the way for bridal makeup, it’s always been the core part of my approach. I’m all about keeping the skin looking like skin, that said, there are definitely a few micro-trends I tend to avoid when it comes to bridal. One being the “no-powder look”, while I love a glowing, luminous complexion, I truly believe powder is essential for longevity, especially on a wedding day. The makeup needs to hold up through tears, hugs, dancing, and everything in between. One trend I can’t get enough of is faux freckles, if my client is open to it, I love to enhance any natural freckles or beauty marks they already have. It brings the skin back to life and makes it look like skin again!
Makeup is such an intimate part of a person’s day, especially on something as emotional as a wedding morning. How do you create a calm, safe space for your clients, and what do you hope they walk away feeling — beyond just the makeup itself?
I think being a part of someone’s intimate circle on their wedding morning is so special and something I don’t take for granted. You are with them through all the little moments leading up to the aisle. I think as a Makeup Artist, one of the biggest skills you can have is how you carry yourself, and it’s something I pride myself in. If I notice the bride’s getting overwhelmed or stressed out, I offer advice to take a breath reset, go outside and come back when they’re ready... usually that does the trick to calm the nerves. I also try and advise anyone around her, to give her the hour or so in my chair to fully relax and shut out, from any of the outside noise. Calmness and patience goes such a long way in this industry... especially on someone’s wedding day.
