Celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell has made a name for herself in the beauty industry with her signature approach. In other words, her artistry lies in her ability to accentuate and enhance the natural beauty of recognizable clients such as Alix Earle, Amanda Batula, Brooks Nader and Tayshia Adams.
But, it’s worth mentioning that Sewell’s impact extends beyond her celebrity clientele. Last year she founded Makeup By Kelli Anne, a comprehensive beauty platform designed to educate and empower makeup enthusiasts. Through in-depth tutorials and engaging discussions with female entrepreneurs, Sewell is democratizing beauty knowledge and fostering a community of confident, skilled makeup lovers. Her platform serves as a bridge between professional techniques and everyday application— making high-end beauty accessible to all.
In a significant career milestone, Sewell is set to take the stage as a guest teacher for her first time attending Beautycon 2024. This prestigious appointment underscores her growing influence in the beauty industry and provides a platform to share her expertise with a wider audience.
In anticipation of Beautycon 2024, we had the privilege of sitting down with Sewell for an exclusive interview. Below for her expectations for the upcoming event, sources of inspiration, her vision for the future of beauty, and more.
What are you most excited about for this year’s Beautycon?
Kelli Ann Sewell: This is my first time ever to go, attend and obviously guest teach so quite literally I’m excited for everything. It’s such an honor to be alongside industry professionals and other artists I’ve looked up to my entire life. So, I will be soaking up every second. I’m so excited to network with other creatives, meet so many fun people and mostly educate around beauty! It’s the best job in the world!
What advice do you have for turning your passion into a career?
KAS: I think using your passion as a way to create a career for yourself requires a lot of courage and confidence in yourself. But you have to separate yourself from what you do—which is the hardest part. You have to stay grounded and know your value. Also be willing to not take business decisions personally.
Your “business” needs to build on an undeniable and relentless belief in yourself and what you bring to the table, so it’s hard to separate your emotions out of the business at times. Sometimes your “success” is dependent on how your passions are received and judged by others and it feels personal because it is! Navigating that can be hard, but the reward far outweighs the challenges!
What does beauty mean to you?
KAS: Beauty makes me happy. Beauty is confidence. True energetic Beauty comes from within but we use mediums (hair styles, colors, makeup, etc) as a way to express what’s inside. That’s what makes it so valuable. Beauty gives us freedom to be who we are at our core.
What makeup tips do you have for someone looking to switch up their glam routine for the cooler months?
KAS: I think skin prep is everything but in general opting for richer, thicker, cream based products is a smart choice. Similar to how you will use a thicker, more hydrating face cream in the winter, maybe opt for a more hydrating tinted moisturizer, or a balmier cream bronzer, cream blush and more so your skin stays hydrated throughout the day! Especially if you walk outside some place in the northeast where the wind and temperature sucks all the hydration from your skin. And add lip masks!
What are your five desert island beauty products?
KAS: So tough. Probably L’Oreal Glotion, Natasha Denona Concealer, Patrick Ta’s “She’s Wanted,” blush, Dior Beauty’s Backstage Glow Face Palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Freeze Gel, Makeup By Mario’s Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Liner in “Almond,” and Summer Fridays Lip Balm. Sorry, that’s six!
What beauty trends are you forecasting will be big for 2025?
KAS: I think wearable, bold looks. Smokey eyes that aren’t perfect and are paired with fresh skin. Or a bold lip thats diffused and blurted mixed with other fresh complementary elements. We’re seeing people dissolving lip fillers, so I think more natural face shapes. Demi matte skin (moving away from glazed donut) but still experimental (saying goodbye to the clean girl.)
What is one product every beauty lover needs in their makeup caboodle?
KAS: The Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencils. They are so multifunctional. Use them on eyes, face, lips.
