Check out our interview with popular celebrity and influencer makeup artist and content creator Allison Kaye.
Allison is specifically known for her celebrity work with the NFL, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, TV personalities with ABC, Netflix, and Bravo, to name a few, along with top TikTok and Instagram influencers. Allison has gone viral for her glam on NFL wives and continues to be a known makeup artists for sports wives all over the country, with opportunities that have included glamming for the Super Bowl, NFL draft, NHL Stanley Cup finals, MLB playoffs, and NFL Honors.
Follow Allison on IG @allisonkayeglam & TikTok @allisonkayeglam
Describe yourself in three words.
Unstoppable, helpful, and ambitious.
When did you start in this business?
I have been doing makeup since 2013 but made my business “official” in 2016.
What is the key to your success?
I am always doing research and trying to learn! I research and test out the latest makeup products and trends, and researching things about creating content for social media!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The back and feet problems are the only non-rewarding part. But my favorite part of doing makeup on clients is seeing their reaction when you show them the finished glam!
Could you share with us how you got your start in the makeup industry and what motivated you to focus on celebrity makeup artistry?
I started my makeup career working on pageant clients. I then added bridal clientele and was working 50 weddings a year as a wedding makeup artist. Back in April of 2021, the NFL Draft was in Cleveland (where I have a second home) and I got an email inquiry from someone saying that they needed makeup for the draft because her boyfriend was getting drafted and his mom and sister also needed services. I flew up to Cleveland and did makeup for Mac Jones (now quarterback of the Patriots) girlfriend, sister, and mom. From there, I had people from the NFL follow my Instagram account and secured my second NFL client seven months later. I had just thought doing makeup for the NFL draft was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity, but it turned into something MUCH bigger as I have now been able to glam over 15 NFL teams! My start with NFL clients was then able to land me makeup jobs with top influencers and celebrities as well!
What has been the most memorable experience in your career as a makeup artist for celebrities, and what made it so special?
Glamming for 4 days at the Super Bowl in February 2023 was one of the most fun work trips I have ever had. Any time I am glamming my NFL WAGS are my best moments, and I still smile at the fact that the Washington Commanders were the first team to fly me out this year to glam them for a game!
Can you name a few of your celebrity clients?
I have worked with many girls from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, NFL Wives, MLB wives, NHL wives, TV personalities from ABC (the bachelor), Netflix (buying Beverly Hills), and Bravo (below deck).
What are some of the biggest challenges you face when working with celebrities, and how do you overcome them?
Their busy schedules can sometimes be tough to navigate. Sometimes the schedule will only allow a short period of time to complete glam!
Who will be on your bucket list to work with?
I would love the chance to glam Olivia Culpo. Coming from pageants, I loved following her when she was Miss Universe, and now that she is a soon-to-be NFL wife, my worlds collide, and it would be so great to glam her.
What do you think is the secret to having a successful business in a very competitive market like yours?
I think you need to have the “unstoppable” mindset where you do not feel limited and never feel like others are doing better than you. You need to say yes to everything, and need to make connections/ relationships and then foster those because you never know what can come from it.
What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists who dream of working with celebrities and in high-fashion environments?
My best advice is that your social media is your portfolio. Post the types of looks that you want to be creating on clients so you attract the right audience. Only post your best work, do not just post to post! People also love to see the makeup artist behind the work so make sure to share things about you as well on your pages.
Any particular MUA colors we should be looking for this Spring/Summer?
Spring and summer always bring a more vibrant makeup look. I think we are going to continue to see that “poppy pink” color this year!
How would you explain your fashion style?
My fashion style is simple and basic. I look great in black and white. I love neutral pieces that are good for all seasons and styles!
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
I don’t have one person or thing for beauty inspiration. I just genuinely love admiring all artists work!
How would your best friend describe you?
My friends would say I am conversational and loud. I just have a habit of talking loudly and don’t realize it haha.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I am someone who is happy 24/7. Living in the Florida sunshine certainly makes that easy, but I just genuinely feel so loved and blessed every day of my life. Just the simple things in life keep me happy and anything besides that really feels like a treat! I think that mentality keeps me happy everyday.
What is next for Allison Kaye in 2024?
This year, I am looking forward to doing makeup at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas and continuing to travel to glam NFL wives and girlfriends for games around the country!
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
A day in the life of Allison Kaye. One of my favorite things to say is “oh just another day in the life” and you can find me making “day in the life” vlogs on my social media channels as well.
Something people don’t know about you.
I have competed in pageants since the age of 6.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
I love to keep things as condensed as possible. So for my professional kit I have a lot of products depotted to lighten my load. For my personal makeup bag when traveling, I like to use “duo” products like for example the DIBS beauty sticks that have both a bronzer and blush on them, or any product that could be used for multiple parts of your makeup routine.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Kris Jenner and talk with her about her business success. She is such a mastermind and I would love to hear advice from her!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Steak
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I have not yet worked a New York Fashion week!
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I am going to be on this journey for as long as the world will let me. I am most definitely hoping to get another 5 years out of working with celebrity and influencer clientele!
What music do you like?
I love all EDM music; Martin Garrix and Tiesto are probably my two favorites.
Do you support any charities?
I am a member of the Junior League of Fort Lauderdale and I donate my time to many charities within that organization. My favorite community service that I do is supporting something called “Kids in Distress” where I help teach elementary school students about healthy nutrition and we make a snack together.
What do you like to watch on TV?
I love watching reality TV shows.
3 things you can’t leave home without.
My phone, my lululemon fanny pack, and water!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Watching NFL football and hanging out in my pool.
What do you think of social media?
Social media has truly changed my life. I love the fact that I can be creative with my content and I have made many friends on Instagram specifically that I hang out with! I am also friends with people on there that I haven’t had the chance to meet yet!
Where can we follow you?
@AllisonKayeGlam on all platforms: Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / Facebook
Favorite Quote: “If you step out on the court and think the other person is better, you’ve already lost”
Actor/Actress: Jennifer Aniston
Drink: Water or an Espresso Martini
City: Palm Beach Florida (I love the fancy old school vibes)
Movie: I love all Disney Movies
Sport Team: My favorite NFL team is the Cleveland Browns – favorite NHL Team is the Florida Panthers – Favorite NBA is the Cleveland Cavaliers – Favorite MLB is the Cleveland Guardians
Song: I love all EDM music – especially Martin Garrix and Tiesto
