
“Glow Up” Contestants: Catching Up with Favorites After Season Six! With the conclusion of season six of “Glow Up” on Netflix, we’re reflecting on the contestants from the first five seasons who captivated us and inspired countless makeup looks.
With the conclusion of season six of “Glow Up” on Netflix, we’re reflecting on the standout contestants from the previous seasons who initially fueled our binge-watching habits and inspired our makeup creativity. Each participant elevated their craft during the series, and now, several years later, we find ourselves asking: where are they now? What ventures are they pursuing? Who has made significant strides in their career?
Viewers were completely engrossed by the stunning makeup creations showcased during the very first season, and we’ve had the privilege of watching five more sets of contestants since. Each makeup artist—referred to affectionately as MUAs by Val Garland, a judge and the global makeup director at L’Oréal Paris—displayed exceptional talent that leaves us curious about their current pursuits.
In each season, we witness 10 artists compete, facing elimination until one is declared champion. The contestants hail from various backgrounds and levels of experience—some manage retail jobs by day while practicing makeup artistry at night, others are students, while some already work within smaller brands and agencies. What unites them is a fervent passion for beauty and aspirations for success—have they ultimately achieved their dreams?
We delved into the journeys of all “Glow Up” contestants from previous seasons (including the latest) to uncover their current whereabouts. Keep reading to discover what they have been up to.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Ellis Atlantis
Ellis Atlantis, who previously worked as a retail assistant, emerged victorious during season one of “Glow Up,” consistently impressing the judges. This talented makeup artist and drag queen from Bradford, West Yorkshire, has since garnered 574K followers on Instagram and frequently produces YouTube tutorials. Their success extends beyond the show; they’ve been featured in prominent magazines and, in July 2021, announced via Instagram that they would conduct makeup demonstrations and discussions as part of TikTok’s “For You House” in the UK.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Nikki Patel
Nikki Patel, the runner-up of season one, remains a vibrant presence in the beauty sector, captivating her 750K Instagram followers with her satisfyingly soothing daily makeup-removing routines utilizing various skincare products after her full glam.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Leigh Easthope
Before joining “Glow Up,” Leigh Easthope was already making a name for himself as a freelance makeup artist and painter. The Manchester native shared in an interview with Tresa Magazine that he holds a full-time job outside of makeup but still offers freelance services for weddings, short films, and workshops.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Belinda Chatterton
Belinda Chatterton from Newcastle secured fourth place on “Glow Up.” Since her time on the show, she regularly engages her 260K Instagram followers with makeup content and has embraced motherhood with the addition of a daughter to her family.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Tiffany Hunt
Tiffany Hunt became the winner of the NYX Professional Makeup Face Awards UK in 2019 and continues to work as a professional makeup artist while sharing her own content with her 781K Instagram followers.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Steph Harrison
Steph Harrison, recognized through her Instagram with 70K followers, remains actively engaged in makeup. A Birmingham native, she graduated from college in 2019 and now works with Millennium FX, a company specializing in professional prosthetic makeup products.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Brana Alunan
Since her time on “Glow Up,” Brana Alunan from Blackpool has secured multiple paid partnerships with brands for her beauty content. She has also undergone a transition after filming and has openly discussed the process with her 120K followers.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Paige Cole
Prior to her stint on “Glow Up,” Paige Cole was employed in retail. Although she secured the 8th spot in the competition, her career has flourished in the makeup industry since the series. She’s active on Instagram creating beauty content for her 67K followers and, according to her bio, she works as an educator, as well as a hair and makeup artist in TV and film.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Mathieu Dausmann
Mathieu Dausmann stunned judges and viewers alike with his special effects makeup on the show and continues to showcase this talent today. His Instagram features a plethora of strikingly realistic and imaginative looks, attracting a following of 40K.
“Glow Up” Season 1: Dina Schofield
Dina Schofield, a former supermarket customer assistant, was the first contestant to be voted off in “Glow Up.” She has now transitioned to work as a makeup artist, delivering impressive transformations for both herself and her clients, which she features on her Instagram that boasts 22.3K followers.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Eve Jenkins
Eve Jenkins, hailing from Liverpool, was working at a salon before her participation in “Glow Up” season two. Throughout the season, she courageously stepped outside her comfort zone with traditional makeup styles and showcased her adaptability while impressing the judges with her positivity and growth. Eve finished in third place and now works as a freelance hair and makeup artist with 223K followers on Instagram, collaborating with various editorial and brand projects.
“Glow Up” Season 2: James Mac Inerney
James Mac Inerney, who previously worked in retail, used his drag experience and artistic skills to create remarkable makeup creations throughout season two. He secured a spot as the runner-up and continues to impress his 265K followers with his innovative makeup artistry.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Berny Ferr
At the start of season two, Berny Ferr was an aspiring makeup artist and creative director who ultimately achieved considerable success. Finishing in fifth place, he has gone on to undertake a variety of editorial makeup projects and currently holds an audience of 47K followers on Instagram.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Ophelia Liu
Ophelia Liu, a self-taught makeup artist who grew up in Hong Kong before relocating to London, participated in “Glow Up” season two to prove to her parents that she could succeed in the beauty industry. Ultimately, she triumphed in the competition and now enjoys a career as an international makeup artist while also designing clothing for her own brand, all while engaging an impressive following of 579K on Instagram.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Hannah Cunningham
Hannah Cunningham entered “Glow Up” with aspirations to leave her desk job behind. During the season, she thrilled judges with her innovative use of everyday items for makeup transformations. She ranked fourth on the show and has since accumulated 155K Instagram followers, continuing to produce fantastic art as she works as a model and DJ.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Shanice Croasdaile
Shanice Croasdaile, originally from Essex, left her office job to chase her makeup ambitions after giving birth. Following her early exit in season two, she has built a successful career as a professional makeup artist and content creator.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Brandon Gaunt
Brandon Gaunt, a makeup artist and hairstylist from London, finished sixth in season two. Known for his strikingly colorful makeup, he earned praise and “ding dongs” from Val Garland. He continues to produce eye-catching looks for his 37K followers on Instagram and serves as the hair and makeup supervisor for Lío London, an immersive restaurant.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Keziah Joy Saunders
While participating in season two of “Glow Up,” Keziah Joy Saunders was a full-time student and makeup artist from Bournemouth. She opted to leave the competition during the third episode but has since successfully built her career as a makeup artist, inspiring her 257K followers on Instagram with her looks.
“Glow Up” Season 2: Ashley Mac
Hailing from Scotland, Ashley Mac came onto “Glow Up” dreaming of working in the film and TV makeup industry. Despite being the first contestant eliminated in season two, she has since secured a role as the head of makeup and prosthetics for the UK tour of “Shrek.” She has garnered 17.3K followers on Instagram.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Sophie Baverstock
Sophie Baverstock emerged as the winner of “Glow Up” season three. On the show, she disclosed her autism diagnosis at age 17, aiming to break down the stigma surrounding the condition. After graduating from Arts University Bournemouth, she has been working as a freelance professional makeup artist and hairstylist, alongside an Instagram following of 458K.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Craig Hamilton
Craig Hamilton was the runner-up of season three, showcasing his skills in special effects, bridal, and editorial makeup. Since competing, he has continued to work as a freelance artist, now holding 89K followers on Instagram.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Dolli Okoriko
London-based makeup artist Dolli Okoriko took third place in season three. She shared her journey of becoming a mother at 20 and how that fueled her drive for success. Having previously worked full-time at a beauty counter, she now excels as a full-time makeup artist, garnering 208K followers on Instagram and securing numerous celebrity, editorial, and brand opportunities.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Jack Oliver
Jack Oliver was juggling care work and makeup artistry at the time of participating in season three. They now have 62K Instagram followers and have continued to thrive in the industry by providing makeup services for prominent figures like Taiga Brava from Drag Race México and the beloved drag queen Trixie Mattel.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Ryley Isaac
Ryley Isaac, based in London, ranked fifth during season three and is also a renowned beauty influencer and vlogger. On the show, she discussed how makeup empowered her to embrace her facial birthmark, which has become an ongoing theme in her artistry. Presently, she enjoys a following of 824K on Instagram.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Samah Say
Finishing in sixth place, Samah Say from London previously worked in retail within the beauty sector. Nevertheless, she has now emerged as a sought-after celebrity makeup artist, engaging with her 58K Instagram followers.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Alex Ogden Clark
Alex Ogden Clark was the seventh contestant on the show and now works as a hairstylist and fashion stylist, maintaining a following of 25K on Instagram.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Xavi Guillaume
Xavi Guillaume was a freelance journalist and makeup artist by night during his time on season three. He highlighted his experiences with Asperger’s syndrome while using makeup as a mode of self-expression. After finishing in eighth place, he has transitioned to become a video content creator, while still engaging in makeup, and currently holds 18K followers on Instagram.
“Glow Up” Season 3: Elliott Banks
Elliott Banks, a London-based makeup artist, secured ninth place in the show. Following his appearance, he has taken on roles as a makeup artist for Byredo while managing a following of 23.2K on Instagram.