Growing up in Los Angeles, Makeup Artist, Ricky Wilson was always intrigued by the power of makeup to transform women from ordinary to extraordinary. Ricky started in the industry as a model, where he discovered his passion for makeup as he observed makeup artists working from the other side of the hair. From there, Ricky went on to work in New York with such powerhouse brands as MAC Cosmetics, and has served as Dior’s Celebrity Makeup Artist for over five years.  “I’ve always been amazed with the transforming powers of makeup,” he says, “Just a little bit of blush or lipstick can completely change the way a woman looks and feels.”

Ricky’s artistic vision lends itself well to worlds of both fashion and celebrity. As a backstage artist, he has collaborated with many celebrated designers beyond the realm of Dior, including Vivian Westwood, Rosa Cha, Vera Wang, Emanuel Ungaro, Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson and Rag & Bone.  On the red carpet, Ricky is known as the go-to makeup artist for some of Hollywood’s top actresses, including Emmy Rossum, Dania Ramirez, Aisha Tyler, Joy Bryant and Sharon Stone, and he regularly works with some of New York’s most sought-after “It Girls,” including DJ Harley Viera-Newton, socialite Tinsley Mortimer and top models Jessica Stam and Coco Rocha.

As an editorial Makeup Artist and Expert, Ricky’s work has appeared on the pages of Vogue, Bride’s, Lucky, ELLE, Allure, Town & Country, Cosmopolitan, Ladies’ Home Journal, and is regularly quoted in magazines such as Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, Us Weekly, People and Essence. He is frequently featured as an on-air Beauty Expert for morning and entertainment news programs including Good Day LA, The Early Show and Access Hollywood.

Ricky’s beauty philosophy is based on a simple principle of playing and experimenting with new ideas and trends. He believes that makeup has the power to enhance the beauty of any woman, whether she’s an Oscar-nominated actress or a working mother. As an artist, Ricky is constantly trying new trends and techniques and he encourages his clients to do the same.  “I’m constantly drawing inspiration from the fashion world, even the more daring couture runway looks, and I encourage women to play with different looks and color in the same way backstage artists do,” says Wilson. “A beauty look might seem intimidating at first, but it’s all about interpreting the different elements so it suits your personal style.”

Ricky currently resides in New York and works bi-coastally in Los Angeles.
Ricky is represented globally by Ivy Eleven.

To learn more about Ricky and to book him, click here.