IYKO SPOTLIGHT: Katie Daisy, leading the way in Luxury Makeup Artistry

From working the beauty counters to prepping clients for the Met Gala, Katie Daisy has built a career defined by calm precision, luxury expertise, and a deep-rooted love for her craft. What began in Essex doing makeup for friends has since evolved into an impressive body of work across red carpets, fashion, bridal, and now, the launch of her own agency.

“It’s always been a passion. I’ve loved makeup for as long as I can remember, and growing up I watched a lot of beauty creators on YouTube who really inspired me,” she shares. “I started doing my friends’ makeup in Essex just for fun, and over time it turned into something people knew me for. Eventually, I realised it was more than just a hobby. I was good at it, and I loved it. That’s when I decided to take the plunge and apply for a job in makeup.”

With a background in art and creativity woven into her foundation, Katie’s artistry has always been about more than trends, it’s been about craft, everything we stand for at IYKO Professional “What started as something I did for fun turned into a career I’m genuinely passionate about. I still feel so lucky that I get to do what I love every day.”

That dedication took her from counter artistry into the world of freelance, where she quickly made her mark across editorial, red carpet, and bridal. “It’s honestly surreal looking back at how far things have come,” she says. “I still remember being on counter at Charlotte Tilbury, just trying to figure out how I’d ever make the jump into freelancing. From those early days to working backstage, doing red carpets, and now launching my own bridal agency, it’s been a real journey and definitely a rewarding one.”

Launching Katie Daisy Artists was a natural progression, one rooted in both experience and a clear demand. “As my career progressed, I began receiving more bridal enquiries than I could personally take on, which I’m incredibly grateful for. Many of these were high-end clients looking for a seamless, luxury experience from start to finish. Over the years, I’ve built a trusted network of incredibly talented artists, and I often found myself curating full beauty teams for brides, covering everything from hair and makeup to tans and manicures. It was something I was doing naturally behind the scenes, so launching Katie Daisy Artists felt like the perfect next step. The agency was created to offer a beautifully curated, bespoke experience that connects discerning clients with the very best in bridal beauty.”

The agency reflects Katie’s own standard, one grounded in excellence, experience, and trust. “There are so many things that come into play. Obviously, the quality of your work and being reliable are really important, but in the luxury space, professionalism is everything. Discretion is key when you’re working with high-profile clients. You have to know how to read a room, stay in your lane, and carry yourself in a way that matches the level of the environment you’re in.”

She’s witnessed first-hand how missteps can cost artists their place. “I’ve seen really talented artists get blacklisted by clients for breaking NDAs, and a lot of the time they hadn’t even read them properly. Others have been dropped for crossing the line on social media or posting things that felt too personal or unprofessional. It’s not just about being good at makeup. You’re being trusted in someone’s personal space, often at really important or private moments, so how you handle yourself matters just as much as the work you do. It’s definitely not for everyone, but when you understand that, it’s an amazing space to be in.”

That standard extends to her artist roster. “To start with, I always come back to the points I mentioned earlier. Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to navigate high-pressure environments with confidence and grace are essential in this space. On top of that, I’m a perfectionist, and I would never attach my name to anything that doesn’t reflect the standard I hold myself to.”

“Every artist I work with is not only incredibly talented but genuinely passionate about their craft. They share the same mindset, the same attention to detail, and the same commitment to delivering an exceptional experience. That’s what truly sets a luxury or bridal artist apart. It’s not just about beautiful makeup but about the presence, care, and integrity they bring to every client interaction.”

“Reliability is absolutely crucial. When I recommend someone for a wedding, I’m trusting them with one of the most important days of a person’s life. There is no room for mistakes or anyone being let down. Brides need to feel completely confident and at ease, knowing they’re in the most capable and caring hands from the very beginning to the final touch-up.”

A calm presence in even the highest-pressure environments, Katie credits her composure to thoughtful preparation. “For me, preparation is everything. It’s the foundation that allows me to stay calm, focused, and deliver my best work even in the most high-pressure environments. I’m a big believer in the saying ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail,’ and I live by that when it comes to my work.”

“High-pressure situations aren’t for everyone, but I genuinely love the energy of it. I think after years of being in those environments, I’ve learned to really thrive in them. I’m naturally quite calm, which helps, but it’s the preparation that gives me confidence.”

That mindset was put to the test at this year’s Met Gala, a career milestone Katie had visualised and a massive achievement that we celebrate here at IYKO Professional. “Thank you. It honestly felt surreal. I had the Met Gala on my vision board for this year, so to actually be there was such a proud moment.” But as often happens behind the scenes, things didn’t go quite to plan. “One moment that definitely stayed with me was when the power went out on our side of the room. There was no time to move or reset, so we just had to get on with it. My main light went off and since it was a rainy, gloomy day in New York, there was no natural light to rely on. Simon, who was doing hair, didn’t have working tools either. It was one of those moments where you just make it work.”

“I ended up finishing the makeup in a different room while my client was being stitched into her dress. It wasn’t the dream setup by any means, but in this industry, things rarely go perfectly to plan. You just stay calm, adapt, and focus on getting the job done.”

Her setup, like her mindset, is meticulous. “Kit presentation is everything. As a luxury artist, your kit should reflect the standard of your work and the experience you’re offering. You simply cannot show up to a high-end job with a disorganised or poorly presented setup. My time at Charlotte Tilbury really instilled in me the importance of cleanliness, sanitisation, and the visual appeal of a beautifully arranged kit.”

“I’ve refined my setup over the years and now have it down to a system that works seamlessly for me. My IYKO HANA is a game changer. I use it to hold all my core products, the ones I know I will reach for every time. It keeps everything neat, accessible, and elevated. Investing in your kit is so important, not just for how it looks, but for how efficiently it allows you to work. A thoughtful, well-presented setup sets the tone for the entire client experience.”

These days, success looks a little different than it did when she first started. “My definition of success has definitely changed over time. When I first started, it was all about hitting certain milestones, but now I see it differently. I truly believe you can achieve anything if you’re willing to put in the work. If I decided tomorrow to start a makeup brand, I’d back myself to make it happen and make it a success.”

“I’m naturally very driven and goal focused. I don’t really switch off, and for me, self-care often looks like getting things done and staying productive. That, and the occasional Botox appointment. I feel happiest when I’m achieving and moving forward.”

“Right now, I’m focused on growing the agency, continuing to build my career, and staying open to wherever this journey takes me. There’s so much more I want to do, and I’m just excited for what’s next.”

You can take a look at Katie Daisy's work on her website and Instagram