Suzi Dent: A Life of Artistry, Impact & Evolution

From the moment she laid eyes on her mother’s Avon lipstick samples as a child, Suzi Dent was captivated by the magic of makeup. What began as a spark of curiosity in the 1970s has since evolved into a career spanning over four decades—one that’s seen her transform faces, build brands, pioneer bridal beauty, and most recently, lead the way in Australia’s specialist tattoo cover makeup field.

But Suzi’s story is more than just a timeline of professional milestones. It’s a tale of reinvention, resilience, and an unwavering passion for making people feel confident and seen. From working behind the scenes on television and film sets to mentoring women through aging and change, Suzi’s journey is a living example of what’s possible when you follow your calling and commit to growing with your craft.

We sat down with Suzi to talk about where it all began, how she’s built her one-of-a-kind career, and what drives her today.

What first inspired you to explore the world of makeup, and how did that early passion shape your journey?

My love for makeup began in childhood. Growing up in the 1970s, my mother was an Avon Lady, and I was fascinated by the tiny lipstick samples—each one perfectly shaped, beautifully scented, and filled with possibility. I believe my love for the beauty industry was born in those moments.

At fourteen, I discovered the transformative power of mascara. As a natural blonde, my eyelashes were nearly invisible, making me look tired. The first time I applied mascara, it was like my eyes opened to the world— my blue eyes popped, and I felt instantly more confident. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for the power of makeup and its ability to enhance self-esteem.

What happened after high school? Was makeup always the plan?

I had two options when I left school: a hairdressing apprenticeship that paid seventy-five dollars per week, or a bank job paying one hundred and twenty-five dollars per week. My parents insisted I take the bank job. I worked there, but my heart was always in beauty and creativity. When I was twenty, I travelled to England, where my cousin was dating a photographer. Seeing stunning makeup artistry in his professional photos, he told me that being a makeup artist was a real career option. I immediately called my parents and told them I wanted to stay in England and study with the BBC—unless they could find a makeup school in Australia.

My father tracked down the only theatrical makeup school in Australia and New Zealand at the time. He even attended the interview on my behalf, bringing along my awards, ballet achievements, Duke of Edinburgh medals, part-time work history, and more. Thanks to him, I was accepted into the Three Arts Makeup Centre, and I returned to Australia to begin my formal training.

What was that training experience like?

Walking into Three Arts Makeup Centre in 1983 for the first time was pure magic. The smell of stage makeup, the creative energy, and the work displayed on the walls—I knew instantly that I was exactly where I belonged.

The course was intensive and hands-on, covering makeup for theatre, television, film, photography, special effects, and hair and wig work. I worked three jobs to put myself through it and moved to inner-city Sydney to be closer to college. The friends I made there are still some of my closest to this day.

How did your professional career unfold from there?

At twenty-one, I landed a job with Shiseido, becoming the youngest promotional makeup artist in the company. I was responsible for educating customers on skincare and makeup, travelling across New South Wales. My job involved standing in front of the counters with a microphone, demonstrating techniques live. For two and a half years, I held the highest sales figures in the company.

But my heart was always in entertainment. For over four decades now, I’ve built a career that has taken me from television sets to high-profile ad campaigns, from live productions to intimate bridal transformations. I still love what I do today.

Your work as a freelancer is incredibly diverse. What do you love most about it?

The beauty of freelancing is that no two days are ever the same. One day, I’m prepping a celebrity for a commercial, the next I’m glamming up a bride. Then I might be on a film set, creating character transformations. It’s about freedom, adaptability, and constant growth.

You’ve become nationally known for your tattoo cover work. What sets it apart?

For over a decade, I’ve specialised in high-definition, long-lasting, and undetectable tattoo concealment for film, TV, special events, and personal occasions. My process involves neutralising pigment, custom colourmatching, layering, and even painting freckles to recreate skin texture. My results are waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof for up to two days. Clients include brides, actors, professionals, and even those affected by Queensland’s tattoo entry laws. I’ve expanded across three states and am now training and licensing other artists to meet demand.

What drives you to do this work every day?

Tattoo cover makeup is detailed and technical—it’s about creating a flawless illusion of clean skin. I love the challenge, but most of all, I love the impact. Some people are covering ink that no longer aligns with who they are. Others have cultural or emotional reasons. Helping someone feel confident, respected, and comfortable in their skin—that’s everything.

Let’s talk about your bridal business. You helped shape that space in Australia, right?

Yes. In the 1990s, professional film and TV makeup artists weren’t working in the bridal space. I saw the gap and launched Beautiful Bride Makeup & Hair Service—the first bridal agency in Sydney offering elite artists for weddings. We grew to 25 artists and covered regions from Sydney to the Central Coast and Blue Mountains. I also created “Hairstyling for Makeup Artists,” a course teaching essential skills like blow-drying and upstyling. We won ABIA awards in 1997, 1998, and continued ranking in the Top Three. I sold the business after moving to Queensland but continued bridal work—and won awards there, too.

You’ve also done work in special effects and moulage. Can you share more about that?

I’ve created gunshot wounds, burns, and trauma makeup for police officer training programs. It’s high-pressure, creative work, and I love mentoring new artists in this space.

You were a key witness in the Rolf Harris case. How did that shape your advocacy?

I was the prosecution’s strongest bad-character witness in the 2014 trial. Makeup artists often work in intimate settings with high-profile clients. Professionalism and safety are essential. Speaking out helped shed light on industry power imbalances, and I’ve used my platform since then to push for safer, more respectful work environments.

What does your day-to-day look like now?

Every day is different, but I always start with my health. I’m up at 5:30am walking Sunny, my Groodle, barefoot on the grass for grounding. That’s my thinking time. I focus on nutrition, positive mindset, and gratitude.

Then I move into business—training my tattoo cover team, working with clients, speaking engagements, or expanding my role as a proaging mentor. I’m passionate about helping women over 40 embrace confidence and possibility. There’s nothing anti about aging!

What’s ahead in the next 12 months?

Big things! I’m continuing to expand my tattoo cover business nationwide, developing my own range of airbrush guns, and presenting at all the major beauty expos.

I’m also growing my work as a pro-ager and menopause mentor. I’ll be mentoring beauty professionals who want to integrate longevityfocused skincare into their business, and I recently won the Prestige Business Award Australia for Makeup Artist of the Year, which is such an honour.

Between my creative work, business goals, speaking, and mentoring, life is full—and that’s just how I like it.

@suzihmua