Hi, I’m Katie Saarikko (Saah-rik-koh), I’m a Melbourne-based makeup artist and beauty photographer. I completed a Diploma of Specialised Makeup Services in 2014 and have since established myself as a creative artist working in commercial, beauty, fashion, and event makeup.

In 2019, I was the runner-up in the Makeup Weapons “Weapons of Mass Creation” competition in the PRO Artist category. That same year, my photography was featured on the cover of Imirage Magazine (December 2019).

To achieve the types of beauty images I envisioned, I pursued further education in:

• Makeup: (Chereine Waddell, Mia Connor, Rae Morris, Danessa Myricks, Isabelle de Vries, Martha Mok, Ali Price)
• Hair styling: (Danielle Murrihy and Martha Mok)
• Gel nail and nail tech: (Elleebana)
• Beauty photography: (Retouching Academy, Sue Bryce, and one-on-one training with Kevin Thornhill)

My passion lies in beauty editorial makeup and photography. The act of creating art fuels my drive, and I find joy in helping other artists achieve their creative goals. I challenge others to step out of their comfort zones and into the realm where art exists in its purest form.

My makeup and photography work has been featured in publications such as Laud, Imirage, Gilded, Promo, Venevo, Pump, Ascension, Scorpio Jin, Dark Beauty, Leiden, Lost Four Words, HerCanberra, and Coco.

In 2019, I directed the makeup team for the Meraki fashion show. From 2015 to 2018, I served as the Creative Director of Makeup for Fashfest, Canberra’s largest fashion event. Additionally, I’ve collaborated with numerous production companies on corporate films, music videos, and creative shorts.

As an LGBTQIA+ ally, I’ve volunteered to work with the gender-diverse and queer community on several initiatives, including:

• The 2019 Gender Diversity Project posters
• Launching the TranzAustralia Makeovers program
• The 2015 TranzAustralia poster campaign

I’m a strong advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. Please note that terms like “women” or “womxn” have been used on this website for search engine optimisation purposes. My makeup chair has a weight limit of up to 160kg but alternatives can be arranged if this is not suitable.

I have been on a health related hiatus due to endometriosis but looking to find creatives to work with again.

Get in touch to find out how I can help you.
XO, Katie

Media

• ABC Radio Canberra – Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell’s makeup kit paints a picture of actor’s dedication to craft
• Canberra Times – Transgender makeovers provided for free to the gender-diverse community in Canberra
• Leiden Magazine – Talking Makeup with Katie Saarikko
• Beauty Icons 101: Monica Belluci – Her Canberra

Education

• Wing Liner and Lip Service – Mia Connor (2020)
• Concept Driven Editorial Makeup Artist Masterclass – Chereine Waddell (2020)
• Professional Beauty Retouching – Retouching Academy (2020)
• The Foundation of Beauty – Tina Eisen (2019)
• Studio Photography and Retouching – Anita Sadowska (2019)
• Look and Learn – Danessa Myricks (2019)
• Apply Gel Nail Enhancements – Statement of Attainment – Elleebana (2018)
• Editorial Makeup Masterclass – Isabelle de Vries (2018)
• Studio Beauty – Retouching Academy (2018)
• Master Dodge and Burn – Retouching Academy(2016)
• Asian Bridal Makeup updated – Martha Mok (2018)
• Master Hair Styling, Advanced Hair Styling and Asian Bridal Makeup – Martha Mok(2017)
• Masterclass – Rae Morris(2015)
• Eyes Workshop – Ali Price(2015)
• Upstyle hairstyling – Danielle Murrihy (2015)
• Diploma of Specialist Makeup – Canberra Makeup Academy(2014)

Achievements

• Runner up – 2019 Makeup Weapons, Weapons of Mass Creation – PRO Artist category
• Lead Makeup Artist – Meraki Canberra 2019
• Editor’s Choice – Face to Face Makeup Awards 2018
• Finalist – 2016 Makeup Weapons, Weapons of Mass Creation – Student Artist
• Creative Director of Makeup for Fashfest 2015 – 2018
• Makeup trainer – Canberra Institute of Technology (2017)
• Lead Makeup Artist – Chachino Bridal Expo (2016)
• Assistant Makeup Artist – Chachino La Realisation for Jacqui Scott (2015)
• Student of the Year Award (2014) – Canberra Makeup Academy