Sitting across from Meryll Faulkner, I’m struck by her warmth and the sparkle in her eyes.

Over coffee, she shares stories that reveal her remarkable journey as a makeup artist, entrepreneur, and community volunteer.

Her mission is clear: to use her expertise to bring joy to others. 

Meryll founded Making Faces Makeup Studio in 1999 and moved her thriving business to Kiama in 2010.

The studio offers makeup services for weddings, formal occasions, and media projects, teaches makeup to all ages, and sells professional products both in-person and online.

“It’s all about making people feeling good about themselves,” she explains. “Sometimes it’s a touch of makeup, other times it’s more glamorous, but it’s always about bringing out their confidence.”

Meryll’s expertise is international, having trained in Los Angeles with Hollywood makeup artist, Tina Earnshaw, whose credits include Titanic and Shakespeare in Love. She has also trained in New York, and Paris.

She’s worked with the film industry, beauty salons, the Olympics and TV, contributing to projects like Channel 10’s long-running Mass for You at Home.

Meryll Faulkner channelled early 80s New Romantic glam for John Stott's' dazzling 60th Retro Disco Party. Bold colours, dramatic eyes, and iconic nostalgia!

Locally, she’s involved with Screen Illawarra, most notably on “Frances”, a multi award winning short film about a homeless academic living in her car, which has been shown, and won awards, at several major International Festivals, and will be at the Women' s Film Festival in Sydney in February. 

Yet, it’s Meryll’s commitment to giving back that sets her apart.

When the Salvation Army identified a need for gifts for teenage girls,

Meryll donated something truly special: a professional brush kit, and gift certificates for young women to learn how to apply makeup.

“It’s not just about the makeup,” she explains. “It’s about giving them an experience they can share, building confidence, and creating a moment of joy.” Meryll has also volunteered to do makeup for several local and community events including,

The Kiama Show Young Woman Competition, What Women Want event, and for the Salvation Army’s Women’s Refuge.

Her kindness also shines through her teaching. “I recently worked with a 14 year old girl who just wanted to feel more confident,” she shares. “It’s not about transforming someone; it’s about enhancing what’s already there.”

Meryll believes beauty has no age. She’s worked with clients as young as 14 and as old as 90.

“I once did a makeup lesson for a lady in a nursing home, and we had the best time,” she recalls, laughing. “It’s amazing how a bit of makeup can brighten someone’s day and bring joy to an entire room.”

 Her advice to aspiring makeup artists or anyone looking to build confidence is simple but profound: build a relationship with your client and understand what’s important to them.

“It’s not about imposing a look or style; it’s about listening and working together to bring out their confidence,” she says. “Makeup should enhance who they are and reflect what they value.”

As I leave our conversation, I’m struck by the impact of her artistry - not just in the faces she transforms but in the lives she brightens.

For Meryll Faulkner, beauty is a gift to be shared, one brushstroke at a time.

You can contact Meryll at her Kiama Studio on 4232 2248 or visit www.makingfacesmakeup.com.au and www.makingfacesmakeuponline.com.au