In this episode of The Pro Beauty Pod, Dominic Skinner, one of the biggest names working in makeup today, chats to successful MUA James MacInerney (aka James Mac) about how to make a name for yourself in the competitive world of makeup artistry, and the skills and tenacity it takes to succeed.
The Pro Beauty Pod Season 2, Episode 5 – Dominic Skinner on tenacity, confidence and making it in makeup
Meet the guests
In this episode of The Pro Beauty Pod, recorded live on stage at Professional Beauty London, famous makeup artist Dominic Skinner, director of makeup artistry at Mac and head judge on BBC’s Glow Up, sits down with successful MUA and Glow Up finalist James MacInerney (James Mac) to talk about what it really takes to succeed in the competitive world of makeup.
From imposter syndrome and resilience to rejection, confidence and career-defining moments, the pair share honest insights, practical advice and plenty of laughs.
From Dynasty to Fashion Week
Skinner traces his love of makeup back to growing up in the 1980s, watching glamour-heavy TV shows like Dallas and Dynasty, and seeing his mother’s passion for makeup at home. His career path took shape after experimenting with makeup during art college photography projects, before formally studying makeup in the early 2000s.
“I always saw makeup as more than just glamour,” Skinner says. “It became part of storytelling.”
Technology, he explains, plays a huge role in staying relevant. “When I trained, the internet barely worked. Now we’ve got AI and social media. You have to adapt. If you don’t stay relevant, you disappear.”
Skill is not enough – you need will
One of the episode’s biggest takeaways is Skinner’s belief that talent alone does not build a career.
“You don’t have to be the best makeup artist,” Skinner says. “I know incredible artists no one’s ever heard of. They’ve got the skill, but they don’t have the will.”
He explains that success comes from persistence, visibility and self-promotion: “If you’re not willing to put your hand up higher, shout louder, make that extra phone call or send that extra email, it doesn’t matter how good you are.”
Mac agrees, adding that every artist is building a personal brand whether they realise it or not. “You are packaging yourself. You are the brand.”
Criticism, failure and Glow Up reality
The pair speak candidly about criticism – particularly in the public eye. Skinner reveals that feedback on Glow Up is far more detailed than viewers realise.
“You might see one minute of feedback, but we’re giving 20 minutes,” he says. “We always explain what works, what doesn’t, and how to fix it. That’s how you learn.”
Mac shares how criticism on the show shapes his growth. “I had to put my ego aside and turn feedback into action. You can’t let emotion dictate your future.”
Skinner adds: “If someone doesn’t like your work, that’s fine. Art is subjective. It doesn’t mean you’re bad – it just means it’s not for them.”
Imposter syndrome and confidence
One of the episode’s most powerful moments comes as Skinner breaks down imposter syndrome.
“Everyone has it,” he says. “Every single person in this room. The trick is not to worry about it unless someone taps you on the shoulder and tells you you’re not good enough – which they won’t, because they’re too busy worrying about themselves.”
Skinner explains that real confidence arrives when he realises that most people are far more concerned about how they are perceived than judging others.
“That’s when everything changed,” he says. “No one was thinking about me – they were thinking about themselves.”
Career highs, personal lows
While Glow Up becomes one of Skinner’s biggest career highlights, he reveals that season five coincides with a deeply difficult personal period.
“I was going through a divorce,” he shares. “But people were still relying on me to show up. And that’s the truth of this industry – 99% of it is showing up.”
Despite everything, he continues filming. “Your whole world can be falling apart, and you still have to deliver.”
Mac reflects on their shared moment backstage at London Fashion Week as a career milestone. “Seven years ago, I was watching you from the sidelines. Now we’re on set together. That’s the power of sticking with it.”
Age, neurodiversity and inclusion
Skinner also addresses concerns from more mature students entering the industry, stressing that experience is never a disadvantage.
“With age comes experience,” he says. “The beauty industry is one of the most inclusive spaces there is.”
He speaks openly about being dyslexic, ADHD and autistic:
“I would not be on this stage without those things. They’re the reason I think the way I do.”
Mac echoes this message, referencing his Tourette’s diagnosis. “You turn what you think is a weakness into a superpower.”
Why learning everything matters
Both artists encourage MUAs to stay versatile in the early stages of their careers.
“The more you know – prosthetics, brow bleaching, special effects – the more work you’ll get,” Skinner explains. “There will come a time when you specialise. But early on, say yes to everything.”
Mac adds: “Failure is a strength. You learn more from failing than from winning.”
Skinner agrees: “I’ve learned more from failing than I ever have from success.”
The rule Dominic Skinner wants every MUA to break
In a powerful closing moment, Skinner shares the single “rule” he believes every artist should break: “Stop listening to other people’s opinions,” he says. “Why don’t you wear the blue lipstick? Because you’re worried what people will think. Unless they’re paying your bills, their opinion doesn’t matter. You get one life – enjoy it.”
Why listen?
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and established MUAs alike. From building confidence and pushing past imposter syndrome to handling rejection, finding your niche and embracing failure, Skinner and Mac deliver real-world advice with humour, honesty and heart.
As Skinner sums it up: “Do what you want to do. You only get one shot at this.”
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify (above) and all major podcast platforms.
You can also check out all of our previous episodes on the Pro Beauty Pod page, including interviews with Caroline Hirons, Shea Osei, Karen Betts and more. Or watch full videos of the interviews on our Youtube channel.
