Erin Becker: Makeup Artist, Creative, & Confidence Builder
It's about more than just the makeup; it's about creating an experience where they feel listened to, valued, and inspired.
From childhood afternoons spent playing with skincare and makeup to becoming a go-to artist for life’s most meaningful moments, Erin Becker has turned a lifelong passion into a career filled with purpose. With nearly 20 years in the beauty industry, Erin is more than a makeup artist—she’s a calming presence, a creative soul, and someone who leaves her clients feeling confident and cared for. We caught up with Erin to hear more about her story, the heart behind her work, and what continues to inspire her every day.
What’s your story?
My name is Erin Becker. I grew up in Mascoutah, but now reside in Smithton with my husband Adam, our three children, and a goldendoodle named Riggs. I started staying at home when I had my first born in 2015, but I knew I still wanted to help provide for my family, utilize my talent and serve others. I specialize in bridal and special event makeup artistry. I have been in the industry for 18 years. I acquired my esthetician license in 2011 from The Skin Institute in St. Louis. My soft glam artistry technique, professional approach to clients and ability to understand specific client requests set me apart. My first bride reached out to me in 2007, her sister trusted my skills and they asked me to help on her wedding day. I had zero wedding experience, and not much experience on doing makeup on other faces, but I quickly caught on and knew I had found my niche. To this day, I love client bonding, and helping women feel confident and look their best. If you’ve ever sat in my chair, you’ve left not just with a fresh look, but as a friend and maybe a few beauty tips too! My passion for the beauty industry started as a little girl. I grew up in the country, and I was an only child. Playing with skincare and makeup was a past time for me. I have always enjoyed crafts, home decorating and helping others so I believe makeup artistry is truly a passion and a creative outlet for me. The industry has really evolved over the years and I look forward to see what is yet to come!
What motivates you?
I am driven by the joy of making clients feel their best. I love connecting with my clients, hearing stories, and becoming a part of all their special moments. I have clients who trusted me in some of their biggest moments in life from highschool senior sessions, pageants, engagement, weddings, babies and newborn photos in the hospital to their family photos. It’s such a heart fulfilling experience when a client looks in the mirror so happy with their look.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome?
Makeup artists face numerous challenges in the profession. Whether its the early wake up calls, long distance travel, lighting, missing out on personal events, diverse clientele, time constraints, and skin variability I’ve faced it all. Every individual has different skin types, textures, and tones which require me to find products, tools, and learn the techniques to achieve the desired results. That has definitely helped me grow and take continuing education courses to stay up on the current trends. I also follow numerous beauty influencers to get inspiration and learn from.
What do you hope to accomplish through your work?
Help women feel beautiful, confident, and empowered. One of the most fulfilling moments in my career was helping a cancer patient get ready for a wedding. She had no eyebrows or eyelashes due to the chemotherapy. I was able to use my art and technique to bring “hair” back to those areas. Her smile when she saw herself was priceless.
Who has been the biggest influence on your journey?
My mom has always been my biggest fan! She always said, “Do what makes you happy” and “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”
What makes your business unique?
My signature soft glam makeup style, using high quality products and my professional/friendly approach.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with others?
Always keep learning and evolving! The beauty industry is constantly changing with new trends, techniques, and products. Staying updated with workshops/masterclasses and experimenting with different products and looks on friends and family can help refine your craft and offer your clients the latest styles and innovations. Not everyone will mesh with your style but the clients that like your style will find you!
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I love decorating my home! My favorite home design influencers are Shea McGee and Joanna Gaines. If makeup artistry didn’t come into my life, I would probably have a career in interior design.
How do you hope people feel after interacting with your business?
I want people to feel confident, beautiful, and empowered. I want my clients to leave my chair feeling like the best version of themselves, whether it’s for their senior photos, attending a special event, family photos, wedding day, or just treating themselves to a little self-care. It’s about more than just the makeup; it’s about creating an experience where they feel listened to, valued, and inspired. Ultimately, I want people to feel like they’ve been treated with kindness and care, and that the service has enhanced their features and boosted their inner confidence.
What does being part of the community mean to you?
Being a part of the community as a makeup artist means more than just providing a service – it’s about connecting with others, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the growth of those around me. It means supporting local, collaborating with other creatives, and offering a positive impact on the people I work with. I believe in using my craft to uplift others, whether it’s by helping someone feel more confident in themselves or sharing tips and techniques with fellow artists and clients. Building strong and genuine relationships within the community fosters trust and creates a supportive network where everyone can thrive.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
The one thing I couldn’t live without would be coffee! I look forward to my quiet time in the mornings while my kids are still sleeping to reflect and meditate.
What’s the most surprising thing on your bucket list?
To get enough courage and confidence to get on an airplane and see another country. I am actually very nervous about getting on an airplane. I’m not the biggest fan of flying, but I’m trying to overcome this fear, and work through it!
What’s one thing you’ve done recently that brought you unexpected joy?
Recently, I tried experimenting with a new makeup technique I’d never attempted before — something a bit bold and out of my comfort zone, but once I finished, I was honestly surprised by how much I loved the result. It reminded me how stepping outside my usual routine can lead to unexpected moments of joy and satisfaction!
Are there any upcoming events you’d like to share with others?
I would love to get on my socials more and share tips, product recommendations, tutorials, and inspiring my audience through skincare and makeup.
Connect With Erin
📱 Facebook: Erin Becker Makeup
📷 Instagram: @ErinBeckerMakeup
📲 Text: 618-920-2892
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