After 30 years in fashion and beauty, Julia Green knows a thing or two about skin and confidence. She talks changing skin, unpredictable periods, long shoot days and the conversations happening in her makeup chair.
Name: JULIA GREEN
Pronouns: She / Her
Day job: Pro Makeup Artist & Hairstylist
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Describe your work in one sentence.
I am lucky enough to work with some of Australia’s most talented creative crews to create beautiful faces for many top fashion and beauty brands.
And the larger journey? How did you land where you are today?
2026 marks my 30th year as a Makeup Artist. I knew in Year 8 at High School that I wanted to be a makeup artist and I have never looked back.
I have worked in many facets of the industry, but my passion and expertise lie in beauty and fashion photography, runway, and celebrity portraiture. My passion has never waned; in fact, I think it actually grows. Intense creativity and human connection is what drives me.
Many women notice their skin shift throughout the month. How do you adjust your makeup routine?
Ha! Well… Peri-menopause has joined the chat for me so my cycle is all over the place! I may or may not have a period some months. I can always tell when I ‘should’ be bleeding, but my body no longer does it regularly.
I don’t tend to adjust my makeup routine through my ‘cycle’ but I do switch my skincare around throughout the month. My skin is usually glowing, hydrated, and healthy-looking during ovulation. This is the time I celebrate my skin and my usual skincare routine is perfect for this time.
During the time I am bleeding or ‘should be’, I notice my skin is often irritated, dehydrated and prone to overproducing oils. During this time, I switch out my moisturiser and replace it with a repair cream to help strengthen the skin’s barrier.
How do you approach hormonal skin on set?
My signature makeup base is always less is more. During hormonal/textured skin flares, I would use the same minimal approach to the foundation application but I would spot treat or pinpoint the blemishes/texture with a cream concealer that has staying power.
If an area needs to be set with powder to avoid makeup shifting, I use a smidge of a hydrating pressed powder, which helps to blur imperfections whilst controlling oils without dryness.
Any way to prep or calm inflamed skin before applying makeup?
Always choose skin prep products that are calming and protective for your skin barrier. Nothing too active that will irritate already angry skin.
Avoid exfoliating inflamed skin, as you’ll make it worse. If you notice patches of flaky skin, you can use a simple cleanser with a face washer to gently slough off the flaky skin. Then a deep hydrating moisturiser over the clean skin.
What have you learned about women in the makeup chair?
That women and the AFAB community are AMAZING. We are warriors, we are resilient and we crave community. Whether it’s stories of birthing children, chats around perimenopause or simply discussing day-to-day fun stuff, the connection between a makeup artist and the person in the chair becomes close very quickly.
It is a very special honour to be given permission to touch someone’s face. Caring for someone in this way, through makeup and connection, prepares someone to step in front of a camera, walk out onto that stage, or have the confidence to show up just that little bit brighter. Makeup is a feeling as much as it is an aesthetic. I think it’s magical.
How do you manage early call times on low-energy days?
Ohhh, those who know me would say caffeine and electrolytes! I drink 2–3 coffees before lunch and then arvo electrolytes are a must. On particularly low-energy days, I add in a magnesium supplement. My fave is Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium with Passion Flower to aid sleep.
What’s your self-care non-negotiable on long shoots?
My pre-shoot non-negotiable is a mindset reset. I do this intentionally on my drive to the shoot. It usually involves music I am digging at the moment and me actively grounding my thoughts and head so I can arrive ready to give my energy and space to others for the day.
And then onset… honestly, it’s coffee. It’s a morning ritual for the crew on shoots. The funniest part in Melbourne is that literally no one has the same order. It’s so fashion to have a bespoke coffee order… ha ha.
Any rituals that help you tap into creativity when feeling drained?
My favourite thing to do is to dream up new looks. Allowing my mind to be free to craft shapes and colours is the greatest joy of my job. I also often head to Spotlight’s craft section. I’ll fossick and find something that sparks an idea. It may be the colour of a thread, the sheen on a bead or even the texture of cake decorating sprinkles… I can find inspiration from anything.
How much do lifestyle and hormones show up on the skin?
Your skin gives everything away! I am able to use makeup as ‘smoke and mirrors’ to take attention away from what you are wanting to hide… but your skin always tells me the story.
Any underrated skincare rituals you think deserve more attention?
Regular Gua Sha massage of the face does wonders for creating an uplifted, snatched appearance. Helping to sharpen jawline and cheekbones.
Regular LED Light treatments to increase collagen and combat inflammation.
Skincare with azelaic acid is a long-standing fave of mine. Azelaic acid clears bacteria from pores, helping clear blemishes and, once healed, preventing them from returning. It also helps reduce redness and helps to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone… tick tick tick.
Why do you think periods are STILL such a taboo topic?
Truly, I think times are changing. The youth who sit in my chair are all very open about their periods, which has encouraged me to be the same way! Love it. Having an insight into and learning from the younger generations is a joy I never expected from my job as I get older.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of periods and period talk?
I wish for a time that everyone who bleeds has the freedom to talk openly about their experiences and do not have to hide their pain or discomfort during their period to make other people feel comfortable.
MY CYCLE
- My period in 3 words: Missing, unpredictable, light.
- Period self-care toolkit: Chocolate-covered licorice, hydrating face mist and magnesium supplements.
- Most underrated period self-care ritual? Using rae to ease cramps and discomfort.
- What’s your ultimate period outfitl? My oldest worn-in jeans (that may as well be track pants) with a cool leather belt, a slouchy oversized long-sleeve t-shirt and my signature chunky silver jewellery… effortlessly chic.
- On day 1, you'll find me: Eating my way through the day…
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Scarlet pick: That’s easy… rae, for sure. I carry rae in my pro makeup kit so that in winter or on location my models can warm their hands and sometimes they even wear rae in the photos down the back of their pants so the camera can’t see! The design is so slim and lightweight it was a no-brainer to add to my kit for that extra layer of care for the talent.