All Things Beautiful: Makeup By Chelsea

All Things Beautiful is a New Wave Series exploring beauty and its various manifestations. For the duration of the series, Angel Oseghale will be sitting down with artists from various spheres of the beauty industry to explore their journey in the industry, and what beauty means to them.

This week, New Wave catches up with content creator and make-up artist Chelsea Uchenna, commonly known as Makeup By Chelsea. Chelsea’s meteoric rise in the beauty industry has placed her among a new generation of makeup artists redefining glamour and creativity. Chelsea’s work is instantly recognizable for its boldness and finesse, with each look carrying her distinct signature.

Her clientele is a testament to her talent and growing influence. From crafting ethereal, glowing looks for musician Ayra Starr to creating sultry editorial moments with supermodel Leomie Anderson, Chelsea’s artistry has graced some of the most high-profile names in fashion and entertainment, including her work with global sensation Saweetie, lending her creative touch to the rapper’s unapologetic style.

Saweetie & Ayra Starr by Chelsea Uchenna

When you think of makeup—like many other woman-centred industries—it’s often dismissed as mere gimmickry or a symptom of a supposed feminine penchant for capitalistic excess. But for Chelsea, makeup is far more than that: it’s a creative outlet, a form of self-expression, and a powerful tool for empowerment. As a rising star in the beauty world, she’s inspired countless people, particularly black women, to push boundaries and embrace boldness.

In our conversation, we delve into the origins of her passion for makeup, her creative evolution, and how she’s using her platform to redefine beauty standards.

Like many creatives, Chelsea found her love for makeup through childhood curiosity and visual inspiration. “When I was a kid, my neighbor had all this makeup, and I remember being fascinated,” she recalls. But it wasn’t just about what was in front of her—it was also about what she saw on screen. “Definitely music videos and the glam of the 90s and early 2000s were a huge influence. That era was just gorgeous.”

I found the connections she made between makeup and art striking. “I’ve always thought of the face as a canvas,” she says, echoing the sentiments of other makeup artists who view their craft as a form of fine art. “There’s something beautiful about translating creativity from other mediums—music, fashion, or even painting—onto a face.”

As a TikTok sensation, Chelsea is celebrated for her vibrant and experimental approach to makeup. From bold colors to innovative techniques, she’s been at the forefront of a shift in beauty culture. “When I started, there was this idea that darker skin tones couldn’t pull off certain colors,” she explains. “But I wanted to change that. Why shouldn’t black girls wear bright blue or green eyeshadow? We should embrace it all!”

Her influence has encouraged many of her followers to step outside their comfort zones—including myself.  “Sometimes you just need to see someone else try it to feel confident enough to try it yourself,” she says. “I always encourage the girls to have fun, to experiment. You might find your new signature look just by trying something new.”

While her artistry and authenticity has been central to her success, TikTok has been a powerful catalyst. When asked if she envisioned this level of success, she laughs, “Not necessarily! I started just for fun—sharing tips, looks, and what I love on Snapchat. I then started posting on TikTok and people resonated with me—I didn’t imagine it would grow into what it is now.”

Her platform has become more than just a space for tutorials; it’s a community. “I love interacting with people, seeing their reactions, and hearing their stories. It’s inspiring for me, too.”

Despite her success, Chelsea is candid about the challenges of being a content creator. “Consistency is one of the hardest things,” she admits. “These platforms demand so much content, and if you’re not in the right headspace, it’s hard to keep up.”

To combat burnout, she recommends batch-creating content and focusing on authenticity. “It doesn’t always have to be perfect or groundbreaking. Just showing up is enough sometimes.”

When asked about the development of her signature look, Chelsea outlines the fact that she doesn’t yet feel she has one, but reflects on the elements that make her artistry recognizable. “I love golden, bronzy contours, bold eyeshadows, and blush that pops. It’s about creating balance while still being playful.”

Her inspirations are rooted in innovation and excellence. She praises beauty entrepreneurs like Danessa Myricks, saying, “The way she’s revolutionized formulas and created products that work across all skin tones is amazing. It’s art and science coming together.”

For Chelsea, the future is about connection and education. “I’d love to host more makeup classes and workshops—both in the UK and abroad,” she shares. “There’s something special about bringing people together in person to learn, share, and celebrate beauty.”

“For me, makeup is about storytelling,” Chelsea explains. “It’s not just about making someone look good—it’s about capturing their essence and amplifying it.” Whether it’s Ayra’s youthful vibrancy, Leomie’s commanding presence, or Saweetie’s playful confidence, every look is tailored to bring out their personality.

Her ability to adapt to her clients’ unique needs while maintaining her signature flair has made Chelsea one to watch in the industry. “I’m inspired by my clients as much as they trust me to bring my vision to life. It’s a collaboration,” she says.

Much like her inspirations, Chelsea is carving out a lane of her own, leaving an indelible mark on the faces of stars while encouraging everyday people to see makeup as a powerful form of self-expression.

Her ultimate goal? To keep pushing boundaries and inspiring others to see beauty in everything. “Makeup isn’t just about how you look; it’s about how it makes you feel. Confidence, creativity, and joy—that’s what beauty means to me.”

As our conversation wraps up, one thing is clear: Chelsea is more than a makeup artist—she’s an innovator, a role model, and a champion of self-expression. Her journey reminds us that beauty isn’t contained in the confines of trending topics or arbitrary rules; it’s a reflection of individuality and confidence — the tiny moments of life that exemplify the essence of who a person is. 

And with her artistry, passion, and commitment to building a community, Chelsea is undoubtedly shaping the future of beauty—one look at a time.

Follow Chelsea on instagram here