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Meet Kelly Haley
New York City makeup artist. Longevity makeup, made to last.
Why I Do This
I became a makeup artist because I rarely saw myself represented. As an Afro Latina, I kept walking into spaces that were not made with me in mind, so I made room for myself. Now my chair is that room for everybody else. When you sit with me, you are not squeezed into someone else's idea of beauty. You are seen, exactly as you are, and the makeup proves it.
The Journey
My chair was built backstage at New York Fashion Week, through headshots and everyday glam, to editorial, Broadway, and SFX. I do longevity makeup, pigment that shows and lasts, on melanin skin and every skin tone in between. I rarely saw myself represented in this industry, so I show up as that representation for others, in the chair and in the classroom as a licensed NYC vendor and educator.
In My Chair
This is what it looks like to be in my chair.
 Makeup lesson with Marla Mindelle at the James Theater. Marla seated in a gold dress at the vanity while Kelly applies her makeup, lights on, mid lesson. |  Jay Wheeler did a collaboration with McDonalds for their grandma McFlurry. We were located on 34th street Herald Square, where he met fans and handed out his ice cream. |
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 Makeup and touchups on set for a photoshoot. Kelly working with the vanity lights behind her, touching up her client to capture their talent. |
What I Do Now
Today I work productions, headshots, and everyday glam, and I teach as a licensed NYC vendor, confidence classes and beauty workshops in schools and organizations across the city. I am also a Thayers ambassador and I work with NYMMG.
As Seen In
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New York Post
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Elle Magazine
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Forbes
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CNBC
Distinguished Clientele
Erika Woods
Vivian Tu
Melissa Derosa
Jodi Picoult
Jessica Chang