D A N I E L M C F A D D E N
Photographs & Interview: John Russo
Location: Sally Hershberger Salon
JR: Was it always your dream to become a Makeup Artist?
DM: When I was a kid, I would watch the awards show and old movies. The make up was always so glamorous. The next day, makeup artists would be on TV talking about how to get the look. I figured if they could do it why couldn’t I? I was a shy kid and sometimes I had a hard time speaking in front of groups. I wanted to overcome that fear and become a beauty expert, so I knew I would have to open my mouth and forget about the camera.
JR: Early in your career you left a thriving business, with a vast clientele in Philadelphia to move to Hollywood. What inspired you to do this?
DM: I graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and began my career working for Chanel. I quickly became a national makeup director and traveled from Philadelphia to New York. My clients would always ask. “How come you’re not out in Hollywood doing make up on the stars?“.
In 1998… I interviewed with Jose Eber on Rodeo Drive and became the national make up Director for his company. I traveled with Jose around the country to his 12 salons and was also his right hand make up artist for his television appearances. That’s where I learned the art of “the makeover”.
JR: Has your road to success been an easy one?
DM: I think I became way more successful than I ever thought I would. Staying focused on my goals and being consistent in my work is really what paved my way to success. I tried to remain a kind and caring make up artist. I always listen to clients and I hear what they have to say and together we decide what the best path to take would be with their look. I still, to this day, have clients from 30 years ago contact me and they always remark how I never change. I still make them feel like a star all these years later!
JR: You gained national acclaim on the popular show Extreme Makeover. How did that experience impact your career?
DM: My big break came when a producer from ABC Extreme Makeover contacted me. She taught me how to work with the camera and what to say so I could teach women watching the show my make up tricks. It worked, I became the beauty expert for several shows, including Dr. Phil. By 2021, I was a regular on NBC Access Hollywood. TV was such a positive experience because I was able to talk to a large group of women and give them simple tricks that really help.
JR: You are known as the “eyebrow” king in Hollywood. When did you start doing brows? Do you find that brow artistry is a major part of your business?
DM: When I worked for Chanel, we were not allowed to do eyebrows. I would help women find cosmetics and show them how to do their eye make up, but if the brows were wrong, it was just a disaster. I decided to leave Chanel and work in salons after receiving my cosmetology license. Waxing eyebrows changed everything. My famous quote on Access Hollywood was “change your brows, change your life!” I detailed cars when I was a teenager and that taught me attention to detail which is now over the top with anything I do. Perfect eyebrows are all in the day’s work. I fly back-and-forth between South Florida and Los Angeles to do eyebrows. I have clients that were 14 when I did their first eyebrow wax and they’re now in their 30s still coming to see me when I’m in town.
JR: You are one of the most sought after celebrity makeup artists, What is it about your work that has attracted the top celebrities as clients?
DM: I think I what attracted celebrities to my work was the fact that I never changed as a person. I treat each woman as if she’s a celebrity. I’m not just acting like an LA person. Celebrities recognize when they’re working with a pro and they understand that my job is just as important as their job. We have an understanding and a respect for each other. It’s very rare, but I have thrown celebrities out of my salon since I don’t tolerate that diva mentality. A true star that’s been in the business recognizes the importance of a good make up artist.
JR: As you approach your 60th birthday, a milestone in life, what have been some of your most memorable moments in your career?
DM: My most memorable experience in Los Angeles was the year I went to the Emmys. My client was a judge and invited me as her guest. She pulled me onto the red carpet and we came face-to-face with Joan Rivers. As we went through the line, she was introducing me to every top celebrity in Los Angeles. My head was spinning. I couldn’t imagine how I went from being a shy kid in Philadelphia to walking the red carpet with some of Hollywood’s best. It was a magical moment I will never forget.
Dan splits his time between two incredible locations:
Sally Hershberger Salon: 710 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 phone 310-854-4922
Color House Collective: 910 NE 19th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 phone 954-324-1834
to learn more about Daniel Mc Fadden follow him @danielmcfaddencosmetics