From the Stage to Real Life: Lessons From MAC’s Painted to Perfection’s Masterclass
I left MAC not too long ago, not because I fell out of love with the brand, but because I knew I had so much more to do.
MAC was my first job, my first love. It’s where I learned the artistry, discipline, and creativity that shaped me into the makeup artist I am today.
Some of the most incredible artists in the industry came from MAC, and I was reminded of that at the Painted to Perfection Drag Beauty Masterclass, hosted by Christian Mitchell and led by MAC’s new Global Artist, Deney Adam (@deney_adam), alongside Andrew Dahling (@1800andrewdahling).
Both Deney and Andrew are masters in their own right, Deney with his breathtaking, skin-first artistry, and Andrew, a Grammy award–winning artist for Chappell Roan, known for creating many of her most iconic looks. Together, they regularly glam our host, Suzanne Bartsch (@bartshland), the legendary queen of New York nightlife.
As I always say, in this game, you never stop learning. I’ve taught classes, given beauty advice as a business, and built a career on expertise, but I’ll never pass up the chance to learn something new, especially from a community that gives so much back to beauty.
Some gems from the class:
Suzanne came to New York for love but stayed for the vibe. Over the years, she reinvented herself many times, becoming known for her iconic events and legendary style.
Today, we celebrated that legacy and the artistry it continues to inspire.
Brought to life by their stunning models, Drag Showgirl Zeta Jones (@zetajones) and performer Jacie O’Day (@jaycieoday), who embodied the drama, glamour, and energy that make New York’s beauty scene so electric
Deney’s approach to drag makeup leans femme: no sketching, just refined technique and luminous skin. He’s meticulous about symmetry, stepping back often to perfect the balance before moving on. When he got to the skin, his focus was on highlight over contour, giving a softer, more natural dimension that still packed impact.
Andrew, on the other hand, brought the opposite approach: bold, graphic lines mapped out with classic drag techniques like sketching, but somehow still soft and elegant. When asked about the perfect blocked brow, Andrew swore by the OG purple Elmer’s glue stick, applied generously.
Deney? He uses bonding glue. “Do you know what that is?” he asked. My mind screamed, Wait! Wig glue?!
He just smirked, confirmed, and added, “Make sure you powder!”
By the end of the class and a few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc, I left inspired, grateful, and buzzing with ideas.
On the train home, I couldn’t help but jot this recap down, excited to share the artistry, the lessons, and the laughter.
Follow us on social media to see how the night went…. @tripleeightcreative
This is just the beginning. This fall, I’m taking you deeper into the city’s most unforgettable nights with
The Edit: After Hours, a new series capturing the artistry, the people, and the energy that keep beauty at the heart of the scene.
Coming soon in The Fall Edit.
