Today we’d like to introduce you to Peyton Davis.
Peyton, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was never the type of girl interested in sports. I had no desire to run around a field and kick a ball. From as early as I can remember, I wanted to be up on a stage. Dance was more my speed—not just because of the killer moves I got to show off as an eight‑year‑old, but because I got to do my makeup for recitals.
My favorite part of that childhood hobby was getting to wear makeup. Before shows, my mom would powder my face, blend shimmery gray shadow on my eyes, and put a bold red lip on me. I felt like I could conquer the world when I had makeup on—empowered, confident, and feminine. Ever since those days, I have loved the way makeup makes me feel, and I was inspired to learn how to do it myself.
I remember the first tube of mascara I ever bought. It was from the Dollar Tree. My mom thought black was a little too bold for everyday wear for an elementary‑aged girl, so I somehow ended up with a tube of blue mascara. I remember rocking that blue mascara all summer; it became my prized possession.
As I got older and my mom deemed playing with makeup on my own to be age‑appropriate, I started digging into her personal makeup kit. I played with all of her products and experimented with how to use everything. I progressed to doing my eyeliner and filling in my eyebrows, and then I discovered fake eyelashes… My world was changed forever. Of course my eyebrows were overfilled and the lashes overwhelmed my whole face, but this was all part of the learning process.
It didn’t take long for my makeup skills to surpass my mom’s. I even started doing her makeup on special occasions—life had really come full circle for us. I loved doing her makeup and making her feel the way I feel when I wear makeup—seen, confident, vibrant, and like the most feminine version of myself. While we’re here, let me break down my interpretation of the word “feminine.” It’s not a word that describes how a woman looks. Feminine is how she feels—how much she embraces the features and qualities that make her unique. That is what makeup is about to me. It is not a tool for covering up; it is for bringing the best version of yourself to the surface.
My life experiences have led me to pursue my own makeup artistry business here in Austin and beyond. I have always had a passion for makeup as well as genuine connections with others. Growing my skills and doing makeup for others allows me to express my creativity in a way that connects me with the wonderful women in my community. There is nothing I love more than making women feel like their best selves—usually on some of the most important days of their lives: weddings, brand launches, interviews, speaking engagements, photoshoots, or whatever it may be. I am passionate about connection and artistry, and makeup artistry allows me to do both.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest part of starting something new, is just that… starting. The unknown is a scary place for most people, and for me, professional makeup was a complete unknown. I talked myself out of starting this journey for years. “I’m not good enough, people won’t want my services, there are so many artists out there, I won’t stand out, how could I ever make money off of this”… etc. The self-doubt rang in my head so loudly, and honestly still does.
But luckily, I have a calling inside of me that would not let go of the dream and I have a community that encouraged me in it. I was pushed to pursue my dream by the people around me that believed in me. Once I shoved my own self-doubt aside, I was able to jump off into starting something new.
Now, consistency is the hardest part. I am working on being consistent in marketing my services, communicating with clients, posting on social media, investing in my skills and growing my tool kit. It is an everyday battle for me, and sometimes I get discouraged when I fall off. The most important thing to do is to recognize it, and then to just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a self‑taught freelance makeup artist, and soft glam is my specialty! I love nothing more than bringing out and enhancing a client’s natural beauty, whether that means a fresh, barely there look or a high‑impact full‑glam transformation. People know me as much for the connection I create as for the makeup I apply; taking the time to understand each person allows me to craft a look that perfectly suits them and helps them feel their absolute best.
I’m not just an artist who shows up, provides a service, and disappears. When you sit in my chair, you’re also getting a friend, confidant, hype woman, and a supportive ear. My clients leave feeling gorgeous on the outside and empowered on the inside. I’m proud of how I carry myself and of the skills I’ve built as a self‑taught artist. I’m still learning and growing with every appointment, and I believe my blend of genuine connection and artistry is what truly sets me apart.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people see the confident artist behind the brush, so they’re surprised to learn that makeup is still my side‑gig and passion project. By day I juggle a separate career; by evening and weekend I’m building a business that I hope will one day become my full‑time pursuit!
It also surprises people to learn that I’m entirely self‑taught; my love for makeup blossomed from childhood dance recitals, and I’m still learning and growing with every client. When I’m not blending shadows or perfecting a winged liner, I’m balancing another job and staying connected to the community that inspires my artistry.
Pricing:
- Contact me by email! makeupbypeytond@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: peytondoesmakeup
- Other: for inquiries: makeupbypeytond@gmail.com
Image Credits
Celina St. Hilaire
