Mary Ajaka is the celebrity makeup artist behind some of TV’s most iconic faces. For over 17 years, she has been transforming faces and boosting confidence through the art of makeup.
From the dazzling sets of The Voice, Love Island Australia and Married at First Sight to The Wiggles and intimate one-on-one sessions with everyday individuals, Mary has made a name for herself as one of Australia’s most sought-after beauty experts. But beyond the glitz and glamour, her true passion lies in something much deeper—helping people feel beautiful in their own skin.
“I believe that makeup is not about masking who you are; it’s about enhancing who you are,” Mary shares in an exclusive interview with Greek City Times. “When you’re young, you might start wearing makeup to cover up problematic skin, but as you get older, it becomes more about bringing out your best features and addressing changing skin concerns.”
From Fashion to Faces: Mary’s Journey into Makeup
Mary’s career began in fashion design, where her artistic eye was first honed. “At the age of 18 I went to fashion school and became a designer, but after having my daughters, I wanted something more flexible,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘Let’s complete the actual look.’ That’s when I moved into makeup—it tied everything together.”
That holistic approach is still central to her work today. “When I do makeup, I always ask my clients, ‘What are you wearing? What colours are you drawn to?’ It’s about the full picture, not just the face.”
The Power of Makeup: More Than Just Aesthetics
Mary’s mantra, Look Good, Feel Good, underpins everything she does. “Makeup can be empowering. It’s not about hiding—it’s about feeling polished, confident, and complete,” she explains. “Whether it’s a woman dealing with pigmentation due to hormonal changes, a bride seeing herself for the first time on her big day, or even an 80-year-old great-grandmother rediscovering her beauty—those moments mean everything to me.”
One such moment still stands out. “I had a bride who didn’t want to see herself until I was finished. When I finally turned her to the mirror, she started crying, saying, ‘I look so beautiful.’ That’s why I do what I do.”
Celebrity Clients and the Secrets of TV Makeup
Mary’s expertise has placed her behind the scenes of some of Australia’s most popular television productions, working with big names in the industry. With over 20 years at Channel Nine, she has been part of shows like The Voice, Married at First Sight, Love Island Australia, and even The Wiggles.
Reflecting on her career highlights, she shares, “One of my biggest projects was a campaign for Married at First Sight, which was featured on a giant billboard on the M4 Motorway. Seeing my work displayed on such a massive scale was incredible.”
Despite working with A-list clients, her approach remains consistent. “I treat everyone who sits in my chair with the same care and attention, whether they’re a high-profile celebrity or a woman preparing for a special event. My job is to make them feel their absolute best.”
Makeup for Mature Skin: Adjusting Techniques for Timeless Beauty
One of Mary’s biggest passions is educating women on how to adapt their makeup techniques according to their age. “The biggest mistake I see is women sticking to the same products and application methods they used when they were younger,” she says. “Mature skin needs different care. You can’t use the same heavy powders and baking techniques that work for young skin—they’ll just settle into fine lines and make you look older.”
Take for example the recently TikTok trending makeup technique of ‘baking’, which involves applying your makeup, then adding lots of extra powder over areas you’d like to highlight such as under your eyes and your jawline to accentuate contour.
“You cannot do that as you’re aging,” says Mary, “because baking would only make you look older. So it’s the product ingredients and where you apply the product that becomes more important.”
Her advice? “Look for skin care and makeup products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, SPF for protection, and vitamin C for brightening. And when it comes to application, less is more. Focus on enhancing, not covering.”
Finding the Right Products: Navigating a Saturated Market
With an overwhelming number of beauty brands on the market, choosing the right products can be daunting. “I’ve seen so many women staring at makeup counters, completely lost,” Mary says. “Younger generations have TikTok and beauty influencers to guide them, but women over 35 didn’t grow up with those resources. They’re often left feeling unsure about what to buy.”
Her best advice? “Trial and error is key. No one product works for everyone. Pay attention to how a product feels on your skin, and don’t be afraid to ask for samples before committing.”
“My makeup kit has a bit of this, and a bit of that – it’s not so much the price point, it’s what is good for your skin. The most important thing is just finding what suits you.”
The Two Most Important Makeup Skills to Master
If you’re new to makeup, where should you start? “Mastering foundation matching is number one. Your base has to look seamless—like second skin,” Mary advises. “The second most important skill is understanding your eye shape. Eye makeup can make or break your look, and knowing how to enhance your unique eye shape is a game-changer.”
It’s this attention to detail that earned her the moniker ‘The Eye Queen’ among her celebrity clients. “Eyes are everything! They bring personality to a look. I teach my students how to enhance their natural shape rather than just following trends.”
The Future of Beauty: Always Learning, Always Evolving
Despite her extensive experience, Mary is always learning. “Three years ago, I became a certified trainer and assessor. Makeup is an art, but it’s also a science. Techniques change, skin changes, and we have to evolve with it.”
Her best piece of beauty advice? “Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment on what looks good to learn what truly works for you. And never stop learning—it’s never too late to learn.”
Look Good, Feel Good: Join Mary’s Exclusive Workshop
For those looking to refine their makeup skills, Mary is offering an exclusive hands-on workshop on February 19th at Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining in Drummoyne. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to update your beauty routine for mature skin, this all-inclusive session will guide you through personalised techniques to enhance your features.
Enjoy a day of expert skin and beauty education, unwind with a complimentary glass of bubbles, and indulge in morning tea while learning from one of the best in the industry. Special pricing for Greek City Times readers: $350.
Secure your seat now at maryajaka.myshopify.com and experience the transformative power of makeup firsthand.
More than a makeup artist, Mary Ajaka is a confidence booster, an educator, and an artist who believes that beauty should be accessible to everyone, no matter their age. And with her expertise, every woman can learn how to bring out their best self, one brushstroke at a time.
Look Good Feel Good
Workshop with Celebrity Makeup Artist Mary Ajaka
Date: Wednesday, 19th February
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining, 461 Henley Marine Dr, Drummoyne, NSW 2047
Special Price for GCT Readers: $350
Secure Your Seat: maryajaka.myshopify.com
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