Australia's biggest makeup competition

Battle of the
Brushes

Competition

Australia’s Live Makeup Artistry Competition

Live Online — Monday, 31 August 2026 Melbourne — Saturday, 24 July Sydney — Date TBC Gold Coast — Date TBC

Follow us on Instagram for live updates, competition announcements and upcoming event dates.

A bold celebration of artistry, technique and imagination. Watch talented makeup artists compete live across four creative categories in front of an expert judging panel.

The competition

Where artistry
takes the stage

Battle of the Brushes brings makeup artists, models, beauty professionals and makeup lovers together for an immersive live event. Competitors are challenged to create polished, original looks under pressure before presenting their work to an industry judging panel and live audience.

This is more than a competition. It is a live platform for artistry, confidence and career-defining visibility.

Close-up of a woman's face, showcasing makeup, with a focus on one eye with blue iris, long lashes, and gold eyeshadow, along with textured skin, full lips with matte lipstick, and earrings.

Live makeup • runway • awards

Meet the judge

Merton Muaremi

Merton Muaremi
01 OFFICIAL JUDGE
BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES

MERTON MUAREMI

MAKEUP ARTIST · HAIR STYLIST · EDUCATOR

Melbourne-based makeup artist, hair stylist and educator with over 22 years of industry experience across fashion, editorial, television, film and advertising.

22+ Years of Experience
500+ Students Presented To
Global Industry Experience
MEET MERTON

With over 22 years of experience, Merton is a Melbourne-based makeup artist, hair stylist and educator whose career spans fashion, editorial, television, film and advertising.

His work includes runway shows for Gucci, Versace, Chanel, Vogue, Dion Lee, Alex Perry, Toni Maticevski and Jean Paul Gaultier.

His artistry has also appeared in Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, August Man and Cosmopolitan.

With a background in Visual Arts, Merton brings creativity, technical precision and a strong understanding of facial structure to the Battle of the Brushes judging panel.

Bringing decades of artistry, education and industry experience to this year’s competition.

Meet the industry professional bringing experience, creativity and a sharp eye for artistry to the Battle of the Brushes judging panel.

 COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

competition highlights

A judging panel selected for professional experience, technical knowledge and a strong point of view on modern makeup artistry.

MORE MOMENTS FROM THE COMPETITION
past judges

the faces behind

the past competition

Celebrating the talented artists and industry professionals who have previously joined the Battle of the Brushes judging panel.

Ronia
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Ronia
Past Judge

Professional makeup artist and educator known for precision, artistry and empowering other creatives.

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Ronia is the founder of @roniamakeuphouse and is renowned for her precision, artistry and passion for empowering other creatives.

With years of industry experience, she has built an incredible reputation and created her signature brush collection loved by artists worldwide.

As part of the expert judging panel, Ronia looked for attention to detail, technique and individuality, celebrating the unique artistry each competitor brought to the stage.

Danielle Ruth
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Danielle Ruth
Past Judge

Creative force behind Wowfx, with over two decades of makeup and special effects experience.

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Danielle Ruth is the creative force behind Wowfx, one of Australia’s leading special effects and makeup studios.

With over two decades of experience across film, television, transgender makeup and fine art, Danielle has helped transform the landscape of makeup artistry.

Her work blends technical precision with emotional storytelling, from hyper-realistic prosthetics to personal breast casts for women facing mastectomy.

Recognised by Breast Cancer Network Australia, and respected as a trainer and mentor for more than 15 years, Danielle brings deep industry knowledge and creative vision.

Sarah Emilia
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Sarah Emilia
Past Judge

Digital creator, educator and entrepreneur shaping beauty, content and social media storytelling.

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Sarah Emilia is one of Australia’s most influential digital creators, educators and entrepreneurs in the beauty and social media space.

Her journey began in 2012 as a mobile hairdresser posting her work online before evolving into a leading digital educator with a loyal online community.

By 2023, Sarah had grown her TikTok following from zero to over one million followers in just six months. She is also a multi Australian Hair Fashion Awards winner.

Through @sarahemiliaofficial, Sarah champions authenticity and empowerment, teaching creators and salon professionals how to build brands through storytelling.

Our partners

Powered by
the industry

Thank you to the brands, educators, businesses and venues helping create a stronger platform for artists and the wider beauty community.

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past sponsors
Casey College
Moe Racing Club
Our partners

Upcoming events

Battle of the Brushes is building a larger stage for makeup artists across Australia.

Saturday, 24 July 2027 Confirmed Date
Melbourne
Date 24 July 2027
Location To Be Announced

Battle of the Brushes is coming to Melbourne. Venue, competition categories and application details will be announced soon.

View Details
Venue TBA
Competition Categories Coming Soon
Applications Opening Soon

Follow Battle of the Brushes for upcoming announcements.

Date To Be Confirmed
Sydney

Battle of the Brushes is coming to Sydney. Event dates, venue details and applications will be announced soon.

Coming Soon
Date To Be Confirmed
Gold Coast

Battle of the Brushes is coming to the Gold Coast. Event dates, venue details and applications will be announced soon.

Coming Soon