In the heart of Melbourne’s beauty industry, 23-year-old makeup artist Angelina Jade Panoussis is redefining glamour with passion and purpose. The founder of Angelic Beauty, showcases her profound beauty skills and builds an empire rooted in her Greek culture, self-confidence, and community.
More than makeup: Connection, confidence and quiet strength
Known for her soft, feminine, and detailed artistry, the name of her agency was inspired by how she approaches beauty, which is more about enhancing what is naturally there, rather than covering it up.
“The word angelic reminds me of softness, elegance and purity, but also quiet strength,” Panoussis said.
The makeup artist said her work is more than makeup application, she creates connection and comfort by making everyone feel seen and heard.
“Whether it is a client, celebrity, a model, a student, or someone attending my masterclass, I want them to walk away feeling like they got more than what they came for.”
From bedroom to TV, a journey of passion and practice
Her journey into makeup artistry began when she was 16. Most of her skills came from practice, trial and error and social media sources such as YouTube and Instagram. Panoussis has also invested in a makeup tutorials by professional makeup artists gaining practical experience.
“It started in my bedroom, I used to glam my friends before all the high school parties at my little vanity desk, squeezing three chairs into to do everyone’s makeup,” Panoussis said.
She also went on to complete a Master’s in teaching at Deakin University, which is one of the reasons she is passionate about training and mentoring new artists.
A key influence in her career has been industry mentor Nassia Vetouladitis, who took Panoussis under her wing in the early days of her makeup journey. Vetouladitis guidance and support played a pivotal role in paving the way as a makeup artist.
Her career took off organically, landing gigs with Channel 9 through word of mouth as well as recommendations. These roles quickly evolved, which led her to be placed on set glamming for television.
A celebration of culture and connection in every brushstroke
Last Saturday, May 24, Panoussis hosted her first makeup Master Class, a space where she says will leave women feeling empowered and confident. Her master class created welcoming environment to learn, laugh and explore her signature makeup techniques.
“Rhi from MAFS will be my main model, Carina and other familiar faces from the media will also be there,” Panousis said.
Panoussis wants to unite her community in an inclusive space, to share stories and pass on her makeup tips and tricks. Driven by a desire to give back to her people, she hopes to empower others by showing them they can achieve their dreams.
“It’s was such a special moment for me as a 23-year-old Greek-Australian makeup artist, and more than that, it’s about bringing people together, especially from the Greek-Australian community and the wider world of women in business,” Panoussis told Neos Kosmos. As part of her masterclass, Panoussis incorporated a dedicated women in business panel, aimed at inspiring attendees beyond makeup.
For Panoussis, being Greek is at the heart of it. Growing up in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs within a close-knit Greek Australian family, she values her grandparents for instilling the qualities of hard work, humility and pride. Her maternal side is from central Greece, from the town of Karpenisi, and her paternal side is from Kalamata.
Intergenerationally Greek – a failsafe connection
As a third-generation Greek Australian, Panousis prioritises supporting local Greek Australian-run businesses, community connections which were established by attending several years of Greek school.
The makeup artist regularly partners with Greek-run businesses for her content creation and the events she hosts. Showcasing brands such as fashion labels by Stefanis and skin care needs from Vanish Laser and skin, to treats from Yiaya’s Glyka and sun care by Carroten Australia, among others.
Panoussis skillfully uses Instagram to engage with clients and connect with media outlets like Neos Kosmos, helping her grow a strong following within the Greek Australian community.
Panoussis notes her biggest role models as her mum, yiayia and her best friend. Each of whom has shaped her in their unique ways through their love, strength and unwavering belief.
Angelic Beauty is just at the beginning with ambitious dreams to grow the agency, eventually offering nationwide masterclasses and mentorships with potential product launches.