Sir John (make-up artist)
Sir John Barnett | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 1, 1982 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Make-up artist, activist, influencer, business executive |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | Make-up artist to Beyoncé; Creative Director at L'Oréal Paris USA; Chief Creative Officer at CTZN Cosmetics |
Sir John Barnett (born July 1, 1982), professionally recognized as Sir John, is a distinguished make-up artist, activist, influencer, and business executive. He is widely acclaimed for his creative partnership and role as make-up artist to Beyoncé. His portfolio features prominent personalities such as Naomi Campbell, Serena Williams, Chrissy Teigen, Priyanka Chopra, Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Naomi Osaka, Mary J Blige, Iman, Celine Dion, Viola Davis, Erykah Badu, Joan Smalls, and Kat Graham.
In addition to his artistry, Sir John serves in leadership positions including Creative Director at L'Oreal Paris USA and Chief Creative Officer at CTZN Cosmetics, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping product innovation and branding strategies.
Early life
Originating from Buffalo, New York, Sir John embarked on formal artistic education at the age of six through the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (BAVPA). At eighteen, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue studies in art history, printmaking, and sculpture at American InterContinental University.
His interest in make-up emerged in Atlanta when a photographer asked him to step in for a canceled make-up artist during a catalog shoot. This experience led to his first full-time position behind the counter at a local MAC Cosmetics store. By nineteen, he had advanced to working at MAC’s location inside Bloomingdales in SoHo, New York City.
At twenty-three, Sir John transitioned into the field of visual merchandising, designing displays for upscale retailers such as Barneys New York, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, and Gucci. Concurrently, he honed his make-up skills working at the Riviera Gentlemen's Club in Astoria, Queens, gaining valuable insight into various facets of the industry.
Pat McGrath and Charlotte Tilbury
In 2010, Sir John reestablished contact with Yadim Carranza, a make-up artist known for assisting British icon Pat McGrath. This connection provided Sir John the chance to collaborate with McGrath in New York City and subsequently at Milan Fashion Week. His runway debut occurred with Dolce & Gabbana, followed by shows for Prada, and he engaged with his inaugural celebrity client, Naomi Campbell, at Bulgari Hotel Milano.
After Milan Fashion Week, Sir John worked alongside British make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury. In September 2010, Tilbury introduced him to Beyoncé during Tom Ford’s inaugural womenswear presentation at New York Fashion Week. This event marked Sir John's first appearance as Beyoncé’s make-up artist while she made her runway modeling debut. By 2012, he secured an official contract as Beyoncé’s primary make-up artist.
Beyoncé
Serving as Beyoncé’s dedicated make-up artist, Sir John has crafted a wide array of looks featured across her music videos, editorial shoots, global tours, Super Bowl performances, and prestigious red carpet appearances.
Beyoncé Album
In 2013, Sir John was responsible for designing Beyoncé’s aesthetic for her self-titled fifth studio album—a two-disc release combining an audio collection with a visual album comprising short films for each of the 18 tracks. His work included make-up artistry for videos such as "Haunted" and "Partition", alongside "Pretty Hurts", "Drunk in Love", "Blow", "No Angel", "Formation", "Jealous", "Rocket", "Mine", "XO", "Flawless", "Superpower", "Heaven", "Blue", and "Grown Woman."
Super Bowl 50 Halftime Presentation
In 2013, Sir John was responsible for Beyoncé's makeup during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. His work received acclaim, with Cosmopolitan describing it as an "insanely gorgeous coppery dream," Glamour labeling it "#flawless," and Allure naming it among the "most memorable Super Bowl beauty moments." At this event, Beyoncé also unveiled The Formation World Tour in support of her sixth album, Lemonade.
The Formation World Tour and Lemonade Era
Sir John developed Beyoncé’s makeup style for 49 sold-out concerts spanning 16 nations. The tour's color scheme highlighted warm bronze and terracotta shades. Complementing Beyoncé’s 2016 covers on Elle US, UK, and France editions, Sir John focused on enhancing a radiant complexion and natural beauty.
"Beychella" Moment
For Beyoncé’s groundbreaking 2018 Coachella performance, famously known as "Beychella," Sir John designed her makeup look. As the first Black woman to headline the festival, Beyoncé’s appearance drew inspiration from the 1988 movie School Daze, portraying her as a collegiate figure on campus.
60th Annual Grammy Awards
In 2018, Sir John partnered with Beyoncé to create three distinct makeup looks for events including the pre-Grammy Roc Nation Brunch, the Clive Davis Recording Academy Gala, and the 60th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony itself.
American Beauty Star Involvement
Sir John took on the roles of executive producer and mentor on Lifetime’s competitive reality series American Beauty Star, working alongside Adriana Lima and other personalities. The show aired for two seasons and featured notable participants like Ashley Graham and Christie Brinkley.
Leadership Roles
In 2015, Sir John made history as the first Black creative director at L’Oréal Paris USA. Later, in 2022, he assumed the position of Chief Creative Officer at CTZN Cosmetics.
Editorial Work
| Date | Subject(s) | Publication/Organization | Type | Editor/Stylist | Photographer | Hair Stylist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | Beyoncé | British Vogue | Cover and Editorial | Edward Enninful | Rafael Pavarotti | Jawara |
| June 2022 | Naomi Osaka | Dazed Magazine | Cover and Editorial | Ai Kamoshita | Justin French | Marty Harper |
| March 2022 | Emma Chamberlain | Harper's Bazaar Singapore | Cover and Editorial | Martina Nilsson | Yu Tsai | Rob Talty |
| October 2021 | Cynthia Erivo | The Cut | Cover and Editorial | Jessica Willis | Amber Pinkerton | Coree Moreno |
| March 2021 | Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey | Vogue | Editorial | Gabriella Karefa-Johnson | Julie Dash | Rachel Lee |
| November 2020 | Doja Cat | Narcisse Magazine | Cover | Olga Yanul | Greg Swales | Frederic Kebbabi |
| October 2020 | Gabrielle Union | Marie Claire | Cover | Thomas Christos Kikis | Djeneba Aduayom | Larry Sims |
| May 2020 | Megan Thee Stallion | Marie Claire | Cover | Memsor Kamarake | Micaiah Carter | Kellon Deryck |
| February 2020 | Zendaya, Storm Reid | Love Magazine | Cover and Editorial | Law Roach | Alasdair McLellan | Jawara |
(Additional listings have been excluded for conciseness)
Awards
In 2016, Sir John received the distinction of InStyle Makeup Artist of the Year.
Personal life
Sir John lives in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.