From Vogue articles to red carpet runways, one South Jersey local is making major headlines in the beauty industry.
Catrina Breitweiser, known as Makeup by Catrina, the makeup artist everyone’s talking about, transforms faces for celebrities, photoshoots, and high-profile events across the area. What started as a passion has grown into a thriving career, and her talent, creativity, and drive have made her a recognized name in the world of beauty.
Breitweiser’s journey began with a simple childhood passion. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother and father, both artists, she spent hours sketching in her room. By fourth grade, she had moved from drawing on paper to experimenting with “makeup” on her dolls. That love of creating only grew, but it wasn’t until she turned 16 that a real opportunity presented itself.
“I was walking around the mall and passed the MAC counter. It felt like the gates of heaven opened. Seeing those women fully made-up under the lights, I thought, ‘This is what I want to do. This is what I’m going to do,’” she recalled.
Soon after, Breitweiser got a job at MAC to gain experience. Through that and other makeup counter positions, she learned her craft, met people, and began making initial connections that would help her later on.
Her career didn’t skyrocket overnight. For years, she worked tirelessly, taking a small number of clients in her kitchen while building her skills and reputation. Then one day, a breakthrough came.
“Someone asked if I knew anyone who did weddings, and I thought, ‘Why can’t I do that?’ I took my first gig with just a few sample products, and it went well. After that, I started getting more referrals. Soon, every weekend was booked,” Breitweiser said.
As her wedding work expanded, she turned to social media. “I started posting online, showing my work authentically. That brought even more business,” she said. “Then it was time to open a studio, and it blew up even more. Each step just led to the next.”
For Breitweiser, authenticity has been key. “It’s not always just talent, it’s also your vibe, how you act, and how you treat others. Stay authentic and be yourself,” she said.
Her authentic online presence eventually helped her break into the celebrity makeup world. Once celebrities saw her work, referrals grew rapidly. “Once you’re in that world, people trust you, and referrals go a long way,” she said.
Over the years, Breitweiser has worked with networks like Fox, NBC, and Netflix, and thousands of clients, including many of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Bethenny Frankel, NFL wives, and more. She frequently travels to New York for shoots while still serving clients in and around Atlantic City.
Success also brought its challenges, though. “At first, it was nerve-wracking when socials got more attention. I remember using Dolores Catania from the ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ as a model for a master class, and a bad photo leaked online. People were so mean. I cried for weeks,” she recalled. “Dolores called me afterward and said, ‘Catrina, if you’re going to be in this industry, you have to know we don’t read our comments. Rule number one.’”
Taking that advice to heart, Breitweiser has continued to grow, learn, and set new goals while staying true to her passion. Four years ago, she opened a larger studio in Egg Harbor Township and later launched her own cosmetic line, MBC Cosmetics. What began as four glosses has now grown into a full makeup and skincare collection.
“I started it because I couldn’t find the products I needed, whether that be specific textures, colors, and formulas. I wanted clean, vegan, cruelty-free products,” she said. “My aunt passed from breast cancer linked to a product she used, so keeping everything clean has always been important to me. It’s all about the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic.”
In addition to her cosmetic line, her bridal business remains booming, and she balances body contouring services, celebrity clients, and motherhood. “I love that no day is ever alike. Staying inspired 22 years into my career is all I ask. I never want to get comfortable or feel like I’ve done everything. My goals are just getting started,” she said.
Breitweiser describes her makeup style as versatile. “You can’t put the same makeup on everyone. What looks good on one person might not on the next. My specialty is curating the perfect look for each client.”
Breitweiser can do soft glam, beach shoots, fitness shoots, drag queen, special effects, weddings, and more. She also emphasizes authenticity in an industry often perceived as superficial. “Even though I’m in a ‘fake’ industry with celebrities, I’m a straight shooter. People often think because I’m ‘Hollywood,’ I’m fake. I’m not,” she said.
After years of growing, continuing to learn, and remaining true to herself and her work, Breitweiser had a major breakthrough moment recently. Her hard work recently earned her a feature in Vogue.
“When my PR company told me, I thought they were joking. I never expected this. I’m still crying about it, I never expected that this could be possible,” Breitweiser said. “I’ve been doing this since I was a kid and now I’m 40 years old and I just feel like hard work really does pay off. It took years to get here, I’ve been working my butt off and started from nothing. It’s just so surreal and I’m just so grateful.”
Looking ahead, Breitweiser has Fashion Week, award shows, and her annual masterclasses on the horizon. You can follow along as her career continues to grow through her socials at makeupbycatrina_studio.
“There is nothing better than doing someone’s makeup and doing it well. I’m a giver and I just love to make people feel good,” Breitweiser. “There are so many women who are just so hard on themselves, but when they’re in my chair, they feel beautiful and that is the best feeling. Just making someone feel good, feel worthy and give them confidence, I feel like it’s my whole purpose in life.”
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
