Diane Kendal

Diane Kendal is a British-born make-up artist currently residing in New York City. She is the creative director for Rabanne Beauty. and has developed product lines for Zara Beauty

Career Kendal studied special-effect make-up and prosthetics at the London College of Fashion. "I tried to do movie make-up, but I never got that far," Kendal said in a 2001 interview in Harper's Bazaar. She added: "So, I worked with college friends who were photographers in London." She began test-shooting with then up-and-coming photographers such as David Sims and Nathaniel Goldberg. She also began travel to Milan and Paris, assisting make-up artists such as Stephane Marais while honing her technical expertise. In the '90s, she moved to New York City, and along with hairstylist and close friend Guido Palau, she became known in the grunge movement, which was prevalent in the fashion industry at that time.

In 1988, Kendal received her first significant job – a fashion story for Italian Vogue with model Cordula Reyer Her line included the Calvin Klein Cheek Color Washes, among other products, which developed a celebrity following amongst the likes of Julia Roberts and Hilary Swank. She worked on the brand's beauty product development, and she also designed a playful collection of beauty products for kids. The collection 'Mini Artists''' was launched by Zara Beauty in February 2023.

In late 2023, Kendal was appointed as creative director of Rabanne Beauty.

Today, Kendal works with photographers that include David Sims, Craig McDean, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Patrick Demarchelier, and Mario Sorrenti. Her makeup styling appears in Italian, French, Japanese, and American Vogue, W Magazine, Allure Magazine, and Interview Magazine,'' as well as in advertising campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Chloé, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, and Tom Ford. Roberto Cavalli, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, and Carolina Herrera.

Personal life Kendal maintains a close personal and working relationship with hairstylist Guido Palau. She and her daughter, Em Kendal Watson, reside in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.