I grew up in rural Cumbria, spending most of my childhood outdoors on farmland—enjoying being covered in mud—so I never imagined I’d end up in this industry.
After a car accident with my mum in 2001, my life perspective changed, and I felt this pull to get out of my comfort zone, so I took a leap and travelled solo to Australia… which was only meant to be a short trip! Instead, it turned into years of adventure, finding myself, and meeting my (now) Australian husband.
I worked in Sydney’s corporate world for a while—55 temp jobs later (yes, really!)—I knew from the get-go that a desk job just wasn’t me: Then one random conversation about makeup artistry completely changed things. I quickly learnt it wasn’t just about glamour,r so I signed up to train, and that was it… I never looked back. I unleashed my creative side completely!
I came back to the UK for a couple of years to start my business, Grace by Kelly, then after getting married in the Lake District, we headed back to Australia in 2007 for another 12 years. That’s where I had my two boys before we made the move back to the UK in 2019, and I relaunched my business as Jude Kelly Hair & Makeup.
I’m also a bit (okay, very) obsessed with cats. I share my home with my rent-free tenant, Tily, who occasionally greets her selective lucky clients at my home studio. In my spare time, I’m really into cooking, piano and alternative therapies and spirituality—it keeps me grounded and reminds me we’re all just doing life our own way!
I feel lucky to be able to spend my working days at the most stunning venues, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the World and clients
My name is Jude Kelly and I studied Makeup Artistry and Photographic Hairstyling in 2002, at the Sydney College of Makeup Art. I was taught by various International makeup Artists, including Celebrity Artist – Stuart Garske.
I’ve worked in almost all areas of hair and makeup in Australia and England and I have experience with many world-class products including Bobbi Brown, MAC, Christian Dior, Laura Mercier, GHD, Charlotte Tilbury, Deliah, Tropic and Nars.
Here at Jude Kelly Make Up, I pride myself on keeping pace with new products, fashions and ideas. To ensure my client’s receive real ‘value for money’, I only use the finest professional products available, some of which are especially designed for photography, which is essential for most of my clients.
You can be rest assured that no matter what services I provide for you, as my client, you will receive the full benefit of my industry knowledge and experience.
