A Queenstown holiday in 2016 led Sydney makeup artist  Victoria Wynn  into a new career and the start of her award-winning cosmetic tattoo business.

“I was working as a makeup artist collaborating with the Australian Consolidated Press fashion department in Queenstown when I met my partner. Seeking a niche I realised cosmetic tattooing which was popular in Australia was relatively unheard of here. So I set about bringing this emerging beauty service to the area.”

Victoria’s natural enhancing approach to cosmetic tattooing  quickly gained her industry recognition and in 2020 she was invited by one of the USA’s largest cosmetic tattoo companies to join their Elite World Artist Team.

“This team comprises what they consider to be the top 50 artists worldwide,” she says. “In this role I work alongside the other artists testing new products before they hit the international market.”

Victoria recently won the prestigious title of 2024 Best Brow Tattooist in New Zealand at the New Zealand Blushed Cosmetic Tattoo Conference.

“This was one of my proudest moments. I believe the key to my success lies in my true passion for the art of cosmetic tattooing and dedicating myself entirely to this craft. I don’t offer any other services and this singular focus ensures all my energy and attention is devoted to perfecting my technique and delivering exceptional results.”

Victoria works in New Zealand from October until  June each year operating from Antidote Pharmacy in Frankton and Wānaka hair salon Ukiyo.

“I offer various methods and encourage clients to choose a brow or lip tattoo that looks natural even when they’re not wearing any makeup. I firmly believe that tattooed brows or lips shouldn’t be the first thing people notice about someone – the goal is to subtly enhance natural beauty.”

Appointments start with an initial consultation where Victoria assesses a client’s skin type and discusses their anticipated outcome.

“I’ll design and map out the tattoo ensuring it complements facial features and once they are happy with the shape the tattooing will take place with a second sitting four to six weeks later. As we age our skin suffers from significant sun damage which is particularly common in Central Otago so to accommodate these factors each of my appointments lasts three to four hours. This allows me ample time to create the perfect brow or lip even for the most challenging skin types. I take only two clients each day to ensure a meticulous, confidence inspiring experience.”