Pat McGrath
"Pat McGrath is the most influential makeup artist in the fashion industry and is the mastermind behind so many beauty, runway and editorial looks. She has continued to inspire me throughout my career as a makeup artist with her unique and innovative makeup techniques," said Karen Sarahi Gonzalez, of the woman that she salutes this International Women's Day.
Stella McCartney
"Her collections are so feminine but with a rock-and-roll edge. How cool that she didn't follow in her father's rock-and-roll footsteps, but made it her own, in something that was so creative and feminine and really allowed her to be her. This inspires me because I too always have always tried to stay true to myself and not do things that were expected of me when it came to my own work. Being slightly different is what can make you a legend," said hairstylist Jennifer J.
Laura Mercier
"To me she has always embodied the elegance, style, creative and business strengths that I admire. She is not only a great business woman, but an incredible artist and she stands by the fact that makeup can be a spirit-lifting, positive and confidence-building part of a woman's life," said makeup artist Tina Turnbow. "Mercier said, 'Beauty is not generic. Quite often the thing that makes you memorable is the thing that makes you different,' and that resonates with my own beauty philosophy."
Diane von Furstenberg
"She exudes this very sensual confidence and literally lights up every room," said E! News host Cat Sadler, of the woman that she honors this International Women's Day. "She stands for strength and independence for women, all while being ultra sexy and smart. I especially admire her because she is entirely unapologetic. She is who she is—take it or leave it!"
Nina Garcia
"A woman that broke a lot of boundaries in business and fashion is a good friend and client of mine, Nina Garcia. She's one of the few Latin American women in the industy—and Nina is not only in the industry, but a fashion director at a major publication and an influencer," said celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena. "Her hair is also her number one accessory, and as a hairstylist, I love that about her."
Deborah Marquardt
"Deb has taught me how to remain resilient when things don't go as I had hoped they would, and to always know my worth and stand up for myself," said celebrity makeup artist Ashley Rebecca about the former L'Oreal exec. "Deborah Marquardt launched Kisses for the Troops, which sends care packages to female soldiers who were fighting overseas. She saw a need, created a solution and executed an incredible success in merging beauty and philanthropy."
Madame C.J. Walker
"Madame C.J. Walker was amazing," said celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. "Not only did she become the first female self-made millionaire in America by creating and selling a line of beauty and hair products, but she also made it her mission to uplift other women by teaching them how to manage their money and run their own businesses."
Audrey Hepburn
"I'm inspired by the lovely Audrey Hepburn, for all of her grace, her hand she lent to humanitarian efforts and for her humility. No matter how beautiful, successful or wise, she always seemed to keep it together. She was the epitome of what beauty truly is, an inside job from the heart," said nutritionist Candice Kumai about the boundary-breaking woman who inspires her most this International Women's Day.