Daily Inspiration: Meet Amanda Bereuter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Bereuter.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began in the movie industry early 1990’s as a concessions employee at a small movie theater in Blair, Nebraska. I would get to view all movies for free on my days off, which as a teenager was amazing. I was always fascinated as to how a movie was produced. Life happens, as we all know and after high school I began a career in Finance for several years. However, my side hustle would involve doing makeup for Prom, weddings, and other special events in my spare time locally in. In early 2015, I found a school (Makeup Designory) and their Los Angeles campus that intrigued me to visit. I was blown away at the avenues being a makeup artist could entail. Such as film, runway, print, bridal and even special effects. In 2018, a health scare gave me a new insight on life, and I took a leap of faith, moved to Los Angeles and attended Makeup Designory where I received my Multimedia certification.

While attending school, I worked on movies, commercials, bridal events, not-for-profit red carpets and began to fall in love with film. Fast forward to 2025 and I am proud to say I have the best job in the world! I love meeting new talent on set, creating a character’s look, breaking down a script, making prosthetics, and working in such a fast-paced creative industry.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been both amazing and also trying at times. For instance, in 2020 Covid19 shut down many outside aspects of life. However, film was at a complete stop. Once we returned to shooting film, the number of precautionary measures needed for actors and crew was substantial. As a makeup artist, we are in very close in proximity to our actors, which meant wearing a mask, face shield and gloves. Many hours were spent keeping up with the health protocols, while filming scenes for up to 15 hours a day. A “normal” day on set can begin very early and end very late.

Another challenge is that I am 100% freelance, so starting out in itself is a challenge. I attended several trade shows, film festivals, writers groups and online organizations geared around the film industry to promote myself. I am my own marketing, accounting, finance, artist, and CEO. Working around the clock with booking gigs, updating social media, inventory upkeep, and continuing education on the latest trends of the industry.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a freelance makeup artist working in Film and Television all over the United States. I am based out of the Midwest, but have the ability to work ‘locally’ in many major markets. I specialize in special effects makeup, including prosthetics, mold making, blood tubing, tattoo cover, hair laying, wigs, bald caps, old aging for movies and commercials.

I am most proud of myself for learning how to truly hustle in such an “exciting” career. I get to read a script from a writer and interpret a look based on my skill, passion, and creative nature all coming from my imagination.

I am most known for being professional, kind, and having an awesome sense of humor. I will do whatever it takes to bring a character to life, calm an actor’s nerves, listen to a writer’s vision, or help any crew member on set. I will work countless hours researching a certain period in time or creating a makeup look for a specific scene.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
To be honest, I beat Cancer in 2018 and from that moment on I live fearlessly! I quit a nearly twenty-some year career in finance and started my own business as a freelance makeup artist. I have flown to so many big cities and introduced myself to studio executives, celebrities, directors, producers and even walked up and shook hands with some of my idealized makeup artists in the industry.
I have pushed myself completely out of my comfort zone. Let me tell you, I wish I would have done it sooner! Life happens and I feel like getting out of my own head, looking fear in the eye, and just going for it! This is something I am grateful to have learned on this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mandybmakeup.com
• Instagram: Insta: @mandybereuter.mua
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandy.lauritsenwrieth
• LinkedIn: Amanda (Mandy) Bereuter
• Other: Production Hub: Amanda-bereuter-mua