Grayson Coutts: The Ponsonby Makeup Artist Who Has Worked With Some of New Zealand's Biggest Names

Vendor Spotlight: Hair and Makeup

Every so often we work alongside a makeup artist whose client list makes us do a double take, and Grayson Coutts is one of them. Based in Ponsonby, Grayson has been a professional makeup artist since 2006, and in that time has done everything from styling New Zealand celebrities to working as the on-tour makeup artist for visiting international stars. All of that experience shows up on a wedding morning as a kind of effortless calm that we always notice through the lens.

Grayson Coutts in his Ponsonby studio.

Why We Recommend Them

Grayson's path into makeup artistry came by way of a communications degree and a career as a fashion publicist and showroom manager, which gives him an eye for image and presentation that goes beyond just technique. He has worked with some of New Zealand's best known faces, including Colin Mathura-Jeffrey, Boh Runga, Kimbra, Kimberly Crossman, and Keisha Castle-Hughes, and was the personal makeup artist for Carly Rae Jepsen, Rachel Platten, and Fall Out Boy during their visits to New Zealand. He also spent eight years as a Senior Artist on the Pro Team for Smashbox Cosmetics.

What They Offer

Bridal makeup application for the bride and her full party, with additional artists brought in for larger weddings. Grayson works with a wide range of skin types and tones and can move between cutting edge and classic bridal looks depending on what a couple is after. He is based out of The Make Up Studio in Ponsonby but also travels for weddings, including throughout the Pacific, and books out up to 18 months in advance, so it is worth reaching out early once you have a date locked in.

A bride and her bridesmaids, makeup by Grayson Coutts.

The Experience

What stands out working alongside Grayson is how unhurried the whole process feels, even with a full bridal party to get through. That comes from genuine experience working to tight deadlines in editorial and celebrity settings, where there is no room for a look that does not hold up under scrutiny. For us as photographers, that translates directly into skin that reads beautifully in natural light and makeup that survives hours of hugging, happy tears, and dancing.

Our Tips

Reach out as early as possible, ideally as soon as you have your date confirmed, since his calendar fills up well in advance and he is only available Tuesday to Saturday. Bring reference images to your consultation, and be upfront about your skin type and any sensitivities so your trial can be tailored properly. If you are getting married somewhere in the Pacific, ask early about travel logistics as well, since this is very much part of his regular work.

Grayson Coutts at a Glance

Studio: The Make Up Studio, Ponsonby, Auckland

Phone: +64 21 907 988

Email: info@graysoncoutts.com

Availability: Tuesday to Saturday, bookings taken up to 18 months in advance

Service area: Auckland, throughout New Zealand, and the Pacific

Approximate cost: Pricing is provided on enquiry rather than published online, so we'd recommend contacting Grayson directly for a quote.

Website: graysoncoutts.com

A makeup artist with this much experience under real pressure brings a steadiness to a wedding morning that we always appreciate behind the camera. If you are still building out your wedding day team, we would love to talk with you about how Popin Wedding fits alongside your hair and makeup timeline. Get in touch and let's start planning your day together.