Nicole Thompson was born in 1982 in Sydney, Australia. Following an adolescence dominated by liquid liner and mauve lipstick, she completed high school in 1999. After graduation, she studied visual merchandising, and worked within the retail sector for three years. Away from work Nicole was a passionate artist who had painted and sketched from a young age. Looking for a way to combine both her love of art and make up, Nicole enrolled at the Australian College of Make Up and Special Effects in 2003.
With her studies completed, Nicole began assisting acclaimed make-up artist such as Linda Jefferyes and Liz Kelsh. An exposure to high profile projects, fed Nicole’s desire to work in fashion and ultimately at International Fashion Week. One Make Up brand presented a clear pathway to that opportunity and it was MAC Cosmetics.
Nicole began work with MAC Cosmetics in 2005, and by 2009 was appointed to the Global Senior Artist team and the role of brand ambassador for the company in Australia. Nicole’s creative flair and personality without pretense become a signature to her work. Soon she was a regular at Paris, London, Milan and New York Fashion Weeks, while also becoming sort after in Australia whether it be on the catwalk or in print. Affectionately known as “Pinky,” Nicole was recognized as the Australian Make-Up Artist of the Year in 2014.
Nicole’s artistry has graced the pages of magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, and catwalk shows that include Moschino, Balmain, Romance was Born and Vivienne Westwood. Nicole has collaborated with some of the world’s best photographers and worked with a long list of celebrities that range from Kate Hudson to Dame Edna Everage.
In 2018, Nicole released her first book, Making it Up - Make Up Minus the Rules with New Holland Publishing. The book celebrates beauty for all ages, races and genders and captured beauty in diversity through the lens of photographer Steven Popovich.
“Pinky” has used her growing profile to support causes such as the MAC AIDS Fund and the Sydney Children’s Hospital. Nicole still lives in Sydney with her husband Adam and daughter Frenchie Mae.