Lisa Armstrong is a renowned British makeup artist and former pop singer, best known for her role as the Chief Hair and Makeup Designer for the BBC’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing. Born on October 25, 1976, in Oxford, she rose to fame in the mid-1990s as a member of the pop group Deuce before successfully transitioning into the beauty industry. Throughout her distinguished career, Armstrong has worked on major television productions, including The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, earning a BAFTA Craft Award for her exceptional work in 2014.
In addition to her television achievements, she has expanded her influence in the beauty world through a high-profile collaboration with Avon, launching her own capsule makeup collection. Her professional resilience and creative vision have made her a staple of British entertainment for over two decades. This comprehensive guide explores her journey from the pop charts to the makeup chair, her creative process, and her continued impact on the industry as of 2026.
Early Life and Performance Roots
Lisa Armstrong was born and raised in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, where she developed an early interest in the performing arts. She attended Peers School before moving to London at age 14 to attend the prestigious BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology.
During her time at the BRIT School, she honed her skills in dance and performance, which eventually led to her being scouted for a musical career. This early exposure to the entertainment world provided her with a unique perspective on the intersection of performance and visual presentation.
Musical Career with Deuce
In 1994, Lisa joined the pop quartet Deuce, a group formed by music manager Kelly O’Keefe. The band achieved significant success in the mid-90s, with their debut single “Call It Love” peaking at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
The group released several other singles, including “I Need You” and “On the Bible,” before disbanding in 1997. This period gave Lisa first-hand experience with the professional makeup and styling required for music videos and live television performances.
Transition to Makeup Artistry
Following the dissolution of Deuce, Lisa chose to step away from the spotlight to pursue a career behind the scenes. She enrolled at the Glauca Rossi School of Make-Up in London to formalize her skills and earn a professional diploma.
She began her new career at the bottom, working as a freelance artist for magazine photo shoots and writing a beauty column for Cosmopolitan. Her transition was marked by a commitment to mastering technical skills rather than relying on her previous celebrity status.
Career on Strictly Come Dancing
Lisa Armstrong joined the production of Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 and eventually rose to the position of Chief Hair and Makeup Designer. She oversees a massive team of stylists responsible for transforming celebrities and professional dancers into theatrical ballroom performers every week.
Her work on the show is celebrated for its ability to withstand the physical demands of high-energy dancing and the intensity of studio lighting. In 2014, her leadership and creativity were recognized with a BAFTA Craft Award for Hair and Makeup Design.
Major Television Production Credits
Beyond her work on Strictly, Lisa has served as a senior makeup artist for a variety of high-profile ITV and BBC productions. Her portfolio includes extensive work on The X Factor, where she was initially recruited as a personal makeup artist for Sharon Osbourne.
She has also contributed her expertise to This Morning, Britain’s Got Talent, and Saturday Night Takeaway. Her ability to manage the “glam” requirements of large-scale live broadcasts has made her one of the most sought-after muas in British television.
Collaboration with Avon Beauty
In 2020, Lisa partnered with Avon to launch the “Lisa Armstrong Makeup Collection,” a curated line of 13 essential beauty products. The collection was designed to provide “pro-quality” results at affordable prices, reflecting her desire to democratize high-end beauty.
The products in her range include the “SKINvisible” foundation, “MATTEiculous” lipsticks, and “Dazzle Stick” eye pencils. Each item was developed with her personal input on formulations, packaging, and practical application techniques learned over 20 years.
Awards and Professional Recognition
The industry has frequently honored Lisa for her technical excellence and creative contributions to entertainment. In addition to her 2014 BAFTA win, she has received multiple Royal Television Society (RTS) Craft & Design Awards.
These accolades recognize her work across both “Entertainment” and “Non-Drama” categories, highlighting her versatility. Her reputation in the industry is built on a foundation of reliability, artistic innovation, and a deep understanding of HD television requirements.
Personal Life and Public Profile
Lisa was famously married to television presenter Ant McPartlin from 2006 until their high-profile divorce in 2018. Despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding their separation, she maintained a professional focus on her career and her role at the BBC.
She often shares glimpses of her life on social media, featuring her beloved Labrador, Hurley, and behind-the-scenes moments from her work. Her resilience and authenticity have earned her a loyal following of fans who admire her professional success and personal strength.
Creative Philosophy and Style
Lisa’s makeup style is characterized by “glamorous but wearable” looks that enhance a person’s natural features. She is a strong advocate for the idea that there are no “rules” in makeup, encouraging users to use whatever tools—fingers, sponges, or brushes—work best for them.
Her work often balances the bold, theatrical needs of stage performance with the subtlety required for close-up camera work. This “real beauty” approach is what led to the success of her commercial products and her long-standing tenure on major TV shows.
Practical Information and Career Advice
For those looking to enter the makeup industry or follow Lisa’s professional path, her career offers several practical takeaways. She emphasizes the importance of formal training and the willingness to start in junior roles to build a robust portfolio.
- Training: Recommended schools include Glauca Rossi School of Make-Up.
- Networking: Start with magazine shoots and freelance work to build connections.
- Skillset: Focus on durability and HD-ready techniques for television work.
- Consistency: Reliability on high-pressure live sets is as important as artistic talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lisa Armstrong?
Lisa Armstrong is a highly successful British makeup artist and former pop singer. She currently serves as the Chief Hair and Makeup Designer for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and is a BAFTA Craft Award winner.
How did Lisa Armstrong become famous?
She first gained fame as a member of the mid-90s pop group Deuce, which had several top-20 hits. She later earned professional acclaim behind the scenes as a leading makeup artist for major TV shows like The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
Has Lisa Armstrong won a BAFTA?
Yes, Lisa Armstrong won a prestigious BAFTA Craft Award in 2014 for her work in Hair and Makeup Design on Strictly Come Dancing. She has also received multiple Royal Television Society (RTS) awards for her contributions to the industry.
What is Lisa Armstrong’s makeup brand?
She has a popular collaboration with Avon called the “Lisa Armstrong Collection.” The range features a variety of high-performance, affordable beauty products including foundations, lipsticks, and eye palettes.
Was Lisa Armstrong in a band?
Yes, she was a singer and dancer in the pop quartet Deuce from 1994 to 1997. The group was known for hits like “Call It Love” and “On the Bible.”
Where did Lisa Armstrong train to be a makeup artist?
After her music career, she attended the world-renowned Glauca Rossi School of Make-Up in London. She also attended the BRIT School as a teenager, where she studied performing arts.
Is Lisa Armstrong still on Strictly Come Dancing?
As of 2026, Lisa continues her long-standing role as the head of the hair and makeup department, overseeing the weekly transformations of celebrities and professional dancers.
Does Lisa Armstrong have children?
No, Lisa Armstrong does not have any children. She is, however, a devoted “dog mum” to her Labrador, Hurley, and often shares news about her nephews and extended family on social media.
What is Lisa Armstrong’s net worth?
While her exact net worth is private, reports suggest she received a significant settlement following her 2018 divorce. This, combined with her senior BBC role and successful Avon partnership, makes her one of the most financially successful makeup artists in the UK.
Where is Lisa Armstrong from?
She was born and raised in Oxford, England. Despite living in London for her career, she remains close to her roots and frequently visits family in Oxfordshire.
Can I buy Lisa Armstrong’s makeup in stores?
Her collection is primarily available through the Avon website and local Avon representatives. Some of her specialized beauty hygiene products are also available through professional beauty retailers.
Final Thoughts
Lisa Armstrong’s career is a testament to the power of professional reinvention and technical mastery. By successfully transitioning from the high-energy world of 1990s pop to the elite levels of television production, she has proved that longevity in show business is built on skill and adaptability. As the Chief Hair and Makeup Designer for Strictly Come Dancing, she remains the architect of some of the most iconic visual moments in British television history.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Armstrong continues to balance her high-pressure role at the BBC with her entrepreneurial ventures and brand ambassadorships. Her journey from the BRIT School to the BAFTA stage serves as an inspiration for aspiring creatives, demonstrating that with formal training and a relentless work ethic, it is possible to define an entire industry’s aesthetic standards.
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