Biography

Billy Brasfield, better known as "Billy B" is one of the most successful and sought after makeup artists in the world. He is a expert in the art of makeup, whether it is to subtly enhance a face or completely transform it. Billy is a master of his craft, and his exceptional talent and passion have elevated him to the top of his field.

Billy's career path began in 1985, when he left his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi and moved to New York City. Billy applied for a job at Macy's, Herald Square and after inventing a story of prior experience in makeup, he was offered a position in cosmetics where he immediately began teaching himself on "Real Women" on the main floor of Macy's. Ironically, it was those women that Billy "practiced" on, that validated his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in beauty beyond the cosmetic counter. With that encouragement, Billy began to focus on a career as a freelance makeup artist working days at Macy's and building his portfolio and by night in nightclubs where he got his break when he met and began working with photographer/director Ken Nahoum.

Now, Billy is in high demand in all aspects of his field including his work with the world's leading beauty and fashion magazines including Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Elle. Billy worked with Lady GAGA, beginning with the Fame Monster Album cover photo shoot and continued working with Gaga for every Red Carpet, personal appearance and performance including the Music Videos Bad Romance, Telephone, Videophone, and Born This Way. Billy also designed the makeup look for Gaga's World Tour "The Monster Ball" His work can also be seen in print advertising and Commercial with Britney Spears, Cindy Crawford, Sharon Stone and Padma Lakshmi to name a few. His work can be seen on every high-profile red carpet including The Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Tony's and More. Most recently billy was asked by Britney Spears to work with her for the Live Shows of X Factor.

Billy's client list includes a very long list of the Most Famous Women in the World including Lady GAGA, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Tina Turner, Debbie Harry, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Cheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Bilge, Yoko Ono and Dolly Parton to name a few. He has created the looks for some of the most iconic and award winning music videos ever made. Billy's work has appeared in books by Thierry LeGoues, Andrew Macpherson, Tom Ford and Francesco Scavullo. In the dedication of Making Faces, written by legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, Billy was acknowledged as one of the makeup artists that inspired and taught him.

Billy does not take his successes for granted. He has not forgotten where he came from by "Paying It Forward" Equally to both aspiring makeup artists and the town he came from. Billy is a favorite among makeup artists as a lecturer and teacher. For example his 1997, 9 City "American Beauty Tour with Billy B" where he taught aspiring and accomplished makeup artists alike. In Billy's hometown he has co-founded a Non-Profit organization SAL (Save Aberdeen Landmarks) whose focus is preserving his hometown's historic landmarks. Billy's impassioned work in his hometown has not gone UN-noticed.

The "New York Times" told Billy's story of his passion for his small Hometown and Small Towns everywhere, which lead to his own 6 hour television mini series entitled, "Hometown Renovation"HGTV. Billy was awarded by HGTV as "Community Crusader" an award given too individuals for Outstanding work in their communities. Billy has made guest appearances on Project Runway, The Apprentice, The Doctors, The Judds, Ryan and Tatum: The Oneal's, Billy was a Popular Reoccurring judge on the Hit Show "Rupaul's Drag Race sitting in for Judge Santino Rice for 6 episodes - Season 3 and 6 episodes of Season 4, which lead to Billy being featured on E! Entertainment's "Talk Soup".
- IMDb mini biography by: Billy Brasfield

Billy currently lives in Aberdeen Mississippi, New York City, New York and West Hollywood, California, and works as a makeup artist worldwide.