NYX Professional has named its first-ever Global Artist of the Year in its FACE Awards, Sofia Mirić.

The FACE (Freedom and Artistry for Creative Expression) Awards is an annual global competition founded by NYX Professional Makeup that gives aspiring makeup artists the chance to compete to earn the coveted title: Artist of the Year.

Academy-Award winning makeup artist, Ve Neill, selected the winner during the 8th annual FACE Awards finale at the brand’s Wonderland After Dark-themed Halloween party in Los Angeles. More than 500 guests including influencers were in attendance.

Neill is best known for her work on films including Beetlejuice, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Edward Scissorhands.

Yann Joffredo, global brand president, NYX Professional, commented, “On behalf of NYX Professional Makeup, we want to congratulate Sofia and all the global finalists for sharing their extraordinary talents in artistry with our community. The FACE Awards is the ultimate celebration of self-expression through artistry, and the brand is proud of our continued devotion to aspiring artists through this heritage program.”

Mirić joins the ranks of FACE Awards winners and alumni, including top beauty influencers Patrick Starrr, Mykie, and Rosy McMichael.

More About the FACE Awards

The FACE Awards unites aspiring artistry professionals from around the world. Participants this year were from more than 40 countries. 

The 35 global finalists were flown to Los Angeles where they participated in a weeklong brand immersion—including a product development showcase, an exclusive masterclass hosted by Neill at the Cinema Makeup School in Hollywood, and a photoshoot hosted by the brand.

Last month, the brand announced its Wonderland After Dark Halloween campaign collaboration with Neill, which was a collection of six makeup looks inspired by the classic tale, “Alice in Wonderland.” This year’s finalists were challenged to create Wonderland After Dark-themed looks for their final challenge.

NYX Professional Makeup thanks this year’s sponsors: Target, Vichy, Windsor, and Grey Goose.