Melania Trump’s Makeup Artist Says She Was ‘Canceled’ For Working With First Lady
First Lady Melania Trump’s longtime makeup artist says her professional standing in the fashion and beauty world suffered dramatically after she refused to sever ties with the Trump family, offering a rare glimpse into what she described as ideological intolerance within the industry.
Nicole Bryl, who has worked closely with Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump for decades, discussed the backlash she claims to have endured during a recent appearance on the “Return on Identity” podcast with host Ahmad Ashrafi. According to Bryl, her continued association with the First Lady transformed routine professional relationships into political litmus tests, a shift she says resulted in widespread cancellations and professional isolation. Mediaite reported on her remarks.
“Because I was working with Melania, who’s, you know, Donald’s wife, all of a sudden, beauty didn’t become beauty anymore, it became political,” Bryl said. “I didn’t understand why all the doors shut. People totally canceled me.”
Bryl explained that colleagues and companies pressured her to distance herself from the Trump family, scrub references from her social media, or publicly condemn them to align with prevailing political sentiments in the industry.
“They wouldn’t talk to me. They wouldn’t take my calls. They stopped sending me products,” Bryl said.
“Lipstick didn’t become lipstick anymore. Products were not just products anymore,” she added. “It became something more.”
She acknowledged the financial strain that followed, noting that remaining loyal to her clients carried real economic risks.
“There was pressure of going broke,” Bryl said.
Despite the consequences, Bryl said she refused to yield to what she characterized as professional intimidation.
“No one’s going to bully me,” Bryl said. “I love my client, and I’m not leaving her side.”
“She’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known or worked with,” Bryl added. “She’s been nothing but kind.”
Bryl also pointed to the personal attacks Melania Trump herself has endured, saying that reality strengthened her resolve.
“She herself has been bullied, and I’m not walking away from that,” Bryl said.
While critics and industry insiders have targeted those associated with the Trump family, the First Lady has continued to maintain a visible public role focused on diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and national traditions.
Earlier this month, Melania Trump announced that seven Ukrainian children abducted during Russia’s invasion had been reunited with their families following what she described as quiet diplomatic engagement with Moscow, according to the New York Post.
“My dedication to guaranteeing the safe return of children to their families in this region is unwavering,” the Slovenia-born first lady said in a statement. “I commend the leadership and persistent diplomacy of Russia and Ukraine in the pursuit of the reunification of children and families.
“Their bridge-building has created a tangible collaborative environment—an anchor for optimism. This cooperation will continue to drive the process forward through the next phase,” she added.
On October 10, Melania Trump revealed that an initial group of eight children had been reunited with relatives after the creation of an “open channel” with the Kremlin. Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly relocated to Russian territory. Ukrainian officials estimate at least 19,500 children remain missing, with humanitarian groups suggesting the number could be far higher, the Post reported.
“The children who come back are subdued mentally — they’re broken,” Ukraine first lady Olena Zelenska told the outlet in August. “Only after they return do they start coming back out of their shells.”
Domestically, the First Lady also marked the holiday season this week by unveiling the White House Christmas decorations and theme, “Home is Where the Heart Is,” her fifth time overseeing the transformation of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
The décor, according to the White House, reflects American values of “generosity, patriotism, and gratitude.” This year’s display includes more than 25,000 feet of ribbon, over 2,000 strands of lights, more than 120 pounds of gingerbread, over 2,800 gold stars, 10,000 blue butterflies, and more than 700 feet of garland.
“Every detail of the 2025 White House Christmas decorations was personally selected by Mrs. Trump to honor the heart of America and the theme ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is,’” the White House told Fox News.