Written by Xavier Walker
Beauty, by Terry McDonald, has never been at its best.
It is a service. It is self-confidence. It heals. It’s a quiet transformation that happens when a person looks in the mirror and sees their own strength again.
As the founder and CEO ofT McDonald CosmeticsMcDonald’s has created more than a beauty product. He built an organization based on faith, health, education, and empowerment. Her work speaks to the modern beauty consumer, the emerging artist, the runway model, and the everyday person seeking alignment between who they are and how they appear in the world.
With over 13 years in the beauty industry, McDonald’s journey has been shaped by her work as a makeup artist, teacher, consultant, and creative force. His rise is not only explained by flawless use or high-performance products, but by the deep purpose behind it.
“IT McDonald Cosmetics is a pure, vegan and cruelty-free beauty product designed to empower people to align their inner and outer beauty,” McDonald shared.
That philosophy is at the heart of everything he creates. IT McDonald Cosmetics is designed for beauty that feels purposeful. The product’s clean, vegan, and cruelty-free approach reflects McDonald’s commitment to products that support self-esteem without compromising values. But beyond the design, the brand carries a message: beauty should not hide your identity; it should help reveal it.
McDonald’s story is deeply connected to that mission. Her work focuses on empowering, healing, and leading by faith. She understands beauty not only as an art form, but as a personal experience that can restore self-esteem and help people reconnect with themselves. That vision has allowed him to create a brand that is professional and personal, commercial and spiritual, polished and deeply human.
His Barbudan and Jamaican heritage also inform his art. There is vibrancy in his creative direction, but also discipline. There is tradition in his speech, but also universal. McDonald brings a unique vision of beauty, one that honors where it comes from while creating a space for others to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.
Over the past few years, that vision has made her a sought-after model for New York Fashion Week. As beauty teams become an increasingly important part of runway storytelling, McDonald has proven that strong beauty direction can elevate a designer’s collection, sharpen a show’s visibility, and bolster the confidence of models bringing the clothes to life.
His work is with himCaribbean Fashion Collectiveis a clear example of that effect.
For CFC’s NYFW SS26 show,IT McDonald Cosmetics served as the exclusive makeup sponsorwith McDonald leading asHair and Makeup. The collaboration brought together fashion, culture, beauty, and purpose in a way that felt purposeful and important.
It was founded byXavier Walkerand co-foundersNorka VasquezagainStewella DavilleThe Caribbean Fashion Collective is dedicated to highlighting designers from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, with a special focus on Caribbean creators. The platform has become a place where designers can increase their visibility, connect with new audiences, and present their work on the global fashion stage.
For McDonald’s, the partnership was more than a sponsorship. It was a price match.
“I am honored to partner with the Caribbean Fashion Collective for NYFW SS26,” said McDonald.This collaboration represents a perfect combination of art, culture, and purpose. My goal is to elevate the vision of each designer while empowering all models to feel confident and unstoppable on the runway.“
Backstage, those machines came to life. McDonald and his team worked to ensure that each aesthetic supported the designer’s vision without overpowering it. Makeup was not treated as an afterthought; it became part of telling a story. Each look helped frame the clothes, highlight the models, and add cohesion to the overall runway presentation.
This is where McDonald’s leadership shines. He understands that street beauty requires more than talent. It requires preparation, communication, speed, discipline, and sensitivity to the creative vision of each designer. It also requires the ability to lead a team in a high pressure environment while creating an environment where models and artists feel supported.
His presence backstage brought that balance.
McDonald’s returns for the upcoming Caribbean Fashion CollectiveSeptember 10 showit speaks to the power of cooperation and the impact of his contribution. His continued involvement reflects a shared commitment to excellence, cultural representation, and the elevation of designers and models worthy of being seen on fashion’s major platforms.
Norka Vasquez and Stewella Daville, Founders of Caribbean Fashion Collective, previously praised McDonald’s creative leadership and spirit of service.
“Terry brings a rare combination of fine art and a genuine passion for uplifting others. His vision and talent will be a great asset to our designers, models, and overall production. We couldn’t be happier to work with him.“
That passion for uplifting others extends beyond the runway.
Through T McDonald Cosmetics, McDonald has created pathways for students, aspiring makeup artists, and beauty professionals to gain real industry experience. The brand has provided opportunities through sponsorships for productions, photography, events, and internships, giving emerging artists access to spaces where they can learn, grow, and build confidence in their craft.
As an instructor, McDonald offers beauty classes, tutoring, and self-discovery workshops designed to support both professional development and personal growth. Her work with makeup artists and hair stylists focuses on more than just building skills. It’s about helping founders understand their value, develop their voice, and step into professional spaces with confidence.
That commitment is important in an industry where access often determines opportunity. McDonald’s doesn’t just open its doors; he helps others get through them.
IT McDonald Cosmetics has continued to expand its presence through beauty shows, makeup events, photo shoots, and fashion products. The brand has been featured in all independent media platforms and publications, inclVoguewhile continuing to build recognition for its clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products.
However, McDonald’s major impact may not be measured solely by media coverage or street credits. It can be seen in the artists he mentors, the role models he empowers, the students he supports, and the communities that recognize his work.
At a time when the beauty industry is evolving, Terry McDonald represents a powerful type of leadership: focused on purpose, strengthened by culture, and committed to change.
You built a name, but you also built a legacy.
And with every face touched, every artist guided, and every runway moment lifted, Terry McDonald continues to prove that beauty isn’t just something we wear. It is what we become.