Makeup Museum
Case Study
The Makeup Museum, established in 2008, is dedicated to the preservation, exhibition, and research of makeup from all eras and cultures. Focusing exclusively on color cosmetics, the museum offers digital exhibitions that explore thought-provoking issues in makeup history and contemporary beauty culture. With nearly two decades of careful curation, their collection continues to grow and is showcased through a range of online exhibits.
The Challenge
The Makeup Museum had a strong identity but lacked a cohesive, professional digital presence. Their website, built on Typepad, was outdated, difficult to manage, and functioned more like a personal blog than a museum. Updating content was frustrating and time-consuming, limiting their ability to expand their online reach. With over 5,000 blog entries accumulated over nearly two decades, migrating to a new platform felt overwhelming. They needed a site that positioned them as a museum rather than a blog, properly showcased their curated exhibits, and provided a structured system for cataloging their vast collection. The transition also required extensive content cleanup, including resolving formatting inconsistencies, outdated inline code, and mixed image sizes.
The Solution
We designed a fully custom WordPress website that transformed their digital presence into one that reflects the professionalism of an established museum. The new platform streamlined content management, making updates effortless. A custom exhibition system allowed them to present digital exhibits in a structured, visually compelling way, while a curation tool for books and archival materials improved organization and accessibility.
The blog migration required a custom-built import process to strip outdated code, standardize image sizes, and create a cohesive format for thousands of entries. Beyond the redesign, we are also developing a custom inventory curation system, allowing the Makeup Museum to catalog its full collection online with advanced filtering and sorting features. This will ensure that each artifact is presented as a true piece of beauty history, reinforcing their role as a leading resource in the field.
Project Details
- Web Design
- Web Development
- Visual Brand Development
- Heuristic Evaluation
- Content Strategy
- Custom Development
- Custom Database
- Website Care Plan
- Website Hosting
Brand Strategy
Creating a compelling visual brand without designing a new logo required a unique approach. Rather than redefining the Makeup Museum’s brand, we worked within its existing identity, elevating it through design, structure, and presentation. We took key elements—colors, typography, and the overall aesthetic—and expanded them in thoughtful, creative ways that brought consistency and polish across the entire digital experience. Through carefully curated layouts, elegant typography, and immersive visuals, we transformed their website from a personal blog into something that feels like a true museum, reinforcing their authority in the field.
Beyond aesthetics, perception played a critical role. Every aspect of the site was designed to reflect the professionalism of an established institution while still maintaining the personal passion that built the museum’s reputation. The design now conveys credibility, expertise, and a sense of permanence, creating a seamless bridge between their deep knowledge of beauty history and the expectations of a museum audience. By expanding and refining the way their brand was presented—without altering its core identity—we ensured that every interaction with the site strengthens their position as a respected, authoritative voice in the world of makeup history.
Process
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Working with Scott and Michele was a game-changer. They took our outdated site and completely transformed it into a modern, intuitive platform that truly reflects who we are. The new logo perfectly captures our mission of protection and stability, and the structured layers visually reinforce what we do every day. From organizing our vast data to creating a seamless experience for our members and policyholders, Blend delivered beyond our expectations. The new site is not just a redesign—it’s a powerful tool for our organization’s future.
– Hilary Beltzer
Founder and Director of the Makeup Musuem
Results
The new website has transformed the Makeup Museum’s digital presence, positioning them as a professional museum rather than just a blog. The updated design and structure now reflect the museum’s authority in the field, while the improved content management system makes updating and maintaining the site far easier.
The client has expressed excitement over the new functionality, stating that the website finally represents their vision—an online museum that extends beyond physical walls. As we complete the custom inventory system, the Makeup Museum will continue to evolve into a more accessible, dynamic resource for makeup history enthusiasts worldwide.
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Before / After
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Contact Info
We are unapologetically human—our process, is rooted in design thinking, not AI. It’s this intentional approach that enables us to create work that feels alive, personal, and unforgettable.