Tell a little about yourself (how did you get started in the makeup industry, how long ago, what is your background that led you to do wedding makeup):
I feel very blessed to have established a career in makeup and I absolutely love what I do. I have been working as a makeup artist in Chicago, Northwest Indiana & the surrounding suburbs for more than 10 years. During that time I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most recognized photographers, agencies, crews and talent. This has allowed me the opportunity to create looks for people of all skin tones, skin types, all ages and ethnicity's. I've been given the chance to do makeup in most areas of the entertainment industry, including T.V.(i.e., The "Jenny Jones" show), print, and video. While all of those opportunities have been amazing, weddings are still undoubtedly one of my favorite events to do makeup for. Helping a bride to feel her most beautiful, on the day she has always dreamed about, is truly an honor for me. In addition to all of that, I am a trained and certified MAC artist. I worked at a retail location as a MAC artist for 6 years, and am currently a part of the MAC cosmetics freelancing team. I continue to further my education on a constant basis & am always taking courses that will help me grow as an artist.
What are some things you'd like brides to know about their makeup/choosing a makeup artist or both?
While it is not mandatory, I prefer to do a trial application, prior to the wedding. This allows us the opportunity to collaborate and come up with a look that is tailored to your specific needs, and perfect for YOU. I do not take a "cookie cutter" approach to my makeup applications, by assuming that everyone can wear the same look. I take the time to truly assess your facial features, bone structure, and discuss with you which feature you would like to be the focus of your makeup. We will work together to create a custom look that coincides with the way you've always dreamed you would appear on your wedding day! I am not happy unless you are, so I will make sure that you LOVE your look. While all of the makeup I use is very longwearing/waterproof, I do suggest that my brides have the following items to touch up their makeup throughout the night: a translucent powder (or blotting papers) to minimize any shine, as well as a lipgloss to touch up lips. I will gladly suggest products & colors!
What are some trends in bridal makeup right now?
One of the biggest trends in makeup right now is airbrush foundation. I am happy to provide that service to my brides & honestly cannot sing it's praises enough! In contrast to traditional makeup (where you apply liquid or cream foundation with a brush or sponge), airbrush foundation is applied by spraying a fine mist of micronized makeup particles onto the skin. This helps the makeup look more even & flawless. The coverage can range from sheer to opaque & will help to minimize skin imperfections, while giving skin a beautiful & natural looking finish. The formula itself is extremely resistant to tears, sweat & skin's natural oils. This also helps to stretch the longevity of the makeup and provide you with a 12-15 hour wear, with minimal touch ups required. Another definite "must" in my book is the application of individual false lashes. This will draw the reaction you are hoping for...turn heads & make his jaw drop! :) Each lash is applied individually & helps to build upon the overall volume and length of your lash, without looking too "over the top".
What makes you special and/or what would you want a bride to know about you?
I sincerely care about all of my brides. I can honestly say that each and every bride I work with ends up feeling like a friend by the time we're done with her wedding. I really consider it a privilege to make sure that my brides feel prettier than they ever have on their wedding day. This is not just my career, it is my passion & I strive for that passion to reflect in my work.
One of the greatest rewards as a makeup artist has been witnessing the impact that I have had on many of my clients. Such as my adorable December 4th bride, Sarah, who started crying when she saw her makeup. She said she's "never felt so pretty" & "didn't think she could look like that”. Talk about a tearjerker! Haha, she had all of us girls welling up with tears. It's moments like those that humble me and make me even more thankful that I am able to do something that I love so much! I am also happy to say that I have a strong repeat customer loyalty. To date, word of mouth referrals have been my greatest advertisement. That is always very exciting. It validates that the customer was happy with the work that I did for them. It also shows that they trust me to take care of the person they are referring as well.
Please feel free to add anything else that might be relevant (how far out you travel, how far in advance to book, etc.)
On the actual day of your wedding, I will come to your location. I usually estimate that I will need 45 minutes, per person, to do a full makeup application with false lashes & airbrush foundation. Allowing enough time for the makeup rotations will ensure that everyone is able to feel relaxed and pampered. After all, this is something that should be enjoyable for everyone involved! Please note that because of the multiple requests I receive for the same day, I do require a minimum of 3 people (bride + 2) to commit to having makeup done on the wedding day.
Overall I would say that I book about 4-6 months in advance. During some of the more popular wedding months (i.e.: June, September, October) I usually book 8-12 months in advance. However, please don't let that stop you from inquiring about a date if you are interested, because sometimes I will still have open availability! If I do not have the date open, I have some great & talented friends in the industry that I will be happy to refer!
I would be honored to take part in making you feel your best on your wedding day! Please contact me if you would like to request my services for your event. Once you have decided to book with me, I will send a contract to you. I do ask that you put down a $50 deposit to secure the date. This deposit is applied to your wedding day rate, and is deducted from the total amount due.
