Best Makeup Artists 2022
Chicago Makeup & Hair Professionals
Chicago Makeup & Hair Professionals are the self-proclaimed “hottest makeup artists and stylists in Chicago.” The company received The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” award in 2015, 2016, 2018, and offers classic, modern, vintage, and contemporary bridal looks, spa services for bachelorette parties, personal makeup lessons and consultations, and makeup services for fashion, print, TV, and film. Special rates are offered for large parties.
Joanna B. Artistry
Joanna B. Artistry is a professional makeup artist who's served hundreds of clients in Chicago since 2012. The company's services are available for weddings, boudoir shoots, engagements shoots, and professional headshots. The business also has experience doing editorial and commercial work. Virtual sessions are available to book on the company's website. Joanna B. Artistry has been featured in prominent wedding publications, including Vogue Taiwan, The Knot Fall Chicago Issue in 2018, Style Me Pretty, and Brides.com.
Make Up First School of Makeup Artistry
Make Up First School of Makeup Artistry is a private vocational school in Chicago approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The school was founded in 2006 by a media makeup artist who now teaches courses while offering freelance makeup services. Students at the school receive “extensive hands-on studio time required to perfect techniques” and can become certified makeup artists and hair stylists.
Brides by Kelly
Brides by Kelly is the “top choice in the Chicago area for on location hair and makeup services.” The Lombard company has over 150 five-star reviews and is owned by lead hairstylist and professionally licensed cosmetologist Kelly. Services are available for birthday parties, school dances, proms, and other special events. Bridal hair and makeup costs $215, with a $145 trial run prior to the wedding day.
Shannon O'Brien
Shannon O’Brien is a Chicago makeup artist specializing in print, television, bridal, and runway makeup applications. Shannon started her career with M.A.C. Cosmetics over six years ago and now works as a freelance makeup artist. Clients who wish to book Shannon for bridal makeup services are encouraged to submit an inquiry form directly on the artist’s website.
Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair
Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair in Downers Grove offers bridal hair and makeup services. A wedding makeup rehearsal at the company’s studio costs $75, and wedding day makeup with lashes and airbrushing is $110. The same fees apply to bridal hair services. The company won WeddingWire’s “Couples’ Choice Awards” in 2014, 2015, and 2016, as well as WeddingWire’s “Bride’s Choice Awards” in 2012 and 2013.
Starlight
Starlight in Chicago “has been providing stellar makeup services nationwide for over 10 years,” specializing in bridal makeup and makeup lessons. Bridal makeup services include an initial consultation, a pre-wedding trial, and final makeup on the wedding day. Starlight can also provide wedding hair services, if requested. Bridal makeup costs between $200 and $300 for the bride, and between $85 and $100 for members of the bride’s wedding party.
Angela Makeup Chicago
Angela Makeup Chicago in Clarendon Hills features a team of stylists who are “masters at the art of makeup and lashes” with over six years of industry experience. The company has been voted into The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” Hall of Fame after receiving awards for over five consecutive years. The stylists offer bridal and airbrush makeup, special effects makeup for films and Halloween events, and eyelash extensions.
Visage Joli AirBrush Makeup & Hair Chicago
Visage Joli Airbrush Makeup & Hair Chicago specializes in Weddings and video production makeup and hairstyling. Wendy Kimmel, the lead makeup artist of the business, has worked with high-profile personalities like Tom Hanks, Hilary Clinton, the cast of Friends, Arnold Schwarzenneger, and Martha Stewart. She has also done makeup in productions of national television shows, commercials of established brands, and print campaigns. She and her team apply airbrush foundations that can last until the end of events with minimal retouches. She is also teaching detailed online makeup lessons.
Makeup by Jacquee
Makeup by Jacquee is the Wheaton company of state-certified makeup artist Jacquee, who specializes in a range of applications including bridal, beauty, fashion, theater, and media makeup. The company received one of Thumbtack’s “Best of 2015” awards and is rated on WeddingWire. Bridal services include airbrushing, false eyelashes, full makeup, and hairstyling to help clients achieve desired wedding day looks.
Nicole Jacob
Nicole Jacob is a professional Chicago makeup artist and the founder of Nicole Jacob Cosmetics, a non-comedogenic and fragrance-free makeup line. Nicole has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and specializes in “natural eyebrow sculpting and classic, glamorous makeup for black tie affairs.” Free consultations for wedding makeup are available.
Jenna Baltes
Jenna Baltes is a licensed Chicago hair stylist and makeup artist, offering services for editorials, fashion photo shoots, family and children photo sessions, and everyday life. Jenna also works with clients in Los Angeles. Rates and availability can be requested by calling or emailing the artist directly.
Norman Sands
Norman Sands is a Chicago makeup artist with over 15 years of experience doing makeup for television, photo shoots, magazine editorials, celebrities, weddings, fashion shows, and theater productions. Norman is available for freelance assignments and primarily offers airbrush makeup. A one-hour, personalized makeup lesson costs $150, while special occasion makeup is $150 and bridal makeup is $250.
Carly Pribich, Makeup Artist
Carly Pribich is a wedding makeup artist who has over 14 years of industry experience. Carly specializes in airbrush wedding and bridal makeup, and also offers makeup services for other special occasions. Carly’s “aesthetic style as an artist is soft, fresh, timeless, and elegant.” She has received The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” award in 2015 and 2016. Clients may inquire about pricing by submitting a contact form on the artist’s website.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- Why do people hire makeup artists?
- How much do makeup artists charge?
- Do makeup artists use their own makeup?
- Do I really need a makeup artist for my wedding?
- How much is a makeup artist for a wedding?
- How do I find a hair and makeup artist for my wedding?
- Should I get a makeup artist for my wedding?
- When should I hire a makeup artist for my wedding?
- What do makeup artists use?
- Do I tip my makeup artist?
- Is being a makeup artist a good career?
- How do I become a makeup artist?
- What do I need to become a makeup artist?
- What is a professional makeup artist called?
- How do I become a professional makeup artist?
- Do you need a license to be a makeup artist?
- How do I get a makeup artist license?
- How do I become a celebrity makeup artist?
- How much money does a makeup artist make?
- Q: Introduction
- A: If you have a big event coming up, such as a wedding or prom, hiring a makeup artist can make it easier to get ready. It takes some stress off of you by putting this task in the hands of a professional. It also ensures you get a trained professional to get your look just right.A professional makeup artist can also help you get ready for a photo or video shoot, whether it’s for wedding photos, family photos, videos or a new professional photo for your work portfolio. These artists apply knowledge of lighting and how colors catch the light to help you get the best possible finished look.
- Q: Why do people hire makeup artists?
- A: People typically hire makeup artists to get a special look for events, such as weddings. People also hire makeup artists when their images are being captured, such as in photo shoots and when making videos.
- Q: How much do makeup artists charge?
- A: Makeup artists typically charge a base price that’s between $75 and $125 per person. Several things can increase the base cost. These extra services include things like coming to your location, adding glitter to your makeup, and putting on false eyelashes.
- Q: Do makeup artists use their own makeup?
- A: Makeup artists typically use their own makeup rather than the client’s makeup. They typically put their cosmetics in a second container or on a palette to make sure bacteria doesn’t get in the original makeup. However, client requests to use personal makeup can sometimes be accommodated at the makeup artist’s discretion.
- Q: Do I really need a makeup artist for my wedding?
- A: While it’s possible to do your own makeup for your wedding, hiring a professional makeup artist can relieve stress on a very busy day. Makeup artists can also offer advice on how makeup will look in photos and can choose products that stand up to heat.
- Q: How much is a makeup artist for a wedding?
- A: It typically costs between $90 and $475 for a wedding makeup artist. Things that affect the cost include whether the service is provided only for the bride or if the whole wedding party needs makeup done.
- Q: How do I find a hair and makeup artist for my wedding?
- A: To find hair and makeup artists for your wedding, do a search for these specialists and then check online reviews to see what others think of their work. Consider a paid trial run. It’s an extra cost, but it lets you see the work before your wedding day.
- Q: Should I get a makeup artist for my wedding?
- A: Getting or not getting a makeup artist for your wedding is a personal decision, but it can be worth the cost. In addition to helping you look more beautiful, makeup artists are skilled at choosing products that hide skin issues that can otherwise show in photos, such as blemishes.
- Q: When should I hire a makeup artist for my wedding?
- A: You should typically book your makeup artist six to nine months before your wedding. This alleviates last-minute stress and makes sure the artist you choose keeps the date open for you.
- Q: What do makeup artists use?
- A: Makeup artists typically use a mix of professional grade cosmetics and drugstore products. Professional brushes are also a normal part of a makeup artist's kit. For lighting, these artists typically try to work in natural lighting, or they may use LED lighting to apply makeup.
- Q: Do I tip my makeup artist?
- A: If you’re having your makeup done at a store’s cosmetic counter, tipping isn’t expected and often is not allowed by the store. However, it’s fairly common, and a nice compliment, to tip the makeup artist who does your wedding or special event makeup if you’re satisfied with the final effect.
- Q: Is being a makeup artist a good career?
- A: Being a makeup artist can be an interesting and lucrative career. Makeup artists can end up visiting a lot of interesting places and meeting new people. The work is different every day, and you can enjoy using your creativity to build your career.
- Q: How do I become a makeup artist?
- A: Join a makeup artistry training program. Then, if your state requires certification or licensing, apply for the needed credentials. Consider specializing as a way to move into a niche, such as wedding makeup or videography makeup. Take a lot of photos of your work to add to your portfolio for marketing your services.
- Q: What do I need to become a makeup artist?
- A: To become a makeup artist, you need to check your state’s licensing requirements and get into a reputable training program. You then need to take the required licensing exams and get plenty of hands-on experience through an apprenticeship or additional on-the-job training.
- Q: What is a professional makeup artist called?
- A: A professional makeup artist is typically referred to as an MUA, which stands for makeup artist. Some other names a makeup artist can be called are cosmetologist, beautician, and aesthetician. However, the other job titles typically include other services, such as doing nails, that makeup artists don’t offer.
- Q: How do I become a professional makeup artist?
- A: Choose a reputable training program. These programs can be offered by brick-and-mortar institutions or in online formats. Build your makeup kit and follow safety protocols for the makeup while you’re studying. Get any certifications your state requires and build a portfolio through an apprenticeship or by creating makeup looks for your friends.
- Q: Do you need a license to be a makeup artist?
- A: Some states require makeup artists to be licensed while others don’t. Some states might require you to get a cosmetology license or an aesthetician’s license. Other states only require a makeup artist to have taken a certified training program.
- Q: How do I get a makeup artist license?
- A: After completing your makeup artistry training program, apply to the agency in your state that manages this type of licensing. For example, in Michigan, the agency that handles licensing is the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Licensing can also be offered through a state’s cosmetology board.
- Q: How do I become a celebrity makeup artist?
- A: To become a celebrity makeup artist, develop and perfect your makeup artistry skills. If you don’t already live near some celebrities, move to an area where celebrities live. Accept an apprenticeship with a makeup artist who serves celebrities, or get a job in a salon that’s frequented by celebrities.
- Q: How much money does a makeup artist make?
- A: Makeup artists who work out of beauty salons, such as wedding makeup artists, typically make an average of $32,740 per year if working full time. Makeup artists who work in theater or movies typically earn a significantly higher wage that’s an average of $99,990 per year.