Top 10 Best Makeup Artists

We feature professional makeup artists who specialize in bridal and event makeup. These experts are selected for their artistry, use of high-quality products, and excellent client feedback.

Lacquer and Lashes

Geary Street, San Francisco, California
5.0 (124 reviews)

After 17 years of working in the beauty industry for brands like Bobbi Brown, Bare Minerals, Charlotte Tilbury and Laura Mercier, Nicole opened Lacque More Detail

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Sweet Fuss Hair & Makeup Artistry

East 4th Street, Los Angeles, California
5.0 (123 reviews)
  • Hair extension services
  • Hair extension removal
  • Reapplying hair extensions
  • See More

Nestled in Downtown Long Beach, Sweet Fuss Hair & Makeup Artistry offers tailored bridal beauty services that reflect your unique style and natural be More Detail

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Christina Choi Cosmetics

Sutter Street, San Francisco, California
5.0 (115 reviews)
  • Corporate Events / Partnerships
  • Makeup consultation
  • Makeovers
  • See More

With over 25 years of industry experience, Christina Choi is proud to launch her personal line of makeup, Christina Choi Cosmetics. Her passion is to More Detail

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Wowpretty Makeup and Hair Agency

, San Francisco, California
5.0 (105 reviews)
  • Wedding Hair
  • Wedding Makeup
  • Weddings

Wowpretty Professional Makeup and Hair Agency, airbrush weddings, bridal makeup and hair, events, and full salon services in Bay Area. www.wowpretty.c More Detail

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Muse Permanent Makeup

Harrison Street, San Francisco, California
5.0 (96 reviews)
  • Flawless Brows
  • Sleek Liner
  • Lush Lips

Our Beauty Bar provides comprehensive express skincare and PMU treatments of the highest quality. More Detail

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Beauty By Heather Arnold

Sandy Crest Court, San Diego, California
5.0 (94 reviews)
  • Makeup lessons
  • Makeup consultation
  • Makeup application
  • See More

Beauty by Design provides mobile makeup artistry and specializes in wedding and event makeup. More Detail

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Makeup&Hair by Adelina

Whitwood Lane, San Jose, California
5.0 (94 reviews)

In need of a Make Up Artist for your Wedding, engagement photos or just a night out in town? Makeup and hair by Adelina is the right place! Able to cr More Detail

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Patricia Castro Makeup

North Harbor Drive, Los Angeles, California
5.0 (83 reviews)
  • Makeup Artists
  • Bridal Makeup

Patricia specializes in makeup artistry services for all events and occasions including bridal, maternity and engagement photoshoots, quinceneras, pro More Detail

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Pauline Farace Beauty

Camden Avenue, San Jose, California
5.0 (142 reviews)
  • Custom Facials by Pauline Farace Beauty
  • Makeovers
  • Makeup application

Studio Joule offers Makeup Styling, Shopping Trips & Makeup Lessons. Facial Treatments, including PCA Peels & Brow Design. More Detail

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Beauty Affair

North Alta Vista Boulevard, Los Angeles, California
5.0 (126 reviews)
  • Hair styling
  • Beauty Affair
  • Bridal Beauty
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Beauty Affair is a bridal beauty boutique which serves brides and privet clients in Southern California and across the globe. Beauty Affair is created More Detail

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Frequently Asked Questions

Start by checking their portfolio and reviews, this will give you an idea of their expertise and whether their work aligns with your vision. For brides or anyone with specific skin concerns, ask about the products they use to ensure compatibility with your skin. Booking a trial session is highly recommended to avoid last-minute surprises. Also, check their punctuality and hygiene practices, as a good artist should maintain a clean kit.

 Your skin should be clean, hydrated, and prepped for the best makeup results. A day before, exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells and apply a good moisturizer. Avoid trying new skincare products, as they might cause breakouts or irritation. 

If you have a reference photo, bring it to help the artist understand your vision. On the day of your appointment, wear a button-down shirt to avoid ruining your makeup while changing outfits. If you have oily skin, ask the artist to use a mattifying primer and oil-control setting spray for longer wear.

Makeup application time depends on the look you’re going for. A simple glam look takes about 45–60 minutes, while bridal or special event makeup can take 2–3 hours due to accuracy and layering. If additional features like false lashes, contouring, or airbrush makeup are involved, expect extra time. Special effects or costume makeup can take even longer, depending on the difficulty. Always plan accordingly, especially for events like weddings, where you will need extra buffer time.

Pricing depends on experience, location, and the type of makeup service you need.

  • Basic event makeup: $50–$150
  • Bridal makeup: $150–$500+ (includes trials and touch-ups)
  • Photoshoot makeup: $100–$300
  • Special effects makeup: $100+ (varies by design and difficulty)

Some artists charge extra for travel, false lashes, and airbrush makeup, so always confirm pricing details before booking.

To make sure your look remains intact, here are a few key steps we suggest taking. 

  • Find a specialist: Look for artists experienced in bridal, event, or long-wear makeup.
  • Check reviews and portfolios: See if their makeup holds up in long events and different conditions.
  • Ask about products: Ensure they use waterproof, sweat-resistant, and high-quality formulas.
  • Book a trial: Test how the makeup lasts on your skin before the big day.

Get touch-up tips: A good artist will recommend products for quick fixes.