Best Wedding Makeup Artists in Raleigh-Durham NC
Hey everyone! It’s Dareece here again, bridal hairstylist based in Durham, NC. It’s no secret that I only do hair but many of my brides ask if I can do their makeup as well. Honestly, that is a hard NO for me to do a bride’s wedding day makeup. Trust me, you do NOT want me doing your makeup!! It’s not my strong suit at all and I would only ever attempt it in the case of an extreme emergency. However, I have worked with some amazing makeup artists during weddings and photo shoots. So I have compiled this short list to help any current and future brides who are searching for bridal and wedding makeup artists in the Raleigh-Durham area. Every makeup artist listed below can do makeup on all complexions, so women of color should feel safe reaching out to any one of them.
Makeup and Photo by April Perry of Fresh Faces by April
Liz Pollock | Dark Hearts Artistry
First up, we begin with my business bestie, Liz Pollock of Dark Hearts Artistry, who has been doing makeup for over 11 years. We have worked together on numerous weddings and photoshoots and Liz comes through every time! She is excellent at makeup and has the best, most fun energy on wedding mornings, during bridal hair trials, etc. No matter what is going on in your life, she will have you laughing and feeling good about yourself. I’ve been working with Liz since 2020 and she has ALWAYS done exceptional work. She can go super glam with your makeup or low key if you prefer a more natural beat. Liz is based in Erwin, NC(near Fayetteville) and travels throughout North Carolina for her brides.
Samara Perchick | Makeup x Samara
Next up is Samara with Makeup X Samara, a wedding makeup artist based in Raleigh, NC. Samara specializes in a natural glow makeup look for brides and special events. If you wear light makeup daily and/or just want to look and feel like the best, most elevated version of yourself, Samara’s got you covered! She has calm, chill energy, like myself, and we work well together. If by chance she is not available for your day, she does have a couple of makeup artists referrals that can do a natural beat like her or she can show you how to do your own makeup with her Natural Glow Academy.
Jomarei Santana | Southern Artistry
We will now move along to Jomarei of Southern Artistry, which is based in Fayetteville, NC. Jomarei travels throughout North Carolina and South Carolina for weddings and is a cool, calm, collected makeup artist with over ten years experience. Her expertise allows her to embrace brides with any skin complexion and all ethnicities. I love her work! She has a great range of makeup looks she can do flawlessly, while moving quickly and efficiently, making sure her bride and guests feel comfortable with their looks. Her focus is timeless glamour, photo ready skin, and a modern-day look.
https://southernartistry.wixsite.com/southernartistry/artist
Kristen Brabble | Hello Pretty You
Last, but not least in any way, is Kristen of Hello Pretty You, based in Raleigh, NC. I’ve only had the opportunity to work with Kristen one time but she left such a positive impression on me that I recommend her every time a bride asks about makeup artist referrals. She’s excellent at her work. Period. She is a true professional with fun, yet calm energy. She is quick, focused and dedicated to making sure everyone looks awesome alongside the bride. Also, she just goes with the flow of the wedding day, as do all of the artists I have listed. Wedding days can be unpredictable, despite the best of planning, so it’s important to make sure you have vendors that can pivot and adjust easily to your day alongside you.
I know that’s a short list my friends, but these are my top go to wedding makeup artists in the Raleigh-Durham area that I always refer brides to. They’re all solo artists without teams and can accommodate intimate bridal parties. Most of the brides who work with me only need wedding hair and makeup services for themselves or a small group. If you need wedding makeup for a big group, I would highly advise you to check out some wedding beauty teams that can service large parties. As always, if you have any suggestions for me to add to this list, please let me know! Until next time, be safe and enjoy this time in your life!
Sincerely,
Dareece