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You just got engaged. Your spreadsheet already has a tab for budget, a tab for guest list, and a tab you haven’t labeled yet because you’re not sure what else is coming. Somewhere on that spreadsheet is a line item you’re staring at right now: makeup artist. Can you skip it? Do your own? Ask […]

Have you ever fallen in love with a lipstick on someone else, brought it home, and wondered why it just doesn’t look the same on you? More often than not, the answer is undertone. Understanding whether your skin leans warm, cool, neutral, or olive is one of the most useful things you can know about […]

My makeup bag essentials, the shops I couldn’t leave without visiting, and everywhere we ate this summer on Cape Cod and Nantucket. Every summer my family heads to Cape Cod to spend time with my best friend Samantha — we’ve been friends since we were little, and now our families vacation together every year. Sam […]

Summer makeup is about skin, not coverage. Heat, humidity, and long days outside call for something lighter than foundation, which is exactly where summer skin tints earn their place in your routine. A good skin tint gives you that lit-from-within look without ever feeling heavy. Here are the four summer skin tints I keep coming […]

Your wedding morning sets the tone for everything that follows. The right getting-ready space keeps things calm, on schedule, and easy for everyone working around you. I’ve done bridal makeup across the DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland area for years. I’ve gotten ready in just about every kind of space there is. Here’s what actually […]

If you’ve sat in my chair for a makeup lesson, there’s a good chance you’ve watched me reach for this one on its own, instead of foundation. Not a primer and not a tinted moisturizer pretending to be skincare. It’s lighter than foundation, and I use it on myself daily. It’s Tarte CC Tinted Serum. […]

The Beauty Industry Gave You Everything Except a Guide to Your Own Face We are living in the most product-rich, tutorial-saturated moment in beauty history. And somehow, most women who seek out makeup lessons in Northern Virginia — or anywhere — are still standing at the mirror feeling unsure. That’s not a personal failing. That’s […]

If you’ve ever watched a tutorial, followed every step, and still walked away wondering why your result looked nothing like the one on screen — your skin type is probably the missing piece of the conversation. The products that perform beautifully on one person can slide, cake, or disappear entirely on another, and it has […]

If you’ve recently gotten engaged and started searching for a DC bridal makeup artist, you may have already noticed something: the timelines feel earlier than you expected. Florists suggest 12 to 18 months out. Photographers book up fast. And your makeup artist? She may already be unavailable for your date. This isn’t meant to stress […]

Makeup and skincare products don’t last forever. Using expired formulas can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, or even infections — and most of us hold onto products far longer than we should. Knowing when to replace your beauty products is key to keeping your skin healthy and your makeup performing its best. How to Check […]