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The Makeup by Kiley Smith

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I'm Kiley Smith, an experienced makeup artist with over 20 years in the industry, based in Fairfax City, Virginia. 
My passion lies in creating natural, radiant makeup looks that enhance your beauty, ensuring you feel confident and stunning with a flawless finish. 

I'm Kiley smith

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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 […]

How to Choose Makeup for Your Skin Type

Makeup

Bride-to-Be

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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 […]

DC Bridal Makeup Artist: Why Brides Are Booking Early

summer bridal makeup Northern Virginia bride

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Let’s be real — summer in the DC metro area is brutal. By late June, temperatures climb into the 90s, humidity hits the moment you step outside, and wedding days run 10 to 12 hours from getting ready to last dance. That’s a lot to ask of anyone’s makeup. The good news? The right preparation, […]

Summer Bridal Makeup: Northern Virginia & DC Guide

Makeup

Makeup

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Every bride has that one image she keeps returning to — saved on her phone, pinned to her board, or simply living rent-free in her mind. And more often than not, it isn’t a dress or a venue. It’s a face. A feeling. A woman who walked into a room and looked effortlessly, undeniably like […]

Your Bridal Makeup Style, According to Your Favorite It Girl

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There’s something especially magical about an autumn wedding at Goodstone Inn & Restaurant. The rolling hills, golden leaves, and quiet countryside create a setting that feels both intimate and timeless. Lauren and Mitchell’s October wedding captured that feeling beautifully—elegant, relaxed, and deeply personal. Originally from Texas and now living in London, the couple thoughtfully wove […]

An Autumn Wedding at Goodstone Inn

Makeup

Makeup

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Your bridal makeup trial is an essential step in preparing for your wedding day look. It gives you the chance to explore options, communicate with your makeup artist, and feel confident before walking down the aisle. However, many brides unknowingly make simple mistakes that can keep their trial from being as successful as it could […]

Common Bridal Trial Mistakes

Professional makeup artist applying cleansing balm to remove makeup, demonstrating gentle skincare technique

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As a professional makeup artist, I know that beautiful makeup always begins with healthy, clean skin. That’s why I love using cleansing balms to remove makeup. Whether I’m preparing a client’s skin for application or helping a bride remove a full day of glam, cleansing balms are my go-to — and for good reason. Why […]

Why I Use Cleansing Balms to Remove Makeup

Makeup

Makeup

Washington DC makeup artist Kiley Smith sitting in front of a professional high-CRI makeup light in her Fairfax Virginia studio

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Note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use in my kit. As a professional makeup artist, my goal is simple: help every client look and feel their absolute best. Whether you’re heading […]

Why I Use High-CRI Makeup Lighting on Every Client

When to book your makeup artist

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Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming with all the decisions you need to make. But when it comes to booking your makeup artist, timing is everything! In this blog post, I’ll cover when to book your wedding makeup artist to make sure you get the perfect person for your big day. Whether you’re getting married […]

When To Book Your Wedding Makeup Artist

Wedding

Makeup

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The morning of your wedding sets the tone for the rest of your big day. While it’s important to avoid certain pitfalls, there are also key things you should do to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s a list of 5 do’s and don’ts for your wedding morning. 5 Things You Should Do: 1. Eat a […]

5 Do’s and Don’ts for Your Wedding Morning

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The wedding experience

INquire with Kiley

I specialize in professional makeup services, including bridal makeup, photoshoot makeup, and personalized makeup lessons—some of my most sought-after offerings. I also provide expert makeup for special events, TV, and editorial projects. Explore all of my services here!

Discover my signature wedding experience, crafted to give you flawless, natural, and radiant makeup for your special day. From our initial consultation to the final touch-up, I’m here to provide a luxurious and stress-free experience tailored to your unique vision. Click to learn more!

Ready to bring your vision to life? Whether it’s for your wedding, a photoshoot, or a special event, I’d love to work with you. Click to inquire, and let’s start planning a personalized experience just for you!