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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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Northern Virginia professional makeup artist wedding day

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Over twenty years ago, I sat down at my first professional makeup chair with a kit I’d carefully curated, techniques I’d trained hard to learn, and absolutely no idea how much I still had left to figure out. That’s the thing nobody tells you about this industry — the craft never stops teaching you. After […]

Professional Makeup Artist Northern Virginia — 20 Years of Lessons

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Makeup

Low Contrast Makeup

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Low contrast makeup starts with understanding your natural harmony. When your hair, skin, and eyes sit close in depth and value, you naturally create a soft, blended appearance. That softness defines low contrast coloring — and your makeup should support it, not compete with it. When you ignore this balance, heavy pigment and sharp definition […]

Low Contrast Makeup

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With FX’s Love Story premiering February 12th, fascination with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy beauty favorites and her signature minimalism is resurfacing. While the series revisits her iconic romance, it also reminds us of her quietly powerful beauty aesthetic. The allure of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy beauty favorites lies in her restraint. She didn’t rely on heavy glam or dramatic […]

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Beauty Favorites

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Makeup

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Transitioning your makeup from day to night doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With a few easy steps, you can elevate your daytime look into something more glamorous for the evening. Here are some effortless day-to-night makeup tips to make the switch seamless and stress-free. Step 1: Refresh Your Base After a busy day, […]

Effortless Day-to-Night Makeup Tips

bridal makeup inspiration photos unfiltered Washington DC makeup artist

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Every so often, a client sits down in my chair and pulls out her phone to show me her inspiration — and I can tell instantly that the image has been heavily filtered, AI-generated, or edited beyond recognition. The skin is poreless. The lips are perfectly symmetrical. The cheekbones could cut glass. It’s a beautiful […]

Why Unfiltered Inspiration Photos Make for Better Bridal Makeup

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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

Washington DC makeup artist Kiley Smith showing eyeshadow swatches to her client in her studio in Fairfax, Virginia

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The new year is a natural time for fresh starts and intentional self-investment — and one of the most meaningful ways to do that is to finally learn how to do your own makeup well. If you’ve been curious about booking makeup lessons in Northern Virginia, here’s exactly why a one-on-one session might be the […]

Why a Makeup Lesson Is the Best Investment You Can Make This Year

Makeup

Makeup

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At first glance, the true cost of a natural makeup look may seem like it should be lower, as it appears simpler and more subtle. However, did you know that creating a flawless natural look takes professional expertise, top-tier products, and time to ensure the makeup looks seamless and radiant?  Here’s why achieving a natural […]

The True Cost of a Natural Makeup Look

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Have you ever wanted some makeup myths debunked? Well, today is the day! As someone who lives and breathes makeup, I’ve heard it all, and I’m here to set the record straight. Let’s bust these myths wide open and give you the confidence to handle your beauty routine like a professional. Myth 1: You Need […]

Makeup Myths Debunked: Setting the Record Straight

Makeup

Skincare

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As a makeup artist, I am constantly on the lookout for new skincare products for my clients. While I’ve heard fantastic things about the Elemis brand for years, I never got around to trying their products—until now. Elemis generously sent me three of their standout products to review: the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial […]

Elevate Your Skincare with Elemis

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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!