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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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Photo of a hand signing a piece of paper representing legal contract templates for makeup artists

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Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. When you’re a beauty professional working with brides, brands, and private clients, protecting your time […]

Why I Use The Legal Paige for My Makeup Artist Contracts

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Makeup

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

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As a professional makeup artist who specializes in skin-forward, radiant beauty, I’m always searching for products that perform beautifully and treat the skin with care. Over the years, I’ve tried countless brands, but very few check every box the way Tower28 does. Their products are gentle, effective, and thoughtfully designed with even the most sensitive […]

The Tower28 Products I Love for Sensitive Skin

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

Professional woman wearing natural, polished makeup for a Zoom video call, created by Washington DC makeup artist Kiley Smith

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Living right outside of Washington, DC, I work with many busy professionals — lawyers, realtors, federal employees, you name it. I love helping them look and feel their best, but I also know that between long commutes, family responsibilities, and packed schedules, makeup often takes a backseat. As a business owner, wife, and mom of […]

15 Minute Zoom Makeup for Professionals

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Makeup

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

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

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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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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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Makeup

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When it comes to choosing the best products for my clients, safety and quality are my top priorities. Many people are drawn to the idea of “clean beauty” in the U.S., but what does that really mean? The truth is, U.S. regulations around cosmetics are far more relaxed than most people realize. This is why […]

Why I Source My Makeup Products from Europe

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The wedding experience

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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!