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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

Hello!

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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

Bride-to-Be

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

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

Makeup

Wedding

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

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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

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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As a bridal makeup artist, I know how important every detail is on your wedding day. From the perfect lipstick shade to the bridal fragrance that lingers as you walk down the aisle, everything matters. In fact, many people don’t know that I am as passionate about makeup as I am about fragrances. Choosing the […]

The Perfect Bridal Fragrances for Your Big Day

Bride-to-Be

Wedding

Decatur House historic wedding venue on Lafayette Square in Washington DC one block from the White House

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As a professional makeup artist based in Fairfax, I’ve had the privilege of working at some truly stunning wedding venues across the DMV. Over the years, I’ve seen how much a venue’s light and atmosphere shape the entire wedding day experience — not just the photos. Northern Virginia and Washington DC are home to an […]

A Makeup Artist’s Favorite Wedding Venues in Northern Virginia and Washington DC

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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!