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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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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 […]

How to Set Up Your Wedding Day Getting-Ready Space

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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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

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

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

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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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

Makeup

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!