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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

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

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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Makeup

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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

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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

Makeup

Makeup

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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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

Top Business Tools for Makeup Artists

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Running a successful makeup artistry business takes more than just brushes and palettes—it requires organization, communication, and efficiency. Over the years, I’ve discovered a collection of tools that make managing my business seamless and allow me to focus on what I love: helping my clients feel radiant and confident. Let’s dive into the top business […]

Top Business Tools for Makeup Artists

Business

Business

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How to Support My Small Business This Holiday Season The holiday season is here, and it’s one of the most important times of the year for small businesses like mine. Your support not only helps my business thrive but also allows me to continue doing what I love—helping people feel their most beautiful and confident. […]

How to Support My Small Business This Holiday Season

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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!