Blog

The Makeup by Kiley Smith

Facebook Copy-color Created with Sketch.
Instagram-color Created with Sketch.

Explore

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!

Read it!

Bloomeffects Sunscreen Favorites for Glowing Skin Bloomeffects is a skincare-forward brand that masterfully combines clean, nutrient-rich formulas with high-performance sun protection. Their products are designed to nourish, hydrate, and enhance natural radiance while keeping skin shielded from daily environmental stressors. When it comes to maintaining luminous, protected skin, these products have quickly become my Bloomeffects […]

Bloomeffects Sunscreen Favorites

Makeup

Makeup

bridal makeup inspiration photos unfiltered Washington DC makeup artist

Read it!

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

Professional makeup artist applying cleansing balm to remove makeup, demonstrating gentle skincare technique

Read it!

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

Makeup

Makeup

Read it!

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

When to book your makeup artist

Read it!

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

Wedding

Makeup

Read it!

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

Read it!

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

Read it!

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

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

Read it!

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

Wedding

Makeup

Read it!

As a makeup artist with 20 years of experience, I understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to look and feel absolutely beautiful. Finding your bridal makeup style is a crucial step in achieving the perfect look that reflects your personality and enhances your […]

Finding Your Bridal Makeup Style

View Services

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!