Top 10 Makeup Artists in Raleigh, NC
Hiring the services of a professional makeup artist doesn’t mean you have to get glammed up. It can just be about enhancing your natural features and putting your best face forward. Whether you’re getting married, planning a photo shoot, or just want to look your best, we have you covered with 10 of the top makeup artists in Raleigh.
Ready to start your search for makeup artists in Raleigh? Check out this list of some of the city's top talent to find the best match for your big day.
Wedded Kiss
Based in Raleigh, Wedded Kiss is a team of beauty specialists who offer bridal makeup and a variety of hair services. All of them have extensive training in the beauty industry and believe that your look “should match your personality and NOT follow trends.”
When you have your makeup done by the team at the Wedded Kiss, they will allow you to express your own style and never pressure you to fit any external standards.
Ashley Watts Makeup
With around a decade of experience working in Los Angeles and New York, Ashley Watts is one of the most in-demand makeup artists in Raleigh. She is a licensed and insured commercial hair and makeup artist, as well as a professional male groomer.
Ashley Watts graduated from the Make-Up Designory and Leon’s Beauty School before working on several TV and film productions. Her work has been featured in Allure Magazine, Mod Society, and House Beautiful.
Karen Michelle Clark
Karen Michelle Clark is a Raleigh local who began doing her friends' makeup at a young age. In 2005, she started working with Lancôme before going on to do sales for YSL and Dior. But Karen quickly realized that sales wasn’t for her and decided to pursue her passion for makeup but getting her esthetician license and establishing her own business.
She loves making her clients feel beautiful and giving them the confidence they need to live their best life. Over the years, Karen has worked with Miss Universe New Zealand, Duke University School of Nursing, and Burt’s Bees.
Natural Beauties by Vee
Vee describes herself as an “ambitious makeup artist” who works on-location, at her studio, and in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re getting married or planning a commercial shoot, she will collaborate with you closely and advise you on the best options for your look.
While Vee loves her “natural look,” she is also not shy about using a lot of colors and glamming things up. If you ask her what her signature look is, Vee will show you with glowing gusto.
Wink Hair & Makeup
Established in 2016, Wink Hair & Makeup is a team of talented beautiful professionals who specialize in weddings, photo shoots, and commercial hair and makeup services. They can be hired for bridal trial consultations in the lead-up to your special day, giving you the opportunity to explain your desired makeup look and hairstyle.
When your wedding day rolls around, Wink Hair & Makeup works closely with your planner and photographer to ensure a stress-free experience and that your schedule runs on time.
Ashley Mooney Hair & Makeup
Launched in 2012, Ashley Mooney Hair & Makeup offers professional beautiful services for all of life’s most important occasions. Ashley loves getting to know her clients and creating a bespoke look that is personalized just for them, with a commitment to offering the highest level of customer service.
Ashley leads a carefully selected team of talented individuals who bond over their shared love of beauty artistry, with more than 25 years of professional experience collectively.
Makeup and More by Dee
Deidre Mattingly is the owner and artist behind Makeup and More by Dee and brings more than 10 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist to the table. While she's based in Raleigh, she's happy to travel further afield on her mission to “make the world a more beautiful and loving place.”
Dee is experienced in industries ranging from television and film to bridal, not to mention editorial and commercial shoots. Her studio also offers organic spray tanning for a natural-looking finish to your completed look.
Devine Beauty Co.
The Devine Beauty Co. is owned and operated by Leah, a licensed esthetician who has been working professionally since 2016. But she says her obsession with creative beauty started well before that and she also holds a degree in Fine Art.
Leah says that connecting with clients is what drives her to do what she does and believes that “life is easier with a beauty guru on your side.” In addition to microblading and false lash application, she can be hired to do cosmetic tattoos.
Makeup by Kaley
While Kaley Alvarez might be one of the youngest makeup artists on our list, she still has around 10 years of passion for the beauty industry under her belt.
She and her team offer makeup services for weddings, special events, and photoshoots, with a commitment to enhancing the natural beauty of her clients. Kaley welcomes people of all skin types to her salon and prides herself on celebrating diversity.
Reign Beauty
Marissa is the owner and founder of Reign Beauty, a Raleigh-based beauty salon that offers on-trend hair and makeup looks for brides and everyday women. She leads a team of hair and makeup professionals who can either travel to your wedding venue or host you in their boho-inspired studio.
Marissa has around 8 years of professional experience in the beauty industry and is joined by a talented team of individuals who are all experts in their field.