I had the best experience with Rare Bird for my July (HOT) wedding!! I felt just beyond beautiful -…read moreand I am so grateful. Hector and Laura did an incredible job - I felt like myself, and I felt incredible, and my bridesmaids and moms echoed my feelings. Moms, in particular, can be tough, and both Hector and Laura listened to both my mom and mother-in-law, let them make changes and let them feel heard - it was amazing.  Not only did we all feel beautiful, but Laura and Hector had such joyful, calming energy and we had a blast getting ready with them in the room. Couldn't recommend more. My hair and make up lasted all night (admittedly I did not take my makeup off before crashing and honestly it looked perfect in the morning) - and my extensions were PERFECTLY matched by the Rare Bird team, Laura cut them perfectly day of and I'm so grateful I now have them in my rotation for special occasions. It was amazing, truly, couldn't recommend more!

The wedding day hairstyle suffered from unusual curl shape, severe curl frizz, and excessive volume…read moreat the crown. The crown height was so high it created an overwhelming look super reminiscent of a pageant style. Fixing that required immediate intervention from my bridesmaids who could see my side profile looked so bad as well and asked the stylist to smooth DOWN the volume and balance it. We were assured that her flattening of it with hairspray would keep it lowered but it literally raised back up an hour later. This cost me tons having to pay for extra editing on the photos, unfortunately, because I couldn't look at my hair :(

Our wedding was almost 1 month ago, and I've been trying for weeks to find the appropriate words…read morethat convey the gratitude I have for Joanna (Joanna B. Artistry). Joanna is one of a kind, extremely personable and a true professional in the industry. Our original wedding date was set for 8/15/20 and getting engaged less than a year before, I was in a rush to lock in my team of vendors. I reached out to a friend who sent me multiple MUA suggestions, one being Joanna, as my friend was a bridesmaid in a recent wedding of hers. Joanna was available for my date and after chatting on the phone I quickly locked her in for myself plus 8 bridesmaids, my mom and future mother in law. We did my initial makeup trial in December 2020 and I was the bride that brought a few inspiration photos but didn't really give much direction to the look I was going for. Joanna was patient, confident and so skilled that she knew what look would complement my features/skin tone and went to work. She delivered A+ bridal glam while still having me look like my natural self, false lashes and all. She even updated my look right then after the trial by adding a red lip for my engagement shoot that afternoon, which was such a sweet and unexpected gesture. Fast forward to spring 2020, pandemic in full swing and a new wedding date of 6/26/21. Joanna stuck with me through all the many changes, didn't take advantage of the situation by adding contract addendum fees and even offered a Black Friday deal for rehearsal dinner glam for her brides. She stayed in touch, checked in and made me feel confident and excited for our new wedding date. Joanna also stayed on top of beauty and makeup trends while events were all cancelled or postponed during the spring. Her Instagram is my favorite as she shares honest opinions/reviews about both skin and makeup products. I also booked another make up session for round 2 engagement photos with Joanna that October and it's true talent when you can create multiple looks on the same person for different occasions. On the wedding day, Joanna brought an assistant with her (as planned) for our wedding day as we had 11 people total and her assistant was top of the line talent as well. My whole bridal party felt beautiful and our makeup lasted the entire night without even needing to touch up (although Joanna provides her brides with a generous touch up kit, just in case). It's also important to note that it was raining sideways and extremely humid, but looking at the bridal party, you'd never know judging by our long lasting glam. I highly recommend getting your makeup done for the rehearsal as well as I wish there was a recording of my reaction when Joanna showed me the "finished product" in the mirror. I was SO excited and after already having 2 trials, having one the day before the wedding made me confident that I would feel like my best self on the biggest day of my life and let me tell you, I did. I have never felt so beautiful in my entire life. I have also never seen my mom look so gorgeous and it made me happy that she was so happy! I call Joanna a wizard because she's casually chatting with you, so calm, focused and voila! hands you the mirror and it's truly a natural work of art. I'm already trying to think of reasons why I need my makeup professionally done to utilize Joanna again. I could not recommend anyone better and trust you are in GREAT hands with the loveliest of professionals, Joanna B. Artistry. Photos by @annkamphoto

I am absolutely ecstatic to add to the extensive list of rave reviews about Joanna. First, she is…read moreextremely talented - my bridesmaids, mother, and mother in law, looked flawless for the entire day and night. She crushes everything from a natural to glam look, and you will still look like "yourself". Second, she uses the best products and has excellent recommendations - I now have a completely updated skincare and make-up routine. Third, she is extremely responsive and organized. She will follow-up with you after your trial to see what worked and what did not - and she will remember all of those details on your wedding day months later. We all felt absolutely beautiful and confident, and I took pride in giving my bridesmaids the "gift" of Joanna!

She did me and my mother's make up for my wedding. It was absolutely gorgeous, and it stayed on the…read morewhole night! And it was 80° outside. Thank you so much Lena!

2 words: BOOK HER! cannot express my happiness when booking…read morethrough Lena!! She is truly terrific! Her patience and eye for detail is what makes her a talented artist! I had booked her for a night out and since then she is my go to girl!!! There was no question who I would have help me make my wedding day Even more special!!

It's not too often that I splurge on getting my makeup done. Actually, professional makeup…read moreapplication is usually reserved only for weddings. And intended to match some frothy, overdone bridesmaid dress. As in some derivative of plum on my lips to match my eggplant dress. As in overdrawn lip liner which results in a Pamela Anderson-esque look. I flip through magazines and study the page when I see a M.A.C. cosmetics ad. Bright pink eye shadow, feathers, glittery eyelashes... scary stuff. Haute couture makeup has its place, but not parked on my face. Ladies, you saw SATC the movie, right? Think Carrie on her wedding day with the crazy dark lipstick and the bird-thing on her head. Not.for.me. So, I felt like looking pretty one night for no particular reason. Makeup artiste extraordinaire Laura Black and her big back of tricks made a house call to my apartment! Even though I cringe at the thought of someone being so close to my eyes with sharp tools such as tweezers and eyelash curlers, Laura put me at ease. She has a soft, fluttery touch. Really, I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep! Laura is professional and friendly, and talks just enough. Everyone knows a stylist that talks so much that you feel tired when it's all said and done. Beauty treatments should be relaxing, and my makeup application was exactly that. Please don't take this as vain-- but when I saw the girl in the mirror looking back at me, I was impressed. Slightly awestruck, I kept looking... this was a much better version of the usual me, but still me. I like that. I never wear base, but Laura's expert application was so feather light and natural that I just ended up with a flawless canvas. I had somehow developed cheekbones I didn't know existed. My lips were tinted a glossy, sexy, nude-ish shade--a shade which I previously believed I was unable to wear. My eyes, however, were my favorite part. Smoky, sparkly and sexy without the vamp. The sparkle? Courtesy of a super-cool M.A.C. pigment powder. My green eyes popped! I took the show to the road that evening. Upon seeing me, one of my male friends immediately remarked "Oh--I'm so casual, and look at you!" I was only wearing jeans and a tank, but he knew something was different. Then I ran into another acquaintance, one that I had not seen for over a year. His take? "Wow, Jelena... I don't know how to say this, but you look amazing... not that you don't usually [insert foot in the mouth], but, um... you look really different... hot!" The makeup lasted all night, alas a "bombshell" for only an evening. I was even a little sad to scrub the beauty from my face when I got home. As I kept telling Laura... thank you, you're a goddess. What else would you call someone with such incredible transformative powers? Whether you're getting done-up for a wedding or just a night on the town, Laura's your girl.

I always walk away from makeup counters with a teeny bag full of overpriced crayons that I never…read moreintended on buying and a lump in my throat imaging the credit card receipt that I just shoved to the bottom of my purse. But hey, at least I got that free gift. The bright lights that make my skin look terrible and the gay guy at the counter that has better makeup on then I could ever dream of, make me feel like there is so much more that I could be doing with my face. I was beginning to feel especially inept with a makeup brush and guilty about all of the great products I had purchased over the years that barley made it out of the packaging. I decided to take action and I booked a makeup lesson. Enter Laura Black. Laura came to my house with her makeup case (which was about the size of a trunk you might pack for a month long voyage) and a fierce looking apron with every beauty do-hickey known to woman kind tucked away in its rightful pocket. With patience and excellent explanations Laura went to work on my face. She talked me though everything she was doing, from the motion in her wrist when applying color to the crease in the eye, to the reasoning behind dotting concealer on my lips. Now, I don't want to give away all of Laura's beauty tips here.....but you can be sure that she has plenty of them. From the colors to use for my face tone, to the sure-fire way to perfect blush.......I learned more from Laura in one hour then I have from reading thousands of makeup articles in Cosmo. And the best part? Laura used almost all of my own makeup and I didn't walk away from the lesson with a long list of "must buy's." When Laura was finished I hardly believed the reflection in the mirror. I didn't see makeup or colors, what I saw was a fresh-faced gorgeous version of myself. In my own best daydreams about my wedding, my sold our concert, and my Oscar acceptance speech, I've never looked that good. Since my makeup lesson, I have added a few minutes to my routine in the morning and I leave the house feeling more put together then before. But the best part is that now, when I am getting ready for a big night out, I actually look forward to spending time doing my makeup. What a difference it makes when you know what you're doing! Just the other night a friend told me how great my eye makeup looked. I started to tell her how I'd perfected the technique, then I thought better of it and just referred her to Laura Black.

Ann Marie recently did my makeup for a photo shoot (another GREAT review there) and I loved every…read moresecond of it. The shoot was boudoir so I was a little nervous but Ann Marie made me feel like I was in great hands. I showed her what I had brought to wear. It was a high waisted number so she immediately was asking if I wanted that classic pin-upy look. I did and she got started. Before I go any further I want to explain my ascetic. I have piercings, tattoos and one of those crazy asymmetrical hair cuts with crazy colors all in it. Far from the 'classic' pin-up. I was a little worried that my nontraditional hairstyle might prove to be a roadblock. I had even considered bringing some wigs (my back ups for a classic look). I'm so glad I didn't! My haircut was a non-issue as Ann Marie worked curls throughout my hair. At the end I had this great 1920's fingerwave looking style. She even curled the little tail part of my hair that hangs down from the rest. The whole time she kept checking in to make sure I liked the direction we were going. I felt so GLAM! Then, the makeup. I wanted to go dramatic. Big lips, big eyes, the works. Ann Marie did not disappoint! She did a great job and the products she used felt great going on. When I saw myself at the end I couldn't believe it was me! It was a great experience and solid ego boost. After the shoot was done my makeup still looked great. Ann Marie had even left a little lipstick and a makeup pad in case I needed to touch anything up but I never felt the need. The fake eyelashes she added made my eyes look unreal in the pictures that were taken. It was a great experience and I can't wait to do it all over again.

Ann Marie made me over quickly and beautifully, which is to say that she's just so good at what she…read moredoes, not that she doesn't take her time. I was pleased to see she works with quality products and upscale brands -- my makeup lasted throughout the shoot and well into the night (I looked so good, I decided to go out!). It was my first shoot in a while, but Ann put me at ease right away with her friendly demeanor and upbeat attitude. She's an absolute ray of sunshine! Highly recommended!

Several months ago, I was on the hunt to hire a make-up artist for my wedding, and Briette was…read morepersonally recommended to me. After I checked out her website and spoke to her on the phone, I was blown away by her knowledge and professionalism. Needless to say, I booked her immediately. First off, the trial was extremely affordable ($30). Briette is extremely talented and did a very good job at listening and creating the look I was going for. For once, I felt and looked like a million bucks! On the day of the wedding, Briette showed up 20 minutes early. Yes, she travels to you! I can't tell you how invaluable this service is on a hectic wedding day! She made everyone feel comfortable and did 5 faces (including mine) in less than 3 hours. It was extremely relaxing and felt like a facial. EVERYONE was extremely pleased with their make-up (including two very reluctant mothers who religiously don't wear make-up at all!) The make-up lasted all day and night, especially after several hours of heat (outside) and photography. At her price ($260 total), it was a steal! Briette by far exceeded my (and everyone else's) expectations. I would recommend her to anyone in a heartbeat!

Great to work with Briette again! She is a talented make-up artist and is flexible according to…read moreyour needs. We sent over a few reference photos before our video shoot and she totally understood what we were going for. She knocked it out of the park!

Catherine did the makeup for my wife and her bridesmaids on our wedding day. I don't know much…read moreabout makeup and colors but my wife looked at Catherine's Instagram and she really liked her makeup work so I hired Catherine as a gift to my wife. One thing I know for sure on the big day - I was BLOWN AWAY BY MY WIFE'S BEAUTY. She looks absolutely stunning and gorgeous!! I can't ask for a better gift on our wedding day! Thank you Catherine!

After following up countlessly with Capital One to dispute the charges we were unsuccessful in…read moreobtaining a refund for services not rendered. We were cancelled by the company after complaining about the level of service we were provided and the full amount of what had been paid was retained by the company and refused for refund after this horrific experience. This company failed to act in the best interest of us (the client) and utilized business practices that were not advertised when we signed on with them to take advantage of our trusting nature which resulted in us having to hire a new hair stylist which was not budgeted for. Absolutely horrific experience, its sad to see a company take advantage of an industry that is supposed to make people feel special and appreciated on their big day.

Livia and her team did my wedding hair and my bridesmaids' hair. I was very happy with how my hair…read moreturned out and so were my bridesmaids! Livia has such great attention to detail, and her technique helped my hair hold up throughout the day. She also helped me with touch ups before the ceremony and reception. She was efficient with the limited time we had, which I really loved. She also helped manage my long veil for photos! Livia was very calming and fun to hangout with. I highly recommend her for wedding hair services!

I booked Livia for my wedding hair through my planner at Sweetchic. Liv is amazing and I would book…read moreher again in a heartbeat for any future hair styling needs. My hair was absolutely perfect on my wedding day. She also did an amazing job on my bridesmaids and flower girl. She gave me everything I had asked her for in my hairstyle. I like a lot of volume and wanted to use hair extensions (even though I have a ton of hair already) and she was all for it. She made me feel beautiful and put all my anxieties at ease (and I had a lot of those in general lol). Liv is very talented at doing hair and she's also one of the sweetest women I've meet. Thank you Liv for making me into a gorgeous bride and for your kindness and patience with me :)