I wish I could give Nicki 10 stars - she deserves every single one of them! Let me start off by saying after being engaged for about 3 months, I had more or less come to terms with the fact I was never going to find a makeup artist I liked enough for my wedding day. So I booked one on the suggestion of a friend, did a trial with that artist, said "eh, I guess" and called it a day. Well, that wasn't the end of the story as I thought it might be. I was set to get married in August, and it was now March. My youngest sister came home one day GUSHING about this FABULOUS makeup artist named Nicki Hala. She was saying that this girl is just the most wonderful makeup artist, I had to meet her, and, even if I didn't want Nicki to do MY makeup, she was hiring her for hers. Puzzled, I slept on it this thought for a few weeks. A couple weeks later, my BEST FRIEND - who is incredibly picky about her skin and her makeup - tells me about this INCREDIBLE makeup artist who she had tried just the other day and loved. She told me she loved Nicki's style of makeup, Nicki was the sweetest thing ever, Nicki used only the BEST products and she made her feel COMPLETELY at ease. When I went to ask for Nicki's name and contact information, I was surprised (to say the least) that she was the same girl who my own sister had recommended! On to my own trial - within 5 minutes of Nicki starting on me, I knew I was going to ask her to do not only my makeup but my mom and both sisters, too. From the moment I sat in the chair and I looked around her studio, I knew she was the best artist in Chicago. Being a South Asian bride, I wanted looks that "popped" and looked different from one another, but I didn't want to have to give direction 100% of the way. I wanted someone who understood my skin, what was expected of me and could just improvise after seeing each outfit as I had almost a full week of functions and couldn't micromanage every detail. Well, Nicki succeeded without even trying! For my wedding, each of my looks was more beautiful than the next. She got along with my mom - who is fairly picky about her makeup, my sisters who are also quite fussy and myself (the fussiest, obviously). Everyday, my husband would just look at me and say "wow, you look incredible!" and he NEVER says that when I wear makeup! He even went as far as to call me HOT on my wedding day - big compliment to Nicki!!! Every single person at my wedding complimented my makeup and so many asked who my artist was. Nicki even helped me drape a few of my outfits when my mom disappeared before functions - she did it like a champ without knowing she was going to have to beforehand! I can't say enough nice things about Nicki or thank her enough - but the one thing I can say is she made my day even more special than I thought it could be. I looked and felt like a princess, and, under her hand and her care, I felt like the most beautiful bride in the world! read more

I originally contacted Nicki because I had many friends recommend her to me. I was getting married and needed a makeup artist for 4 wedding events. I also knew Nicki was a high demand artist and she would get booked up if I didn't act fast so I reached out and booked her for my wedding 12 months in advance. We signed a contract and I paid a deposit - everything was set. About 4-5 months later I get an email from her saying she has to cancel my booking because.... "her husband surprised her with a trip for there 10 year anniversary and somehow he missed my wedding date in their joint calendar." At the time, I believed her and said no problem and I understood he had planned this surprise and it wasn't in her control. BUT unfortunately for her, the South Asian community is really small. I later learned that she had canceled my booking only to book another bride that was getting married in Mexico. So not only did she cancel my booking, which I had made far in advance to confirm the date was available, but she also lied to me about why she was doing it. so if she does cancel on you in the future, know it's not because she made a mistake. It is just because she got an offer she couldn't refuse. read more

Hala Beauty - Makeup Artists Near Me

Unprofessional, difficult to contact, responds late to emails Added unnecessary stress to wedding planning. read more

She rocks! I was the bride, and she made me look amazing on both days. I got so many compliments and truly felt like a bride! She also took my outfits, style (via pictures and a Pinterest board), and hatred of makeup into account. I looked NATURAL and gorgeous! Thank you so much! I want to find other excuses to get my makeup done now! =) read more

Hala Beauty - Getting Ready for the Wedding Ceremony - June 2014 - Makeup Artists Near Me

Nicki was absolutely fabulous to work with! I had been planning to do my own makeup for my wedding, but as the date drew closer realized that I didn't have the time to devote to perfecting my skills to a point that I would be happy with the result. I contacted Nicki about 2 weeks before the day. She was kind enough to squeeze me into her busy Saturday schedule (she told us she had come from getting people ready for a bridal shower and was headed to a wedding in the 'burbs immediately after finishing with us), but we never felt rushed or like we weren't getting her full attention. We tried a couple of different ideas at my trial, and I was able to select one for the day of. My mother and sisters loved their results, and Nicki answered all of our questions about how to day-to-day makeup application. (I might have gone out and bought the foundation and brush she used on me afterwards because they were so good!) She also gave us a little of each of the lipsticks she used in a container that one of my sisters carried in her purse so we could reapply them before the reception. Nicki was professional, kind, helpful, and super skilled. We loved all of the work she did and the advice she offered. I would definitely hire her for any of your makeup needs! read more

I cannot say enough amazing things about Nicki!! She did my makeup for my Indian wedding in October of 2015. Before I met with Nicki, I had already had two other makeup trials that were pretty disappointing. At this point I was pretty discouraged and basically settled on the idea that I wouldn't be able to find someone that could create my dream look for my wedding, and enter Nicki! After having two disappointing trials I went into my trial with Nicki a little nervous and anxious, she immediately resolved all of my doubts. The trial went great and I knew immediately she was going to be able to give me the custom look that I was looking for. We had six different events during the wedding and Nicki was so helpful in designing and creating new looks for all of my different events and outfits. She was incredibly easy to talk to and confident in her amazing makeup skills! I myself am a big fan of makeup and the latest trends, Nicki definitely uses the highest quality products and has a large array of techniques that she uses to create her looks. I especially loved her eye makeup technique. I have found myself trying to recreate her looks and literally wishing she could do my makeup every weekend! Additionally, she also did my mom's makeup for all the events. Going into the trial and wedding, I know my mom was very apprehensive about getting her makeup done as she has never really had it professionally done before. Nicki quickly eased my mom's uncertainties and was very sensitive about assuring my mom was comfortable with all of her looks during the wedding. In the end, my mom was incredibly happy with her makeup for all the events and I have to say she looked AMAZING!!! To this day my friends and family still compliment my makeup looks during my wedding and bringing Nicki onto my glam team was one of the BEST decisions I made during my entire wedding planning process. You can't go wrong!!! read more

See all

My wedding was on August 22nd, exactly a month ago today and Nicki took part in my special day!! She did my makeup as well as my bridesmaids, and my mother's. Let me tell you, we were all SO HAPPY with our makeup and her skills....she pays close attention to small details, she is very patient, and such a sweetheart. I can honestly say she truly listens to your requests and puts them into action :) Nicki is the absolute best and really good at what she does! I felt so beautiful on my wedding day, thank you Nicki for your awesome makeup artistry!! I will definitely have you do my makeup again for future special events xoxoxo read more

Hala Beauty - Makeup Artists Near Me

I had Nicki do my makeup for my indian wedding and reception August 8-9th 2014. She was such a professional and made me look gorgeous for all the events, and there were many events! Most of all, she was so kind and patient with my stubborn mother who hates getting her make up done. I was so glad to see my mother look as beautiful as I know she is on my special day - that really was the best thing that Nicki did. I actually knew Nicki waaay back in high school and I was so proud to be able to work with her on my big day. This girl is going places, I knew it back in high school.. and it is very clear now! Book her quick, because she is definitely turning into a hot commodity! read more

A friend who used Nicki for her baby shower makeup referred me and I'm so glad. I used Nicki for my wedding events and loved all of my looks. She takes the time to get to know your style and uses her amazing techniques to give you a flawless look. The most important thing for me was wanting to look like myself with a natural yet still bridal look. She was very easy to work with in terms of communication via email and text. I also used her team for my bridesmaids and all the girls were happy with their hair and makeup. She was prompt, professional and fun to get to know during all my time spent with her during trials and day of prepping! I would definitely recommend Nicki and her team! read more

Nicki is great! She'll start working with you the second you book her to make sure that your skin is getting the best care even in the months before you wedding day. She's patient, kind, and above all - her work on both hair and make-up is beautiful! I was pretty picky and had a specific look in mind, and she worked with me to make me look even better than I expected on my wedding day. Thanks so much Nicki! read more

I love Nicki! I was the sister of the groom, so this is not a bridal review, but I was SO happy with the results. She showed up on time, stayed as long as needed to make sure my mom and I were satisfied and happy (no easy task with my mom). She was professional, personable and listened. We had 4 different looks that she completed for us over 3 days, and each day, I looked different from the last, which I LOVED. I had some pictures and colors that I wanted to use, and she went from there...My mom, who is critical, thought she looked "flawless and not very cake-y." We got tons of compliments (maybe as much as the bride! whoops!) and a totally reasonable price. She rocks. read more

Nicki is probably the one of the best makeup artists out there! She is very professional, accommodating and so sweet! I would definitely refer her to others who are looking to have amazing makeup! read more

I have hired Nicki on a number of occasions over the last year and would definitely recommend her to any one regardless of style or taste. She recently did my entire bridal parities make-up and prior to that did my engagement make-up. Nicki knows recent trends and techniques and is able to work with each person based on their taste and style. For my bridal party she took into consideration the outfits and based her color selection on that while still working with each individual girl's preference and somehow still managed for all of them to have a similar look - which looked great in photos! Not only is she beyond professional but is fun to work with. Each time she is on time and does a great job staying on schedule yet not rushing. Will definitely be hiring her again soon! read more

Hired Nicki to do my engagement photoshoot makeup & bridal makeup and hair. She is the best, got lots of compliments. She is friendly and professional, really knows her stuff! A true artist ! read more

Nicki was awesome! She did my wedding makeup as well as my sister's makeup just this last November. I showed her a picture of how I wanted my hair and makeup to be and she duplicated it with no issues! She has a wonderful personality and was open to any suggestions I mentioned. My sister and I received many great compliments throughout the day and my wedding pictures were amazing! I would recommend Nicki to anyone!!!! Hugs :) read more

Nicki was great to work with the weekend of my wedding! She got my mom and mother in law ready for two events, and me for three events. She did a great job and wasn't pushy and did exactly what i had asked for. She showed up early for each event and was incredibly professional (but also really fun to be around and helped you feel less stressed on that day!). She made my mom look like as young as my sister; and me - well, I didn't know I could look that good! I would certainly use her again for any other events/occasions that I have! Worth every star! read more

Nicki was absolutely wonderful to work with! :) She had done my sisters wedding one year ago and I knew I wanted to have her do my makeup for my wedding this past October. After my initial email to Nicki, she responded in a timely manner and was ready to set up a trial run! The trial run went great and we discussed things we may want to change on the wedding day. On the wedding day, Nicki was scheduled to do 6 makeups, including mine. She was always right on time with the schedule and had a way of putting everyone at ease. All the girls loved their makeup, including me! I wanted more of a smokey eye with a light lip and I think it came out perfect. She gave me some lipstick for re-application throughout the night. My makeup continued to look great 12 hours later after dancing the night away. I would definitely recommend Nicki!! read more

I live in San Diego and got married in Chicago this past April. I was so nervous about finding a hair and makeup artist since I didn't have the luxury of scheduling multiple trials. Nicki came highly recommended by one of my friends and she was amazing. During my hair and makeup trial, Nicki was very receptive to what I wanted. On my wedding day, Nicki created the updo we had previously decided on. However, my hair was being uncooperative so she took it all down and started over again with a similar updo. Nicki improvised and made my hair look great (and it only added 20 more minutes to our schedule). Nicki was unbelievably easy to work with. She was efficient, had a great attitude and sense of humor (even when I asked her to completely re-do my hair!). I also loved my makeup, which stayed on ALL night--through eating, dancing and a ton of crying. I would highly recommend Nicki to any bride who wants to look beautiful on their big day! read more

Hala Beauty - Makeup by Nicki - Makeup Artists Near Me

See all

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nicki! Her personality and talent are just a few of the amazing qualities she possesses. Nicki had done my hair and makeup for 5 of our wedding events within 3 days. In every instance, she was able to create a completely unique look making me feel like a superstar! Not only did she do my hair and makeup, but she also created custom looks for my sister and mom, both of whom are very picky. They loved every look! My mom, who does NOT like getting hair and makeup done, was concerned about looking fake in pictures. Nicki was able to ease her anxiety and created beautiful natural looks that my mom was completely in love with. She instantly wanted Nicki to be apart of our family! Every event, my husband continually admired and complimented every look Nicki created, and this is guy who prefers no-makeup looks. Almost 3 months after our wedding, he is still talks about it! Never did I have to reapply, adjust, fix my makeup, it was FLAWLESS. One of the best decisions I made was to have Nicki apart of our glam squad. Nicki made me feel so beautiful and elegant during our wedding festivities, that I cannot thank her enough! If you want to feel like a princess on your big day, having Nicki is a MUST! read more

We used her services for makeup and hair and also for saree draping for my daughters wedding day and the night before. They are the worst makeup artists and saree drapers in my opinion. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. We had a horrific experience with them. The person who draped the sarees didn't know how to drape them. She was asking us how to do it, and she took an hour to drape a saree, which our family had to redo ourselves. So we told the lady not drape our sarees and we ended up doing them all ourselves. Such a waste of time and money. Same with the make-up and hair. The hair styles started falling before even our ceremony started, makeup was terrible too. None of our family was happy with their services. And they arrived late. The attitude of the makeup artists was not professional. They ruined our wedding day of my daughter. I will give them the lowest rating anyone can give to them. read more

Nicki is fantastic at what she does + will make you look fantastic. She listens to what you want, works with what you've got, and pays attention to the overall theme of your big day. All of these items are key in order to make a bride feel good. I had the pleasure of having Nicki do makeup for both my Engagement Session + Wedding Day in Puerto Rico. Both events turned out to be amazing. I'm not used to wearing that much makeup, however she made me feel comfortable with the look I was going for - without having me look overdone! She also worked on each of my bridesmaids and every single one of them couldn't have asked for anything more. Nicki's skill set is broad in that it's traditional, its outrageous, it's natural, it's everything and anything you could ever want in a makeup artist. read more

I cannot find enough words to praise the artist that is Nicki Hala. She did my makeup and hair for my recent engagement party in Chicago, and I was blown away. Nicki truly listened to what I wanted for myself, as well as my mom and soon-to-be MIL. Having to find a makeup/hair artist was a new adventure in and of itself, but I couldn't be more grateful to have found Nicki. She is warm, sweet, and truly talented. She understood that this was my engagement party, and that although I needed to look the part, I didn't want it to be overboard. She used colors that were flattering yet modern, and did my hair exactly the way I wanted it. Nicki pays very close attention to the details and shadows on your face, so that she can coax out your natural beauty, while enhancing it simultaneously. My mom and MIL-to-be are very simple when it comes to getting ready, and wanted their makeup to be subtle, yet elegant. Nicki delivered on both counts. My mom's hair and makeup were absolute perfection, and my MIL-to-be's makeup was gorgeous. Both of them were so happy to have someone understand exactly what they wanted. I am now on the hunt for a makeup/hair artist for my wedding in California, but may have to request Nicki again if the ones out in Cali don't compare. If you're unsure about your makeup/hair artist, please trust the reviews you read here as they are written in truth. Nicki is a doll; she is pleasant to work with, punctual, and above all, amazing at what she does. Thank you Nicki! Lots of love and hope to work with you again in the future! read more

Nicki is simply amazing. It was extremely important to me to have a makeup artist for my wedding who truly understood my style. I knew that I wanted someone who would give me that beautiful and flawless look but without going to the extreme where the makeup transforms me into someone I no longer recognize. Nicki accomplished exactly that to a tee. I absolutely loved both my wedding and reception looks. I received several compliments from family and friends, and even my husband kept saying how the looks were just perfect. On a more personal note, it was wonderful to work with Nicki - she is very sweet and understanding. She was very accommodating of my requests and it was obvious how important it is to her that her brides are completely satisfied. On the wedding day itself, her calm and composed demeanor was exactly what I needed and made the morning very relaxing for me. I would definitely recommend Nicki to anyone seeking a flawless look for their special event! read more

I was introduced to Nicki through a friend. After looking at her website, I could see how talented she is through her work with diverse clients. Nicki was easy to contact and talk with. She really makes the bride feel at easy. She had some suggestions, but never pressured me to do anything I did not feel comfortable with. I am a person that doesn't wear a lot of make up and during my make up trial I had an example of pininterest makeup and hair pictures wanted to try. As she was applying the makeup, I was nervous that it would be too much, but she reassured me that the pictures would come out great. I did my engagement shoot that afternoon and when I got the pictures back I was so happy with my hair and makeup, both looked amazing in the pictures! This got me very excited about my wedding day and, with Nicki's expertise, I tried a bolder look that was beautiful and perfect for me. I also changed my hair and makeup slightly for my reception look, and Nicki was so flexible with meeting us in the city to get me ready. Nicki coordinated having an extra person to do my mom's and sister's hair and makeup, as well. She also had another women come to help get each of us ready with putting on our sari. Both assistances were good and very nice. My one piece of advice would be to do the trial, so you can get to know what you are comfortable with. Know that you are great hands with Nicki and trust her instincts. read more

Nicki is just fantastic!!! I was referred to her by my cousin, who used Nicki to do her hair and makeup for her wedding. I loved her results so I wanted to try Nicki out for myself. I was planning my wedding from a distance, and Nicki was very professional, responsive and accommodating with regards to scheduling a weekend hair and makeup trial for me which worked out with my busy schedule and need to travel in to do the trial. At the trial, she mixed a foundation that was unique to my skin tone and skin type, which is an awesome foundation! I have a hard time describing exactly what I like with regards to makeup, but Nicki has an amazing eye and was able to make suggestions and do something that came out even better than I could have ever imagined for all 3 events for myself and my sister (sangeet, wedding ceremony and reception)! Each style was unique and different but still suit me so well! I was worried about makeup looking too heavy or fake, but Nicki's products and techniques made my makeup look subtle and natural in all the right ways but still made it POP in other ways! She was able to strike the perfect balance. Our pictures turned out amazing, and I got soo many compliments about my hair and makeup all weekend! She also brought along her mom who works with her to assist in putting my sari on for the morning of the wedding ceremony, and she did a wonderful job as well with a very heavy sari. Nicki was very professional, stayed on time, and was just fun to work with! She made me and my sister feel like princesses my entire wedding weekend! I can't thank Nicki enough or recommend her highly enough!!! read more

Nicki was wonderful to work with! She has such a great personality and amazing talent! Nicki did my wedding makeup this September and it was flawless. Being an indian bride, I wanted a look that worked with both my white dress as well as my blue sari for the reception. With Nicki's work she covered all my scars and acne marks, which literally made my skin look flawless, but it felt so light, and was able to create a look that went with both outfits. I received a ton of compliments. She did my makeup around 10-11am and it lasted till midnight! And that's after hours of dancing. It was also very easy to set up a trial with her. She's very flexible. I am so happy I worked with her on my special day! read more

Nicki is awesome! She did hair and make up for me and my bridesmaids and it turned out great!!! We all received so many compliments through the day and night! The day of the wedding the weather was HOT but our make up and hair stayed in place through all the sweat and tears! I HIGHLY recommend her! read more

Nicki is phenomenal. Nicki did my hair and makeup for my wedding and reception, and she did the makeup for my mom and sister-in-law. She helped address my oily skin for months ahead of time to make sure I wouldn't be a sweaty mess on my wedding day. She took the time to check all my Pinterest boards and listen to exactly what each of us wanted for our look. She made me look and feel the most beautiful I ever have, and I can't even tell you how many compliments I received. I looked like myself - with glam. She's an extraordinarily kind and lovely person and just so easy to work with, even at 7am on a Saturday. Seeing her happy face and knowing I was in such great hands made my whole day start off so smoothly and positively. I can't thank her enough for everything. And even more impressive, my mother, who hates all things beauty, absolutely loved how Nicki 'did her up' and now can't wait to figure out another occasion to be able to hire her. :) read more