i do not really wear makeup because i just do not like how I look when i apply my make up before.... However, that has changed since i took makeup lessons from Chris Scott. I went in person to his home studio and we had a great time ! He showed me the proper techniques in applying makeup with the brush ; he explained the reason why we have many steps in applying makeup ; he shared how to find the right colors with the jewelry or clothes i am wearing.... when i wear makeup to worker, my co-workers have commented that i look younger but they cannot pinpoint why . i highly recommend Christ Scott -- i now love looking at myself in the mirror and i look much better in photos ! read more

What a wonderful experience! Chris made me look stunning. I am someone who never wears makeup and I worry about looking silly for a formal event. Chris was beyond magic. He is kind, generous, easy to talk to and above all a master at his craft. If you need any assistance in getting a Glow Up this is the Guy! read more

I've never really liked wearing much make-up at all, but I did want to learn how to do it properly and find out what would look good for my face, for those times I do want to get dolled-up a little. I am soooo glad that I found Chris, I took the hands-on lesson where I got to do the half of my face, and he was so helpful and friendly, and the best part - he explained *why* he was doing certain things certain way, etc...I think it's important to understand the reasons behind each application, this helps you to move onto keep developing your technique that would better suite your face, I think. :) I also really liked that he sold reasonably priced products that he used and there are many How-To videos on his website that you can watch so if you forget what you learned, you can refer to those videos, as well as learning other styles and techniques. I'd highly recommend Makeup Gourmet! :) read more

Get it together! Two weeks ago I emailed Chris for a quotation on hair and makeup for myself and my 8 bridesmaids. He was quick to give me a quotation for both hair and makeup and then an email introduction to another make up artist, I was a bit surprised that Chris himself would not be doing the make up? He then left it to me to chase down the hair stylist (he gave me her email address) and I have spent the last two weeks trying to organize a time and place when both of them would be available so that we could do the hair and make up preview on the same day - maybe I'm crazy but I don't know why anyone would choose to have them done on different days, how do you get the full idea of what you'll look like? Also, Make Up Gourmet doesn't seem to have a physical studio that's available for previews? The hairstylist wanted me to go to her salon, and then there were all these emails about whether the make up artist could also go to the salon so that she could do my make up there? I just don't get it - From the reviews, it seems like their services are great, however it was incredibly frustrating for me to have to organize everything between the hair and make up girls and not have Chris involved at all. Also, after reading more reviews, it seems like Chris only does make up, but this was never communicated to me - why would he give me a quotation for hair as well if it wasn't something they're used to doing? All the other hair & makeup companies I've spoken to had a super simple process - make an appointment for a preview, show up, have your hair and make up done. With all the craziness of planning a wedding, I don't want the extra hassle, otherwise I would have just gone for freelancers and found them on my own. In the end I cancelled my appointment and have gone with another company that is not only cheaper but much more organized. read more

Was disappointed that I didn't hear back from Chris on my few questions, after dropping so much $$ and writing a stellar review. Would also have been very helpful if I had been allowed to video the lesson. Difficult to now understand everything I was taught from my lesson, from the scattered photos I took. read more

We had a blast! Chris is awesome, so much fun to be with. Chris came upto our Sonoma house rental for my birthday and gave a great makeup class for five of us. I asked him go just go through every day basics, tips and tricks. He put a great agenda together. He brought everything we needed, brushes, makeup, chairs, mirrors, and more. He had step by step instructions for us to follow and take notes on, and went through and personalized for each of us. We also all brought our own makeup, and he helped us sort through the stuff we already had. We had a great time, and several of us ended up buying some of his products. I've been using mine for about a month and really like it, they're priced midrange between drug store and higher end cosmetics. Booking couldn't have been easier, I emailed and he called back the next day to confirm + followed up via email. I love that he's in SF and I'll absolutely go back to him next time I want a special look. read more

SO AMAZING!!! A girlfriend and I came in for back-to-back sessions with Chris and enjoyed every second of it. I've never seen my friend so happy and confident as after she learned how simple it could be to work with makeup. She was able to achieve a day to evening look quick, easy, and really accentuate her natural looks. She looked STUNNING! Being a bit more experienced in the makeup department, I was thrilled to play around with a fun holiday look I could take with me. I never dreamed I could look anything more than (dare I say it) cheap, with red lips but Chris made me look classy and sophisticated while festive with an amazing red-lipped look. I also have a great go-to for product now as he's developed much of what he uses from his own brilliance. I can't wait to go back again! Such an enriching experience. read more

I went in to get a makeup session / head shot with Chris. He expertly applied flattering, tasteful makeup on me to enhance my natural features, before taking a series of photos -- I was very, very pleased with the results afterwards. He has a sharp eye, and great instincts in setting up & adjusting the nice studio lighting. Along with being an extraordinarily talented makeup professional and photographer, Chris is a gentleman who made me feel empowered and at ease through the entire process. read more

I was a makeup model for a friend yesterday at Chris's studio SOM. Chris took the time to explain in detail the correct way of prepping and applying makeup. He also talked extensively about getting into the industry as a makeup artist and the logistics of doing bridal and beauty makeup. We tried several different looks. Chris also instructs at Academy of Art for fashion makeup with 10 students at a time. And Chris formerly did makeup for Chanel on a travel basis. We had a private all-day lesson for $350. Chris was also so kind as to take some photos so my friend could document the process. There was no pressure to buy a makeup kit from Makeup Gourmet before starting classes but he does have very good prices compared to others. read more

Who would think you could wear false eyelashes for 12+ hours and have them be completely comfortable? Or that all of your makeup would last that long and still look perfect even after the last event guest had departed? Chris' expertise makes these things possible. I contacted him to request a makeup session for an evening gala I was helping out with. He squeezed me into his already busy Saturday schedule and was prompt, courteous, and extremely professional. He achieved exactly the look I was asking for (circa 1920's), showing me photos in look books to make sure he completely understood what I was going for. Most importantly, my makeup remained flawless well into the late evening hours. Exactly what I wanted and needed! A couple of days later, Chris followed up with me by email and sent some photos we shot of my much glamorized face. Another example of what a pro he is. I highly recommend him for makeup applications and advice! read more

Chris did my makeup for my wedding day and he did a phenomenal job! I always thought I would have to look like a clown in person in order for my makeup to look good in photographs but Chris proved me wrong! He made me, a woman in her 30s who HATES wearing makeup, feel so beautiful and so natural on my wedding day. He really listened to what I wanted done and delivered! Plus, he's so fun and relaxing to be around. It was just a joy to share the morning of my wedding day with him as he worked on my makeup as well as my mother's and my sister's. I highly recommend getting a trial done before the wedding day because Chris and I tried out a few eye and lip colors before I picked out what I wanted. I have gotten my makeup done professionally many, many times for the weddings of friends and family members and always hated it. My experience with Chris is the ONLY time I have ever liked my makeup! I couldn't recommend him highly enough! read more

Chris is a true professional! I had my make-up done here last Saturday for my son's 1st birthday party. Admittedly, I wanted to, but I was scared to try a smoky eye. Needless to say, I was very happy with the results. Not only did I enjoy the end result, my time from beginning to end was enjoyable. He is a total people person and really puts you at ease. It was like a mini-tutorial session with easy conversation. I got many compliments from my family and friends. :) I would definitely come back. I'm hoping to bring my mom next time, she would love it. Thanks Chris!! read more

Chris made makeup fun! I'm a little challenged when it comes to cosmetics but a friend suggested that I get a professional makeover so I can see the benefits. Chris was so engaging and encouraging. He helped me to understand all the techniques that he was using and the what fors and the whys of different colors. He's amazing. And FUNNY!!! You would be hard pressed not to enjoy your time with this one of a kind gem. Do yourself a favor and go see him today! read more

My appointment was phenomenal - a "must" activity for any girl (even those experienced with make-up). He is so patient and knowledgeable and definitely listened to all my needs (eg my sensitive skin, etc.)! Time worth spent!!!! Gather your girlfriends and enjoy this activity together... read more

Chris is an amazing talent! It was an honor to be his canvas and have him work his magic on us before my big 40th b-day event. He was charming, patient and thoughtful. While transforming us from ducklings to swans, he asked about our cosmetic routines, offered tips and advice and customized our makeup style just for each of us. No cookie cutter work here, but a true artist in every sense of the word. It was a real pleasure to come to Makeup Gourmet and I cannot recommend Chris highly enough. His big heart and talented hands are sure to put any client at ease for any event, large or small. THANK YOU CHRIS for making my special day that much more delightful! read more

Run, don't walk. Let Chris show you how to look better than ever with less effort & fewer products. He's a fountain of new techniques. Fun and easy to work with, you'll love his huge studio and ultra-cult Kett foundation. Plus his gel eyeliner is to die for - better than any I've used before. I went there for a private airbrush lesson - highly, highly recommended. If you want to learn to airbrush yourself & improve your technique - he's the man. Also great with traditional makeup. Just go already. read more

I saw Chris last year for a makeup lesson. He is extremely knowledgeable on how to apply makeup and knows a ton of tricks and tips! I've gotten my makeup done professionally numerous times but his makeup application was by far the best! I continue to get compliments on my makeup now and he really knows how to bring out your best features . The best part is you actually learn how to apply the makeup yourself! I also purchased a few of his products which were great . I wish I would have gone to see him years ago! read more

Chris! He enchanted the room at our Powerful Women International event on Saturday, March 26! He had makeup miracles I'd never seen. He's a charmer, a comedian, a carer. I got not only the sense that he loves what he does, but that he is 100% there, loving the women he's "working" with......he makes it look like the best playtime he's ever had! He's a magician...who spared us the rabbit out of a hat....instead, with makeup, he brought the woman out of herself. Easy to become addicted to Chris's fun and his giving and caring. Can't wait to turn my face over to him! read more

Chris is amazing. He attended our Powerful Women International Power Saturday and gave the best presentation I have ever seen on applying make-up, and it was a quickie too. I wish I won the raffle for him to do the full deal on me! I learned so much. Chris is funny, intelligent, does not miss a beat and loves what he does. Go get him! We all LOVED HIM is right, as Valeri has mentioned in one of these reviews. I plan on seeing him as soon as possible. And I would recommend him for any party or event. Cheers! read more

Chris is amazing! I highly recommend visiting him if you want to learn about applying makeup, best practices, and how to do over your whole look with easy, low maintenance tips. I have been waiting for find a service like Makeup Gourmet, and could not be happier with the results. Chris walked me through step by step, demonstrating on one half of my face and teaching me to do the same. He was great to talk with, easy going, and not "sales-y" at all. I would highly recommend Chris to any of my friends! read more

Chris does do a fabulous job with make up but buyers beware. I went with a friend for her trial today for her wedding make up. Chris did an amazing job with the make up and when it came time to pay Chris doubled the quoted price for her wedding in Sonoma. He claimed that he never knew the wedding was in Sonoma (which he did), he somehow came up with new prices for weddings in Sonoma and quoted his website which he had launched yesterday (we contacted him 3 weeks ago), and refused to budge on the price. He made my friend, almost in tears, pay the $80 for her trial even though we all knew she could not have him at her wedding. He even suggested that she recruit friends to have their make-up done by him so that the price would decrease for her! I would give Chris 1 star but his decency some how reappeared when my friend had to go back to pick up her personal lipstick that she left behind and he tore up the $80 charge card slip. So brides if you are thinking of using Chris make sure to confirm the price in writing before you schedule your trial. read more

Chris is the master. He is full of knowledge, passion and is an excellent teacher. His system for applying make up is almost scientific. I learned more about make up in an hour with Chris than I have learned in past 15 years of putting it on. I love his motto about playing up your facial attractions and reducing and distractions. His method allows for more authentic look which was exactly what I was looking for. Book a lesson or check out his book and website, all incredibly helpful. read more

Chris did the makeup for my wedding earlier this month for me and most of my bridesmaids. He's wonderful, professional, funny, super easy to work with and did a great job. I'm not a makeup girl, and hate looking and feeling overdone. i get that i need to look "beautiful" for my wedding, but i still need to look like me and feel comfortable. he managed to do exactly that. i felt and looked like me but just better (and definitely better for pictures). I met him for a trial at Nordstroms a few weeks before the wedding. he obviously knew what he was doing, but was really receptive to my questions and concerns. i felt like he really took his time working with me to figure out what kind of look i'd have on the actual wedding day. i also love that he didn't push a bunch of expensive makeup for me to buy. he answered a lot of questions and taught me a bunch about doing makeup while he was at it.. (i can see how a class with him would be fun and really helpful) on the day of, 4 of my bridesmaids and i had our makeup done. none of us wear makeup comfortably or regularly. he was the perfect person to have around the morning of a wedding.. he calmed us down, made us laugh and was super professional and did a wonderful job. the biggest testament might come from my mom. my mom absolutely refused to have her makeup done when i first asked. then, when she saw him do the rest of us, she asked if she could be fit in. he fit her in (which was awesome) and she loved how she looked. she actually let us take close up pictures of her for the wedding. so yeah. i'd definitely recommend him to anyone getting married or made up for any reason.. especially those of who aren't used to being all primped up. he's amazing at making us comfortable. read more

Chris and his group of amazing staff hosted a make-up party for mothers, complete with a hairstylist, mimosas, and snacks. If you are a mother, you know the challenges of taking care of yourself let alone having someone dote on you. It's rare. We all came in bedraggled and bleary eyed with big frizzy heads, not knowing what to expect. We were absolutely taken care of from our make-up to our hair to our spirits! Quite honestly, it's the best time I've had with other moms since I had my son three and half years ago. Chris and his staff were warm, compassionate, smart, funny, and engaging. Not to mention beautiful. When I left there, my make-up looked gorgeous and my hair was sexy. I learned some easy make-up and hair tricks to do at home to pull my self together, and I felt great! I'm still thinking about that day and how much fun I had! I highly recommend The Makeup Gourmet! read more

My friend recommended Chris for my wedding makeup. Best decision ever! Chris was a pro in every regard. And a pleasure to work with. We did a practice run where he did photos that I could use for my professional head shot. He says he helps the real you come through and that is really the case. Day of he arrived right on time with all his tools. Did other folks in the wedding party who decided at the last minute. And even my groom. The makeup looks natural and everyone complemented it. Our photos looked beautiful and the makeup enhanced us both so naturally. Can't wait to go back with some girlfriends for a makeup lesson party. read more

UPDATE - I booked a hair and makeup session with Chris as a birthday gift for a friend of mine before we went out to dinner in SF. To say that he knocked it out of the park is an understatment. BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!! Not only did we leave looking absolutely fabulous, but we had SUCH a good time while were there. Chris is a delightful person and he strikes the perfect balance between fun and professional. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! Chris is a MASTERFUL make-up artist and one of the classiest men I know. He did my makeup for my wedding (many years ago) and several other special events but also mentored me for my daytime corporate look. He's very intuitive and doesn't just "do" your makeup but teaches you so that you'll be able to replicate it yourself. He knows the latest trends and products but brings a very realistic approach to the application. I love the brushes available through his web site! If you can't watch his show on cable, you can catch some episodes on YouTube and see what I mean. read more

I can't say enough great things about my experience with Chris! I had a Lifebooker package that included a one hour photo shoot with makeup-'cause I don't photograph well to say the least- and I couldn't be happier with the shots! Chris was accommodating - he got me in same week- and professional. He answered questions while he did my makeup and was really flexible with different backdrops and wardrobe changes that I had brought with me. The photos look great and he sent me on my way with a disc full of all the shots we had taken. I can do anything I like with the photos and there was no pressure to pay for additional shots or order prints. The whole experience was easy, fun and yielded awesome shots! read more

Absolutely a life-changing experience. I did the 2 hour lesson with Chris 4 months ago, and I've received about a million compliments since then. I've also tried several of his skincare products, not only are they affordable, but they gave me a new face. I could not recommend him and his business enough! read more

Chris Scott, the founder of Makeup Gourmet and host of the cable television program of the same name, is an incredibly talented make-up artist, and a wonderful, creative person. Chris has done my makeup for years and has taught me invaluable techniques about how to best create my "face" for social events as well as for events in my professional life as an attorney. The products and customer service available through the Makeup Gourmet are only the best , and the Makeup Courmet television program is unique, new and fresh and provides a wide variety of interesting topics and locales. read more

I have known Chris Scott for decades. He has done my make up for many occasions, including weddings and nights out on the town when I want to look fabulous! He has an unsurpassable talent for bringing out my uniqueness and enhancing the beauty that I did not even realize I had. He not only excels in the artisitry, but he is enjoyable to work with, and has a natural way of explaining what he is doing in terms that help me recreate his masterpieces on my own. read more

Chris really helped me out with skin care and makeup. I'm really new to this and have no clue about putting on makeup. He was very knowledgable and gave me lots of helpful tips that I can put into use right away. I highly recommend Chris! read more

Another well deserved rave review for Chris! I found him on yelp after a trial with another makeup artist, that well, did an alright job but it wasn't really me - too much makeup, insisted on a lip color that was all wrong, etc. Luckily, Chris was available on my wedding date and we did a trial. He was very easy to reach and flexible in days/times/locations to meet up. Most importantly, Chris did my makeup *perfectly*. I received compliments from total strangers and even my future mother in law later that night at dinner! I am pretty picky when it comes to makeup, although you wouldn't know it from looking at me now but I used to be quite the makeup junkie in my teens and 20's.... Chris is a complete sweetie, very easy to talk to - totally puts you at ease and he is so talented. He gives great advice and makes you feel and look like a million bucks. I absolutely loved my makeup on my wedding day - I can not express that enough. Now I just need another reason to have Chris do my makeup again.... read more

Chris did an amazing job on the makeup for me and my bridesmaids. We wore our makeup the whole day without feeling gunky, and yet we still looked fabulous. We appreciate Chris' professionalism by being responsive to our emails prior to our appointments. He was also very prompt to out appointment, and worked timely to meet our hectic wedding schedule. We had a lot of fun with the makeup trial and the actual wedding day makeup session. Check out his YouTube videos (search Makeup Gourmet) for makeup instructions. They are truly inspirational! Thanks, Chris! read more

I came to Chris with a couple friends and we were there for three and a half hours! Chris is great and fun! He answered all of our questions and showed us how to do our make-up all differently depending on what we each wanted to learn. We all looked AWESOME plus all the fun we had, chatting and laughing the whole time. I am gonna treat and bring my best friend to see Chris for her birthday! read more

WOW!! Chris is fabulous. I've had a hard year and just turned 50 and boy did it show. I definitely needed something to help me boost my self esteem and being able to look a little more polished was the trick. Chris showed me how to apply eye makeup which totally made my eyes pop and some contouring tricks that should be in every woman's routine. My friends couldn't get over how good I looked. Thank you Chris you are my savior. Gail read more

I was able to schedule an appointment with Chris really easily through his website. My friend and I chose to do an express lesson, and go together. With the express lesson we each chose one thing for Chris to teach us. I chose eyes, my friend chose contouring. It was nice to go with a friend since we both got to sit in on each other's lessons. Chris was super personable, and made us both feel comfortable right from the start. He walked us through each step, on one side, then handed us the brush and had us try on the other side. It was super informative. I was impressed with his knowledge of make up, and he was obviously very, very passionate about make up. His passion was infectious, I really enjoyed listening to his theories behind the make up and how we are beautiful, and the make up just enhances the beauty. Good stuff! He also just came out with a book, he wrote me a sweet note and signed it for me. Overall, such a great experience, I can't say enough good things about Chris. read more

Makeup Gourmet - I had a great make up lesson from Chris! - Makeup Artists Near Me - San Francisco, California

I LOVE Makeup Gourmet!!! The studio is very well coordinated, spacious, accommodating and comfortable. Chris and his team are extremely sincere, personable and caring. Quite frankly I'm a tomboy at heart that's always been a "guy's guy". I never cared much for makeup and felt most times I did attempt to dabble with makeup, I looked like Cruella Deville gone wild.... Chris taught me how to apply makeup (hopefully I remember what he told me;-) in a way that makes one/others see you and your best features......not your makeup. I would definitely recommend Makeup Gourmet for a fun group outing, special occasion, etc. Thumbs Up;-) read more

I definetely recommend it! I already had a make up lesson in France but trust me, this one was so professional! I learned a lot and Chris has developed a lot of techniques and concepts, this is so pro. And the result was just great! (I did the 1 hour lesson) read more

Chris Scott did an amazing job with my make-up for my engagement session in Berkeley, CA. My make-up held up really well and looked great in the pictures. Thanks Chris! read more

Chris is very personable and takes his time with you. He did my wedding make up and it looked amazing in pictures. Thank you Chris! read more