In June I was in a wedding that Lillian Toma did the make up for. I was trying to save a few bucks (even though her prices are great) and went to a make up counter...that I will not name. I walked out of this store about in tears and looking like I was going street walking!!! No joke. I went to the hotel room where the bride was and all the bridesmaids looked at me in horror. Thank god Lillian was there and made me look like a princess! The bride looked amazing and so did all of the girls. She did airbrush which I was afraid of and it looked great! I just had her come to my place and do my make-up again for my engagement photos and they looked awesome. She is the best!!! read more

Lily totally saved the day for my 20 person photo shoot yesterday! Not only was she able to swoop in at the last moment when our other artist bailed, but she was FANTASTIC! Our models loved her and they looked fantastic! read more

Lillian did the makeup for my wedding in September 2015. She was more than happy to travel outside of Chicago- she came to Galena, Illinois a day in advance so there was no pressure on time or location the day of the big event. She was able to do the makeup for 10 people in the span of 6 hours, and everyone looked absolutely gorgeous. She had makeup available for all skin colors and types, so each of my friends and family members had a flawless look all day. Beyond that, as a bride, my makeup lasted from 10 AM that morning until 4 AM the next day. My eyebrows, eyelashes, and lips were everything I could have hoped for, and I genuinely did feel princess worthy. I would go to Lillian for makeup again in a second. read more

Starlight - Makeup by Lillian 09.26.15 - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

LIllian - you are the BEST! Thank you for helping me out with many gorgeous glamour sessions. I wish I had known you when I was married 10 years ago! I recommend Lillian for any occasion, especially one where you will be in front of the camera all day long. Look your best on your wedding day with Starlight - on time and on the mark! Jennifer Schuman, Horizon Photography read more

Lillian was the only artist I researched that did not charge for trials on the hair and make up. She also did not have any minimum requirements. This was the only thing that let me decide to go for a trial because her actual prices were quite high for my budget. Her actual prices probably include that trial for the make up and hair. But hey, I had nothing to lose yet since the trial was free. I set up my appointment with her before the paid trials with other artists because if she was awesome, then I could consider her more . The air brush make up was awesome and the hair stylist, Claudia, was very friendly. My hair was too short for what I wanted but she was able to make it look pretty good for how short and thin it was. The only complaint on the hair trial was that it wasn't pinned down as tight as I would like. Their reasoning was for in case I wanted to change the hair do which I can understand. I loved the make up trial. It was very natural yet popping. I am not a make up person. My fiance and family loved the make up. She uses NARS makeup which is a branch off Shisheido and I love that because it is high end make up and it is great for even my sensitive skin. Lillian was able to offer my bridesmaids a very good deal since I had 8 of them! So, it became reasonable to book her as a vendor even though I knew I would be paying too much for my actual bridal hair and makeup. After I said I would book her, it took her awhile to reply with my contract and the camera pictures that she took of me. She said she was able to give them to me three days after the trial and it's been at least three weeks until she was able to give them to me after two reminder emails. On the actual day of the wedding, my two hair stylists and one of the make up artists were supposed to arrive at 5:45 am with Lillian coming later. One make up artist arrived on time at 5:45 am with one hair stylist arriving 20 minutes later. My main hair stylist was forty five minutes late. This got me very nervous in the morning because I had 8 bridesmaids that needed their hair and make up done. I called Lillian to find their whereabouts and it was said they were near. Lillian said she would come earlier than planned to help make up for the loss time. After all was said and done, my bridesmaids were satisfied with their make up but were so so on their satisfaction of their hair. All of my bridesmaids were Asian and their curls kept falling or their pinned up updo's would come loose. Three of them needed the hair stylists to redo the curls or updo. As for my own hair, I was quite satisfied with Claudia. I had a lot more hair to work with this time around and the outcome was much nicer. My makeup was flawless. Airbrush is amazing. Lillian helped me airbrush my two tan lines on my back and she made sure all of my makeup was done to satisfaction. The make up held until the end of the night and did not melt on me. I would recommend Starlight to other brides. Five stars for excellent make up and hair services and attentiveness on me as the bride. Four Stars because more care was needed for my bridesmaids' hair and for the added stress of waiting on email communication and lateness on the wedding day. So I wish there was a 4.5 star bar but there isn't read more

I got married in Chicago last year and Lillian was my make-up artist. I had the wedding of my dreams, however, Starlight was the biggest disappointment. I signed a very brief contract with Lillian Toma were she specified the prices, for my attendants and me. Here I list all the surprises that I got after that, not specified in the contract: -She charged me for changing the room that was one floor above in the same hotel $50 extra. -She told me the groom was $50 on the phone and then she charged me $75. -She told me the lashes were included and she charged me 25 per person the same day of the wedding. (25x5= $300) -I wrote her an email telling her that I wanted to pay the total amount for make-up and hair to everybody with the credit card. I also remain her when she was doing my make-up. She went to the Groom's room and she took the money from my sister in law the day of the wedding. That was paid twice ($200). - I contracted her and paid the deposit. After she charged me the trial even though she told me the trial was free and it is specified in the contract. -She made a mistake with the credit card and she charged me $50 more. She apologized but she never pay me back. Moreover, even though I paid around $700 unexpected charges she was never grateful and she completely changed after the trial. After one year, I am still angry and I don't believe she is professional or trustful. My recommendation is never give her your credit card information. I canceled mine after this. I really don't wish this experience to anybody in the wedding day. read more

BEAUTIFUL! Starlight provided on location hair and makeup services for my wedding earlier this month. They did my hair and makeup along with my bridal party (7 ladies). Lillian, the owner of Starlight, is a dream to work with. She super talented. Lillian is also very organized and accommodating. My bridal party and I had a blast getting our hair and makeup done together and everyone looked gorgeous! Thank you Lillian and Starlight. I highly recommend Starlight for special occasion hair and makeup. I will contact them again if the need comes up, most definitely. read more

Lillian, owner of Starlight, is a makeup/hair genius! The moment you walk in, you feel like a celebrity. She asks you questions to get to know your style and by the end you are walking out looking like a movie star! She is so passionate about her work and it really shines through in both her attitude and in the final product! Lillian has already done two hair/makeup trials for me since I had two engagement shoots with her husband's photography company, Emotia (Check them out too)!! After both sessions, my hair and makeup has never looked so amazing. My hair looked beautiful and My skin was absolutely flawless (and I definitely do not have naturally flawless skin!) Her beautiful work really helped make me feel super confident throughout the shoot. I would recommend her to anyone!!!! read more

This review is WAY overdue! Lillian did my bridal hair and make up in September 2012, as well as my bridesmaids. I met her for a trial, and she listened to my vision and easily created it. She gave me a style that was true to me, but also gorgeous for my day. We had an enjoyable trial, as Lillian is super fun and charming. During the wedding day though, she was such a calming influence, incredibly professional. She clearly has been around a lot of brides on their wedding day! She made my girls look beautiful, and I was glad to have her part of my wedding day. I received SO many glowing compliments specifically on my hair and make up at my wedding - the compliments were so specific that they made me start to wonder what people thought of my usual hair and make up day-to-day! But really, the compliments were testament to how beautiful Lillian helped me look. My look lasted all day, and I felt like me but 10x prettier :) She also did a great job listening to my bridesmaids on what they wanted and giving them beautiful looks. I'd highly recommend Lillian for her beautiful work and her winning personality. read more

My boyfriend's brother was getting married and he was in the wedding, so his mother and I got to spend the day together and she offered to pay for my hair and makeup and she hired Lillian for the makeup. She was wonderful, she came to the house and used airbrush makeup, she was a pleasure to talk to while doing our makeup and she did a fantastic job. I have an oily t-zone and was wearing a full-length dressing and the makeup did not budge the entire night...amazing! I would definitely recommend her to anyone who has a formal event in Chicago area and would hire her again. read more

I admittedly was extremely picky about my wedding makeup. I mean really picky - 3 other trials picky. I couldn't find someone that wowed me and still got what I was looking for. So, my coordinator suggested Lillian and I was very intrigued considering she doesn't charge for the trial. Um, that was a first! Anyway I finally found what I was looking for w/ Lillian. I wanted to look like the best version of myself, but not overdone. I loved my makeup the day of our wedding, felt beautiful AND it lasted so well - it still looked good at the end of the night. Also, she did an amazing job on my bm's and my mom. Everyone looked so beautiful and yet still looked like themselves. Just what I wanted! Try Lillian for a trial - you won't be sorry! read more

Lillian is a sweet and talented artist who does amazing work -- thanks for the transformation!

Lillian is simply the best in town! She is bubbly, fun to be around, takes direction very well and above all else she is incredibly talented. She and her assistant arrived on time and finished make up for 13 girls ahead of schedule. All of my bridesmaids were thrilled with their make up and all looked stunning. I wear makeup everyday and was particularly picky in my trials but when I met with Lillian for my trial I knew she was it. On the wedding day Lillian nailed it. I looked like a glammed up version of me and the make up lasted all night. I never wanted to take it off! The false lashes looked so real too and the airbrushing is so amazing and photographs impeccably. If you are still looking for a makeup artist look no further. There is no one you would rather spend your day with and no one who will do a better job. read more

Lillian did my makeup for my wedding this past weekend. I am a very picky bride who had trials before Lillian and just wasn't happy with the results. I loved my trial with Lillian and she worked with me on changing the things that I wanted different from the trial. On the wedding day my makeup was absolutely beautiful. My friends said I looked like a fairy tale. I have never felt so pretty and the make up lasted all day and all night (and it was a humid day and I did shed some happy tears!). I highly recommend her for wedding make up! read more

I met with Lillian for a make-up trial for my wedding. She was extremely flexible and was willing to meet with me a little later in the day than we had originally scheduled. When I did meet with her, we discussed potential make-up options and I requested a more natural look for my wedding day. Within 30-40 minutes, she was able to complete my make-up and it looked awesome!! My fiancé loved it and I can't wait until the wedding day! I would highly recommend Lillian due to her professionalism, experience, flexible, and personality. read more

I was very excited after my trial. Lillian is VERY nice and very accommodating and made me feel comfortable. BUT then the wedding day came. She is not very comfortable with many people in the room. BUT let's be honest, it's your big day, all your best friends are in one room...and having fun. I told her the day I had my trial that I am very picky about staying on schedule. All her assistants arrived on time. Once the day moved forward the only person who did not stay on schedule was Lillian. She did not follow my schedule. Also, her assistant for makeup was less than stellar. She did not do what was asked and all girls who had their makeup done had to be touched up by the other assistant. It created a REALLY awkward situation. Lillian also had an assistant doing hair. SHE WAS GREAT, and quick and stuck to the schedule. Lillian was really the only one who stressed me out. She did not do what I asked of my hair and she was not understanding what I was talking about. I had pictures and all. I broke down in tears and she blamed my bridesmaids. On top of everything she is WAY over priced. She did not take into account the most special people of the day...MY mom included. On top of that she did not set my hair or my mother's hair. SO I really don't understand why my hair costed more. She spent the same amount of time on my hair and makeup as all the other ladies. PLUS she has hidden fees and NO, I mean NOOOO perks. She didn't give any free gifts or anything that showed gratitude. She also appreciates tips PRIOR to the day..now I see why! She will squeeze every last penny out of everything. If I was impressed by her, I would say it was worth it. But I was not impressed and she made for an awkward situation. My suggestions brides...go to a salon, rent out a section and have your fun there. Bottom line she is over priced and not worth the money. Sorry, she is a nice lady, but it's a business and it's sad that I look back on my wedding and that is the ONLY thing that stressed me out! read more

Lillian is far and away my favorite makeup artist and the only one I feel comfortable hiring for major events. I first hired her to do hair and makeup for my engagement photo shoot in 2010 and as blown away not only by her skills but also by her positive and engaging personality. I wear very minimal makeup on a daily basis and had been wary of makeup artists after some bad experiences in which I was left looking like a clown. Lillian, on the other hand, successfully made me look,as promised, like a better version of myself. My hair and makeup came out looking soft, modern, and elegant, which is exactly what I wanted. I have since hired her for my wedding, a bachelorette party makeup class at my home, and have recommended her to several friends for their weddings. It's been a while since I've used her, but I almost feel like I should schedule some sort of big event again soon just so I can hire Lillian again! read more

I am a definite makeup guru...and have had my makeup done by national makeup artists before (from commercials, modeling gigs, etc). Which basically means that I was super selective when it came time to pick a makeup artist for my May 2010 wedding. I made the BEST choice possible with Lillian from Starlight. She is Incredibly talented, and you will not go wrong if you choose her as your makeup artist. I just got my pictures back, and they look amazing. . . the makeup she applied photographed perfectly, it was soft and natural for the ceremony, then we deepened things for a more dramatic look for the reception. On top of all this, she is extremely professional, friendly, and energetic. She really works with you to create the look that is right for you on your wedding day...I wish I could give her more than 5 stars!! Also, Claudia did my hair, which was also amazing. I even changed my mind from the time of the hair trial to the day of the wedding, which was no problem for Claudia. She can create anything! Book Starlight makeup, ladies! read more

When planning my wedding, I decided I wanted to hire someone to come to us the day of so my bridesmaids and I didn't have to trek through Chicago traffic and risk being late. When I met Lillian via Skype she instantly put me at ease and was very likeable so I proceeded in booking her. Lillian throughout the process of trials and the big day was on time, always super sweet and extremely accommodating. The makeup she did for my wedding was outstanding! I'm a minimalist when it comes to makeup and she does a really good job of making you the best version of yourself. I had her do mother's makeup also which was very tasteful and suited her well. As far as makeup goes, Lillian is definitely worth the price tag. Hair however, does not seem to be her strong suite. I struggled with her getting my hair right at the trial but played it off as she reassured me that we just needed to get on the same wavelength with our thought process, and the big day it would be perfect...big mistake, I should have followed my gut. The day of our wedding I built in a 1.5 hr buffer from the time she told me she would need. Thank goodness my husband is smart enough to know to be ready early because I ended up having to send our photographer to the guys room because we ran an hour past the buffer time!! My hair was sub par for the price. I wasn't in love with it but the time crunch we were in, I was too stressed out to have her continue to mess with it. Lillian also persuaded me into having her purchase "quality" extensions that would "match my hair" from NYC. In wanting to look stunning on my wedding day I eventually agreed to her ordering them. I sent her a current picture of my hair color to which the company is supposed to match. Let's just say for $275...they don't match my hair color, there are only 5 tracks about 3 inches wide, and not a extreme noticeable difference in quality from my $80 Sally's set...I feel like I got ripped off big time. My 3 bridesmaid's hair turned out ok, but it was after much coaching of what they wanted (she can't seem to recreate based off a picture) and she had to take their hair down a few times and start over. It ended up taking extra time and they finally just settled with something that looked 'decent.' I hate to write a bad review of Lillian because she really is a sweet person, but I don't want any other bride to be disappointed on the one day they shell out a lot of money with expectations to look amazing. Lillian is worth the money when it comes to makeup, but I'd search elsewhere for hair styling. read more