Our 8 Favorite Makeup Artists in Chicago for 2024

There is a number of reasons why you might want to choose among the top professional makeup artists in Chicago. Maybe you’re getting your wedding or engagement photos done or posing for headshots or a fashion shoot. Or perhaps you simply want to look great on a special day. No matter the reason, there are times when you don’t want to do your makeup yourself and want a professional to get it right.

If you also need a location for your photoshoot, browse Peerspace. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, you can find a range of venues in the Chicago area that suit your needs. All spaces are owned by local hosts who can also help you source any extras you need for your shoot or event, like equipment, catering, and more.

Now all you need is the perfect makeup artist to team up with, so book one of the following MUAs to stand out from the crowd! We’ve included makeup artists who also do hairstyling to those who provide airbrushing and eyelash extensions. Check out this list of the most talented makeup artists in Chicago to help you find the right fit for any occasion.

1. Joanna B. Artistry

Joanna B. is an experienced makeup artist in Chicago whose goal is to “enhance your natural beauty.” She offers everything from on-location wedding day services to makeup for editorial, commercial, boudoir, and engagement photos. Her work has appeared in many magazines, such as Vogue Taiwan and The Knot, showing off her colorful style that brings out your natural glow.

Most importantly, Joanna is focused on creating a safe and comfortable environment for you. This is the case, whether it’s the fast-paced set of an editorial shoot or the intimate space of a bedroom. She’ll even provide a touch-up kit for your bridal party to make sure your makeup lasts all day!

2. Yenuhen

Yenuhen grew up in a family that loved makeup. So much so that she spent her youth bringing the looks she saw in the media to life. Now, she’s a trained esthetician and makeup artist with several years of experience working in Chicago on photoshoots for print and film.

Among the top makeup artists in Chicago, she also provides services for weddings and enjoys working with brides, models, and photographers alike. One of Yenuhen’s goals is to help her clients “feel the confidence she did” when trying out new looks as a child. If you want your makeup to give you a confidence boost, reach out to her!

Getting a makeover for a special night out with your SO? Then you also need to see our creative date night ideas in Chicago!

3. Shannon O’Brien

Shannon O’Brien calls herself a makeup artist and “bridal beauty expert,” having worked in print, runway, and TV makeup. Her work has been seen in The Knot, Brides, Allure, Marie Claire, and other fashion magazines.

What sets Shannon apart is her willingness to experiment with shape and color. From lifestyle and celebrity portraits to headshots and fashion shoots, she knows how to make a model stand out against a variety of backgrounds. She says her goal is to “transcend without transforming who you are.” In fact, she’s a great choice for a bridal or engagement shoot or Instagram ad campaign.

4. Jenna Baltes

Jenna Baltes is among the most personable makeup artists in Chicago. She also operates in two cities, splitting her professional time between Chi and Los Angeles. Her work focuses on modern lifestyle and fashion shoots in both studio and outdoor settings. One of her specialties is children’s makeup, so she’s the perfect choice for kids’ or family portraits. Best of all, she does hair as well, so you don’t have to worry about hiring a separate hairstylist for your shoot.

Her clients include The Barkers, a husband/wife directing duo based in Chicago. She’s also the MUA in ads for Miller Lite, Juvederm, Land’s End, and Popsugar, to name a few.

5. Debra Petrielli

Debra Petrielli is another local MUA who offers both hair and makeup services. Although she’s based in Chicago, she’s willing to travel nearly anywhere. As a licensed cosmetologist, she can handle any kind of assignment, from maternity photoshoots in your home or Peerspace venue to weddings, parties, and video productions. She has experience in the makeup department of feature films, but she’s just as happy to work for the “busy woman who just wants her hair or makeup done.” In addition, she can provide men’s grooming services for male models.

According to one of her many happy clients: “I am so glad I went with Deb for my wedding hair! At our trial, she was great at helping me figure out what I wanted (from my very vague ideas) and came up with something beautiful. I loved how I looked on my wedding day. My hairstyle looked natural but also somehow held up perfectly for hours and hours of sweaty dancing.”

6. Brides by Kelly

Brides by Kelly is your go-to makeup artist in Chicago for wedding day services. Kelly and her team will work together to provide hair and makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls, and whomever else. Their a la carte services make it easy to see how much you can expect to spend. She also offers a “bridal beauty preview” available for $165 and on-site touch-up services at $100 per hour.

The team is based in Northern Chicago and can also provide makeup for birthday parties, proms, school dances, and any other occasion when you want to look your best.

These great places to find photoshoot inspiration in Chicago give you plenty of stylish locations to show off your new look!

7. Carly Priblich

Carly Priblich has over 17 years of experience in the beauty industry. In fact, she prides herself on her “natural, fresh & polished bridal looks” with a focus on “timeless over trends.” Her work has been featured in publications like Wedding Guide Chicago, Style Me Pretty, and The Knot.

She can travel to you for on-location services and doesn’t limit herself to weddings. From outdoor engagement photos to studio portraits, Carly’s portfolio offers a range of inspiration for your photoshoot. Check out her Instagram page to find dozens of before-and-after photos of her clients!

8. Angela Makeup Chicago

Next, take a look at Angela Makeup Chicago, offering bridal and special effects makeup, with a focus on airbrushing and eyelash extensions. While airbrushing sometimes costs more than traditional makeup, some brides and photography models prefer it because of its all-day longevity. It’s also suitable for various skin types. It takes the form of a fine mist that’s sprayed evenly onto your skin to cover up imperfections.

With a bride’s day-of makeup starting at $100, Angela Makeup Chicago offers an affordable rate for airbrushing and lashes. They also provide semi-permanent eyelash extensions made by Xtreme Brand, as well as clip-in hair extensions, blowouts, and other hairstyling services. Check out this team when you want effective, lasting, professional MUA services for your special occasions.

Bonus: Goldplaited

The team at Goldplaited is some of the fastest-rising stars in the world of makeup artists in Chicago. This is a sister-owned company that calls itself “the nation’s first finishing salon,” the place you go to for the perfect beauty finishing touch. The sisters have assembled a talented team of hair and makeup artists whose first goal is to bring your dream look to life. You can set an appointment and visit their Chicago salons in person or hire them for your wedding, social events, or corporate portrait needs.

In terms of hair services, they specialize in braids, blowouts, and updos, breathing new life and elegance into your locks. Their makeup style is modern and fresh, helping you look like a more refreshed version of yourself. Goldplaited has two Chicago locations and is currently working on expanding to Tampa, Washington, D.C., and Boston soon!

Makeup artists in Chicago: conclusion

Choosing the right makeup artist and photographer is never easy. But don’t worry: when you book a studio or event space on Peerspace, the venue’s local host can help you out. From an all-white production space with colorful backdrops to a rustic natural light loft studio, you’ll find dozens of unique venues available to rent by the day or hour for your shoot.

Choose the right space for your photoshoot, wedding, or video production. While most spaces come equipped with all the tools you need, you can also contact the host and ask for their recommendations if the venue is missing anything you need. It’s the easiest way to get the perfect space and team aligned for all of your special moments.

Find unique production venues in Chicago on Peerspace