The Insider Scoop

“There’s No Better Feeling Than Making a Bride Feel Beautiful.” How Airbrush Makeup by LisaMarie Makes You Look Your Best

From traditional makeup to airbrush, LisaMarie works with brides to perfect their dream wedding day look.

(Photo courtesy of Airbrush Makeup by LisaMarie)

When it comes to looking their absolute best on their wedding day, many brides want to make sure their makeup not only looks great, but lasts until the reception is over. And this is something that LisaMarie, of Airbrush Makeup by LisaMarie, a BOLI preferred vendor, has perfected over the last 20 years. Whether you’re looking for a full out glam look or a more natural style, LisaMarie works alongside her brides to make sure you look amazing on your wedding day.

Leaving the Corporate World Behind

For years, LisaMarie worked a corporate job while styling hair on the side. “I always had my cosmetology license, but I did cut and color at the salons,” LisaMarie says. “One day, their makeup artist didn’t show up, and I stepped in and fell in love with it.” Knowing she didn’t want to sit in a cubicle for the rest of her career, she quit that corporate job, started doing makeup full time and hasn’t looked back.

LisaMarie explains that relationships to makeup can vary throughout the generations. “My grandmother never left the house without lipstick, whereas my mother never wore makeup in the 60s and 70s. And that interest definitely ebbs and flows.” She says it wasn’t easy in the beginning when she started her own business. “Sometimes it was like pulling teeth to get people to have their makeup done professionally, but social media platforms came out, people started exploring makeup more.”

(Photo courtesy of Airbrush Makeup by LisaMarie)

Makeup Trends and Styles

In addition to seeing the interest in makeup change, LisaMarie has also seen bridal trends change over the past 12 years. “Years ago, the trend was old school Hollywood glam. Right now, the ‘Hailey Bieber no makeup’ makeup is in,” she says. “Learning the trends has been challenging – but it’s fun and exciting to learn the new techniques that brides are looking for.”

Knowing how things change, LisaMarie says she doesn’t have a particular style. “My style is what my brides want,” she explains. For some looks she loves to work with an airbrush, but for others who are seeking something more natural, she picks up the traditional tools to get the perfect look that will last all night. She always works to ensure that her brides’ makeup will look the same in photos from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. “When my brides tell me that their makeup lasted all night, and they felt like they had nothing on, that is the best compliment!”

Even though LisaMarie doesn’t have a particular style, she does have a favorite look. “I would always go full glam rose gold. If I could be dipped in rose gold and put on a heavenly cloud one day, that’s my goal,” she says, with a laugh.

MORE: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Airbrush vs. Traditional Makeup

LisaMarie says she suggests airbrush or traditional makeup based on a bride’s skin type. “For brides who tell me they have oily skin, I prefer to use airbrush,” she says. “However, for those brides who have more mature or dry skin, I prefer traditional makeup.” She also recommends using an airbrush for those muggy, summer months.

For those brides who don’t know the difference, LisaMarie says she is happy to sit with them to explain all of the pros and cons and figure out which would be best to not only fit their style, but also their skin type. “I really love working with them and recommending styles that I know will work well with their skin.”

(Photo courtesy of Airbrush Makeup by LisaMarie)

Do Your Research

With all of the great makeup artists out there, LisaMarie recommends that brides do their research. “All of my work is on Instagram and my website,” she says. “I also recommend that brides research the personality of their makeup artist – since we’ll be spending so much time with them.”

When it comes to trials, LisaMarie says she recommends booking one closer to your wedding date – about three months out. “Your skin changes, so the closer to your wedding date, the more likely your skin will be similar on the big day.” For those who are nervous about doing trials so close to their wedding day, LisaMarie believes that the trial should be viewed as more of an experience to get to know each other, as opposed to a ‘try out’ to see if you like her style. “I like people to be able to give me feedback on how the makeup was after the trial, so I can make any adjustments for the big day.”

MORE: 27 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Hair and Makeup Artist

Rewarding Work

LisaMarie believes that referrals are another great compliment. “I was doing makeup for a bride once, and I realized that I had also done the makeup for four of her bridesmaids for their weddings. That was such a surreal moment for me.” Another part of the job that she loves? The sisterhood. She loves connecting with her brides on social media and seeing their journeys. And, of course, she loves making brides look beautiful.  “After I had finished doing her makeup, I had one bridesmaid tell me that was the first time she felt pretty. That to me was the ultimate compliment.”

Makeup aside, what is a piece of advice that LisaMarie gives to her brides? “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” she says. “When it comes to your wedding day, no one knows what you planned. If you wanted red flowers and white flowers show up, it’s not worth stressing over! No one needs to know.” She also tells brides to remember that at the end of the day, it’s about marrying your partner.

When LisaMarie is not doing makeup for her brides, she is spending time at home in her comfy clothes with her husband and three girls. “At the end of the day, I’m a mom who wants to raise her daughters to understand that beauty is on the inside, not the outside. And there are days they may feel gorgeous, but there are days they may not feel pretty – and that’s okay too.”

(Photo courtesy of Airbrush Makeup by LisaMarie)