We added Blossom & Beauty to our list of best makeup artists in Portland mostly because of their flexibility. 

This is because when we interviewed several of their previous clients, a lot of them mentioned that the makeup artist easily agreed to the changes on the day of the event. 

We find that not a lot of makeup artists do this. They’ve already thought about the makeup and techniques that they will be using on the look, so they typically dislike changing those plans. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PNW Hair & Makeup Team (@blossomandbeauty)

It seems that the artists here are quick to think on their feet. In addition to that, we also think that they’re experienced enough to be able to change the look on the spot. 

This is because they don’t need time to think about how to achieve the client’s new request. 

To test it out for ourselves, we tried booking them with specific style requests, then changed those requests on the day of the appointment. As expected, they dealt with the changes graciously.

That got them points in our assessment, especially added to the fact that Blossom & Beauty is responsive and quick to pair clients with a stylist. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PNW Hair & Makeup Team (@blossomandbeauty)

They specialize in simple makeup looks, which we find a lot of brides look for, so we added this to the list of pros. 

If there’s one thing we think they should improve on, it’s their hair styling. Several of the clients we talked to had complaints about how their hair was done. 

Some said it didn’t stay in place, while some had complaints about its sloppiness. 

If you’re hiring Blossom & Beauty just for their makeup services, we don’t see why you can’t consider them. However, if you’re also planning on booking them for their hair styling, you might want to give it a second thought. 

Pros

• Makeup lasts a good while
• Also an aesthetician

Cons

• Needs to work on communication skills

A lot of the people who had experience with Kelli Thomsen Beauty reported their makeup lasted fairly long. While this is not unheard of these days, especially with numerous makeup products aimed at longevity, it’s still worth noting because a lot of clients are looking exactly for this. 

Additionally, there are a lot of people who mentioned it, so Kelli seems to be consistent in using long-lasting makeup products. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelli Thomsen l Makeup Artist (@kellithomsen)

But what if you have sensitive skin or are just worried that your skin could have an adverse reaction to makeup? Even then, we think you can trust that Kelli knows what’s best for your skin.

This is because she’s been an aesthetician for 20+ years. You can usually see from makeup artists that they already know a lot about technique, but it’s not often you come across someone who’s also a skin expert. 

A lot of the clients with sensitive skin said that the makeup products Kelli used didn’t harm their skin at all. It seems that Kelli selects makeup products with care for each client, and even provides advice on skincare during sessions.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelli Thomsen l Makeup Artist (@kellithomsen)

We love the idea that Kelli will not only make your skin look more radiant and fresh for a day, but will also help you achieve this daily. 

Aside from makeup services, she also does makeup lessons, skin treatments, brow & lashes, and event hair. 

It’s safe to say that there are a lot of advantages when it comes to booking Kelli for your events. 

However, a lot of clients think that she needs to work on her communication skills. This is because there were some misunderstandings with a few clients that could have been avoided with good communication. 

Pros

• Great at making clients comfortable
• Punctual
• Incredible communication skills

Cons

• Expensive

Numerous clients we interviewed praised Beauty And The Brush for their great communication skills. It seems that Mariam, the person behind this service, knows how to adjust according to the client’s needs. 

Do you want a bright, red lip that pops? She can do that for you. 

Do you want a blush that looks natural and lasts long? Mariam also knows her way around this too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beauty & The Brush (@mariamfkazemi)

While it should be a common practice among makeup artists to see to their clients’ needs, we found that not everyone does this. Sometimes, makeup artists don’t get what their clients ask for so the latter are left feeling unsatisfied. 

We’re glad that’s not the case when it comes to Mariam based on a lot of remarks we received. 

Moreover, she’s also great at making clients comfortable. This is because of her upbeat personality, which we think is a great icebreaker in itself. 

We found this to be quite true based on how quickly we were able to warm up to her. Our staffers honestly felt a bit of awkwardness at first, but she was able to dispel that feeling because of how easy it was to make conversation with her. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beauty & The Brush (@mariamfkazemi)

If you’re hiring her for events, you’ll be glad to know that she’s punctual no matter how early the call time is. 

She had several clients who asked for her to be in the venue at around 4 a.m. and she was there right on the dot. This shows her professionalism because she was able to show up right when the clients needed her. 

If there’s something that may make you reconsider her, it’s that her services are a lot more expensive compared to others in the city. 

If you’re looking for something different, Emily Mercer Beauty is not your ordinary makeup artist. She does permanent cosmetic makeup, which is one of the reasons people go to her. 

We found that permanent makeup made a lot of her clients feel more confident. They also love its convenience because they don’t have to apply makeup as part of their daily routine. 

Although they still go to Emily for their touch-ups it’s not as often as applying makeup.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily Mercer Beauty 🐈‍⬛🏳️‍🌈 (@embeautyyy_)

Aside from permanent makeup, she also does brows. From waxing and shaping to bleaching or tinting, she can help you get your desired look. 

Moreover, she also does cosmetic and skincare product consultation, makeup lessons, hair styling, wedding makeup, and more. 

She does a lot of different kinds of makeup styles like creative/costume makeup, bridal makeup, “no makeup” makeup, etc. 

If you’d like to work with someone that knows a lot of different techniques and different cosmetic-related backgrounds, Emily might just be the person for you. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily Mercer Beauty 🐈‍⬛🏳️‍🌈 (@embeautyyy_)

A lot of clients we talked to also praised Emily for how well she communicates with her clients. This is not only in terms of how fast she responds but also in how she explains the whole process to clients, especially when it comes to the permanent makeup service. 

This made clients immediately feel at ease and trust her, which is important for procedures like these. We found that this is one of the reasons clients come out feeling quite satisfied with their experience. 

Anyway, if there’s something to consider before pushing through with her services, it’s that her portfolio doesn’t have a lot of variety and she really does focus on her permanent makeup work. 

She’s still good at other (read: “impermanent”) makeup types, but her emphasis on permanent makeup services may lead a lot of people into choosing her only for the latter and other artists for the former.

Jovana Combs Beauty is another excellent option for a makeup artist in the Portland area.

What we like about her is how she enhances her client’s natural beauty. She focuses on making her clients look good instead of covering up their faces with pretty makeup.

She gives her clients a beautiful natural glow that makes their features shine. What’s more is that it lasts for hours.

She can be your makeup artist for Boudoir, Beauty, or Branding photoshoots.

All her services include optional false lashes and long lasting setting spray to keep the makeup set for the duration of your shoot.

We think she’s also amazing because she can connect with her clients in an instant. This makes the entire process comfortable and easy.

She’s also efficient at what she does and there’s never a compromise with the quality of her work!

Terri Lodge is a professional that provides its clients with versatile and professional makeup services and is among the area’s recognized outstanding makeup artists it has even been featured in various publications such as Italian Book Moda and Women’s Wear Daily.

Having worked with various industries and personalities, she has an extensive background when it comes to camera and film experience which helps her further customize her makeup jobs for the specific event it is for.

Interested clients may view her vast portfolio of photographs of her past works and clients for them to have a better idea of the different and versatile makeup styles that she is able to offer to clients.

Note though that packages and rates of her services aren’t readily available on their website to which interested clients may need to inquire further for more information on this field.

Overall, with her inclusive and versatile approach to makeup services, extensive background in the industry and practice, and diverse experience in dealing with various clients, we highly recommend interested clients check them out.

Coreene Collins is a highly regarded professional wedding makeup artist and hair stylist with an impressive track record in the bridal industry.

Not that we are bragging but Coreene has received the WeddingWire Bride’s and Couple’s Choice Award for an impressive seven consecutive years, from 2013 to 2020. This recognition speaks volumes about her commitment to excellent customer service and delivering extravagant bridal experiences.

Unlike other artists, they have undergone training with Senior Paul Mitchell Educator Roger Cribb and has dedicated over 11 years to refining her skills in haircuts, hair color, and bridal artistry. Her solid foundation in the industry and collaboration with top photographers and designers showcase her expertise.

Collins is also well-versed in popular wedding makeup styles that emphasize natural beauty with soft, glowing skin, natural contouring, and an emphasis on enhancing the eyes with romantic eyeshadow shades and fluttery lashes. With her ability to create soft glam, natural glam, and natural classic looks, she is able to cater different bridal preferences.

Do take note that they are only open during Thursdays to Saturdays. You may need to contact them if you are planning book an appointment on a different day.

The Wildeflower Collective was founded by Analisa Marie, a hair and makeup artist with 12 years of experience, who has carved a unique niche in the bridal beauty industry. Known for offering clean, modern, and approachable styles, this bridal beauty team offers an elevated experience for clients seeking a high-end experience with ease. The Collective is made up of a carefully curated group of artists who share a commitment to community, and to an artful, comfortable approach to beauty.

Their core philosophy revolves around enhancing a client’s natural features rather than altering or covering up your true beauty, focusing on how professional hair and makeup services can make you feel. This thoughtful, client-centered approach makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a personalized beauty experience, particularly for weddings and other significant events.

The Collective’s signature style is centered on skin-focused, balanced looks that are understated yet still impactful, adding an elevated touch to complement each client’s special occasion. With her expertise in natural makeup, Analisa creates refined, glowing aesthetics that enhance rather than mask ones features. This approach is especially beloved by bridal clients seeking a timeless, effortless and radiant look.

The Collective places a strong emphasis on truly understanding each client’s vision and preferences. The initial consultation is thorough and unhurried, allowing plenty of time to discuss inspirations and comfort levels. This personalized process helps clients feel seen and valued, fostering a deeper connection with the artist team and ensuring a collaborative effort to bring their beauty vision to life.

The team offers a variety of services, including in-studio beauty appointments, on-location setups, and personalized hair and makeup lessons and coaching. This flexibility allows clients to easily fit services into their schedules, especially during the busy wedding season. For on-location services, particularly on wedding days, The Collective prioritizes creating a stress-free atmosphere and pays meticulous attention to every logistical detail. The artist team arrives fully prepared with everything needed, so clients can relax and enjoy the experience.

Analisa’s passion for makeup artistry shines through in her work, and her commitment to fostering a welcoming space for both clients and artists sets her apart. The support of a top-tier administrative team, including The Boutique COO, ensures smooth business operations, enhancing the overall client experience with seamless process management.