How do I contact/book an appointment with you?
The best way to schedule an appointment is by submitting a Wedding Service Inquiry, or submitting a General Service Inquiry. This will ensure you receive an accurate quote for your needs. You will then receive the information necessary to secure your appointment. Your appointment is not reserved until your retainer is received (Chase QuickPay (powered by Zelle and compatible with all major U.S. banks), PayPal, or cash in person). Dates/Times are scheduled in order based on receipt and confirmation of deposit.
Do you travel?
Yes. We travel around the Chicagoland area and beyond to service our clients. Out of town clients are responsible for full travel and lodging expenses in addition to makeup service fees.
How long will my appointment be?
This varies by client, but appointments typically range from 30-90 minutes per person.
What services do you provide?
We are a team primarily bridal makeup artists. While our artists are all trained and experienced working with all skin tones and ethnicities, we specialize in a red carpet ready classic glam style of makeup for Black/African American Brides. Traditional and airbrush makeup applications are available.
We are also available for makeup lessons/demonstrations.
Should I choose traditional or airbrush makeup application/Which application is best for me?
Short answer: It depends on your needs, skin condition, and budget. Please review this post: Airbrush Makeup vs. Traditional Makeup to assist you in making your decisions.
How far in advance should I book my wedding date?
Wedding dates book quickly! Brides, please do not wait until the last minute to secure your wedding makeup artist and book your bridal previews. It always hurts when we have to turn a bride away because our team is already booked on her date. Your wedding day is one of the biggest, most important days of your life, and YOU will be photographed more than anything or anyone on this day. Don’t leave your wedding day beauty needs to chance.
We start booking wedding dates one year in advance. To ensure availability of your preferred artist, it is best to book your wedding makeup artist 9-12 months in advance. Wedding dates are not confirmed with the Lena Clark Beauty Team until a retainer and signed Wedding Service Agreement have been received.
Once you secure your artist, book your bridal preview immediately and schedule it for 2-3 months before your wedding day. Bridal previews are typically held on Sundays in our private bridal studio.
Do you offer trials/Should I get one?
Yes, we offer Bridal Previews as an additional service. While Bridal Previews are NOT mandatory, they are highly recommended. We would be more than happy to pre-design your wedding day look for/with you. This post: Should you get a bridal preview will help you decide if you would like to book one.
Can you do eyes/foundation/lashes, etc. only?
While we prefer to work with each client based on their individual needs, we do not provide a la carte services. If you only want your eyes/foundation/lashes, etc. done it would be the same pricing as a full makeup application.
What makeup brands do you use/What is your favorite makeup brand?
There is no one size fits all brand. We believe in brand diversity to pack our kits with the best of what each brand has to offer. All of our kit products are professional quality and includes carefully tested selections from pro only brands as well as luxury and prestige consumer brands.
Our owner, Lena Clark, does however have a favorite eyelash: Pixie Luxe by House of Lashes. This lash is super gorgeous and extra glamorous, but is not necessary suitable for the novice lash wearer.
Do you have any makeup tips for beginners?
Makeup is an art form and a lot of what you do will depend on your personal preferences. It’s about what YOU like. Just get out there and practice! Do your makeup every day…the results may not always be what you want or expect, but each time you you will learn something new. We promise you will learn as you go. Have fun and enjoy the process of transforming yourself.
The only makeup tip we can offer comes straight from our owner, Lena Clark, a licensed Esthetician, and is technically so basic it doesn’t even really count a tip: Wash your face and stay hydrated by drinking water!!!!! Seriously, take proper care of your skin from the inside out. Cleanse, tone, treat, and moisturize (include an SPF of at least 30 if going outdoors) your skin daily; and exfoliate at least once a week depending on your skin type. While makeup can cover many skin flaws and imperfections, skin is always in! Having a clean canvas to work on will provide you with the best makeup application possible.
Visit the Lena Clark BeautyBridal & Beauty Blog for additional tips and helpful information!!!!
Still have questions? Contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.