Lena Clark Beauty

Chicago Makeup Artist

For Black Brides Only: the Ultimate Wedding Planning Companion for Black Women

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Beautiful Black bride holding For Brides Only: a Wedding Companion for Black Women, sitting in a luxury suite

Over ten years ago Lena Clark Smith, Owner & Lead Make Artist @ luxury destination bridal makeup company Lena Clark Beauty, picked up a makeup brush and stepped in front of a camera to showcase and highlight the beauty in Black brides. As engagement season comes to a close, Lena is excited to announce the launch of a 10+ year passion project For Black Brides Only: The Ultimate Wedding Companion for Black Women – and it’s ALREADY ranked as a “Top New Release” after launching last week on Amazon – to help Black women navigate the nuances of the wedding planning process as a Black woman.

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Chicago’s Lena Clark Beauty is a Multi-Award Winning Makeup Artist

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Happy #weddingwednesday! We are SOOOOO happy to announce that thanks to our amazing 2018 Stunning Brides and our talented team of makeup artists, Lena Clark Beauty has won The Knot Best of Weddings AND Wedding Wire Couples Choice awards for 2019!!!! We do not take these wins lightly.

These awards are based on [Read more…]

Stunning Bride: Robyn’s Wedding – The Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL)

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If you’ve been following us on social media (and if you’re not, you should be!) you know that our Stunning Bride Robyn and her groom Maurice’s gorgeous wedding day was featured in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue of the Knot Chicago magazine – on news stands now through the end of April. I was SO excited to run out and get a copy that I literally did a shimmy and two step in the aisle at Walgreen’s when I saw they had the issue. That’s major because I can’t dance. Lol. True story! We are so happy to have a chance to share a few more images from this beautiful wedding day with you all. [Read more…]

Which Bride Are You?

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There is no right or wrong answer. Both women are extremely beautiful and their makeup is perfectly executed (shout out to their makeup artists!). When you break down the elements of each look, you are able to see key differences in their style. [Read more…]

Stunning Bride: Kristina’s Wedding – Royal Palace Banquet Hall (Chicago Ridge, IL)

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Kristina is a very special Stunning Bride! In 2012 I hosted a giveaway seeking an exceptional prom girl with a bright future to receive FREE makeup services. Kristina won after being referred to me by an old coworker. Fast forward 4 years later, that same coworker sent Kristina my way again for her wedding day makeup. I was so honored to have been called for this special day.   [Read more…]

Stunning Bride: Rosalind’s Wedding – Mid-America Club (Chicago)

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I traveled to Rosalind’s home prior to her wedding day for her Bridal Preview where we discussed and executed her perfect wedding day look.  Like most of my Stunning Brides, Rosalind wanted a natural glam style of makeup, but she wanted to add a pop of color for the lips.  I used a mixture of MAC lipsticks and created the perfect shade for Rosalind’s crisp fall wedding. [Read more…]

Stunning Bride: Niki’s Wedding – ZED 451 (Chicago)

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Black Bride Chicago

As if wedding planning isn’t complicated enough, my Stunning Bride, Niki planned her wedding in Chicago while living in Dallas, TX. Yikes! Luckily, she was able to find all of her vendors, including myself, via TheKnot.com where I am listed as a “Best of the Knot” award winning bridal makeup artist in the Greater Chicagoland area. Yay for hard work, dedication, and the many satisfied Stunning Brides who shared their honest reviews that helped me achieve this great honor! [Read more…]

Stunning Bride: Tanyala’s Wedding – Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel (Chicago)

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Chicago Black Bride and Black Groom

Photo credit: www.studiothisis.com

I met Tanyala a few months before her wedding day for a Bridal Preview session. After having worked with other makeup artists, Tanyala was a bit nervous. We discussed her wedding day beauty vision and were able to easily design and execute her perfect wedding day look. The soon-to-be Mrs. was pleased and grateful at the end of her preview session. I also had the pleasure of doing makeup for the Bridal Shower, so I was very familiar with Tanyala’s personal makeup preferences and needs prior to her wedding day. [Read more…]