Lena Clark Beauty

Chicago Makeup Artist

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Stunning Bride: Jasmine’s Wedding – The Langham Hotel (Chicago, IL)

February 28, 2018 | Written By: Lena Clark Beauty

Black Bride at Langham Hotel

Jasmine got married on my mother’s birthday. I didn’t plan to work that day but there was something special about Jasmine that came across in her Wedding Service Inquiry. When I read her Online Bridal Consultation and met her at her Bridal Preview I knew I made the right decision. [Read more…]

Tagged With: African American Bride, African American Bride Makeup Chicago, Black Bride, Black Bride Makeup, Black Bride Makeup Chicago, bridal makeup, Chicago Bride, Chicago Luxury Wedding, Chicago Makeup Artist, Chicago Wedding, skin care

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

February 21, 2018 | Written By: Lena Clark Beauty

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…]

Tagged With: African American Bride, African American Bride Makeup Chicago, African American Wedding, behind the brush, Black Bride, Black Bride Makeup, Black Bride Makeup Chicago, bridal makeup, Chicago Bride, Chicago Luxury Wedding, Chicago Makeup Artist, Chicago Wedding

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

June 28, 2017 | Written By: Lena Clark Beauty

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…]

Tagged With: African American Bride, African American Wedding, Black Bride, Black Bride Makeup Chicago, bridal makeup, Chicago Bride, Chicago Makeup Artist

Airbrush Makeup vs. Traditional Makeup

October 17, 2014 | Written By: Lena Clark Beauty

I am a Chicago makeup artist that specializes in both airbrush makeup and traditional makeup application. I am often asked by anxious brides about the difference between the two and which one they should choose for their wedding day.

Before I get into the differences, I want to clear up a common misconception: airbrush makeup has nothing to do with models and celebrities in magazines “looking flawless because they are airbrushed.” In this context, being airbrushed refers to the digital editing of the images – often referred to as Photoshop. This is a process by which photos are edited (airbrushed) to remove flaws, imperfections, and wrinkles; smooth and soften skin, add or reduce curves, decrease body size, lengthen body parts, lighten skin tone, etc. Again, this process of airbrushing photos has nothing to do with makeup. [Read more…]

Tagged With: beauty tips, bridal makeup, brides

Behind the Brush: Bridal Photo Shoots (PART I)

May 30, 2014 | Written By: Lena Clark Beauty

I recently had the pleasure of – and all of the work associated with – planning two styled bridal photo shoots. I am so happy that they were both successful and yielded some really beautiful images. I can’t wait to share them. I usually like to use photo shoots as a time to try new products, tools, and techniques so that I have an understanding of their best uses when a client sits in my chair. These two shoots were no different. A lot of time goes into the planning stage of a photo shoot but I won’t bore you with any of those details (unless you want me to). Instead, I’ll be sharing a few images now; and then later I’ll discuss some recent kit additions/techniques and how they performed.

Modern Breakfast at Tiffany[’s] Blue Styled Photo Shoot

This shoot involved a whole team of talented people. As this was my first time planning and managing a styled bridal photo shoot some mistakes were made and some lessons were learned, but I thank God for allowing this experience.

black bride model with natural makeup

Model #1
Unedited image from my digital camera

black bride makeup with natural makeup

Model #2
Unedited image from my digital camera

Team:
Photographer(s): Isi, Isi’s Photography; Matt, Black Tie Wedding Photography
Makeup/Hair: Me, Lena Clark MUA
Wardrobe Stylist: Ro’Shunda, The Natural Hair Bride
Models: Kimika & Erin
Wedding Planner: Fisayo, One Look Events
Stationery Design: Alero, Vividesigns
Assistant: Ajene’, Bonafide Trend Diva
Venue: City Point Loft [Read more…]

Tagged With: before and after, bridal makeup, brides, health & beauty, makeup, photo shoot

Glitz Glam & Curlz: A Bridal Affair (sneak peek)

March 3, 2014 | Written By: Lena Clark Beauty

Here are a few amateur pictures from The Natural Hair Bride Glitz Glam & Curlz: A Bridal Affair. I am a terrible photographer, so I will be sure to post professional pictures as soon as possible.  After the first two models things moved along so quickly I didn’t get a chance to take photos of everyone.  I completed makeup for 2 models and did male grooming for 3 men. [Read more…]

Tagged With: before and after, bridal makeup, brides, makeup

Introducing: The Natural Hair Bride Glitz Glam & Curlz: A Bridal Affair

February 7, 2014 | Written By: Lena Clark Beauty

Are you the change you want to see in the world?!

Trust me, I am far from perfect – I don’t even reside in the same area code, but being the change I want to see is an ongoing effort. I have an older gentleman friend that often tells me “you don’t complain and you don’t explain.” What I do is react. Instead of spending all of my time complaining about the things I don’t agree with, I simply pour my energy and focus into the things I appreciate.

[Read more…]

Tagged With: bridal makeup, brides, community, culture, fashion show

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About

Lena Clark

Simply put, Lena Clark loves all things beauty and art. An appreciation of all things girly & feminine led her to discover a love for transforming faces through makeup application.

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Recent Posts

  • Chicago’s Lena Clark Beauty is a Multi-Award Winning Makeup Artist
  • A Makeup Review: Black Radiance Contour Palettes (powder)
  • A New Year, New You Makeup Lesson in Chicago
  • Behind the Brush: a Quick Tip for Aspiring Makeup Artists
  • Stunning Bride: Jasmine’s Wedding – The Langham Hotel (Chicago, IL)

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