Hi! My name is Jessica, and I’m a professional makeup artist located in the Washington, DC area.

I specialize in soft glam looks and pride myself on being an inclusive makeup artist who celebrates all skin tones and features.

When it comes to your wedding day, one thing's for sure—you want to look and feel your absolute best. And makeup plays a big part in that. One question I get asked a lot is: Should I hire a makeup artist or should I take a lesson to learn how to do it myself? The answer really comes down to your vision, your comfort level, and the vibe of your wedding day.

Let’s break down the reasons why you might choose one over the other:

When Hiring a Makeup Artist Makes the Most Sense

1. You’ve got a wedding party (or family) getting ready with you.
If it’s not just you who needs makeup, bringing in a professional artist can make things way more streamlined. Coordinating looks, timing, and logistics is a lot easier when you have someone whose literal job is to make sure everyone looks cohesive and camera-ready.

2. It can actually be more affordable.
Booking a private lesson, then buying a full set of high-quality makeup products (some of which you may only use once) can add up quickly. If you're trying to avoid the trial-and-error and the extra purchases, hiring a pro might save you money and stress.

3. You want a hands-off, pampered experience.
Your wedding morning can be hectic. Between checking in with vendors, calming nerves, and soaking in the moment, it’s nice to sit back and let someone else take the reins—especially someone whose work you admire.

4. You love the artist’s signature style.
If there’s a specific makeup artist whose work you love, and you want that exact look for your big day, booking them is a no-brainer. Makeup is an art, and every artist has their own unique touch.

When Booking a Makeup Lesson Might Be Right For You

1. You’re the only one needing services.
A lot of artists (myself included) have minimums for wedding bookings. So if it’s just you, it may be hard to find someone who’s available or willing to take on a one-person booking, especially during busy seasons.

2. You’re having a destination wedding and want full control.
If you're traveling and don’t feel comfortable gambling on an artist you’ve never worked with (especially in a different country or location), learning how to do your makeup yourself might bring more peace of mind.

3. You’re not seeing representation in local artists’ portfolios.
If you’re having trouble finding someone whose work reflects your skin tone, features, or aesthetic, especially in areas where inclusive artistry isn’t as common, learning how to confidently do your own makeup can be incredibly empowering.

4. You’re already comfortable with makeup and want to elevate your skills.
Maybe you already have a solid routine and know your way around a beauty sponge, but you want your wedding look to have a little extra. A makeup lesson can help you level up your technique and learn pro tips for longevity, photography, and overall glam.

5. You’ve got an early morning start and want to skip the extra fees.
Weddings that start at sunrise often come with early call times—and many artists charge additional fees for that. If you’re an early riser anyway, learning to do your own makeup might be the more practical (and budget-friendly) choice.

At the end of the day, the right choice is the one that makes you feel the most confident and prepared. Whether that means having someone glam you up while you sip mimosas or mastering your own wedding day routine with a custom lesson, you deserve to feel beautiful, empowered, and yourself.

Still not sure which route is best for you? I offer both wedding makeup services and custom lessons—let’s chat and figure out what makes the most sense for your big day.

Contact me