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15 makeup artists who won’t ruin your wedding photos (you're welcome).

Written by Amy Rosner | Aug 5, 2025 4:03:18 PM

Not to be that person, but ‘soft glam’ definitely doesn’t mean your contour is sharper than your pear ring and your lips are stuck in Kylie’s 2015 time capsule.” I’ve been there—sitting in the makeup chair, spiraling quietly while someone builds a smoky eye I very clearly did not ask for. 

When it’s your wedding day (or your rehearsal, engagement shoot or really any moment with a photographer and high emotional stakes), the makeup needs to be right. 

So, because I care—and because I have control issues—I deep-dived and found the NYC makeup artists who actually get it. The ones who know the difference between dewy and sweaty, who understand that “clean girl” isn’t just a TikTok trend and who will leave you looking like you, just... better lit.

Here are the best makeup artists in New York City for weddings and big-deal occasions—vetted, stalked and fully approved by someone with trust issues and unrealistically high standards (hi).

* Honorable mention: Gina Dolan of @ginadesignss who is absolutely killing it <3 * 

Sophia Toland 

 Handle: @tolandmakeup 

Sophia Vallejos

 Handle: @sophia.vallejos

Dani Parkes 

Handle: @facesbydanii 

Karla Duarte

 Handle:@karladuarte.mua 

Daniella Schwartz

Handle: @brushedupbydaniella 

Laura Mele

Handle:@bylauramele

Cat Mignano

 Handle: @cam.artistry 

Kelli Anne Sewell

Handle:@makeupxka

Valerie McHale

  Handle: @valeriemchalemakeup

Lila Childs

Handle: @lilainc

Tobi Henney

  Handle: @tobimakeup 

Liza Ray

Handle: @liza_ray

MJ Snyder

Handle: @m.j.snyder

Stephanie Ruiz

 Handle: @kissandmakeupbysteph

Becca Guidice

 Handle: @beccaguidicemakeup