How long have you been doing bridal makeup & hair? I have been doing makeup & hair since 2012, But my very first wedding wasn't until the Summer of 2013.
What do you love about doing bridal? I love the transformation and the process of applying makeup. I love the glow every bride has when they sit in my chair. I enjoy creating and bringing to life my brides vision. The feeling in the air is just magical!
How would you describe your makeup style? I love clean, natural makeup looks (nothing too heavy or harsh). I love well blended eyeshadow and contour that enhances a woman's features beautifully. I would describe my style as natural glam to my clients.
How did you get into working weddings?
After Cosmetology school, I started working at a hair salon as an assistant to work my way up to having my own chair and having my own clients etc...I was super grateful to be working at that salon, but I couldn't see myself being there long-term. I'm not someone who sticks to the same routine every single day- to me that's too mundane. I like a change of scenery and being inside a salon didn't necessarily motivate me. I was really craving to style hair more and create beautiful up-do's etc...
Fast forward about 6 months, I get a random text one Tuesday afternoon asking if I would like to work a wedding in LA that weekend. I didn't know who this woman texting me was, but later found out that she owned a bridal hair and makeup studio. At the time, I just assumed someone had referred me. Honestly, to this day, I have no idea how she got my contact info. But, I was so thrilled and quick to jump on board! Ever since that wedding, I made the leap and decided to leave the salon as an assistant and join the team of artists in LA to work weddings. I worked my way up from being an assistant (working on bridal party members) to working on Brides (as an advanced artist) for the next couple of years. I truly felt like being a freelance artist was where I was meant to be and I loved the feeling of traveling on-location to create and sharing a special moment with every client. As I started getting my own clients for bridal and fashion, I was then able to start my own company shortly after. That's when Kristina Curtis Beauty started! :)
What was your favorite wedding venue to date? My all time favorite wedding venue is Malibu Rocky Oaks. I remember being in awe walking up to the venue and then seeing what was on the other side of the door was absolutely breathtaking. The view is incredible because the place sits on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards.
What brands of makeup do you use? I use many popular makeup brands that have been tried and true! Make Up For Ever, TARTE, Estee Lauder, NARS--just to name a few. I make sure every client is well taken care of and if they have any allergies or makeup preferences to let me know and I happily make those adjustment.
What are your top 5 hair products or tools in your kit? My GHD soft curl iron is number 1. This iron creates beautiful waves and the iron itself doesn't damage your hair. The next product I love is Verb Sea Texture Spray. This spray adds the perfect amount of grit, volume and texture to the hair without weighing it down. It smells amazing too! The third item I love are Creaseless Clips. I use them for holding the hair in place when creating a structured wave pattern or to simply hold back the hair when doing makeup and it won't make any creases in the hair. Next, I always carry a wide tooth comb. I use the comb for brushing out curls to create soft glam waves or detangle the hair without damaging it. Finally, I must say a great hairspray is essential for locking in a style all day. I Love the Oribe Superfine Hairspray. It has a superfine mist that doesn't leave any residue or weigh the hair down & this product also has a luxurious smell!
What is the one product you can't live without? I always have something moisturizing on my lips. A good lipgloss or balm is a must.
How did you know you wanted to become a makeup artist? I am the creative type and I always knew I wanted to be in a career that was in fashion or beauty. My interest in makeup was always there too, but it wasn't until my early 20's when I realized a career in makeup and hair was possible.