MARIA LEE MAKEUP AND HAIR SPECIALIZES IN:
• Airbrush Makeup • Hairstyling • Lash Extensions • Spray Tanning
• Male Grooming • Special Effects • Waterproof Airbrush Tattoo Cover
• Natural Beauty • Costume Makeup • Complete Transformations • Male to Female
• Private Makeup & Hairstyling Lessons in SF & LA
AREAS OF FOCUS INCLUDE:
• Celebrity • Television • Video • Live Performances
• Executive Head Shots & Interviews • Commercials
• Wedding • Engagement • Boudoir • Special Events • Halloween
• Maternity • Family Photos
~ 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY ~
PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE SERVICE AVAILABLE IN
SAN FRANCISCO, BAY AREA, LOS ANGELES, AND DESTINATION.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where are you from and how did you get into doing makeup?
I’m originally from the Bay Area. Born in Fremont, CA and raised in both Fremont and San Jose. It's always been a dream of mine to become a make-up artist. I actually envisioned becoming one when I was around 9. Ever since I was little I've been drawing and playing around with different mediums - colored pencils and charcoal were my favorites. My hand-written letters to my best friend in high school were illustrated with drawings. My sketch books were filled with strangers on the train, classmates sleeping in class, and teachers looking like half mermaids or other creatures. While working as a hostess in a restaurant I frequently got into trouble for drawing all over the seating chart. When family and friends asked me to do their wedding makeup I was more than happy to! After graduating college in SF with a degree in Illustration, I worked in graphic design for several years until I got burned out from sitting behind a computer all day. I decided it was time for a career change.
With my background in art and enthusiastic attitude, I landed a job working behind the Laura Mercier counter at Macy's in Union Square, San Francisco. It was there that I first learned proper beauty makeup application. I then freelanced for other high end lines such as Armani Cosmetics at Saks Fifth Ave., then Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Shu Uemura, MAC, NARS, and a few other lines at department stores all over the Bay Area. At one point five different companies were booking me whenever I could fit them into my schedule. I gained a lot of experience using a wide array of make-up on many different ethnicities and age ranges. Finally, I started to acquire my own clients and after several years, I was able to happily leave the world of retail and start my own makeup & hair business.
Q: Did you go to school to learn how to do makeup, hair and special effects?
I studied color theory, painting and drawing in college so I just learned proper steps and beauty techniques while working for the various cosmetic lines. I was formally trained in Los Angeles for hairstyling which enabled me to do BOTH makeup and hair for commercial shoots or clients' special events. I wanted to broaden my skills so I became paramedical camouflage certified by Kryolan. Then I took special makeup effects classes in NYC and LA to learn how to create injuries, different characters, as well as custom prosthetics. I also attended an "Ethnic Hairstyling Class" in LA taught by Tre Major, an African American celebrity hairstylist.
I have clients from all races and age groups who book me for special events, theater, television, film, live performances and Halloween, too. Not only do I truly enjoy enhancing people's natural beauty by listening carefully and staying close to their personal style but I also love fully transforming clients into different characters for whatever the occasion calls for. Color and makeup continue to fascinate me since they can make a positive and significant difference in how a person looks and feels. During my career, I have literally worked on thousands of people from every ethnic background and age ranges from three to ninety-five years old.
Q: What make-up products do you use?
On my clients, I use the best products from all the high-end cosmetic lines I have worked for plus other professional grade brands. These include Laura Mercier, Dior, Armani, NARS, Yves Saint Laurent, Shu Uemura, Make Up For Ever, Temptu, Senna, RCMA, Stila, Kat Von D, Anastasia Beverly Hills and more. Hair products I use include Oribe, Sebastian, Kerastase, L'anza, KMS, and Kenra. I am constantly doing research and I love trying out new products! I'm a product junkie. I know which products 1) look the best in various lighting, 2) feel the best on, and 3) will last all day / all night -- which is very important for people wanting minimal touch-ups.
In addition to traditional makeup, I use professional airbrush for bridal parties and HD (High Definition) makeup for television/film when needed. I also use rub-resistant and waterproof airbrush makeup to camouflage tattoos, scars, birthmarks, and any other imperfection clients want to conceal. Also, If someone is feeling a little pale, I provide airbrush spray tanning for an amazing, natural-looking, sun-kissed glow.
Q: Since you've worked with so many different lines, which one is your favorite?
That's a tough one because so many lines have their great products and their so-so products. If you ask me what is my favorite eye shadow, lipstick or mascara from different cosmetic lines, I can tell you! I am able to create a custom blend of products and colors from different cosmetic lines depending on the client's specific needs. I offer thorough makeup lessons for those seeking to learn how to properly apply makeup that lasts all day in the workplace or all evening for a fun night out on the town. I love sharing knowledge of my favorite products from all the different high end cosmetic brands I used to work for. I am not stuck to any one brand!
Q: How do I book an artist from the SF or LA artistry team and also how do I know they are just as competent?
Just contact and let us know who you'd like to book or if you'd like a recommendation based on your needs. All the members of the Artistry Team have gone through a major screening process in order to work with Maria Lee Makeup & Hair’s clients. All the artists are highly skilled, very talented, friendly, and dependable. I have trained the many of the artists to improve their skills as needed. It was only natural for me to create their own sections on my site in order to help with the work overflow and promote their amazing talent! A retainer and contract reserves your date with a team artist. I will handle all the business transactions, contracts and email/phone correspondence. Enjoy browsing their beautiful work and feel free to contact me with questions anytime. We are committed to our clients and their utmost satisfaction!
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo and all major credit cards. We do not accept personal checks except for wedding payments at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding date.