Vendor Spotlight: Makeup Artistry by Liz

Valley Wed is a curated style of wedding show; one that focuses on real relationships with the best wedding vendors the Pioneer Valley has to offer.  We want to connect you with the top wedding professionals in Western Massachusetts to help you plan one of the most important days of your life. 

November 1st   12-4pm   Quonquont Farm

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You're not cookie cutter.  Neither are we.

Get to know our hand-picked wedding pros
in our Valley Wed Vendor Spotlight.

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Lynne Graves Photography

Meet Liz Washer, professional makeup artist
and owner of Makeup Artistry by Liz.

What do you love most about your work?

I believe that beauty is universal, and makeup is one way to let it shine through!  I relish working with color and texture and finding ways to enhance the face in front of me, and I enjoy the collaborative process involved in a wedding, shoot, or any professional work that I do.  I love the effect makeup can have on a person’s overall style and attitude, and I strive to enhance both with my work.  I get to make people feel happy and beautiful, which is a pretty awesome way to make a living.

Douglas Levy Photography

What makes you different from other professionals in your field?

Many of my brides are surprised to learn that I don’t just do weddings – my other career focus is makeup for commercial and editorial photography, video, and broadcast.  Media makeup artists must create long-lasting faces that look amazing in person as well as on high-definition cameras, in any lighting situation – which translates wonderfully to the multifaceted demands of a wedding day!  I also strive to bring an editorial eye to every wedding that I do, and I don’t fall back on a cookie-cutter look that doesn’t suit the face (or the personality) that I’m working with. I work very collaboratively with you to help you look your best from every angle and in every medium.

Renzi & Hawkens Studio

Another thing that sets me apart is that my services are fully mobile – I come to you with my kit, comfy director’s chair (to make you feel like the VIP you are), and even a table and lighting if needed. You don’t have to worry about providing a perfect studio set-up for me, and you don’t have to take time out of an already stressful day to go to a salon to get your makeup done.  Finally, I’m an avid writer and love to share my knowledge with others.  I regularly serve as an expert resource in a variety of media, and I publish a biweekly newsletter as well.

[Check out Liz's free ebook which you can download from her bridal website!]

What's your favorite memory from a wedding?

This week I’m celebrating 10 years of doing weddings: my very first was my college friend Heather, who entrusted her face to my skills long before I had a portfolio or even a complete kit!  Her huge grin when she looked in the mirror sealed the deal for me – I absolutely loved doing this. (And the makeup made a huge difference: her wedding was on a swelteringly hot, humid August day, but it stayed put!)

Michelle Girard Photography

As a vendor, what's your favorite moment when working with a couple?

That’s a tough one! I love the process of getting to know my clients: finding out more about their vision for the day, their personal style, their creativity, their quirks, and what’s important to them. Getting to know so many people during such a joyful, exciting time in their lives is inspiring and fun. And naturally, I love the moment when a bride looks in the mirror and loves what she sees!

Love & Perry Photography

At 9am each day, you are...

That really depends on the day!  Now, my ideal a.m. self would do a little yoga or take a meditative walk in nature before starting work; something refreshing and energizing.  But my actual self is usually working on location by 9am (which could be anywhere in New England, so I definitely have some early wake-ups on commute days) or typing away furiously on my laptop while rocking PJs and bed head.  That’s freelancing for ya! (I’ll let you know if I manage to make the yoga and/or meditation a regular thing.)

Cocktail of choice?

I’m easy to please as long as it’s not too sweet. I usually drink vodka with seltzer and lime, perhaps also cranberry juice if I’m feeling fancy. I’m also partial to margaritas, although I can’t make a good one to save my life.

What charity do you support?

Dakin Humane Society! In February of this year, I was behind the scenes at the PAWSCARS, a fundraiser featuring food, film, and fashion all in one. (Dogs on the red carpet – seriously, what’s not to love?)  As most of my clients know, I’m a big adopt-don’t-shop advocate and love my rescue mutt Edie, so this seemed like a natural fit.  I served as an event sponsor and the makeup artist for most of the Dakin staff and runway models who were part of the show.  It was so much fun!