Luxury Makeup Artistry | Chicago + Destination

THE LUXURY EXPERIENCE

My approach to makeup artistry is to provide an elevated custom luxury experience from the moment you sit in my chair. The looks I create are a representation of my clients personal beauty request for their specific occasion with a focus on an effortless natural/soft glam.

Laura Elizabeth Herrera

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. I graduated from New Mexico State University where I earned my BA in Fine Arts in Dance in 2010. One month after graduating I moved to Chicago which I've now called home the past 14 years.

My makeup journey started within the performing arts (singing, acting and dancing) industry where I was often asked by my cast mates to do their makeup or apply false lashes for them, During this time I was also being referred by friends and family to do makeup for their special occasions. My father also does acting on the side from his full-time job and would take me on set with him. It was then when I was introduced to the film industry.

Little by little, my makeup journey grew from there. I was introduced to the boudoir industry in 2014 and was immediately inspired. With the support of my husband and immediate family, they surprised me with my first professional camera and it was then I started taking on models to start building my boudoir portfolio. I officially introduced mini boudoir sessions to my list of services in fall of 2022. I've now been doing makeup for over 16+ years and currently specialize in wedding,/special occasion makeup and boudoir photography.

Portfolio

Makeup Services

  • BRIDE TO BE: This service includes your makeup preview (trial) which we’ll schedule out about 3 months before your wedding day where we’ll do a complete skin analysis and create your dream wedding makeup look. This service also includes unlimited phone/text correspondence, email check in’s, a personalized day of makeup schedule and day of mini touch-up services once all makeup applications are finished.

    GROOM TO BE: This service includes a complete skin analysis followed by an in depth skincare regime. This service also includes unlimited phone/text correspondence, email check in’s, a personalized day of makeup schedule and an anti sweat to-go touch-up kit.

    Bride: $300

    Includes custom false lashes, airbrush foundation, to go touch-up kit and your makeup preview (trial).

    Groom: $175

    Includes skin prep, lip/eye mask, spot conceal (optional) and set with de-shining/mattifying products.

    Wedding Party/Attendees: $116

    Includes false lashes + lip touch-up kit

    Add-ons/Upgrades:

    -Second makeup preview: $160

    -Airbrush foundation upgrade: +$20

    -Individual custom lash upgrade: +$10

    -Touch-up’s: $90/hr (2 hour minimum)

    *Minimum number of services to book: 5

    *Travel/Onsite Fee: $50 per artist

    *$300 non-refundable/transferable retainer + signed contract for brides and $100 non refundable/transferable retainer + a signed contract for grooms to secure date

  • This service starts off with a skin analysis followed by an in depth makeup application starting with skin prep.

    Makeup Application: $116

    Includes custom false lashes and to go lip touch-up kit.

    Add-ons/Upgrades:

    -Airbrush foundation upgrade: +$20

    -Individual custom lashes: +$15

    *Travel Fee: Starts at $20

    *$56 non refundable/transferable retainer to secure date

    *Balance due after makeup is finished

Boudoir Session

  • $800

    Your session includes…

    1 hour photography session

    Professional hair and makeup

    2 outfit changes ($50 each additional outfit add on)

    20+ password protected digital gallery

    Session prep guide

    Outfit styling and recommendations

    *Sessions take place at my home studio in the city (Lincoln Square)

    *$300 non refundable retainer to secure date

    *Payment plans available upon request

    *If you have a desired studio in mind, booking takes place on your end plus a $20+ travel fee depending on location

  • $560

    If you are a bride and also book me for your wedding day makeup, you will receive 30% off your boudoir session. It’s the perfect “grooms gift”, but also the BEST gift for yourself too.

    Bridal Boudoir Sessions include…

    1 hour photography session

    2 bridal themed lingerie outfits ($50 outfit add-on)

    Complimentary Viel shots

    Professional hair and makeup

    20+ password protected digital gallery

    *$260 non-refundable retainer to secure date

    *Sessions take place at my home studio in the city (Lincoln Square). If you have a desired studio in mind, booking takes place on your end plus a $20+ travel fee depending on location

Makeup Lessons

This service is for anyone wanting an in depth step-by-step hands on makeup lesson on how to achieve a desired makeup look. This includes everything from everyday casual makeup to evening makeup.

  • $75

    This can be in person or virtually depending on your preference.

    Do you struggle with applying false lashes, achieving that perfect winged liner or maybe you just want to master the perfect smokey eye. This 1:1 mini focus lesson is for you.

    Before our lesson I’ll send over a list of everything you’ll need to have prepared so that you’re ready to go come lesson day.

    Focus examples- False lash application, complexion technique to achieving a flawless or natural matte finish, smokey eye or the most requested, highlight and contour.

    *50% retainer to secure date

  • $150

    This can be in person or virtually depending on your preference.

    This lesson consists of both of us doing our makeup together step-by-step to achieve an everyday natural makeup look. We'll both start off with fresh clean skin and begin with your skin analysis. We'll talk about your skins needs, concerns, expectations and chat about what products you're currently using. We’ll begin with prepping/priming our face then moving into the makeup lesson starting with the eyes.

    *travel fee applied for in person lesson ($40)

    *50% retainer to secure date

  • $350

    I like to call this one the "adult field trip" because who didn't love a day back in school when it was a field trip day?

    We'll start our day at a coffee shop of your choice (or zoom call) and chat about your expectations, your skins needs/concerns, what you're looking into trying or adding to your makeup routine and talk about what products you’re currently using etc. Feel free to bring your makeup bag with you. Once I have a clear picture of your expectations, depending on your budget, we'll then head over to a store of your choosing Ulta, Sephora, Wal-mart, Target etc... I'll be with you every step of the way helping you select products that meet your skins needs, help color match, brush recommendations etc.

    *for clients that book a field lesson with me, you will receive $50 off a 1:1 full face makeup lesson should you decide to book a lesson with the new products you purchased from our field lesson (offer lasts 30 days after your field lesson).

    *50% non-refundable retainer to secure date

  • $100

    This can be in person or virtually depending on your preference.

    This lesson begins with a quick skin analysis so that I can best recommend certain products depending on your skins needs. This lesson consists of you brining your makeup bag to the lesson and we'll go through each product together one by one. We'll chat which products are keepers and which ones you can part with and make recommendations along the way. We’ll also cover application technique with any products that you’re not sure of how to apply correctly.

    *travel fee applied for in person lessons ($40)

    *50% retainer to secure date

  • $125 per person

    -I can’t think of anything more fun than getting all your BFFs together and learning how to achieve a beautiful elevated makeup look. Whether it’s a company activity for work, girls night in, bachelorette party or a birthday gathering, a group makeup lesson is the perfect activity to learn something new and have a lot of fun at the same time. This can be in person or virtually depending on the groups preference.

    -Group lessons start off with a skin analysis and a discussion of products, tools/brushes and application techniques.

    *4 participant minimum

    *travel fee applied for in person lesson ($40)

    *studio reservation fee applied if going to you isn’t an option

    *50% retainer to secure date

  • -For Professional Makeup Artists-

    This lesson is structured for the professional makeup artist. Wether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, education is key to continue mastering your craft and offering the best experience to your clients within our evolving industry. My masterclass is custom designed to your professional needs so not every session looks the same. These are elevated lessons where we can take an in depth look at your kit set up and presentation, your current makeup routine/steps with your clients and makeup artistry. If you want all three, fantastic! If you’re only interested in one focus, let’s do it. Fill out my form below and we’ll design a custom masterclass that best suits your professional needs. My masterclass starts at $200.

mini Branding session

"Laura is truly the best! She is super sweet, patient and a very talented makeup artist. She was also so supportive throughout the process from the time of booking up to the wedding day. My makeup was absolutely beautiful for my wedding day.”

Lindsey F.

"I truly cannot rate Laura highly enough. I'd give her 100 stars if I could. I hired her for my engagement photos, my bridal shower and my wedding day and cannot wait for the next occasion to contact her again.”

Sophia B.

"From the first response I received from Laura, I knew she was IT. Laura is organized, dedicated and talented. She helped in more ways than makeup, event queen.”

Rebecca R.

"Wow, did I find the most incredible makeup artist in Laura. She truly made me feel beautiful and even through all my crying for the amazing personal moments at our wedding, my makeup looked flawless all night.”

Brittany M.

“Absolutely loved my makeup on my wedding day. Laura executes confidently and is very professional.”

Yvonne E.

“Laura is professional, on time, a fantastic scheduler planner and takes lots of measures to keep her supplies sanitary and clean. I highly recommend her services.”

Ashley P.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Yes, the minimum number of services is 5 during peak months (May-November). Exceptions are made for dates that don’t fall within these months.

  • For all destination events taking place outside of Chicago, round-trip travel and hotel/airbnb accommodations are covered by the client.

  • Depending on your occasion, clients typically book out anywhere from 3-6 months in advance. For weddings I recommend booking as soon as you know your wedding date and have secured your venue.

  • At this time my rates are firm and non-negotiable. I do however offer payment plans that can be discussed during contract signing.

  • At the moment I only offer hair styling for my photography sessions. I'd be happy to send over my best stylist recommendations for your requested occasion.

  • As beautiful as full glam looks are, I do not offer them any more. My artistry focus is an elevated natural glam (or soft glam). Less is more! I’d be more than happy to send over my favorite artist recommendations if this is something you’re looking for.

  • Yes! Especially if you’re a bride and plan on taking your photos either before or after your ceremony. I can be there to freshen you up so you’re sure to look flawless in your wedding photos. My touch-up rate is $90/hr (minimum of 2 hours).

  • I do not! My goal in my boudoir photography work is to capture your true authentic shape. When it comes to editing, I’ll do minor skin smoothing upon request. I edit mostly the lighting composition keeping it soft, natural and true to color. Expect a ton of black and white photos as those are my absolute favorite to create.

  • Absolutely! With inflation still rising, I understand finances can be a bit difficult to navigate. Once you secure your date with a retainer and signed contract, we can go over and finalize a payment plan that best meets your financial needs.