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Marisa Perel . Makeup + Hair
San Francisco . Napa . Sonoma . Destination
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I’m wrapping up my 20th year doing hair and makeup for weddings, but there are some new faces here, so I thought I’d introduce myself.

I get asked all the time if I prefer doing hair or makeup and the answer is that it depends on the day. I find doing makeup more fun, but doing hair more interesting.

I didn’t realize I had a “signature” makeup style until clients started pointing it out. Around 2016, people began telling me they were drawn to my “natural” looking work. I was just doing what I thought looked good, and I guess it stood out in a sea of cut creases and contoured, matte skin.

If I didn’t do makeup or hair for weddings, I’d probably still work in bridal fashion. I love how there are infinite ways to make a white dress.

I eloped, but if I were to have a wedding tomorrow, I’d want it to feel like a glamping retreat with all my friends, featuring an intimate dinner at a giant table and an epic dance party. My signature cocktail would be a Banana Daiquiri or a Mezcal Old Fashioned.

I try not to define myself by my work, but I am a recovering workaholic. I’ve avoided burnout during my busiest wedding season ever by taking on less work during the week. I’ve phased out the corporate jobs I don’t love and gotten better about saying no when I need a day off. Boundaries are hard!

Thanks so much to @meghanbaskin for my updated brand photos. I probably should’ve taken at least one where I wasn’t wearing a crop top, but at least I stayed 100% authentic to who I am! by @marisaperel
83
a year ago
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Like pretty much every other vendor with a post featuring the Vogue logo, my post celebrating @annaalexia’s City Hall ceremony was taken down for trademark infringement. Oops. While I’m still thrilled it was featured, I’m even happier that I got to be there with my friend, helping her get ready for such an important day. And honestly, I love having an excuse to share this iconic look again!
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Couple: @annaalexia @doesthismakemelookmatt 
Photographer: @dianewithonen 
Florals: @marigold_sf 
Dress: @cultgaia 
Hats: @maryamkeyhani taken in San Francisco City Hall by @marisaperel
26
a year ago
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Lizzie before the aisle🤍

Photography: @carliestatsky
Planning & Design: @lallyevents
Venue & Caterer: @montagehealdsburg
Florist & Fabricator: @thishumbleabode
Hair & Makeup: @marisaperel
Videographer: @amoracinema
Content Specialist: @thecandidbride_ taken in Montage Healdsburg by @marisaperel
13
20 days ago
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Be in love, use your ‘big’ smile, surround yourself with friends and family, choose the hair style that makes you feel most confident, trust your artist, enjoy each moment, don’t waste time worrying about the details and add a little extra blush. 

It was an absolute pleasure to do makeup and hair for perfect angel bride, Avery, on her wedding day. 

Planner: @heatherriceevents 
Venue: @beaulieuweddings 
Florals: @amandavidmardesign 
Photographer: @fredabankswed 
Hair and makeup: 🙋🏻‍♀️ taken in Beaulieu Garden by @marisaperel
8
2 months ago
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“No makeup” looks are finally having a moment on the red carpet, but I can promise you it’s not actually a bare face. Executing these natural looks requires precision, but also a discerning eye. You have to know exactly what to do to make that specific person look their best, without looking like much at all. Even if you know every trick in the book, you don’t have to use them all every time! I always say “There is value in restraint.” It’s a lot of subtle shaping, using shadow and light, color theory to balance, and being able to do the world’s thinnest eyeliner.

Is it worth having your makeup done for your wedding if you don’t usually wear any makeup and you don’t want to look like you’re wearing any? That depends. Do you want to look exactly the same as you do every day? Then the answer is probably no. Do you want to look like yourself, just… better? Then the answer is yes! Just make sure you hire an artist who understands the assignment. taken in San Francisco, California by @marisaperel
1
3 months ago
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The face I make when the inspo photos are of my own work!

Not only is it the biggest compliment when a bride brings in pictures from my own portfolio as her inspo at the trial, it also helps me understand what she was drawn to in the first place! These glowing, light handed looks are what I love to do the most. Making brides feel their best makes me so happy! 

Here are some of the makeup looks most commonly brought in as a reference. Which one would you choose? 

Cover photo: @meghanbaskin by @marisaperel
29
3 months ago
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This is my version of classic bridal beauty. Makeup that whispers, never shouts. Makeup that highlights, never hides. On one of the biggest days of your life, why would you want to show up as anyone but yourself?

Specializing in “natural” makeup doesn’t mean every look has to be a “no-makeup” look. It just means it’ll never be too much. For this look, we wanted fresh skin and a sweet pink on the cheeks and lips that mimicked the blush tones in her incredible dress. I topped it off with a thin, crisp liner and a small, sophisticated wing.

Photography: @ginapetersenphotography 
Planner: @mydandelionevent 
Venue: @carnerosresort taken in Carneros Resort and Spa by @marisaperel
0
3 months ago
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There’s one request I will never say no to, and that is adding more blush.  Glowing, golden, California fresh makeup for Lindsay for her sweet church ceremony.  Those megawatt cheeks and sculpted cheekbones brought to you by great genetics and:

@charlottetilbury Beauty Light Wand- Pinkgasam
@yslbeauty - Make Me Blush- 93 Restless Rose
@diorbeauty - Backstage Glow Maximizer 
@makeupbymario - SoftSculpt - Medium
@guccibeauty - Bronzer -3 

Cover photo: @sarahdavis taken in San Francisco, California by @marisaperel
9
3 months ago
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If there is one thing I know, it’s curls. I’m a closet curly girl myself! It takes a lifetime of waking up with curly hair to deeply understand how curls behave (unpredictable) and what it takes to achieve natural looking, frizz free, consistent results that are refined enough for a wedding, but that feel totally like your own.

Here’s what it actually took to achieve this “natural” curl pattern: a pack of extensions, two different curling iron sizes and styles (one 1/2” traditional, one slim tapered wand), then re-curling her entire head, alternating directions, sectioning in a brick lay pattern and changing up the type of curl every other time.

It’s not a fast process, but the results are so worth it. The curls shouldn’t look like they have been “done” at all! taken in San Francisco, California by @marisaperel
11
4 months ago
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When I look at my makeup and hair kit, I don’t just see a bunch of beauty products. I see the items I’ve tried, tested, and relied on to get those light-handed, natural looks you can expect from me. Every product is chosen with care, so it not only looks amazing but lasts all the way through the after party! by @marisaperel
16
4 months ago
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The thing about doing makeup and hair that is designed for to the individual, rather than the trend, is that it will never go out of style. Enjoy these photos from 2017. 
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@cassievalentephoto 
@amandavidmardesign 
@ruby.and.rose 
@himichellewhite by @marisaperel
2
5 months ago
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Because this face deserves a close up 👼🏼

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Planning & Design : @barielexaevents
Photography : @catherinemarietaylor.co
Floral Design : @mflora.design
Catering + Bar : @katiepowerscatering
Rentals : @encoreeventsrentals
Linens : @bbjlatavola
Invitations + Paper Goods : @mintedweddings
Band : @benmallareentertainment
Ceremony Musicians : @jerry_hannan
Beauty : @marisaperel
Lighting : @impact.lighting.av
Bridal Attire : @BelleAtelier_NYC @VivienneWestwood
Couple : @hannahmcgovern @garykushnirovich
Transportation : @beauwinetours
Restroom Rentals : @theposhprivy
Generator : @eventservicesplus
Venue : Private Estate taken in Saint Helena, California by @marisaperel
18
5 months ago
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