IN Weddings

Every bride wants to look more beautiful than ever on their wedding day which is why every Colorado bride will want to know Carissa of Carissa Beauty.  Check out our interview with Carissa and then do yourself a favor and call her and book her!

What is your name and what is the name of your business? Carissa Passerella/ Carissa Beauty
Where are you located and what areas do you serve? My home studio where we do the trial run is in Lone Tree, near Park Meadows mall, but I travel all over Colorado for the weddings.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist? I started out working part time at a cosmetic counter in college. I took to it right away and wanted to improve. Even when I graduated, I still worked on the weekends at counters just to have that creative outlet which I missed. I decided several years ago to go out on my own and be a full time makeup artist. I’m so glad I did, I’ve never looked back.
What is your favorite part about what you do? Other than doing the makeup itself, it’s so fun to meet the brides who are so excited and great to work with. I love to see their reactions when I’m through knowing that I made a difference in their day.
What kind of services and/or products do you offer? I offer full makeup applications to the brides, bridesmaids, mothers, etc as well as makeup parties (a big fun group lesson with friends), and private lessons for destination brides.
What advice would you give a bride currently looking for a makeup artist? Find someone who offers trial runs, look for someone whose personal style matches your own, and don’t be afraid to speak up. If there is something you don’t like about the application, the artist should be happy to fix it and not be offended. I always tell girls that I can tweak anything that they need, ultimately it’s your face on a very important day- your input is the only input that matters.
How far in advance should a couple book your services? At least 6 months in advance
On average, what does a couple spend for your services?  What do your rates start at? My rates are $250 for the bride, which includes the trial run and travel to your wedding the day of in the Denver area, then $70 for each additional application.
What question are you most asked by brides and what’s your response? If they’ll still look like themselves! They’re always afraid I’ll whip out the red lipstick and blue eyeshadow. It’s a common theme.
Are there any common misconceptions in your industry? If so, what would you like the brides out there to know? I think the biggest misconception is that a friend who is good with makeup can produce the same results. We use professional lines, some of which you probably haven’t heard of, and we use them in a way that guarantees the makeup will last throughout the entire day and night- even the lashes. You truly get what you pay for.
Do you have any tips for couples that are planning their weddings from out of state? Find someone in state that you trust and ask for referrals, chances are we know someone to help you out wherever you’re going. We can also tell you where to look to find the true professionals in the industry.
Who are some of your favorite vendors to work with? There are so many! I have the ones I’ve worked with the most on my website, but I can honestly say that this industry here in Colorado is filled with people who just love weddings. I see photographers who are so excited to take beautiful photos every weekend and caterers who pour their hearts into serving great food. We’re very lucky to be able to work with such a caring group of people who enjoy what they do and their work shows it.
What is the best way to reach you?  Do you have a website? CarissaBeauty.com for makeup and HookedOnBeauty.com is my beauty blog where you’ll find great tips and product reviews.