The Best Makeup Artists
We graded 30 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
From 3,198 Google reviews of 30 top-rated makeup artists nationwide. Updated October 25, 2026.
Find the right company for your job
Pick the job — we re-rank companies by how customers rated that exact job.
Best makeup artists for balayage
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Job match = this company’s ★ on reviews Google tagged “Balayage” (shrunk toward the category average when there are few), how many such jobs it has done, and its overall Experts Score.
What customers said about balayage
Madi is seriously the best!! I’ve gone to her for everything from blowouts and haircuts to going blonde, going brunette, and everything in between, and I couldn’t recommend her more. She always listens to what I want, makes me feel so comfortable, and does such an amazing job every single time. You can tell how much…
I absolutely adore Claudia! She’s phenomenal at her work & is so sweet. My daughter and I have been going to her for years and she never disappoints! 🙌🏻
I went to this Salon on Friday May 29th. I got a highlight for my birthday with the stylist, Maggie. Maggie did a wonderful job. I had a wonderful experience and it made my birthday even greater. Also, I was present in this salon for the bang trim comment below. I witnessed the altercation first hand and can verify…
I’ve been coming to One10 for almost 5 years. I love all of the girls here. They’re so talented and professional! From highlights and color to makeup and glam hair, they’ve got it all. You can even get facials and custom spray tans. It’s a one stop shop for all things beauty!
My mom and I are so happy we found Claudia! We both trust her completely with our hair, and that says a lot because finding someone you can trust with your hair isn’t easy. I went from dark hair to a beautiful blonde, and Claudia took the time to make sure it suited me while keeping my hair’s health a priority.…
For 30 years I had never found a hair salon or stylist that felt like home. Until I found Sapphire salon. Kelsey (owner and my stylist) is the type of person who just radiates warmth and light, the type of person you gravitate towards. She’s friendly, funny, professional, easy to talk to, and an absolute magician…
Overall ratings
Experts Score 0–100 and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of makeup artists).
| # | Company | Grade | Satis · Relia · Craft · Value · Momen · Track · Accou | ★ | Typical bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Glam UpNashville, TN | A 82 | AA––CDC | 5.00 | $140 |
| 2 |  Jeanette Wirz Permanent Cosmetics & MicrobladingNashville, TN | A 81 | AACBBAA | 4.96 | — |
| 3 |  Beauty By K2Nashville, TN | B 77 | AA––BDC | 4.99 | — |
| 4 |  Creations Art and BeautyHemet, CA | B 74 | AA––DCC | 4.99 | — |
| 5 |  Indigo Beauty CollectiveNashville, TN | B 68 | BBACBAF | 4.97 | — |
| 6 |  XtheticsWeston, WI | B 68 | AA––CFC | 5.00 | $126 |
| 7 |  Leanna Marie ArtistryHemet, CA | B 65 | BCACCBC | 5.00 | — |
| 8 |  Maven Beauty Co.Weston, WI | B 62 | BB––CFC | 5.00 | — |
| 9 |  Modern Mamacita Cosmetic TattooHemet, CA | B 62 | AADDCCC | 5.00 | — |
| 10 |  Perfect Little Lashes & Beauty EnhancementsHemet, CA | B 61 | BB––CDC | 5.00 | — |
| 11 |  Beautiful Now EstheticsWeston, WI | B 60 | BB–FCDC | 5.00 | — |
| 12 |  Pink Mantis BeautyNashville, TN | C 52 | CC––FCA | 4.96 | — |
What jobs cost
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low | Typical | High | Fair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hairstyling | $130 | $170 | $282 | 0% |
| Haircut | $41 | $61 | $76 | 0% |
Was the price fair?
All price verdicts left with reviews.
Price verdicts by year
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
How we grade
Satisfaction (35%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume.
Reliability (15%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months (fewer = better).
Craft & service (20%) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — net praise per review.
Value (10%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights.
Momentum (8%) — Last 12 months vs lifetime average — improving or slipping.
Track record (7%) — Review volume and years with reviews.
Accountability (5%) — Owner replies to 1–3★ reviews.