The Best Makeup Artists in Illinois
We graded 10 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
From 19,057 Google reviews of 127 top-rated makeup artists nationwide; 10 of them in Illinois. Updated November 4, 2026.
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Best makeup artists in Illinois for bridal services
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Tamara Makeup + Hair ArtistryHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Bridal services”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%37Overall Experts Score 20%100Job match= 93Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.91★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.93
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Luxe Beauty Collective, NWHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Bridal services”:Stars on this job 55%4.93★Number of such jobs 25%105Overall Experts Score 20%78Job match= 90Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.91★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.90
Chicago Bridal ArtistsHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Bridal services”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%3Overall Experts Score 20%97Job match= 77Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.91★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.77Job match = this company’s ★ on reviews Google tagged “Bridal services” (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 bridal services
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Lux…Blush and Braids was super easy to book and work with. Sarah and Janessa did an amazing job for my wedding! I felt beautiful, and everyone in my bridal party did as well. Book them for your wedding!
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Lux…Sarah & Team (Jessica, Lorraina, Brenda, and Mercedes) were absolutely wonderful to work with for my wedding. From the booking process, to TWO trials, to the wedding day, their work exceeded expectations. The whole team added to my experience as a bride because everyone loved their look, the team worked ahead of…
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Lux…Macy did my bridal hair and makeup and she was SO lovely and fun! She understood my vision and delivered. Hair and makeup lasted all night.
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Lux…I recently used Blush and Braids Beauty Bar for my wedding and I can't say enough good things! Not only were the artists extremely efficient, professional, and kind, but they did a wonderful job! Every single person in my wedding party looked phenomenal. For my bridal hair and makeup, they recreated what I asked for…
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Lux…Such an amazing experience working with Blush and Braids for my wedding on July 3rd!! They did a fantastic job! Very professional, accommodating and great to work with throughout the whole process from hair and makeup trial to wedding day! Sarah, Janessa, and Danielle were so fun the morning of. All of my…
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Lux…I had the most INCREDIBLE experience with Blush and Braids for my wedding! They are so kind, professional, and a dream to work with. They were so wonderful with any adjustments I wanted to my wedding makeup, and they stuck to our wedding timeline like organized clockwork. They made everyone feel so beautiful…
Overall ratings
Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of makeup artists).
| # | Company | ScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. | FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20. | ★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps. | Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews). |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamara Makeup + Hair ArtistryChicago, IL | A 100How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 100Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | $135 |
| 2 |  Joanna B ArtistryChicago, IL | A 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 5.00 | — |
| 3 |  Dawn Bliss BeautyChicago, IL | A 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty91−0.9Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.98 | — |
| 4 |  Lueur Beauti MakeupChicago, IL | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%93+14.2Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.97 | — |
| 5 | Chicago Bridal ArtistsChicago, IL | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%87+13.2Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 5.00 | — |
| 6 |  Flawless Permanent Makeup By Elsa- Salons by JCChicago, IL | A 93How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%94+55.2Reliability 26%86+22.4Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 93Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.95 | — |
| 7 | The Bridal Beauty TeamChicago, IL | A 90How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%91+49.6Reliability 24%81+19.6Value 14%99+14Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty93−0.7Experts Score= 90Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAA | 4.89 | — |
| 8 |  Windy City Glam - Best Chicago Bridal Wedding Hair & Makeup ArtistsChicago, IL | A 90How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%96+52.4Reliability 24%96+23.3Value 14%93+13.2Replies to reviews 7%22+1.6Experts Score= 90Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAD | 4.95 | — |
| 9 | A 87How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%91+53.4Reliability 26%84+21.9Value 15%100+15.2Momentum penalty68−3.2Experts Score= 87Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAB– | 4.95 | — | |
| 10 | Blush and Braids Beauty Bar x Luxe Beauty Collective, NWChicago, IL | B 78How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%88+48Reliability 24%79+19.2Value 14%99+14Replies to reviews 7%16+1.1Momentum penalty53−4.7Experts Score= 78Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | ABAACF | 4.90 | $187 |
What jobs cost
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this. | TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range). | High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this. | FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut | $30 | $43 | $58 | 100% |
| Hairstyling | $41 | $50 | $73 | 0% |
| Hair coloring | $111 | $155 | $214 | 100% |
| Makeup services | $121 | $146 | $187 | 0% |
| Hair highlighting | $185 | $246 | $371 | 0% |
| Eyelash extensions | $99 | $128 | $151 | 0% |
| Blowouts | $34 | $49 | $79 | 100% |
| Shampoo & conditioning | $53 | $110 | $169 | 0% |
| Bridal services | $124 | $185 | $282 | 100% |
| Manicure | $53 | $71 | $91 | 100% |
| Pedicure | $40 | $53 | $68 | 80% |
| Acrylic nails | $63 | $76 | $91 | 0% |
Makeup Artists in Illinois at a glance
How the 10 makeup artists we rated in Illinois compare, and what customers praise most.
Experts Score grades
A = score 80+, F = below 20.
- Grade A990%
- Grade B110%
- Grade C00%
- Grade D00%
- Grade F00%
Google ratings
Average stars per company.
- 4.90★ and up990%
- 4.80–4.89★110%
- 4.60–4.79★00%
- Below 4.60★00%
What customers praise
Share of Google review highlights.
- Quality1,88029%
- Professionalism1,97030%
- Responsiveness00%
- Punctuality1,36821%
- Value1,29220%
Was the price fair?
All price verdicts left with reviews.
- Great price21171%
- Reasonable7826%
- Overpriced41%
- Not sure31%
Price verdicts by year
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
How we grade
Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.
Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.
Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.
Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.
Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.