It is only fair that I write this review after I have calmed down and now that I am no longer pissed off, I am writing this review about Salina. My first contact with Salina was back on March 7th. She was very responsive and finally committed to a trial/consultation with her shortly after. Unfortunately, I had to reschedule the appointment I had with her from April 6th to the 13th (today) and confirmed with her as recent as this Monday. As I was driving to her shop this morning to make our 9:30 appointment, I received a call from her at 9:20 informing me that the shop she conducts these appointments at were double booked and had a miscommunication with the shop owner.. She apologized and asked if we could reschedule later that day or tomorrow or next week. First of all, I jumped through hoops and rearranged my entire week so I could make this appointment. I have a crazy and hectic work schedule that requires me to travel a lot and not to mention while planning my wedding day, but it took a lot for me to block 3 hours of my day to make this appointment. So as she is asking me to reschedule, I ask her what time later can she see me and her response is "later in the afternoon." Not the response I wanted to hear so I ask for a specific time! So, she commits to 3:00 pm and we hang up. A few minutes after our call, I finally absorbed the shock and our conversation and decided not to move forward with her so I call her and explain why I made this decision and her response was "I understand and have nothing to say and agree with how you feel." Not one attempt to try and retain my business...or maybe she just didn't want to work with a pissed off customer but still, as a courtesy (especially if you were a referral from a previous client) and best practice as a business owner, you should always try and maintain a positive reputation and have some damage control plan and she clearly didn't. I'm very disappointed because she had some great reviews and the gal who referred me to her had great things to say about Salina and her work. My experience with her was unacceptable and she should have done her due diligence to make sure that the shop that she uses is in-fact available or at least have a Plan B as an alternative option. And for the record, if she offered a discount or some incentive due to this mishap, I would still have used her but she had no interest in trying to retain my business...too bad because a $700 investment is not peanuts. She not only lost one client but also future business that she would have had through my referrals. Zero stars.... read more

I can't say enough about Salina of Bella Rouge Makeup. She is calming, professional, and skilled at what she does. I had two wedding events last fall: a family ceremony in Carmel and a large reception for friends in Los Gatos the following Saturday. My mom and I did a trial with a recommended makeup artist in Monterey and found that the makeup was cakey, settling into our faces and emphasizing any creases and lines. Then my wedding planner, (Simply Allyson 408-963-1220), found Salina online. We did a trial with her one evening and she made sure that we were completely satisfied with the appearance and colors of the makeup as well as the hairstyle. She works with a fabulous stylist named Gabby, who I would also highly recommend. Salina and Gabby traveled to Carmel at a reasonable price to do my makeup and hair on the day of the event. They were on time, very comfortable to be with, and flexible in meeting my specific needs on that day. Not only did they make me feel beautiful, but I also felt like I was among friends. The following week, Salina came to my parent's house to do both mine and my mother's makeup. This time there was a bit of an emergency because I had managed to get a black eye (from the dog, I swear!) in my first week of marriage. Salina expertly covered both my bruised eyelid and my summer tan lines with her airbrush makeup, which still felt very light on my skin. The makeup looked just as good as the week before and lasted through a reception of over 200 people, a dress change, and a party on the dance floor. I would recommend Salina to any bride who's looking for a classy, down-to-earth makeup artist who is willing to listen to you and create the look you want on your special day. read more

I hired Salina back in 2008 as my make up artist and have absolutely no regrets. My make up requests were those that every bride asks for and that perhaps may seem to be simple: make me look fresh, beautiful and natural. Sounds easy right? Well, looking back I now know that is not as simple as it sounds. I have attended many wedding and while every bride looks beautiful on her own way, their make up at times have missed the mark. Either too simple or too much. This has brought me to the realization that hiring a good make up artist for your wedding or any special occasion is extremely important. Salina exudes professionalism and her easy going personality enables her to fulfill her customer's needs. At the same time, she is extremely knowledgeable about make up and how this translates when being photograph. And with that knowledge, she is able to make recommendations that will work and make every bride look stunning on her wedding day. My example: fake eyelashes. I was reluctant to put them because I did not wanted to look anything like Paris Hilton (no punt intended) on my wedding day, but Salina was able to persuade me into doing so. And let me tell you, she was right... with the right amount of eye shadow, light eyeliner and a set of natural fake eyes lashes she made me look like a Hollywood star without looking fake. My eyes popped in every single one of my wedding photos and I loved it. She also did 5 of my bridesmaids'make up and they all looked stunning. I loved her work and if I was to get married again (to the same guy, of course :)) I would hire her again. read more

I had my make up done several times by various make-up artists and I had ok, good and great experiences. With Salina I definitely had a GREAT experience. Not only the outcome was absolutely stunning but I felt great and well taken care off through the whole session. Salina is extremely easy to work with and offers great advice while listening carefully to your wishes. After I was done I had time to look at the bridesmaids as well as the bride and I must say Salina is able to bring out great natural beauty for everybody. Flaws are almost disappearing after her work without having her clients wearing a "make up mask". My make up lasted long and also survived the evening without having to touch up. I would absolutely trust her taste and decision for every occasion and highly recommend her. read more

I have had the pleasure to work with Salina quite often. She is always on time, professional and fully prepared..She is knowledgeable and accommodating for each individual client. I recently experienced her makeup skills firsthand as well , and was thrilled with the results! Thanks Salina, keep up the fantastic job! read more

It seems I'm not the only person on Yelp who was wowed by Salina! I hired Salina for my wedding. She did makeup for me, my mom, and flower girl, and hair and makeup for my 6 bridesmaids. I had gone to a trial with another company a month prior to my meeting with Salina, and was totally not impressed. Salina on the other hand made me feel totally comfortable, listened to what I wanted, and offered suggestions. I had a good idea of what I wanted, but had a really hard time putting my vision into words. She absolutely nailed it. She also used the airbrush and applied fake lashes during the trial - most companies don't do that, but it was great to see how it would REALLY look. Prior to the wedding day, Salina created a schedule. We had a LOT to do (6 hair and 9 makeup!), but her schedule was right on (probably because she allowed time for prep and clean up in between each person - she really knows what she's doing!). On the big day, everything went seamlessly. Everyone looked great, and our looks lasted the whole night. I can't recommend her highly enough. I'll definitely use her the next time I need to get done up! read more

Salina has done my makeup a few times now and each time she is able to capture a different side of me. She is experienced in all types of skin and is great at accentuating the positive and limiting the negative (we all have our flaws). Her style is very versatile. She's given me a great natural wedding look and also a seductive look for a night out with the girls! She's also a master at false eyelashes, sets and individuals. The makeup lasts for a long time and handles well even in the hot sun. I always feel beautiful each time she's done my makeup. Thanks! Most importantly she makes the session fun and always wears a smile! read more

Salina did my wedding day makeup. She was excellent!! She listened very closely to how I wanted to look on my big day and she captured what I envisioned. Not only did she do my makeup perfectly, but I had a horrible bruise on my arm. This wasn't a light easy bruise to cover up, but this was a dark purple bruise the size of a quarter completely visible on my arm. Salina was able to airbrush it away from me so that you could not be seen whatsoever. I received compliments on my makeup all night, I felt like I had flawless skin and it was all thanks to Salina. read more

Salina was such an awesome make-up artist to work with for my wedding this past August. She is incredibly professional, listens to your needs and will work with you to get exactly what you want. My first trial with her, I had my make-up and a fairly large tattoo cover done by her. She had arranged for a hair artist that she works with to come do a hair trial at the same time. I was happy with the make-up, but the tattoo cover and hair left something to be desired. Salina researched tattoo cover techniques and called me back up after the trial to ask if I would give her a second shot. She gave me a second tattoo cover trial, no charge, and absolutely nailed it! When I went home that evening my fiance was freaking out and thought I had had my tattoo removed somehow! Salina also arranged for another hair artist to do a trial with me and the second artist, Gabby, was able to give me the hairstyle I was looking for. The day of my wedding, Salina and Gabby came in and got everyone prettied up. They listened to what my bridesmaids wanted and gave them amazing looks! Not only did they do excellent work, but they were a blast to have in our hotel room as we got ready. Salina is an amazing professional and I recommend her with no reservations. read more

Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to see what this person is capable of doing. I was referred to Salina by my dental hygenist. I have called twice and left voice messages as well as emailed through the website. I received one message back from someone who is NOT the makeup artist to try and book a trial for bridal makeup. I never received a response after my second call. I cannot make a review on the work only on the lack of response to potential customers. read more

Salina is FABULOUS! She did my make up for my wedding and reception in July and did a great job for both events. She was really easy to work with and when I explained to her what I wanted for each event (a natural look for my wedding day and dramatic eye make up for my reception), she delivered both. I received a lot of compliments on my make up and was also surprised on how long it lasted! I had an outdoor wedding and it was pretty warm out, but I didn't have to touch up anything but my lips (and that was after eating). She also did a great job putting on all of the bindhi's around my eyes on my forehead for my wedding (and we didn't have to do a practice run during my trial!) She was sweet, on time and extremely professional! read more

Salina did such an amazing job on my hair and make up for my wedding that I joined Yelp just so I could leave a positive review. I really didn't give Salina much to work with in regards to how I wanted the hair/make up done- just a vague "make me look awesome." She was more than incredible. Besides being professional, she was just a pleasure to be around and really made me feel completely comfortable during a time that could have been stressful. She checked in with me to make sure the look she was creating was what I had in mind and it was definitely on par with what I was "going for." Even though some of my bridesmaids hadn't planned on being worked on by Salina, I think once they saw her amazing talents they changed their minds and asked for her help. I know this was unorthodox as Salina planned out her time to a T to have me ready for the "unveiling," but Salina was incredibly gracious and took the time to help out some of my very grateful besties look fabo. I think it speaks to Salina's amazing capabilities that 3 months later I am STILL receiving compliments from friends on the amazing work Salina did. She made me look and feel stunning and I just can't thank her enough. read more

Salina was great! I've gotten my makeup done a few times before but it has always felt like makeup was caked to my face. The make-up Salina did for me felt so light and made my skin look so flawless AND it lasted the whole night. My pictures came out really good and I'm positive that I'll go back to Salina again for any other special occasions. read more

Salina did an amazing job on my bridal make-up and the make-up of my 4 bridesmaids for our wedding in August. Everyone looked absolutely gorgeous! The make-up was very light & natural and lasted throughout the whole day even in the heat of the summer. Salina is very professional and extremely talented. My maid of honor was so impressed that she will be contacting her very soon for her wedding that is coming up. Thanks Salina! You're awesome! read more

Salina was great! I couldn't get in touch with my original makeup artist, and about two weeks before my wedding, I panicked and contacted Salina. Not only did she send me a return email the morning after I emailed her, she also called around noon to followup! She was on time, very kind and professional, and she did a wonderful job on my makeup. I couldn't have asked for a better experience or for better makeup! read more

This review is way overdue! Salina did my hair & make-up for my renewal of vows. I am very picky especially with my hair & make-up and I would have to say that she's the best. She's very nice and would work with you unlike other stylists that will go with what they want to do. She did a very good job! read more

How lucky am I? A friend of mine recommended that I search for makeup artists on Craigslist (which is far from my style) and I randomly came across Salina. Her pictures looked nice, so I emailed her and she was responsive (and might I mention, quick!). I thought, why not? I was pleasantly surprised the first time I went in to have my wedding makeup trial. Salina has a very warm personality and works with your style. I was interested in a more natural look and that's just what I got. I looked like me, just more defined! After looking at some pictures, I noticed that I looked a bit greasy and mentioned this to Salina. She was more than happy to offer a second trial to perfect my wedding look! I went in this past weekend and my look was just that... perfect! I am so grateful to have found Salina! She is warm, attentive, and responsible! I look forward to having her make me up on my big day! read more

Salina did makeup for the entire wedding party at my brother's wedding, and everyone looked gorgeous! The bride - my sister-in-law - looked flawless and like a model! The makeup used was high quality, and none of us had that caked-on look that I've experienced with some other makeup artists for other events. One bridesmaid even had some issues with acne, and after Salina applied her makeup, you couldn't even tell. read more

I'm really late on this review but Salina is excellent!!!! I love the way she did my eyeshadow. The day she did my consultation I loved my makeup so much!. On my wedding day I wanted more airbrush and she did exactly what I wanted even though I was a pain. LOL she was so nice and always kept it professional. She will tell you her honest opinion when it comes to hair or colors. She is great! read more