Cathy and her team were amazing! From the very start Cathy was very prompt with her correspondence and always happy to answer any question or concern that I had. Her services worked well in our budget and I was thrilled to book her. I did my hair and makeup trial at her home studio and she was so hospitable and offered bottled water to my MOH and I. I enjoyed how she described all the products she used and why. Unfortunately, at the end of the day my greasy/oily skin won supreme and I found myself blotting constantly and always feeling so shiny. Also, although I really liked my hair and it looked like the picture example I showed her... there was something missing that kept me from LOVING it. I shared all my concerns with Cathy and right away she assured me that these worries would be taken care of the day of the wedding. She blew me away! The makeup she applied was flawless! She used different high quality products for oily skin that gave me a matte finish but not leave me feeling cakey. I only had to blot twice from the time of application until the end of the night (10 hours!). For my hair, she took my initial hairstyle that I liked... and added extra texture to the front and side of my head. The extra pinned curls really elevated my hairstyle and the application of fresh flowers from my florist made it everything I ever wanted for my wedding hair. Thank you Cathy for making me feel so beautiful on the biggest day of my life! read more

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A few month ago, I hired Cathy as my hair and makeup artist for my first photo shoot. I have to say Cathy was very professional, came to my place on time and I really thought she did an excellent job! Fast forward a few month later, I reached out to Cathy again to book her for another session for a photo shoot. But second time around, I did not get a good vibe from her. When I reached out to her, she told me at first she was pretty sure she was free for my hair/makeup, only to text me later saying she's booked. I asked if she has other dates that are free, as I am very willing to work with her schedule. She said she's completely booked. I called her several times, sent her messages asking her other available times, left messages, none was returned. I even asked if she can refer me to someone else....but she never got back to me..completely ignored me. She honestly could care less about my business. In fact, if you check her website, the website says "As of 8/1/2017, Cathy is completely booked for the reminder of 2017". Are you serious?! From what I can gather, I wonder if it is because the makeup is only for me, rather than for a large party, probably not worthwhile for her to come out on a Sunday morning, not even for a repeat customer....what a shame... That two star is for her previous work..and zero star for this recent encounter. read more

I booked Cathy Shih for my wedding with a fairly large entourage of people - 1 bride, 5 bridesmaids, MOG, and MOB. Cathy showed up right on time with her assistants and got everyone out slightly ahead of schedule. Additionally, the hair and makeup turned out beautiful! Things changed between my trial and my actual wedding date, with the complication of a giant gold hair piece that had to go on, come off, and go back on again. Day-of, Cathy came up with a good method to avoid my hair catching such that I flawlessly transitioned between hair changes and looked great all night. Would highly recommend and book again. read more

Let me start off by saying that I am EXTREMELY picky when it comes to having people do my make up. I have been putting on my own make up since I was young (because of performing arts) and have gotten pretty decent at knowing what colors, techniques, etc look good on my face shape, eye shape, and skin tone. So I was a bit skeptical when I scheduled my appointment for my first engagement shoot. First off, Cathy made me feel so comfortable and her lotions, primers, etc felt and smelled so refreshing. You can tell she uses quality stuff, I don't really know how else to describe it. Regardless, she made me feel at ease. Also, she doesn't poke or stab with her brushes, which I REALLY appreciate because I have super sensitive eyes - they will start twitching like crazy and will spill a fountain of tears. She's extremely gentle when applying all of her make up and she was extra careful with my eyes to prevent the twitching and tears. She also really knows how to apply eyelashes - I've had other artists put eyelashes on me and usually they're irritating my sensitive eyes or they're falling off. Either way, I usually have to redo eyelashes whenever someone else does them for me. But not with Cathy! They were applied PERFECTLY, right along my lash line, didn't irritate my eyes at all, and stayed put the entire day! She applied them better than when I apply them myself, which is a first! Now onto the finished product: I LOVED my make up and hair. I have a weird Asian eyelid fold, halfway between a monolid and not, which is why every artist I've gone to has a difficult time doing my eye make up. I have not met an artist who can apply eye make up on my eyes better than I can, until Cathy! I asked for a more natural look and Cathy gave me a natural looking smokey eye that was clean, really well blended, and not overdone. It didn't get lost in my half mono lid but didn't make me feel like there was too much color on my eyelids either - it was perfect! My hair was gorgeous with just the right amount of volume and curls. It was perfect for the casual daytime engagement shoot. I'm sad that it was extremely windy that day and it rained so my hair died down after about 5 hours, but Cathy had warned my that my hair would not be waterproof! My make up, however, stayed on ALL day - through the crazy wind and through the rain. Even after about 13 hours of wind and rain, I was still getting compliments on my make up! In fact, even after I took off my eyelashes (which we all know does wonders), my family was impressed with my make up and they never compliment my make up when other people do it! Honestly, I have not met anyone who can do my make up better than I can, until Cathy. I will definitely be booking her again for my second engagement shoot and for my wedding! read more

Cathy Shih Hair + Makeup - This is after some rain and wind! - Makeup Artists Near Me

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Cathy is the BEST! Her and her team were all on time, organized, professional, and definitely knew what they were doing. I had all my bridesmaids, mom, and mother in law do their hair and make up with her team and we ALL came out extremely happy with the results. And our wedding pictures prove they did a good job! I also referred her to my sister's wedding in Santa Barbara and again - no complaints and so thrilled she did the drive as well! I totally recommend her for your wedding! read more

Classy and elegant hair & makeup! "I did not have a wedding in the traditional sense. With all the details and planning involved in a wedding my husband and I chose to elope! However, I still wanted to have wedding pictures taken for this special event. I came upon Cathy through recommendation and her work is just amazing! I hate those pictures where the bride can't even recognized herself with all the makeup so I told her I wanted to look pretty but me. During the trail we had put my hair up which I loved! And the makeup! I looked like me but 1000 times prettier!! However, on the day off I decided to leave my hair down and Cathy was able to improvise on the spot! From the start I never brought her any inspiration pictures rather just describe it. Yet, she was able to hit the spot! I especially appreciate her professionalism and flexibility! She also provided lots of good hair and makeup tips!! Not that I want to be married again but will definitely use her service for other special events!!" read more

Cathy is a LIFESAVER. I had a horrible experience with a previous makeup artist during my bridal trial, and I was going crazy trying to find someone mere weeks before my wedding date. I reached out to Cathy for a trial and I explained my situation. She was so accommodating, compassionate, and most importantly, SUPER TALENTED! She really nailed the look I was going for with hair and makeup, and made sure I was comfortable and satisfied each and every step of the way. I'm super picky with my makeup, but I knew she was the right person and I immediately booked her right after my trial. She recreated the trial makeup and hair flawlessly on my wedding date. My makeup looked amazing both in person and in photos. I have oily skin, but somehow she made my skin look airbrushed and perfect all day. I booked her and her assistant for my entire bridal party, and she did an amazing job on everyone. They were both so nice and made the "getting ready" process so smooth and fun. I call her my makeup fairy godmother because I don't know how she pulled everything off in such short notice and made everyone look so amazing. If you need someone for hair/makeup, look no further. Cathy is amazing. read more

Seriously amazing. Cathy did my hair and make up for a wedding I had to attend this past weekend and she literally made me into the best version of myself. Upon my sister's request to get dolled up for the occasion, I was skeptical on having someone else do my make up/hair as I am really particular. Especiallllyyyy with my smokey eye, but she nailed it! Lashes were gorgeous. I even slept in them (it was a loooooonnnng night) and woke up the next day still looking awesome. My sister and I both looked like rockstars, and its all due to her crazy talent! Thanks Cathy! read more

I am so glad to have found Cathy! I usually don't wear too much make-up and to be honest, didn't know what "look" I wanted for my engagement shoot. Cathy made my life super easy by giving me a few options and summed it up with "so you want to look like you..just a little dolled up!" The overall experience was amazing! She even arranged to meet me at my house so I wouldn't have to worry about traveling before my photo shoot, SO considerate!! I loved the final look, and I loved how it didn't feel heavy or uncomfortable (even after hours of being outside, in the sun and sweating!) I think the very best thing about working with Cathy is that she sincerely cares that you like how you look and how you feel. She gives great suggestions without feeling pushy and takes the time to get everything perfect. She will make you look & feel like a hundred bucks before she leaves your side! Do yourself a favor and go with Cathy for your hair & makeup for any special event. Oh! And if anyone needs tattoo cover ups, you NEED to work with Cathy. She uses the highest grade stuff that stays put under any and all circumstances! I have a dark piece on my ankle and she took time to carefully match my skin color and when she said it was waterproof, she wasn't kidding! I went swimming...SWIMMING and still had to scrub off the cover-up when I wanted to take it off. Simply amazing. read more

Cathy is amazing. My previous stylist cancelled on me a month prior my wedding! I'm so happy I found Cathy, she seriously save my day and was actually way better than my previous. She is genuine and made me feel relieved and less stressed. She studies your hair texture and really puts her heart into it. My hair turned out amazing and just as pictured. read more

Simply put, if you are looking to hire someone to do your hair and makeup, hire Cathy!!!! Cathy did my bridal hair and makeup and did hair and makeup for my 4 bridesmaids. She try's to get to know you so she can tailor a look that you'll love. She genuinely gives all her clients a lot of thought and will execute a look that you are guaranteed to love. Best of all, she doesn't try to charge ridiculous prices. If you want someone that is talented, professional, on time, and passionate about her work and clients, look no further!! read more

Pennie did an AMAZING job on my makeup for my wedding. I had the ceremony and reception in Temecula. It was super hot but my make up last. The photos came out so beautiful and I didn't come out looking cakey in real life like most brides when their is a lot of make up piled on for the big day. I got so many compliments from the guests and even the photographer said that my make up team did a fantastic job. I can't thank this team enough. I highly recommend. read more

Cathy (with a "C", not a "K") has done my hair and makeup on multiple occasions and I've loved every look she's done for me. I'm not a girly-girl and I don't usually do hair and makeup (actually, my skills are dismal to non-existent). Cathy always takes the time to figure out what would suit, what I'm comfortable with, and even helps push my comfort boundaries. I always love what she comes up with. It looks like me, but an even better version of my usual self; a natural look that I love. Every once in awhile, we try a more fashionable look, but she always ensures I'm still comfortable with it and it always looks amazing. She also gives me tips and tricks and even tried to teach me to do my own makeup on a few occasions. Unfortunately, it just doesn't stick with me and I much rather prefer having her do it for me anyway. =) Cat has done my hair at every length: short, bob, mid, long, and super long. No matter the length, she always has something up her sleeve! I think her work speaks for itself, but to sum it up: she's amazingly awesome, patient, and will work with you to achieve the look you want and are happy with. Love love love her!! read more

Cathy and her team were wonderful to work with for our wedding day. We were planning from across the country, but Cathy was readily available for hair and makeup ideas over email/Skype, and a consultation leading up to my big day. I didn't have any hair or makeup trials, but I felt that I could trust Cathy and her vision for the wedding because of all the communications that we had over the last year. I had decided to change my hairstyle right before the wedding and Cathy made sure that it would work with my overall look, and on the day of, she executed it flawlessly! I got compliments on my hair and makeup all day, and also with the work that Cathy's team did with my bridal party. Thank you for making our day so beautiful. read more