Paula did my hair and make up for a photoshoot and she did a wonderful job! She knows what's she's doing and is very efficient and professional. A great makeup artist enhances the beauty of her/his client. She did exactly that. read more

See all

I wish I could give ZERO stars. I booked hair and makeup services with them for three women for a Black Tie wedding. Services were booked over 6 months in advance with a 50% deposit paid at the time of booking. I reconfirmed the appointments the three weeks before the wedding, and again the day before. Each time, we were confirmed. The morning of the wedding arrives, we were expecting the artist at our hotel at 8am. It's 8am, no one arrives or calls, I thought maybe traffic, or trouble finding parking--9am rolls around, still nothing. At that time I tried to reach out to the makeup artist. The artist was a no show. After an unsuccessful attempt to reach the artist, I texted the owner, Paula, who in short, was quite unprofessional in handling the matter and didn't have a back up plan or solution for the issue. No one ever ended up coming. We were devastated. Fast forward several weeks. I expected a refund immediately. However, I had to continuously text Paula and ask for my money back. Each time was a different excuse. She also promised a gift for all of the inconveniences. Well, I got the money back after nearly a month. And I'm still waiting on the gift we were promised--it's been 2 months now. Absolutely horrified. Do not waste your time or money. read more

Paula was awesome. I engaged her hair and makeup services for a formal event we were attending. From my initial communication with her until she finished up, she was nothing but professional. Prior to our appointment, she requested picture of me and some inspiration pics of what I was looking for. She arrived promptly and got to work. I am typically uptight and micromanage everything, but her confidence and professionalism made me feel very comfortable in her chair that she was going to deliver what I wanted. And she did just that and then some. My makeup was perfection and my hair was better than I was expecting. Even my husband (who isn't a fan of major glam and especially the before and after pics) loved it and talked about what a great job she did. That was a bigger compliment then any other. I would highly recommend using Paula and her services and will definitely return to her for my next event. read more

City Lights Makeup - Makeup Artists Near Me

See all

Paula is extremely unprofessional and has the worst business ethics I have ever seen. I would not book at your own risk if you decide to book Paula for any services. She's extremely unreliable. My fiancé had booked Paula for our upcoming wedding and part of the deal was a make-up trial. My fiancé scheduled her make-up trial the day of her wedding shower, one of the most important days of her life. She was so excited. The appointment was scheduled in Plainfield for 8am. My fiancé had not heard from Paula to confirm so she sent her an email as she was 20 minutes away. Paula then decides to reach out to to my fiancé and sends a misspelled, jumbled email saying she had to cancel and could not complete the make up-trial. My fiancé was crushed. There was no apology in the initial email and no sign of remorse. We ultimately cancelled on Paula because she is so unreliable and we didn't want to worry if my fiancé's make-up artist will cancel the day of the wedding. We asked Paula for a full refund since no services were rendered. She refused to give us a penny back and told us her company has a zero refund policy. We then asked for a 50% refund out of good faith since she cancelled last minute on the day of our wedding shower. Nothing. We paid Paula $600 to cancel on us and treat us like fools. Paula is a scam artist plain and simple. I would never think twice about doing business with her or her company ever again. read more

Paula was amazing with my makeup and hair for my photo shoot. Her attention to detail and flawless application was beyond what I could have imagined. I suggest anyone contact her for your makeup and hair sessions for any event you have upcoming! read more

City Lights Makeup - Makeup Artists Near Me

See all

Paula did hair and makeup for my wedding 7/16/22 and she did an incredible job. She asked what style I was looking to do and asked for reference photos. She did exactly what I wanted done. My makeup and everyone else's stayed on all night and our hair looked good all the way to the end of the night! I highly recommend her. She's seriously the best! 5 stars + read more

Paula is amazing!! I booked her on my wedding day after endlessly lookinh for someone who could instinctively know what I was looking for. She knew exactly what I wanted and did exactly what I asked her. She exceeded my expectations. She showed up on time and all my girls looked amazing!! Thank you Paula!! Don't think twice if you're on the fence ;) read more

Paula did my hair and makeup for my wedding this past weekend. She did a phenomenal job!! I felt so beautiful and received so many compliments. The best part of all... my hair and makeup lasted throughout the entire day and night!! read more

City Lights Makeup - Makeup Artists Near Me

See all

Paula is fabulous. I haven't looked this amazing..well...ever! She showed up on time and gave me the exact look I wanted and more. I came in town for a wedding and wanted to make heads turn and she helped me do just that. I got compliments every 5 minutes while at my event! She did both my hair and make up. The products she used were top notch. My skin hasn't felt that amazing and soft in a while. read more

See all

Paula did my make-up and my bridesmaids make-up for my wedding, and it was PERFECT! I absolutely loved how I looked. I felt like myself, but wearing enough make-up to stand out in pictures. She is affordable, quick to respond, and was on time the day of. All 8 of my bridesmaids loved their make-up as well...many commented that it was the best they've ever had done for a wedding. I went with something very different from my trial, and she totally nailed it without practice. Also, I was nervous about airbrush as I've had it before and it looked like I had caked on foundation. But hers looked perfectly natural and lasted all day. Thank you, Paula!! read more

This is not what I had thought a "professional" would do. First my friend and I go to Paula for a full face and I paid her 225 for my baby shower, I came from Austin TX and had my baby shower in Chicago because of my husbands family anyways,. The following days I started noticing bumps and chipping on my face which is unusual! To make the long story short It was because of the makeup I give her a call and we exchange worlds and she tells me "with my skin color I should have went somewhere else " how professional is she. Very disappointed. CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES MRS.PAULA ! read more

I really enjoyed working with Paula and City Lights Makeup. She arrived on time and ready for the job, with a professional attitude and good spirits. She's very talented in her work and I would recommend her and her business to anyone. read more

Paula was so amazing on my wedding day! All my girls and I looked incredible! She is so easy to work with and so talented! I am so happy with how everything turned out. I highly recommend Paula for any occasion! read more

Paula was amazing! I used her for my wedding. I usually don't wear a lot of makeup so I was a little hesitant at first, but Paula made me look so natural. The trial was great- she did half my face using airbrush and half with foundation so I could decide what I wanted to do on my big day. When the big day arrived she was on time and did a great job not only on my sister, but also on my mom and my mother-in-law. Paula also gave me a list of the products she used on me. I would definetly recommend Paula for all of your make-up needs. read more

Paula did an amazing job for my make-up on my wedding day! It turned out perfect and I received so many compliments. She also did my Bridal party and my Mom and the Groom's Mom. Everyone loved it and looked beautiful! read more

I am so happy to have fatefully stumbled upon reviews of Paula Heckenast during my hunt for a makeup artist for my June 2011 ceremony. Paula's ability to share my vision and her talent to bring it to life is amazing. I looked and felt like a million bucks! She is one talented makeup magician and fully worth the investment. I rarely feel strongly enough about a person I've seen or a place I've been to get on yelp to write a review about them, but Paula is just one of those truly remarkable individuals with a winning personality who compels me to tell the world about how great she is as an artist and person. For my trial session, she asked me to come on in with my everyday makeup on. She made me look like a 100 times more glamorous version of me. I've been to other MUA's as a bridesmaid for other people's weddings where they made me look how they wanted me to look... and it was strange and I didn't look like myself at all. I like how I look... just want my best features accentuated you know? She is also extremely knowledgeable and skillful in creating the look you want with your hair. You show her a couple of pictures and she immediately knows what era, what style you're going for and she transforms you to that. I actually felt sad once Paula was done with my makeup and was packing up her stuff... because I knew I would miss her. I had so much fun and laughter with her during the session and she did such a strong and flawless job on me, my mom, and sisters. I received compliments on my appearance and I was so pleased with what Paula did that I will definitely use her services and recommend her whenever I can.... read more

I hired Paula for my wedding this year and she was amazing!! Everyone loved their make-up and she even stayed longer to accommodate a few family members. Would not hesitate to hire Paula again! She is the best!!! read more

To begin I came across paula when I was in a bind... 3 weeks prior to my wedding my hair and make up trial were a bust and I was devastated. I was referred to Paula and all my dreams came back. Paula met with me very quickly and eased all my fears. I had a very large bridal party. Me , 10 bridesmaids, 2 flower girls and mob... my skin is the worst of all being that I have cystic acne. With all that being said.... I have never felt more beautiful in my entire life. Paula gave me tips at the trial and with these tips and her wonderful skills my skin was practically flawless !!! She is such an amazing woman to work with. She is early and sweet and takes her time to make sure you are happy. I feel as tho I was meant to meet her in thia troubled time. Not only did I have the most amazing experience at my wedding because of her, I feel like I also gained a friend through it all !!! read more

Paula did airbrush makeup for myself and bridal party for my wedding October 12th. I booked her about 3-4 weeks in advance which I know was cutting it close but she was available and super quick to respond to all my questions. She did an incredible job on everyone, I got so many compliments on the makeup. Beautiful, professional and I think the prices were very reasonable. I would recommend her to anyone looking for this service - she was excellent! read more

I'm glad that I found Paula for my wedding. You can tell that she enjoys what she does for a living and takes her career seriously. She is very talented and she took what I said I was looking for into account so that things could be perfect for the day of the wedding. I would highly recommend her to anyone who has a big event coming up. She is great! read more

I have been using Paula for various charity and social events, as well as a photo shoot, over the span of about a year. Paula is without doubt one of the most talented makeup artists that I have ever worked with. Her work is flawless. I met her many years after I was married, but would recommend her for any bride as well (and wish I had known her back when I took the plunge) Although her price point may be higher than some other local makeup venues, in beauty you get what you pay for and she is absolutely worth every penny. read more

Paula did my make up a while back for a photoshoot I had and did an amazing job! Very natural, appealing, flawless look. Awesome job and would recommend to anyone! read more

I have nothing but awesome things to say about Paula. I was in a wedding party and a week away from the wedding date we still had no one to do our makeup. I found paula through friends and she took us on with such short notice. She came to our house and some of us girls were running late and she was awesome about accomodating us. The makeup work she did was fantastic and she even added lashes in for no charge. On a day where everything could have gone wrong it started out great because of paula and how professional she is. I will go back to paula for any of my makeup needs read more

Paula was AWESOME to work with from day one. She allowed me to ask every question in the book during our initial meeting and also offered ideas based on what I wanted (I didn't bring a picture). We e-mailed a few times before the big day to make sure everything was on point and ready for the big day! She arrived at the James Hotel right on time and had a great attitude the entire time. She made me look (and feel) truly beautiful on the most important day of my life. Paula is a hard-working professional who has many years of experience and I would recommend her to anyone. Thanks Paula for making us all feel so pretty! :) read more

I recently used this company for my hair and make-up for my boudoir photoshoot. Paula was such a pleasure to work with! She really listened to the style of make-up and hair styling that I was looking for, and she pulled it off flawlessly! I absolutely loved my make-up, including my smokey eyes, as well as my hair. I would highly recommend using this company for any hair or make-up needs! read more

Paula did my makeup for my birthday celebration and it was amazing! I showed her a picture of the look I was going for and she created exactly what I wanted. I've had other makeup artists do my makeup and they end up making my skin look darker than it is. My complexion is hard to match. In fact, I have to blend my foundation at home to get a match for my complexion. However, Paula matched my foundation perfectly. I am really impressed with her skills! Outside of the fact that she is an amazing makeup artist, she is really down to earth as well. It was a great experience..I definitely recommend her for all of your beauty needs. read more

Paula was great! She came to my house at 6 a.m. for my wedding and had a wedding party and family (16 people total) done by 2 p.m. Many of my friends were nervous about price being a little too high and after seeing her work, EVERYONE (even those who said no) had their makeup done. We were also a little nervous getting makeup done that early but it lasted the WHOLE day. My pictures are fabulous and the eyelashes were phenomenal. I cannot wait to have her do my makeup again for my friend's wedding. read more

AWESOME! I recently completed a wedding makeup trial and a false eyelash application with Paula (owner) and it was such a great experience! She is very easy going, friendly, accommodating and most importantly very talented. She uses great products and the air brush makeup leaves a flawless non-cake-like look. She pays great attention to detail and knows what she is doing. I can't wait for her to apply the makeup this weekend for my wedding. She will be coming to the hotel to apply makeup to myself, the bridesmaids and a few other relatives. I was so lucky to find her after the original makeup artist I found in my hometown bailed on me weeks before the wedding! I definitely recommend City Lights Makeup! read more

Always makes me look stunning, and Paula is a riot to talk to! Best makeup artist I have ever encountered, always use her for big events!

Paula is such an amazing and talented hair/makeup artist! I typically get nervous when others handle my hair and makeup but Paula truly listened to my vision and did a phenomenal job! She is very easy to talk to and I feel like I made a friend during my session. I received so many compliments about the hair and makeup and I felt beautiful for the first time in a very long time when she was done! I am forever grateful for Paula's artistry as well as her warm and bubbly personality! She is the best!! read more

Paula was so easy to work with and extremely accommodating of my small bridal party size. She put me into contact with Jerilyn Novak who is absolutely INCREDIBLE. The talent and artistry that Paula employs is top notch and I am so incredibly grateful that she introduced me to Jerilyn! She will definitely be my main makeup artist from here on out! read more

I had a photoshoot this am and worked with Paula who was great! My makeup was flawless and eyes and eyelashes were perfect. I will 100% be working with her again in the future... read more

I found Paula online and immediately loved her work from the pictures she has posted on her website. I'm getting married in November and by early October I still hadn't found someone to do makeup for my wedding! I emailed Paula to inquire if she was available and if she could accomodate for 11+ girls. She responded right away and gave me all the info about airbrush makeup that I asked for. When I contacted her she was about to go on tour with a band to do their makeup. But even though she was away, she always responded to my emails as soon as possible. When she got back we set up a trial. Paula is the nicest, most sweetest person I have ever met AND her makeup skills are phenomenal! The airbrush makeup went on so smooth and looked completely flawless! And don't even get me started on the eyelash exentions! Freaking AMAZING! I absolutely loved my look! She did such an outstanding job! I booked her on the spot! My bridesmaids and I are all going to look stunning on my wedding! I can't wait!! I'll be sure to write another reveiw after the big day!! read more

I wish I could write a more favorable review but I just didn't have that great of an experience. I found Paula on-line and spoke with her via email mostly. I called her about 2 weeks before my trial to finalize the trial details and it was clear from her email that followed the next week that she didn't A) write down anything we discussed and B) didn't recall we even spoke. The trial went well, she was able to adjust the make-up to get it so I was happy with it. Before I left, I asked if we were square for payment of the trial but by the time I got home she said that she never received the check I sent weeks prior. A week before my wedding I sent her an email to ask if we could adjust the time. I never heard back from Paula, instead her friend called to inform me that Paula had booked another job in LA and wouldn't be doing my make-up and that the friend would be filling in. It would have been nice to hear that from Paula herself and I'm sure, had I not sent that email, heard from her at all. She did attempt to provide me with a replacement but it would have been nice if she called me herself. read more