I had THE most fabulous time being made camera ready by the talented Michelle for not just one but TWO different photo shoots in the last month. The first time was for a head shot shoot, where she gave me lovely fake lashes and a smokey eye look. I looked so gorgeous I almost didn't want to wash it off at the end of the day! The second time was for a model shoot where I was being photographed wearing different types of eyewear. No fake lashes that time but she still made my eyes POP with just the right amount of eye shadow and mascara. She also curled my hair (which was kind of frizzy when I showed up to the shoot) and it was so perfectly done that now I am seriously thinking of investing in a curling iron. If you are looking for a professional MUA with a great personality who makes you feel at ease and comfortable in her makeup chair, I highly recommend Michelle. Her whole vibe makes you feel pretty and ready to take on the world! read more

Michelle Montes Makeup Artistry - My favorite "glam" shot from my professional shoot. - Makeup Artists Near Me

I worked with Michelle for my South Indian wedding, and she did such an incredible job with my hair + makeup!! I got so many compliments from all of our guests :') I wanted a semi-natural look with smoked eyeliner, and Michelle worked with me to create something that was comfortable (I don't normally wear makeup) but also bridal. I also wanted a very specific hair style with real florals, and she took so much time to make sure it was perfect - even slotting me in for a second trial to get the length and fullness right with extensions. From our very first conversation Michelle was sooo helpful and patient, sharing many tips and guides with me to nail my skincare routine - and this continued throughout our trials and the day-of. She navigated scheduling changes with ease, was so patient as we took a ton of getting ready photos, and she even helped my family out with last-minute hairstyling requests a few weeks before the event! Michelle is all around fantastic to work with, so responsive and patient, and does everything possible to make her clients feel taken care of. I had such a great time working with her, and would highly recommend her to any brides!!! read more

Michelle Montes Makeup Artistry - Makeup Artists Near Me

Michelle did my hair and makeup for a professional photo shoot recently and she is so great to work with! She is calm and efficient, and made me feel SO gorgeous and confident to go in front of the camera, without making me feel completely overdone or that I didn't look like myself. I highly recommend working with Michelle for your hair and makeup needs! read more

I cannot recommend Michelle Montes highly enough! She worked her magic on me for two photoshoots this past year, and I have never felt more stunning. Not only is she an incredible makeup artist, but she's also a phenomenal hair stylist--I didn't want to wash my hair for a week after she styled it because it looked that good! Michelle has an amazing eye for what works with your unique features, coloring, and skin type, and her product knowledge is second to none. On top of all that, she's an absolute joy to chat with while she works--warm, fun, and so professional. If you're looking for someone who will make you look and feel like a million bucks, Michelle is the one! LOVE LOVE LOVE her! read more

Michelle was the Makeup artist on one of my photos shoots this year. She is a makeup goddess and expert!!! She is able to make all skin tones and types look amazing and natural. She understands how to elevate your look so well. I honestly wish she could go on vacation with me. I did ask her if she would go in my suitcase to my next wedding and Hawaii . She is so calm and really analyzes what makes you look your best self on and off camera read more

Michelle is hands down one of the most talented, kindest and best makeup and hair artists I have EVER worked with! She's so skilled (done most of my favorite looks), always makes me feel SO taken care of! I've referred her to DOZENS of friends and clients + they have all felt SO cared for + loved her talent! read more

Michelle Montes Makeup Artistry - Makeup Artists Near Me

I'm not really a makeup person and when I mentioned to my business coach that I didn't really feel comfortable showing my face on social media or even in person networking events because I never felt "put together" enough....I learned my coach felt the same until she took Michelle's makeup lessons. For years, I've genuinely wanted to learn how to use makeup SPECIFIC to me and my facial features and to still look like myself to just feel a little better when I walked out the door...so I decided to give it a try. I admit that I was a little skeptical because I wasn't local and opted to do the makeup lessons virtually. But I was soo impressed how Michelle caught things during our Zoom meetings that even I couldn't see with the mirror right next to me! She definitely proved to me that I wasn't missing out on anything by participating virtually. She even goes as far to personalize things like "because your eyes are x shape, you want the eyeshadow to go to x area" same applied to matte vs shimmer blush and all the other details. YouTube videos can explain this in general but having someone tell you personally for YOU what they see and recommend meant light years of a difference. She also made it super easy for me by recommending where to sit for our meetings for the best camera lighting and for doing make up in general so in reality if was an extra plus because now I do my make up in these naturally lit areas. She and I worked on a few different looks (quick 10 minute makeup look, eye details, and a going out/special occasion look) my fave is the 10 minute look because I'm always rushing in the morning but with her recordings and detailed summary sheets I feel confident I can replicate other looks when I want to for special occasions! Lastly, I honestly didn't realize how much skincare was a part of using makeup. I get it now - Michelle goes deep by doing an audit of what products you use so that you're set up for success when you add makeup. (She even gave me recommendations on what to buy with different level pricing bc she knew I'm on a budget right now!) So I'm really thankful I found Michelle. My skin feels better even when I don't have makeup on because of this AND I feel confident when running business meetings with the makeup lessons. Thank you so much Michelle! read more

Michelle Montes Makeup Artistry - 10 min makeup look - Makeup Artists Near Me

Michelle Montes was incredible!!!! She is amazing and did my makeup and dupatta pinning for all FOUR events of our Indian Punjabi Wedding in the East Bay! My partner is Punjabi and I am not. Michelle helped me look like a glamorous Indian bride and like myself! I have a lot of allergies and skin sensitivities and curly hair and she was truly so wonderful to work with taking into consideration all of my skins and hair specifics!! And to top it off she made us feel comfortable and we had FUN! 100/10 would recommend! read more

Hired Michelle for her comprehensive makeup lessons. Michelle helped me see so many blindspots and gaps I had with my makeup technique. She also offered specific product recommendations that actually suit my skin tone and texture. Before getting her guidance, I often thought "something just doesn't look right" when I'd do my makeup alone. I'm so grateful I now know with CRYSTAL CLEAR CLARITY what works for me and well...what doesn't. And you know, for me, it's not just about the end result. What's also important to me is working with women who feel good to be around, Michelle is that woman for me! 5 stars! read more

If you are considering Michelle's services, you need to do this for yourself!! I had little to no knowledge of makeup. I was fed up buying different products and never getting the look I wanted. Michelle took the time to go through the products I was using one by one, making individualized recommendations for skincare and makeup specifically tailored to me, and walking me through each step multiple times throughout our lessons. I had no idea she would also help me with my skincare routine as well! My skin has been blemish free and healthy since I switched to the products she recommended. I now feel confident in my makeup skills and I am so excited to keep practicing! I no longer feel lost walking into Sephora, instead I feel empowered! Another game changer is the information and video recording she sent after each lesson. Amazing reference material, she has thought of everything! Michelle is so kind, knowledgeable, and professional. Her lessons were exactly what I have been seeking for so long. I cannot recommend her enough! read more

10 million stars for Michelle. I had an important debut video podcast interview and was extremely nervous showing my face to the world. Not only did she come to my location to make things easier for me, her calm chatting and presence helped ground me for the interview. It's hard to explain, but for someone with severe trauma, that extra polishing she helped me achieve made me feel so much more comfortable with being seen. For someone used to sticking to the shadows, I desperately needed that. Feeling polished took a distraction away, and I could really focus on the conversation. I still look back at that video in awe. Michelle is truly worth every single penny. I just wish she could do my hair and makeup every day! read more

Michelle Montes Makeup Artistry - Me being thrown into the deep end, but surviving with the confidence Michelle gave me! - Makeup Artists Near Me

See all

Michelle is the best! She is professional, knowledgeable, amazing teacher and artist! I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to take care of my skin, apply makeup and receive written instruction and a video to support my lessons! The product recommendations were quality yet affordable and no pressure to purchase. Michelle is a top notch makeup artist! And the makeup for my Headshots was transformative! read more

Michelle Montes is the best makeup artist I have ever worked with. I hesitated for a while before booking her for makeup lessons and I wish I had done it so much sooner. She taught me two looks so far and the price is worth every penny. She also did an audit of my skin care routine and my skin has never looked better. I have tricks and techniques that reduce the time it used to take me to apply certain makeup and make it look better than ever. She has given me several new looks and explained how to apply the makeup with patience and care. It was a great vibe, she made me laugh, all while impressing me with her knowledge and skill. In the days since, I have received so many compliments from people who didn't know I had gotten lessons. I am more confident and I can't wait for my next lesson. read more

Michelle helped me with her 10 minute make up solutions for everyday. She was so helpful and understanding of my needs. She recommended a variety of brands since she's independent and all her recommendations were incredibly affordable. I'm loving my new everyday look and getting compliments everywhere I go. Thanks Michelle!! read more