Kristina Marie and Xochitl did STUNNING work for my wedding. The website is well organized and the artist's portfolios helped me quickly decide who I wanted to book. We did a hair and makeup test run a few months before the wedding. After the appointment Nika sent me a detailed summary of the look they created and products used. They were also very responsive and proactive about confirming the day of schedule and services. Kristina is so great at creating a look that is polished, elegant and fresh. She can turn up the volume/glam it up as well without it looking too heavy. I also liked that she uses individual lash extensions rather than a strip. It creates a much more natural look. Xochitl is so talented as well. I arrived to my trial run appointment with a few pictures but not a clear idea of what I was looking for. After looking at the photos for a less than a minute she pulled together this Old Hollywood Glamour do with the most gorgeous waves. Probably one of the best investments you can make for your day. Her stylists will make you and your bridal party look flawless. read more

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I cannot review the quality of NVBA's work, but only their response to a horrible situation. My sister was to be married in June of this year (rescheduled from 2020 due to COVID), and had booked several makeup and hair artists for the morning of the wedding for herself and the bridal party. My sister died suddenly and unexpectedly in March. A few days after her death, her fiancé and I began notifying wedding vendors. I reached out to NVBA over three months before the wedding date. I received a response expressing their sympathies, and the email ended with "you can be sure that we are set". It was me who had to bring up that my sister had paid NVBA in full ($1700). When I asked about a refund, I was told 50% could be refunded. Even when my husband spoke with Nika herself, she would not budge on the 50%, essentially stating that all of the contractors had already been paid, even though zero services were provided. Every other vendor for the wedding, from the venue to the DJ to the photographer, immediately offered a 100% refund. I notified NVBA over 3 months prior to the date, and we had even suggested a refund down the road after summer season, which they refused. Somehow "scheduling" enables them $850, even when the bride dies before the wedding day. I cannot relay how heartbreaking it is that my sister never will get her wedding day. What is so aggravating on top of that is to see how heartless a response NVBA had to the situation. NVBA is making money by doing nothing - and if they rebook (for June 19) they are double-dipping. Shame on you, NVBA. I honestly don't know how you sleep at night. Shout out to all of the other vendors (Salvatore's, Molly's Cupcakes, Artistrie Co.) for having compassion and doing the right thing. read more

I had Nika Vaughan artists do my hair and makeup for my wedding last weekend. I had my hair and makeup trial 1.5 years prior to the wedding (it was postponed due to COVID) and was worried that my hair and style had changed significantly in the past 1.5 years. Francely did my makeup and it was incredible. Not only did she remember exactly what she had done for me during my trial, she also remembered what details I wanted changed. The makeup looked fantastic and did not budge even with the crying and dancing. Sam did my and a few other girls' hair and did such a great job. Same as Francely, she remembered exactly how she did my hair during the trial and reproduced it flawlessly. She knew how to help pin my dupatta (Indian veil) and even taught my sister how to remove it carefully during my outfit change as to not disrupt my updo. The updo she gave me stayed flawless the entire night through all the dancing. Christina did the makeup for a few other girls. I had never met her prior to my wedding day, but she did such an incredible job and all the other girls were thrilled with their makeup. I am very satisfied with Nika Vaughan services. They allowed me to postpone my contract without hesitation or difficulties during COVID. Their artists were professional and very talented. read more

This team of hair and makeup stylists is absolutely EXCEPTIONAL. I am a professional event planner and I highly recommend this team to ALL of my clients. They are on my preferred vendor list. I adore them. I have also hired this team to do my hair and makeup for my professional headshots and you guys, I LOOKED AMAZING. Any of their incredible artists will make you look and feel like Beyonce. They are FIERCE! I can't recommend them enough. Support your local, small, woman owned businesses y'all!! read more

Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nika Vaughan was so easy to work with. From their response to my initial inquiry, to my hair and makeup trial and then service on wedding day, the whole process was hassle-free. A special shout out to Lia - she listened to my hair and makeup goals for the day and made that vision come to life at my trial. And then, when I decided to completely change my look mere days before the event, she was able to roll with it, no problem. People were complementing my hair the entire night! Seriously, this woman works hair and makeup magic. read more

Thank you SO much for a really great makeup session for me, the bride, and the maid of honor. Jen was awesome! Not only was our makeup stunning but she was easygoing and fun to chat with. Thanks again!!! read more

Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This review is totally overdue, but I highly recommend Nora from Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists. Nora did both hair and makeup for my wedding, and she worked magic into my super straight hair and made me feel beautiful! I suggest to do the makeup trial in advance so you can try out options in advance. It costs extra but I felt it was worth it, as Nora had taken photos and notes after the session and suggested to make some changes on the wedding day based on what we felt worked or didn't work previously (ie - my eyeliner creased later after the trial, so I think we opted to omit the liner - I forgot... But my eyeshadow definitely didn't crease on the wedding day). I don't wear much makeup regularly, so I also wanted to test out how heavy it felt or how long it lasted before I'd need a touch up. I also discovered my new favorite lip balm and natural looking Glossier lipsticks from Nora! As for hair, I didn't have a preview; I just knew I wanted something half up and wavy/curly. Nora understood what I wanted and nailed it! The curls held up all day without feeling crunchy, which is a feat on its own, because NOTHING I have ever put in my hair to hold curls has ever worked after a few hours. My hair was still pretty soft after whatever she put in there, so even better! Communication leading up to the appointment was easy - the team is very responsive to email. Nora is also extremely nice - she's laid back and just super cool. She also did my mom's makeup and hair too, which I thought turned out very well too. Thanks Nora!! read more

I cannot recommend Nika Vaughn Bridal Artistry enough. I was seriously blown away by the makeup and hair that they did for my November 2017 wedding. I had a large bridal party so I hired Sophia for my hair and makeup, and then Lia for makeup appointments and Xochilt for hair appointments. All 3 artists were amazing. They made us look natural, but transformed at the same time. I worked especially close with my artist Sophia and not only was she so nice and chill, but she also worked to make sure I had the perfect updo and makeup for my wedding. All and all, go with this if you're looking for hair and makeup artists. They will not disappoint. read more

Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nika is simply a dream. My wedding was on 9/2, the hottest day in the summer. Despite myself being a bride a bride prone to glowing, Nika made my makeup look flawess*. My skin never looked better and she knew instinctively how to tweak my makeup to look more vavavoom without being too heavy. She was a delight to be around and made me and my whole wedding party feel so comfortable and at home. Because she knew how worried I was with the heat, she stayed until I ran around taking my wedding portraits to give me some final touches before the ceremony - above and beyond what she really had to do. She also gives you a touchup kit with powder and lipgloss to set you up for the whole night. A few weeks later I was surprised to receive a note and some delightful chocolate to thank ME - so sweet. One word of advice - pick Nika, she's an expert and a complete joy to have around you on your big day, you can't go wrong and you won't regret it. -btw & the A Team Bridal Party *(check out the pic I uploaded as well) read more

Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had the pleasure of working with Nora for my wedding day hair and makeup. Nika Vaughan was a recommendation from our photographer and when looking through the artist's look books online I came across Nora and thought that her style was right in line with how I wanted to look on my special day. All communication went through Nika Vaughan (general information, bookings, payment, styles, etc.). I met Nora during my hair trial session about 1 month before the wedding. I had a pretty good idea going into the trial what I wanted and Nora did a great job of taking my vision and making it work with my hair. Nora was so easy to work with and a joy to be around. On the day of the wedding, Nora did not only my hair/makeup but also my maid of honor and mother-in-law. What was a huge bonus, in my book, was the fact that Nora was willing to travel and come to us. We had a suite at The James so Nora was able to set up a hair/makeup station in the room so she could work while we all hung out getting ready. It was a perfect set up. As for makeup, I decided not to do a makeup trial so I had the look that I wanted for reference and Nora replicated it to a T. For someone that doesn't wear much makeup, I was a bit nervous when she finished that it was too much (some fake lashes and all); however, my photographer took a few test shots so I could see what my face looked like on film and I have to say it was perfect on camera. Nora knows what she is doing and she made me look beautiful on my wedding day. Thanks Nora! read more

Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists - Hair & Makeup by Nora - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My planner suggested Nika Vaughan as one of the make-up artists. During my first trial, I was pleased with Gia and her hair styling prowess. I don't think I've ever met anyone as creative as she. You can simply tell her, here's what I want -- this feeling and maybe give her a clue as to whether you prefer it up or down; and then, you just leave the rest up to her. And she will deliver something that is elegant and surpass your expectation and give you something beyond what you've looked for. Needless to say, I had a lovely experience with Gia. My make-up experience was slightly more complicated. During my first make-up trial, Nika (the owner) worked with me and try to give me a look. Perhaps, it's a combination of me not knowing 100% of what I wanted and (maybe) her failure to execute on what I had imagined, either way, it didn't work. Because I had already decided to go with Gia as my hair stylist, I wanted to give Nika Vaughn a second chance. Nika graciously agreed to send another make up artist for a second trial. With Jennifer, I was able to get a look that was a closer match to watch I was looking for. While I looked pretty in my pictures, I did not feel that the make up captured the key features of my face well. For instance, I have big eyes (for an Asian girl), but instead of accentuating my eyes, she only lightly lined it. I think if I were to do my own make up, I would have probably done a better job. It seems that Nika Vaughan is all about being natural. So choose this company if you prefer to look like you on your wedding day. But if you want to look (more) glam, it seems that the make-up artists are more reserved when it comes to glamming it up. Overall, I had a lovely experience with Nika Vaughn. The entire process was easy to navigate and both Gia and Jennifer were pleasant to work with on the big day. read more

I was introduced to Nika after booking Jeremy Lawson for some shots I needed done for my website. I was not even sure that I would need a makeup artist but in retrospect I am so grateful for the intro. Nika's work is outstanding and she is a cutie patootie. I felt so comfortable in her hands (literally and figuratively) and will definitely book her again. Highly recommended. I just wish I would have found her sooner so I could have worked with her on my wedding day! Also, she full out styled my hair as well! I didn't even realize she was going to do my hair yet the lady does some magic with a curling iron. Just wonderful to work with. read more

Nika and her team of hair & makeup artists are amazing! I had loved her work while I was researching vendors at IndieWed, and finally met her there and loved how outgoing and spunky she seemed to be! I ended up booking her for my makeup and Lia for my hair. My trials with each of them were great and they made me feel at ease and comfortable with glamming up since I'm pretty low key with both my hair and makeup. On the wedding day, Lia had arrived bright and early and was perfect at tackling on my bridesmaids, flower girls, my mom, and myself! My girls and I adored her, and she's incredibly sweet and really payed attention to the looks each of my girls wanted. What she did with my hair was actually above and beyond what I had envisioned! When Nika rolled in later to do my makeup, not only did she do wonders on my super sleep-deprived face -- but she really was intuitive in making me look beautiful but without overdoing it. The bridal party also got some great tips from Nika while they were doing their own makeup...her team and us ladies had a great rapport! Once we were en route to the ceremony, I had a lot going on in my mind but we were still waxing poetic about how awesome they were! We're smitten. read more

I used Nika for my wedding make-up in August 2014. I had priced out a few other people that were recommended to me but Nika was the most responsive, very well priced and after my trial there was no question who I should go with! We tried out a few different looks and she make me look flawless no matter what. She is very nice and willing to do whatever look you are going for! She ended up doing my make-up for myself, my mom, mother-in-law, and my maid of honor. Nika herself did everyone, was on time, and did a beautiful job. Everyone was very impressed with her work! I personally, think I looked gorgeous and so did my now husband :) She also gives you a little "to-go" pack in case you need to do little touch ups during the day. Most other people in the area, I realized, charged for that type of thing. I highly recommend her to anyone! read more

My sister in law was in desperate need of a makeup artist a few months prior to her wedding day. Nika was perfect in every way. The service, the price, everything was better than anyone could have ever dreamed. Jen also helped with the wedding party and was so talented and sweet. They helped us all feel at ease and made everyone look so beautiful and natural at the same time. read more

Nika was recommended to me by my wedding planner as I was a little lost in finding make-up vendors in Chicago for my wedding in March. I am definitely one who plans way head and reached out to Nika about 9 months before my wedding. There were SO many things I really liked and appreciated about Nika right off the bat. First, she wrote me a detailed email explaining her services, options, about the make-up she uses and basically everything involved from the get-go. She was very professional and thorough and on top of things which truly put me at ease from the very beginning. She was very prompt at answering all my questions and even answered some of my crazy ones! She was very honest with me and and also listened to me. She did not push me off because my wedding date was far away. Nika came to my apartment and did a make-up trial with me and we tried out three different variations/looks and really made me feel comfortable with telling her how I wanted to look and what I wanted to change - instead of telling me how I should look and not allowing me to make any changes. She was fantastic! I just had a gut feeling from when we first started communicating that Nika was the right person for me - not just because of her skills and how amazing she is - but also her professionalism truly made me feel comfortable. On the day of the wedding she arrived early to the hotel and was truly there for me and my family and ready to make everyone look beautiful!! She also provided me with a small five piece touch up kit that my sister helped me with all night to make sure I didn't get too glowy (because we DANCED!) and touch up lip gloss. My make-up stayed ALL night and I didn't even have to do any touch ups til the next morning! My now husband even commented on how much he loved the eyelashes she put in! Overall, I can't say enough good things about Nika - she is the full package! I don't think there is any other artist out there that could rival her make-up skills AND has the professionalism! Thank you, Nika, for everything! Especially for making me feel so comfortable and beautiful on my wedding day! read more

Nika was recommended to me by my wedding photographer, who said that she had good experience working with her. I figure a recommendation from an industry person is always a good start. When I initially emailed Nika for information about her services and pricing, I was immediately very impressed with how quickly and thoroughly she answered my emails. She has an answer for everything and it was clear from how she laid out the options for her work and responded to my questions that she really had it together. Nika also connected me with a hair stylist and coordinated both services so that I would not have to work with another vendor, which is so helpful when you have so many balls in the air while planning a wedding. Nika and the hair stylist, Deb, came to my apartment for a trial run, which was obviously very convenient for me. I really liked that Nika included air brushing and false eyelashes as part of her package, as many makeup artists require an upcharge for those services. After approving of my makeup from the trial run and deciding it was perfect, I completely chickened out and changed my mind. Nika took it in stride and reassured me that she would make my makeup look perfect on my wedding day. She made the changes I requested and I ended up with absolutely beautiful wedding day makeup (and hair). Nika and Deb came to the hotel that my bridesmaids and I were getting ready at, which made everything so much easier. They set up shop in the room, stuck to their schedule and did a great job. I was very satisfied with my experience working with Nika. Highly recommend! read more

I had a beautiful wedding morning that turned more and more beautiful throughout the night. My day started with Lia doing my hair and makeup which I cannot recommend her enough. She gets the look you are going for to a T!!!! She listens to you, she methodically makes your hair and makeup exactly what you want and she takes no offense if you ask her to change something up a bit. She also is calming and has fun energy! Lia also helped me pick out my earrings and told me some good tips on skin care :) read more

Nika really is as good as it gets. She did the makeup for myself (bride), my mother, my mother in law and my four bridesmaids -- and we all looked absolutely fabulous. We did the airbrush makeup which felt incredibly lightweight and kept us all looking great throughout the entire day (and night!) I wasn't able to do a trial with Nika, but she instantly put me at ease with her professionalism and her incredibly friendly demeanor. The products she uses are top notch. I really can't recommend her enough! read more

Nika provided make-up services for me, my maid of honor, mom, and mother-in-law on my wedding day and we could not have been more impressed with her work. None of us wear very much make-up, so, naturally, we were a little nervous about what we'd look like when she was finished. Nika was able to make us look fabulous by accentuating our natural beauty (not covering it up!). We were all very happy with her upbeat attitude and her professional demeanor. I couldn't have asked for a better make-up artist on such an important day. In one word, she was AWESOME! read more

Let me just tell you about Nika: 1) She is incredibly talented. I'm not a big makeup wearer, so it was important to me to look very natural. And by natural I mean poreless skin, ultra thick lashes and a sun-kissed glow (so, basically, natural for Gisele Bundchen). Mission accomplished. Nika did an incredible job of making me look like myself, but my best self. She also covered up a monster pimple that magically appeared overnight - miraculous! 2) She is versatile. She also did my sister's makeup (a bit edgier to suit her style) and my mom's (conservative but elegant). My mom had literally never had her makeup done before, not even at a department store makeup counter, so she was terrified. But the instant she felt Nika, she knew she was in good hands. Early 20s to early 60s - Nika is equally comfortable with all styles and all skin types. 3) She is professional and reliable. Nika was very quick and responsive to my emails, very flexible in scheduling our demos, always arrived on time and with a smile on her face. She came to our house for the demos (so convenient!) and was super efficient in setting up and breaking down all her gear. She left our dining room table cleaner than she found it! 4) She is an absolute doll. Any jitters melt away when you sit in Nika's chair. She is calm and cool but enthusiastic at the same time. She is excited to be there and you can tell she enjoys every second of it. I cannot recommend Nika enough. She is the best!! read more

Ok, seeing as I'm coming up on my 11-month anniversary, it is high freakin' time I write reviews for my favorite wedding vendors. So I'm kind of a tomboy, and not really into makeup or girly stuff. I have no problem leaving the house with a bare face, and my basic makeup routine is eyeliner-mascara-powder-chapstick (and really only so I can look kind of awake at work). I almost never wear foundation, and have no idea how to put on eyeshadow that's not all Rocky Horror Picture Show. Nika is amazing! Her rates are fantastic, and she put me at ease from our very first emails back and forth. She hauled out to Humboldt Park (from Rogers Park!) to do my trial session, and was extremely patient with my awkward, non-girly self wanting to change this, change that, please magically make it look like I am naturally gorgeous and not wearing a drop of makeup, etc. And the day of the wedding, she worked quickly to give me as much picture time before the ceremony as possible. Not only that, but my makeup held up like a champ, and looks flawless in every single photo throughout the night! Also: the airbrush foundation she uses is fantastically light, and doesn't feel heavy or cakey, even after hours on your face. AND, the false lashes she applied held up throughout my entire honeymoon! Bam! Nika is super friendly, professional, and skilled like whoa. I cannot recommend her enough. read more

I just had to tell you how happy I was about how Nika helped bring out my best on my big day. We recently got the video and I was able to see so much more than the pictures could convey. Everytime I do the "dramatic" turnaround, I cry because I'm so thrilled about how I looked thanks to NIKA. She brought to life exactly how I hoped to look on my big day; how every bride should look on their wedding day: brilliant, radiant, perfection! Nika did my entire family. She was age appropriate for the kids (5, 7, 16), worked with all the skin tones (darker Indian skin all the way to young, alabaster and blonde) Thank you so much! If any of my friends or anyone I know of is looking for makeup to be done for a big event, I will send them to you. I can't remember who did my hair, but she also did a wonderful job. The style held all day. I can't remember what hair spray she used, but I sure wish I could! read more

This review is long overdue. Originally, I wasn't even going to write a review of Nika, because what could I say that hasn't already been said? She is a fantastic makeup artist and a lovely person to work with--fun, dynamic, outgoing and professional. That is already well established. Nika did my wedding-day makeup, as well as my mother's. We loved the results. She also gave me a ton of beauty tips to use in my everyday life, and she recommended products for me that I now use and would have never otherwise discovered. The most important thing: she got our makeup perfectly right, and she worked with us to find out what we needed and liked. But where she went above the call of duty: she emailed me a personalized beauty tip sheet, detailing the products she used on me for the wedding and other skincare and makeup recommendations. And after the honeymoon, she sent me a package with trial makeup samples and chocolate! I didn't try out any other makeup artists for my wedding, but I can't see how anyone else would be better. read more

I had a wonderful experience with Nika and her team for my June wedding in Chicago. After checking out her website, I was excited to find someone who could do such natural looking makeup. I live in California, so I wasn't able to set up a test run, which made me a little nervous. But I was so happy with the way it turned out - I looked like myself, but with perfect skin and amazing lashes, which is exactly what I hoped for on my wedding day. The airbrush lasted all day and night and my lashes lasted through most of our honeymoon. Nika was professional and sweet, and her work is well worth the money. I felt like she really cared about me and making our day special. Highly recommend. read more

I couldn't imagine working with a better hair stylist and makeup artist. Setting up the trial, and wedding day appointments, and payments were very easy to manage with Nika directly. Angelica did my hair, and Jen did my makeup. Both were young, fun, bubbly, adorable girls with great personalities, making my day of getting ready even more enjoyable. Their work was also precise. I provided them a few Pinterest pictures during my hair trial, and they came right to my house for the trial itself! They were great listeners and their first try was almost perfect, and they made a few adjustments, and took notes and pictures so they'd remember how to execute again on the wedding day. On the wedding day, both Jen and Angelica were fun to talk with, very calm and easy to be around, and replicated my dream hair and makeup just the way I wanted. After a few hours of working on the bridesmaids, my mom, and myself, they touched up some of the girls who went earlier, and even provided me a touch up kit for throughout the wedding day and night! I received SO many compliments on both my hair and makeup and could not be more pleased. I would recommend them in an instant! I just love them! read more

Nika and Angelica are a DREAM TEAM. They honestly made my wedding day calm and all about me (bride). Nika is extremely talented and all about the bride. I showed her different looks and asked many questions. She responded quickly to my questions and offered lots of ideas for my wedding day look. Angelica is extremely talented and was able to tame my naturally frizzy, curly hair (even for a July wedding). I tried a few different looks and Angelica worked with me until my look was perfect. Nika and Angelica did hair and makeup for my whole wedding party four total and each look was unique and beautiful but complimented each other. If you are considering Nika and her team, DO IT! No hesitation, they are wonderful and so worth it :) read more

I could not more highly recommend Nika Vaughn and her associates. Nika did the make up for my wedding and Angelica did my hair. First off, I looked amazing. Second, Nika and Angelica were wonderful and such a pleasure to have with us as we got ready. They were completely professional, but also so friendly and nice. I'll admit, I'm frugal and that didn't change as a bride. If you're like me, you probably took one look at the cost for professional hair and make up and wondered if it was truly worth the cost. Trust me, it absolutely is. I never gave a second thought to my hair and make up throughout the day. Even by the end of the night I still looked amazing. That freedom and confidence is absolutely worth it. You won't have a single regret. I did do a make up preview and that was really helpful in helping me pin down the shades and colors I wanted for my wedding day. Nika took notes on everything so I didn't have to think about it on the day of. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists and the AMAZING artists I had the pleasure of working with - Julia & Francely. I did a good amount of research before finally deciding on hair & makeup artists for my wedding. I had a diverse bridal party and needed to find artists that could work with different hair textures/lengths/thickness, skin colors/maturity, etc. I am so lucky to have found Julia and Francely of Nika Vaughan. Julia was the hair transformation goddess for me and my party, and its safe to say I love Julia. I didn't have a preview before my wedding. I'm the epitome of bridechilla and knew I just wanted some sort of romantic updo and trusted Julia enough to be open to whatever she thought would work best. Julia delivered. Not only did she do a fantastic job on my hair (and my party's) but she was such a joy to work with. She was so kind and sweet and we all enjoyed our time with her. Francely was no different and did an incredible job. Everyone was obsessed with their makeup and wants Francely to do their makeup everyday. She was the ultimate professional and came prepared and excited to get us all wedding ready. I have already and will continue to recommend Julia & Francely to any of my friends in need because they're two of the best. read more

I can't recommend Jen from Nika Vaughn enough!!! She did makeup for myself, 6 bridesmaids, and my mom. She truly did such incredible work. Each of my bridesmaids said they have never been happier with professional makeup. I normally do not love getting my makeup done. But Jen made me feel and look amazing. She made my day, and I didn't have to touch up my makeup from when it was completed at 2:00pm to when the reception ended at midnight (unbelievable, considering the amount of happy tears and hugs, and humid Chicago summer sun!). Look no further, book her now :) read more

Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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At the suggestion of my wedding photographer, I used Nika Vaughn for my April wedding day. I worked with Angelica, who specializes in curly hair and curly hair styles. I knew I did not want anything too avant garde, but I also did not want anything that would be severe or not to feel like myself that day (which meant keeping my hair curly). Angelica did an incredible job trying a variety of styles during my trial so that I could see options and make a decision. She also provided recommendations / ideas for hair pieces since I was not wearing a veil but wanted something in my hair. She was fun to chat with, and helpful in the planning process. Additionally, my mother-in-law is not easy to please, and she was very concerned about her own hair for the day (that's another review for another time). Angelica took time to speak with her and to answer her questions so that she too felt comfortable that she would look good on that day. read more

Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists - Hair by Angelica from Nika Vaughn - Makeup Artists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nika was my makeup stylist for our wedding in October 2008. She was FANTASTIC! We had decided to go with a 1930's/1940's style for our wedding. Nika came to my house a couple of months before the wedding to do a trial. We did some pretty cool stylized things and I was so excited to see it with the dress, hair, etc. on the big day. She knew how to do stylized makeup without a heavy hand (i.e. it didn't look cakey or like I belonged on a stage - simple, beautiful, with a flair). Nika also left me with some wonderful recommendations on products I could use both on my big day, and in "real life." So appreciated!!! Unfortunately, we had two very important people pass away just prior to our wedding, and the day turned from one of glamour to subdued sentimentality. Nika totally rolled with it. She was able to still do a bit of stylization with the makeup, but it was totally subtle and beautiful. I often look at the pictures of myself that day and am amazed at how natural and yet perfectly "in style" my makeup was. She did a beautiful job, and has such a beautiful personality to boot, that it made the day so fantastic. Nika came HIGHLY recommended by our photographer, Jeremy Lawson (see separate review). Even though it was an emotional day, Jeremy and Nika made it so much fun. They really made me feel like a glamourous star that day. I have to say, a makeup artist isn't someone you use frequently in every day life. And that makes me sad, because I really enjoyed my time with Nika and would love to have more opportunities for our paths to cross. read more

I often work with Nika on photo shoots because she is a great make up artist, and can do wonders with all of the crazy prop-building requests I've thrown at her: crowns made of food, flower headdress, you name it, and she can probably make it. Since I've always loved her work, I hired her as the make up artist for my wedding. I was a little worried when she said "airbrushed" make up, but the make up was very lightweight and stayed on all day and night. I wanted a slightly messy romantic braid up-do for my farm wedding. She totally got it, and created an elegant and funky arrangement of braids. She understood the look I was going for, and created a simple make up look that went with my wedding theme. I got tons of compliments, and I highly recommend her. read more

I had my make-up done by Kristina Marie for my wedding (9/4/15) and she did such an AWESOME job. The makeup lasted all night, felt light/natural and just all together made me feel beautiful. I have sensitive, rosacea skin, not to mention allergy irritated eyes the day of and she managed to work around all of this without issues. I had no redness/blotchiness (which is always the bane of my beauty existence) and she adjusted the eye makeup day of to help prevent any further irritation to my allergies (and it still looked SO good). In addition to how awesome the makeup looked, Nika Vaughan overall as a company was so professional and pleasant to work with that I am beyond glad that I selected them for my big day. Day of we had a few people in the wedding party who wanted to squeeze in getting eye makeup done and they were very flexible. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a makeup artist! Will post pictures soon :) read more

My bridesmaids, mom, sister and I were all VERY pleased with our hair (Angelica) and makeup (Christina) services for my wedding. Thank you for making us look and feel our very best! Angelica and Christina were incredibly accommodating, made the space at our house work for their needs, and had great attitudes that contributed to an awesome environment for us all to get ready in. Prior to the wedding, I had two hair trials with Angelica (I changed my mind about the type of hairstyle I wanted and Angelica helped me figure out the best look!) and one makeup trial with Christina. Since we had already figured out the exact looks, I was able to feel really calm and confident on the big day. read more

Okay, so I'm an actor, and i'm used to showing up to shoots and getting my makeup done by random stylists. I promise you, I have gotten up out of some chairs looking like a freaking cartoon. hot pink lipstick? blue eyeshadow? SPRAYPAINTED FOUNDATION? yes. all these have happened. So when I first met Nika I had my guard up, but when I saw the finished product, my jaw hit the ground. Simple, natural, fresh, GORGEOUS. My skin looked great without feeling like I had spackle on it or was wearing someone else's color palette. She matched my tones so beautifully - I was seriously blown away and I've continued to use her since. And - not only is her work 5-star, she's a delight to be around. She'll totally work with you to get the look and style you love and feel the most comfortable in. Seriously, check out her portfolio. Dynamite. read more

Lia did an outstanding job for my bridesmaids and me. She was calm and put everyone at ease. We all felt great at the wedding. Lia can do a range of skin tones and styles. Everyone looked great. I wish I could have her every day. read more

Lia, Kristina Marie, Xochitl and Jen were absolutely fabulous to work with on my wedding day! I searched for a long time for hair and makeup artists whose style was soft and natural. Nika Vaughan's team totally delivered. Everybody in my wedding party looked beautiful without looking too dolled up, and the makeup photographed really beautifully without looking too heavy or caked on in person. We stayed on scheduled, even with a big wedding party, and everybody got the attention they needed. I highly recommend them! read more

I worked with Lia and Julia for my wedding day. I scheduled a hair and makeup trial with Lia and was very happy that I did. Lia worked with me to ensure I was comfortable with my hair style and makeup. After my appointment I provided her a follow-up request that she remembered 3 months later on my wedding day. Lia and Julia arrived early to our bridal suite, which I greatly appreciated. Julia provided hair services - my bridesmaids and the MOB/MOG were very happy with their hair. Lia provided makeup services + my (bridal) hair and makeup. Lia ensured we all fit within the romantic theme of our wedding, but was still able to ensure our own personalities shined through. I did have a bit of trouble reaching out to Nika about a week before the wedding, but I think this mostly due to the volume of services and appointments during the summer. Otherwise, Nika was very quick to respond and work with me. I would highly recommend Nika Vaughn's team, including Lia and Julia. read more

I am so grateful that Nika was available for my wedding, she did a fantastic job! She was so easy to work with and really listened and gave me the exact makeup I had in mind. She is truly a talented artist and gives that glow that every bride wants while not looking too made up. I could not have been happier with her services. My hairstyling ended up running a little late and she was more than patient on my wedding day and worked with the timing. She also did my 68 year old mom's makeup and I've never seen my mom look more stunning, we were both incredibly pleased with Nika. read more