Nguyen Artistry

For my natural brides and clients with monolids, I stick to what feels best for their features.

Monolid eyeliner doesn’t have to be complicated.

One thing I teach in my 1:1 workshops is that more eyeliner isn’t always better. Instead of immediately creating a thick liner or taking it above the lash line, I prefer working directly within the lash line first. Tightlining and placing the liner as close to the lashes as possible creates subtle definition while allowing the eye shape to remain the focus.

When paired with lash clusters, it enhances the eyes without taking away valuable lid space.

I think monolids are often overcomplicated when, in reality, understanding the eye shape and being intentional with placement makes all the difference.

Every feature deserves its own approach. The goal isn’t to make every eye look the same, it’s to enhance what’s already there.

If I’m being honest, vulnerability isn’t something you’ll see from me very often.

Over the last few years, I put my head down and built. I grew Nguyen Artistry, expanded my team, opened my studio suite, and kept focusing on the next goal.

This wedding season, though, made me realize something.

I’ve always been someone who absorbs other people’s emotions. It’s just who I’ve always been. As a bridal artist, that becomes part of the job. You celebrate with your clients, you calm their nerves, you carry the energy of the room, and for one day, you put your own life aside so you can be fully present for theirs.

I genuinely love that part of what I do.

But I’ve realized I can’t keep bringing those emotions home with me.

Somewhere between building a business and showing up for everyone else, I forgot to check in with myself.

Who is Lisa outside of being a bridal makeup and hair artist?

I don’t have the answer yet, and maybe that’s okay.

I think this season is teaching me that building a business is one thing, but building a life outside of it is just as important.

I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet.

This is simply where I am right now

I wasn’t expecting today’s unboxing to turn into a full-on toddler review 🤣. My niece and nephew are over for a few days and if you’re gonna peek in my life, they are a part of it.

I finally received my new mannequin from for hair training, and my little niece immediately ran over to see what was inside the box.

I honestly wasn’t sure how she’d react…

She took one look, paused for a second, and very politely informed me that it was “scary.” 😭😂

I appreciate that she wanted to like it, but honestly… valid. I’d probably be a little startled too if I was her age 🥸

Bridal Makeup and Hair for J 🥰😍

I love a great glam but I love it even more when you know your client feels their best selves! Makeup is so personal and as an artist, we know wearing makeup is like wearing clothes.

You want to feel your best and want it to match exactly how you see and envision on yourself for your special day!

Bridal Makeup and Hair: Lisa

One of the most common things I hear during an inquiry is:

“We just want simple curls.” 🤷🏻‍♀️

Or…

“She has short hair. Does that mean it’ll take less time or cost less?” ☝️

My first thought is always…

What do you mean by “simple curls?” 👀🥸

Because “simple” looks different to everyone.

One person’s version of simple curls could be soft waves, while someone else’s could be Hollywood waves, a half-up style, or even an updo.

The same goes for short hair.

A bob, a pixie cut, thick hair, fine hair, naturally curly hair… every head of hair is different, and every style has different needs.

You’re always welcome to share more information about your bridal attendants and what everyone is hoping for during the inquiry process. It definitely gives us a better idea of your wedding morning. But it’s also pretty common for someone to change their mind or choose a completely different hairstyle closer to the wedding day.

At the end of the day, “simple curls” and “short hair” are just descriptions. They don’t actually tell us what you’re envisioning.

A little context goes a long way, and it helps us better understand your vision from the very beginning.

I was helping another makeup and hair team on a wedding morning when I heard an artist say to the bride,

“Omg, please don’t play ‘Going to the Chapel,’ it’s so annoying.”

And no, this wasn’t even one of my artists.

I genuinely couldn’t stop thinking about it.

If I ever heard one of my own artists say something like that, I’d be absolutely mortified. What do you mean you’re annoyed by wedding songs… at a wedding? 🫠🫠🫠

This is one of those moments that reminds me that our job isn’t just about doing beautiful makeup or styling gorgeous hair.

Our job is to set the tone.

Yes, we’re there to create a look. But we’re also one of the very first vendors a bride sees on one of the biggest mornings of their life. The energy we bring into the room matters. The words we choose matter. The experience we create matters.

It may be another Saturday to us because we do this every weekend. But for our client, this is likely the first and only time they’ll experience their wedding morning. They’re excited. They’re nervous. They’re making memories with the people they love most.

One careless comment can completely shift the atmosphere and change the entire vibe of the morning.

Professionalism isn’t just showing up on time with a makeup kit. It’s respecting that this isn’t our day. It’s theirs.

Whether they want to play “Going to the Chapel,” Taylor Swift, ABBA, Disney songs, or the same playlist on repeat, let them.

Our role is to make them feel celebrated, supported, and excited, not judged.

The makeup will eventually come off. The hairstyle will come down. But people never forget how you made them feel.