Anita GarciaTrying to copy a YouTube makeup guru is a recipe for disaster when you have no clue what you’re doing. One minute you are adding too much foundation and the next you look more like a walker from The Walking Dead.
So to save you from disasters like that, our team spent weeks diving into the local beauty scene because we realized that the “Instagram vs. Reality” gap is wider in the desert than anywhere else.
We put in the work to research these makeup artists because a bad color match or cheap product results in a face of makeup that separates by noon.
How much does it cost to hire a makeup artist in El Paso?
It usually costs at least $75 to get makeup done by a makeup artist in El Paso.
This is just an estimate. The actual cost is dependent on how much makeup, the event and more.
1. Milan Institute of Cosmetology – El Paso
Address: 1580 George Dieter Dr Suite 207
Contact Details: +19152130470
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 2:30 PM
Unlike rushed studios, the makeup artists at Milan Institute obsess over skin prep with hydrating primers. This results in professional makeup that looks fresh and dewy rather than dated.
We love that customers don’t just get a service. They also support the next wave of talent under the watchful eyes of veteran pros.Customers get high-end results without the premium price tag too.
A few people we interviewed shared how they went in for a total transformation and walked out with a crisp wing and a flawless base that didn’t feel heavy.
We like that the instructors double-check every shadow and contour blend for perfection. Customers we’ve interviewed told us they hardly leave disappointed in the end result of their makeup.
The only real con is that because they are learning, a simple makeup look can easily stretch into two hours. So, those trying to squeeze in an appointment, should be mindful of timing.
My skin was nice and soft afterwards
“Wonderful service! My skin was nice and soft afterwards and my makeup goes on so smoothly still, really enjoying my new face 🩷 …”
- Rora H Google Reviews
They not only helped me feel beautiful they were professional and kind
“I want thank Instructor Brianda Rayas and her two students for helping me with makeup and hair. They not only helped me feel beautiful they were professional and kind.🥰 …”
- Brooklyn Rodriguez Google Reviews
2. JINNY RIDDLE MAKEUP STUDIO HAIR AND NAILS
Address: 1280 Hawkins Blvd
Contact Details: +19158200333
Jinny Riddle is basically the godmother of the El Paso beauty scene with her years of skin wisdom. We found she is the ultimate choice for bridal makeup in El Paso because she treats the bride’s face like a masterpiece.
Brides we interviewed raved about how Jinny was upfront and punctual for their big day. Others love how she prepped their skin and color-matched them before getting any sort of makeup look done.
Jinny can replicate most makeup looks people bring her, whether it’s Pinterest inspo or a random TikTok video.
We love her no-surprises trial because she charts every product so on the wedding day, a bride’s look is a carbon copy of the dream. She understands exactly how the harsh border sun hits a cheekbone.
The only downside is her popularity is massive. If brides don’t book her a year out, they might be stuck doing their own mascara on the big day.
I highly recommend her for all your hair and makeup services
“I have been going to Jinny Riddle Makeup Studio for the past 3 years. She has been a life saver. I don’t live in El Paso anymore but I have had 4 weddings to attend in El Paso in the past 3 years. The first time I made my appointment, she made it so easy and effortless. She was upfront about pricing and what was included with the appointment. That is why I continued booking with her for all my other events. I have loved every look that has been done on me and have gotten many compliments. I don’t have to worry if I’m going to love the outcome or not because she is 100% a professional. I highly recommend her for all your hair and makeup services for any event there might be. Thank you Jinny for always making me feel and look beautiful.”
- Liliana Valdez Google Reviews
Jinny is an amazing person and excellent artist!
“Jinny is an amazing person and excellent artist! The updo and makeup was perfect and held beautifully the whole evening. I got tons of compliments on my look. I’m glad I trusted Jinny and highly recommend her services!”
- Natalia Pisz Google Reviews
3. Eleven Sixteen Hair & Makeup Studio
Address: The Vault, 416 N Stanton St Suite #2
Contact Details: +19153074025
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 7PM
Eleven Sixteen Hair & Makeup Studio screamed “cool girl” from the moment we saw their industrial brick walls. Their interior aesthetic is reminiscent of the soft, ethereal styles that they do for bridal makeup.
Brides we interviewed raved about walking in with a tired face but leaving looking like a Pinterest-perfect queen.
Others told us that is the spot for professional makeup that allows the most polished version of themselves to shine through. We’ve seen some gorgeous eyeshadow blends, and flawless highlighter and contour looks.
Besides bridal makeup looks, we like that they do different events. For example, their princess pamper parties make room for girls ages 6-12 years old to indulge in makeup fun.
Parents like how their makeup artists are gentle and kind when putting on children’s makeup. They don’t overdo it either, but just put on enough to make both the parents and children happy with their new looks.
The only honest complaint we’ve heard is the price. They aren’t on the cheaper end of makeup artists, but for the work they do, it might be worth the extra dollars.
Will definitely be booking with her again for future events!
“Visited here for the first time on Friday to get my hair and makeup done for a ball. Sunshine was my stylist, and she was absolutely amazing! She was so sweet and kept conversation flowing really well the whole time but also was respectful of if I just wanted to relax in silence. She did my makeup exactly how I wanted/pictured it to be, that lasted all night, and she gave me a classy updo that held up though dancing. Will definitely be booking with her again for future events!”
- Cassey Word Google Reviews
I highly recommend Sydney!
“This is my second time visiting Eleven Sixteen Hair and Makeup Studio, with Sydney as my hair stylist! She chopped about 12 inches off my hair, gave me some cute side bangs and my hair feels so soft and shiny. It’s always fun chatting with her. A price for a hair wash, cut and style is $55 and a tip. I highly recommend Sydney!”
- Jacinda Ramirez Google Reviews
4. Elyse Simons Beauty
Contact Details: +16103600501
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 3 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 1 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Elyse Simons brings years of industry experience and training from beauty hubs like NYC and Melbourne.
Her style is heavily focused on natural enhancement, making it the ideal choice for brides who want to feel comfortable and unmasked while still appearing flawless under professional lighting.
We love that she specializes in airbrush makeup for foundation, and delivers that long-lasting, water-resistant finish that remains incredibly lightweight.
People we interviewed told us they love that they always get a custom blend of products, meticulously chosen to complement their skin tone, coverage for deep acne scars and color correction.
In her preview design appointments, she does a full face makeup look for anyone wanting to ensure total consistency on the big day.
Others who’ve used her for branded makeup looks told us they appreciate that she doesn’t stray from their inspired looks.
However, while she offers full glam, her signature “natural yet bridal” look is her primary focus, so those seeking extremely avant-garde or heavy theatrical makeup might find her style too restrained.
Made me feel very confident
“Elyse was such a delight to work with and made me feel very welcome and comfortable. Her history is very dynamic in the industry which made me feel very confident in her experience and skill. Her studio is also very clean and beautiful. Would recommend!”
- Diana Dickerson, Google reviews
Elyse made it such an easy experience
“Elyse did such an amazing job on my wedding makeup! From the moment we met, she was so professional and sweet and made me feel so comfortable and at ease. This was my first time having my makeup done professionally, and Elyse made it such an easy experience. I felt so beautiful and my makeup lasted all day, even through El Paso’s heat and humidity. If you can, book your wedding day with Elyse! She’s amazing”
- Clare Cole, Google Reviews
5. GLAM BY MARBELLA BEAUTY LOUNGE
Address: 12115 Montwood Dr Suite 104
Contact Details:+19152466715
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Glam by MaraBella Beauty Lounge takes a high-end approach to cosmetic artistry. We love how they specialize in camera-ready airbrush makeup looks. People we spoke to raved about the flawless finishes that didn’t feel heavy on their skin.
For something professional looking, they do traditional and social makeup looks. The looks we’ve seen are impressive, often featuring sharp, winged eyeliner and perfectly blended blush.
We love how their makeup artists know exactly how to highlight a person’s natural cheek bone structure.
Whether people want a soft glow or a bold statement, their team is meticulous about every detail, from the precision of the brow shaping to the lip liner.
We also like how they allow customers to track specific shades and products used during consultations.
One thing to keep in mind though is that they require a nonrefundable deposit starting at 30 dollars to secure the appointment. A few people told us this was a bit of a bummer for last-minute appointment changes.
She is truly an artist!
“Marbella always does such a great job on daughters makeup for all her special events. Today she did her prom makeup and it definitely did not disappoint. It was a thousand times prettier than the makeup look she asked for. She is truly an artist! If you haven’t booked here, you need to! You will be happy you did.”
- Diana Guevara Google Reviews
They accommodated me, my mom, & my sister last minute
“Had a really positive experience with Marbella & Maribel. They accommodated me, my mom, & my sister last minute for a wedding we were going to be in & they did an amazing job on all 3 of us! The atmosphere & vibe is really inviting too. I love the decorations & even though it looks small from the outside it’s pretty spacious inside. Highly recommend this place for airbrush makeup & updos. Not really sure about all the negative reviews but you should definitely give them a try for yourself & try to remain in constant communication for appointments they can be really flexible if their schedule” permits them to be 💕
