Vanity SD

Vanity SD describes itself as a team of professional makeup artists serving San Diego, with bridal makeup and bridal hair as its core work. Groups too small to justify travel come to the studio for trials and services.

The makeup menu includes glow, matte, soft glam, daytime and evening looks, with options for natural glam, full glam and airbrush application, plus lash application. Each look is shaped around the client's age, skin type, color palette and complexion, and the studio favors timeless elegance over passing trends. Hair services include bridal styling within bridal packages and Brazilian human hair extensions that can be added to any length, with an additional fee for the extension application.

A makeup trial is included free with any bridal package, and a hair trial can be added for a fee so the complete look can be seen before the day. A trial is run with a lead artist and the master artist, and it is not rushed, so the look can be adjusted. A trial typically takes about three times as long as the event-day session. Event-day sessions for brides usually run about 1.5 to 2 hours for makeup and hair together, while special occasions and bridesmaids usually take 1 hour and 25 minutes or less. Several artists may work on one person, and the studio sets the session schedule.

Booking requires a non-refundable deposit of 20% to hold an event date, and bookings are first come, first served, with the first deposit received getting priority for the date. After paying, clients text a screenshot of the deposit, proof of payment and event details. A contract is emailed within 3 days of the deposit clearing and must be brought to the event for the deposit to apply. The remaining balance is due 48 hours before the event, and cancelling the contracted date forfeits the deposit for both trials and weddings. Payment is accepted in cash or by credit card on the event date. Pricing for hair and makeup is per person, and inquiries through the contact form are answered within 24 hours.

For a trial, clients are asked to bring inspiration photos, arrive with clean, dry hair and talk over extensions beforehand. Bringing only the bride is recommended, along with a button-down shirt similar to the dress. A daily and nightly skincare routine is suggested starting 3 to 6 months before the wedding, and SPF is best avoided at trials or events with flash photography. During a session, clients are asked not to check a mirror or phone camera and to avoid calls, social media and texts unless it is an emergency. For wedding-day touch-ups, the studio recommends a Tir Tir cushion foundation and Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink lipstick as a non-transfer option.

Looks are built around each client's age, skin type, color palette and complexion, with an emphasis on timeless elegance over trends.