Cathy MerrittHaving only dabbled with drugstore cosmetics, I was amazed by the transformation done by a professional MUA for a formal event I attended. I went from looking like I had just rolled out of bed to being red carpet-ready.
I left the session with a new face and a deep appreciation for the artistry involved. So if you’re also aiming for a natural glow or full-on glam, I guarantee these talented individuals have your back.
Here’s a roundup of the best makeup artists in Toronto, each ready to turn your makeup dreams into reality!
| How much does a makeup artist charge in Toronto? In Toronto, hiring a makeup artist typically costs between CAD 75 and CAD 300, depending on the service and the artist’s experience. Bridal makeup ranges from CAD 150 to CAD 300, often including a trial session. Special occasion makeup is priced between CAD 75 and CAD 150. For photoshoots or commercial work, rates are generally CAD 100 to CAD 200 per hour. |
How I Chose the Top Makeup Artists in Toronto
1. Fleek Keeks Makeup Artist
Address: Serves Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Contact: +14378892686
Business hours:
Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–9 PM
Sunday, 2–8 PM
We discovered that Fleek Keeks offers custom liquid foundations, tailored precisely to your skin tone and infused with skincare benefits. This personalized approach sets her service apart, especially since some makeup artists are reluctant to accommodate specific requests and consider them a waste of time.
Keisha Gregory’s service extends beyond borders, serving clients across Canada, the USA, and Jamaica. Her client base consists of notable individuals, including politicians and international recording artists, with her work being featured in magazines and publications worldwide.
The booking process with Keisha is seamless and efficient. She is punctual, professional, engaging, and promptly arrives at her clients’ locations. Throughout the session, she patiently answers all your questions and even offers recommendations.
Her willingness to adapt and customize the experience was impressive, making the session feel truly personalized. This attention to detail and client satisfaction highlights Keeks as a standout choice for those seeking bespoke makeup services.
However, due to Keisha’s popularity, some days might be hard to book. Additionally, since she doesn’t operate from a brick-and-mortar salon, clients’ locations need to accommodate the session.
Pros
- Does custom makeup blends
- Accommodates last-minute requests
- Reasonable rates
Cons
- Virtual appointments only
- Could get fully booked fast
Customer reviews
Her work is precise and beautiful without looking overdone
“Fleek Keeks is da bomb. As a photographer, I’ve worked with a lot of makeup artists over the years and Keisha is definitely one of the best that I’ve worked with. She’s personable and easy to get along with and yes her work is precise and beautiful without looking overdone. She knows how to work with a wide range of skin tones, which is actually very rare to find. Basically, if you want a great make-up job done, look no further.”
– K. Anthony Gordon, Google Review
Very knowledgeable about skin and makes sure your skin is hydrated
“Keisha is an amazing makeup artist! She is very knowledgeable about skin and makes sure your skin is hydrated underneath the makeup, which I really appreciated. She made a customized foundation for me, which is exactly what I was looking for! It blends in well with my skin, is light and looks very natural. We’ve worked with Keisha on a few different sets, and she’s been amazing every time.”
– Zviko Mhakayakora, Google Review
2. Michael Fels Beauty | Hair & Makeup
Address: 24 Beatrice Street
Contact: +14373298716
Business hours: Daily, 5 AM–7.30 PM
Michael Fels and his team provided outstanding service for my sister’s bridal party, creating stunning hair and makeup that lasted all night. They skillfully styled a couple of bridesmaids, our parents, and myself, with enough time for touch-ups and some extra time to spare.
Michael was accommodating and flexible when my sister decided to change her hairstyle from the trial to a more subdued look, happily adjusting to her new preferences.
He also serves clients with deeper skin tones which is a breath of fresh air in the makeup industry. That said, his prices are noticeably higher, starting at CAD 425 for single-look headshots (makeup and hairstyle).
Pros
- Inclusive makeup palette for women of colour
- Serves men and women
- Wide range of HMUA services
Cons
- Pricier rates
- Add-on fees for base services
Customer reviews
I got lots of compliments on how beautiful my skin looked
“I wasn’t able to get a trial for my bridal hair and makeup because I was coming from overseas but I took a chance on Michael Fels Beauty and had a great experience. Michael allocated me 2 wonderful women to do hair and makeup for myself and my bridal party and we all looked fabulous. I got lots of compliments on how beautiful my skin looked, how my makeup was glamorous but not heavy or overdone and how well my hair (Hollywood waves) turned out. Thanks to you and your team Michael!”
– Teya Krohman, Google Review
He was patient, he was attentive, he was funny
“We had such a wonderful experience getting ready for my wedding with Michael! He was patient, he was attentive, he was funny. He did an amazing job elevating our beauty while keeping us comfortable and at ease. Thank you for such a memorable day!”
– Anoosha Anvari, Google Review
3. Artistry by Jas
Address: 25 Silver Springs Boulevard
Contact: [email protected]
Business hours: Available 24 hours
Artistry by Jas was recommended by a friend who praised the durability of her bridal hair and makeup, which she claimed lasted all day without smearing. Jas predominantly serves South Asian clients, which piqued my interest as a person of colour.
Her affordable rates were a bonus, so I booked a session for a colleague’s wedding. The wedding had a theme, so I brought along hair accessories to match.
Jas was skilled at improvising, cutting and reshaping the accessories to perfectly fit the hairstyle and makeup I envisioned. Her ability to customise and adapt to my requests made the experience enjoyable and stress-free.
She is great at what she does; I’ll give you that. However, Jas does mostly bridal looks, so her services might not cover full glam photoshoots or commercial HMUA.
Pros
- Affordable rates
- Serves POC clients
- Accessory service for South Asian brides
Cons
- Not a lot of style options
- Mainly bridal HMUA-focused
Customer reviews
She’s professional, has a great vision and is hugely talented
“I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Jas who did my Sangeet look. I cannot recommend her enough! She’s professional, has a great vision and hugely talented as well as lovely to be around. Finding an artist who can execute hair as well as make-up to such a high level can be tricky, but Jas ticks all the boxes. Do not hesitate to book her! Thank you for making me feel so confident!”
– Pav Perhar, Google Review
Jas did a phenomenal job with my wedding hair and makeup
“Jas did a phenomenal job with my wedding hair and makeup. She really paid attention to what I wanted and made sure I was happy at every turn. Her warm and calming personality made me feel incredibly comfortable and stress-free. She gave me a natural and flawless look, which was exactly what I had hoped for. Everything was simply perfect! I can’t recommend her enough for any event. Jas is extremely talented and by far the best hair and makeup artist I have ever had. I’d book her again in a heartbeat!”
– Reisha Narsai, Google Review
4. What A Face Makeup by Alisa Lyons
Address: 119 Sheppard Ave W, North York
Contact: +14164350509
Business hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM
What A Face Makeup by Alisa Lyons is a highly acclaimed hair and makeup service, having received the WeddingWise Couple’s Choice Awards five times. Alisa specialises in bridal and entourage makeup and also offers services for photoshoots and red-carpet events.
Her team provides hybrid services, allowing clients to visit her salon or have her come to their location for events. During my experience, Alisa came to my house and remained calm, friendly, and professional despite the surrounding chaos.
She was personable and knowledgeable, choosing the perfect products (mostly high-end MAC) for my complexion. She achieved the natural look I requested while still making me feel like a million bucks.
Due to her popularity and numerous awards, Alisa Lyons may have limited availability, especially during peak wedding seasons or large events. Clients often need to book well in advance, which can be challenging for those seeking last-minute appointments.
Pros
- Affordable rates
- Award-winning team
- In-salon and mobile services
Cons
- Maximum of 20 clients per session
- Eyelashes cost CAD 15 extra for non-bridal makeup
Customer reviews
I have been using Alisa for a few years to do my makeup
“I have been using Alisa for a few years to do my makeup, every time I have a special function to go to I go and see her. She is an amazing person and very good at what she does.”
– Gera Ezerzer, Google Review
I felt like a princess
“Alisa and Gera did such an amazing job on my special day. I felt like a princess. Her recommendation during the makeup application enhanced my look. Also, their enthusiasm and excitement made me feel special and appreciated. I took my best friend and my mother-in-law with me, and everyone really appreciated Alisa and Gera.”
– Jenifer Sabião, Google Review
5. Satine Studio
Address: 8339 Kennedy Road
Contact: +14165209766
Business hours: By appointment
Sitting in front of a stranger for hair and makeup isn’t always comfortable, so I was pleased that Satine Studio worked efficiently while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere for my work-related event.
The stylist even provided a kit with essentials like hairspray, lip colours, and setting powder for touch-ups after she left, which was pretty considerate. Although I’m not an expert on makeup brands, it seemed like high-quality products were used to prep my skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the long hours without any cakiness.
Sessions at Satine Studio are strictly by appointment, and I found that their services are often fully booked during the wedding season, which peaks from May to September. Since a lot of her work is bridal-focused, non-wedding HMUA might not be easily accommodated.
Pros
- Reasonable rates
- Provides a touch-up kit
- Jewellery and bridal accessories service
Cons
- Hard to book during the wedding season
- No on-demand services
Customer reviews
My makeup also lasted until the end of the night on a hot summer’s day
“It was a pleasure working with Satine for my wedding makeup! She and her team arrived 10 min early on the wedding day and did a great job on my and my Mom’s hair and makeup. She spent a lot of time on skincare which I appreciated as someone with drier skin. The updo lasted the whole day with no hair falling out of place and makeup also lasted until the end of the night on a hot summer’s day. Satine was very kind, professional and helpful during our interactions. Thank you so much for the great experience!”
– Fiona Chui, Google Review
Satine was professional and kind throughout all of our interactions
“Satine and her team did my hair and makeup for me and my bridal party. Satine was professional and kind throughout all of our interactions – patient with my questions and helped me to make decisions. She and her team were friendly and made getting ready very relaxing. Highly recommend them!”
– Miranda L, Google Review
