1makeupman

Russell and his team were extremely professional, Russell was responsive and helpful when I would send him questions after my first trial and he was cool with doing a 2nd partial trial. He's SO funny. He and his team did fantastic on doing exactly what I wanted for my bridal makeup and hair.

Russell and his team were amazing!! They were on time, friendly, and easy to work with. Russell is such a people person and keeps everyone laughing all morning long! From the trial to wedding day, Russell was incredibly responsive to what I wanted my makeup to look like. My makeup on wedding day was STUNNING!! It lasted all night and I received so many compliments, which is truly all a bride could ask for!!

Russell, Natalia, Nicole and the team were awesome to work with - from the initial trial to the wedding day! They were responsive, easy to work with, and made the entire wedding day relaxed and fun. Every single bridesmaid loved their hair and makeup, and my bridal hair and makeup lasted the entire night, felt awesome, and looked great in photos. Thank you for doing such a great job!

Russell and his team were simply amazing! They were so fun to work with and you really feel like you are hiring a family member or friend for the job! Russell is one of a kind and has you laughing the entire time! He makes the entire process fun and stress free. He really cares about his clients and takes the time to get to know them. His work is beautiful, and he really brings out your natural beauty and best features. Mariah is a gem to work with as well. She is so kind and caring and her work is gorgeous! We loved loved loved working with Russell and his team and got some many complements on them, would highly recommend! We love you Russell, THANK YOU!

I heard about Russell from my sister who got her makeup done from him for a wedding. I looked him up and was very impressed. She said he is so friendly, makes it fun, and does a great job. She was correct! I reached out to Russell praying he was available for my wedding and fortunately he was. From the beginning he was very friendly and responsive. He answered all of my questions and made sure to really work with me. During my makeup trail, he makes you feel so comfortable and will have you laughing the entire time. I showed him a picture of the look I wanted and he made it possible! Nicole who handles the bookings is so very sweet and very accommodating. I felt terrible because I kept making changes to my invoice and she was extremely patient and never made me feel bad for my indecisiveness. The day of the wedding, Russell showed up with his team. He had everything with him - table, chairs, lights and got right to work. He had me and my bridal party laughing the whole time. He kept the morning very light and fun. All of our makeup looked stunning. It was such a smooth process and he really got the wedding day started on such a positive note. I can't thank Russell, Hitomi, and Nicole enough for making my wedding day so special!

Russell and is team are the absolute best! They are all so talented and make sure your hair and makeup is exactly want you want! I made a last minute change and it was no problem, they are very flexible and will make you feel so beautiful! Russell is an amazing MUA and absolutely hilarious, he will keep the laughs going. Would not have trusted any other team with my wedding hair / makeup!!

My 1Makeupman team on the day of my wedding was phenomenal! My hair and makeup lasted all day long, over 12 hours! It felt weightless and I received so many compliments. This is the first time getting my makeup done by someone who actually made me feel like an absolute princess. My bridesmaids, mom, and flower girls all looked so stunning. We were very impressed. I couldn’t be more thankful to have had the help of Russell and his team, Lisa, Rachel, Visare, and Nicole on my wedding day!

Russell and his team were BEYOND wonderful to work with! From the trial to the day of the wedding, I felt completely at ease and comfortable. They were great to talk to and the time flew by. Not to mention the makeup and hair was beautiful and exactly what I was looking for, for me and my wedding party :) The hair team even graciously traveled a couple blocks away from our getting ready location to do a last minute hairstyle for my grandmother and her sister. If you want a punctual, meticulous, talented, professional, and calm presense on your wedding day, look no farther!! You won't be disappointed!

This is your sign to hire Russell and his team for your big day! He has now done my makeup 3 times (engagement shoot, trial & wedding) & he hits it out of the park every time. Not only did Russell and his team (Hitomi, Derya, Rachel & Jessie) do the bridal party makeup for the day, but they also did the makeup for family members that flew in and wanted to get ready together. He (& his team) made everyone feel comfortable, especially those who are not used to wearing a lot of makeup. He has mastered the art of natural makeup & enhanced every ones natural beauty. His energy is infectious & he helps make the morning of fun/relaxing.

I brought Russell to Virginia all the way from Delaware because he is that fantastic! We had our trial several months before my wedding and as a picky bride, I was so grateful that we were able to discuss my look and what made me feel most comfortable, make a few tweaks, and translate that to my wedding day look. I felt beautiful and my entire bridal party looked incredible. One of the things that meant the most to me was what great care Russell took with my Mom’s make up. She doesn’t wear much make up and was feeling nervous about being glammed up — she looked absolutely beautiful and natural and she was thrilled. So grateful for Russell and Hitomi and their expertise on my special day!

I am not joking when I tell you I waited to finalize my wedding date until I was sure that Russell was available for my bridal makeup. Not only did he make me look and feel the most beautiful I ever have, but his presence and JOY were so contagious. You can tell that he genuinely loves what he does and he truly helped make the whole getting ready experience by creating such a calming and fun environment. No stress! He is professional, talented, and makes everyone who sits in his chair feel great about themselves. One of my biggest fears about wedding makeup was looking TOO made up. I've seen so many photos of women who barely look recognizable once they've been airbrushed and contoured. Russell is all about "enhancing" rather than covering up. Don't get me wrong, between the skincare and makeup he expertly applies, you will look nearly flawless— but you will also still look like yourself. Just the best version of yourself! You will not regret booking with Russell, or his team. It's like giving yourself a gift on your wedding day. I have such happy memories of the entire process and now photos I will treasure forever.

The hair and make-up team for my wedding was very friendly and professional. They arrived at our venue early and they were fully set up on time. Everyone's hair and make up was done beautifully. The only complaints I have are that I was the last to have my hair styled and it felt very rushed. Additionally, the make up stylist neglected to bring the lipstick that I chose at my trial run. And although she was able to create the right color using a lip liner for the ceremony, I didn't have the right color to reapply throughout the evening. Lastly, from reading the contract I was under the impression that the cancelation fee would be incurred if I canceled my booking. When the ninth person backed out of getting her hair and make up done two weeks before the wedding, I was disappointed to be charged a 50% cancelation fee of the cost for her hair and make up (I was originally going to be charged a 75% cancelation fee but got it reduced to 50%). While I understand the need for a cancelation policy, it needs to better communicated. It was never mentioned during the phone calls or during the hair and make up trial.

If you are looking for an amazing wedding make-up artist or just a make-up artist in general, I 1000% recommend using Russell! I loved his natural style and still felt like myself! I got so many compliments before and after about how natural but still gorgeous the make-up turned out! His vibrant energy, candor, and welcoming personality made the morning of my wedding so much better!! He made sure everything was on time and ran smoothly. He even helped gather an amazing hair team, when less than a month out, I did not have hair stylists. He truly went above and beyond for myself, my mom and MIL, and all 9 of my bridesmaids.

Russell was recommended to me by my cousin whose wedding makeup he also did, and am I GLAD she did! From my first encounter with Russell, I knew I made the right decision. He is extremely responsive and my makeup trial was so fun, he knew me and understood me and what I wanted right away. The day of my wedding he made me look and feel beautiful, and even more importantly he made my bridal party, mom, and mother-in-law feel that way too. We had such a fun time and loved his and his team's energy. Ashleigh & Derya were excellent. I don't know how you guys fit into my loft but you did, and everything went smoothly and efficiently. The makeup lasted all day and I haven't stopped looking at my pictures as I love how I look and how my girls look. If I could have Russell do my makeup every single day I would be one of the luckiest people in the world not just because I'd look beautiful, but because I would have such a genuinely wonderful person doing it. Thank you Russell, Ashleigh, & Derya for being part of my wedding day and making us look beautiful!

Russell and his team are absolutely amazing! There is no one better in the business! They use only but the best MAC products and are extremely conscious of skin sensitivities and allergies. My eyelashes stayed on for DAYS seriously DAYS!! Not only are they all amazing professionals but they are hilariously funny and so kind! I did not stop laughing the whole day and they kept me and the bridal party at ease while making us look beautiful! I want them to come everyday to make me look as beautiful as I did on my wedding day!

I can’t say enough good things about the amazing Russell & his team! I literally planned my wedding around his availability. Sounds crazy but if you know him you would understand. He is a calming yet fun presence to have and will make you feel the most beautiful you have ever felt. I cannot thank him and his team enough for their amazing work!!! Most of my friends have used him for their weddings as well and were not disappointed!

My bridesmaids and I used Russell and his team for our make-up on my wedding day in September and had an amazing experience! Russell and his team are exceptional and made each and every one of us feel special and look extra beautiful! We received so many compliments! Russell is so funny and eased my wedding day stress. Many of my friends are excited to use Russell for their upcoming weddings and I definitely recommend his team for future weddings!

Russell (makeup) and Jessica (hair) were amazing artists to work with on my wedding day. My hair and makeup were both photo-ready for 12+ hours. I would highly recommend them both, especially for anyone a bit nervous about working with professional stylists. Russell made sure everyone in the multi-generational party was at ease and kept our makeup natural so we all felt like ourselves. He also taught me (and my whole bridal party) about makeup color theory and was kind enough to leave makeup remover for me after I realized I had forgotten to bring mine for the weekend! Jessica took feedback from my mother-in-law without missing a beat, and I have no idea what magic she used to get my hair to stay in an updo all day, but I’ve never been to a stylist who managed that before. Russell and Jessica made sure the whole wedding party looked fantastic and felt like our best selves. (May 2019, Philadelphia)

From the moment I met Russell, I knew I made the right choice. He is a makeup magician! His positive attitude and passion for his craft made my experience better than I ever could have imagined. He truly brought out the best version of myself on my wedding day, and he and his dream team (Ashleigh and Sarah) made the hours leading up the ceremony so memorable and fun. Book him!

Russell is absolutely phenomenal at what he does. I only wish I could share pictures with this review because his work was amazing. He's also hilarious and a joy to work with. Getting into his chair immediately takes the wedding day stress and jitters fade away. I felt more beautiful and I ever have all night long! (Plus he uses waterproof products, which is a huge plus for a crier like me!)

I can't say enough about Russell and his team. From the beginning he was easy to talk to and quick to respond. The process felt seamless, from setting up a trial time to accommodating an earlier than anticipated time line the day of. He kept his cool, helped me keep my cool and did such beautiful work. I felt like a more glamorous version of myself. So many people have commented about my make up and it lasted all day... even through some serious dancing! I would gladly recommend him to anyone. :)

Russell and his team are truly great from start to finish! Russell is hilarious, personable, and beyond easy to work with. We had 15 people get their make-up done, and every single person LOVED the work Russell and his team did. Cannot say enough great things!

Russell was absolutely fantastic and seriously the best! He was recommended to me by a coworker who has been going to him for years. I met him at the MAC counter in Nordstrom's and he made me feel super comfortable and valued immediately. The makeup trail was great and I feel like he truly listened to what I wanted, even though I was not the best at communicating my vision. The day of my wedding, Russell came to the hotel with all his supplies and LIGHTING so everything would be perfect...and it was! All my bridesmaids, MIL, and mom loved him and he made us all feel so comfortable and beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend him for any of your makeup needs!

i cannot day enough positive things about russell! he is amazing at what he does! i got married october 2017 and i had my makeup done in the morning so we could have our pictures done before our evening wedding - my makeup lasted all day! russell takes pride in his work and wants you to look your best. i received so many compliments on my makeup - he makes you look flawless (no cakey look from russell)! you also get more than just a makeup artist from russell; he provides such a positive and motivational experience. this experience starts from the day you book him. russell makes every meeting with him fun and so so so uplifting - you leave feeling great about yourself ! thank you russell for being a true professional and providing amazing service!

I got married on 10/21/17 at the Windrift in Avalon, NJ and Russell Borns did my makeup for my big day. He truly is so talented at what he does, and has so much fun while he's doing it! From the day I met him when he did my makeup trial, I knew we would get along so well. He helped me so many times throughout my wedding day to laugh and not think about how stressed out and nervous I was! My bridal party and my mom had so much fun with him also. He made everyone look so amazing, including myself. I have NEVER felt more beautiful than I did the day of my wedding. Russell went above and beyond to make me feel that way. He even stayed late to touch up my make up and do some final primping of the other girls. I will definitely be using Russell when I have another event, he truly is amazing and one of a kind! Thank you again for making me feel like the prettiest girl in the room! :)

Russell and his team came highly recommended by my sister. Russell was a pleasure to work with. He was already scheduled for make-up on my wedding day so he sent out Jackie from his team. Jackie not only did AMAZING work, but she was sooo nice! All of my bridesmaids looked flawless! I've been in 6 weddings before and never liked my make-up... I LOVED my make-up on my wedding day! I couldn't have been more happy with it. So thankful for her!

There aren't enough words to describe how awesome Russell is! He puts you at ease, (which is something you desperately need on your wedding day!), makes you laugh the whole time he's there, and does a phenomenal job to boot!

I can not say enough wonderful things about Russell!! He is an amazing makeup artist and friend. 14 years ago our wedding day was filled with lots of love and lots of snow! Thanks to the 2003 blizzard! Russell made the trek, arrived on time and made sure my wedding day makeup was flawless. Thank you for being a part of our special day!!

I had the best makeup experience with Russell for my wedding. My wedding party looked AMAZING! From the trial to the actual day Russel made me feel comfortable and at ease.

Only one word to describe his work... AMAZING! Not only does he do a phenomenal job on your make up, but he makes your experience memorable and lots of fun. When ever he is finished with my make up, besides being extremely happy with my look, I also walk away feeling confident and beautiful. He will always listen too your request and will make sure you leave feeling your best. Beauty is power, and makeup is something that really enhances that and I promise you Russell will make you feel your power.

Russell is hands down the best!!! I can't even begin to describe how magical he is! My bridal makeup was flawless, lasted all day and night and my bridesmaids have raved about the same! He just did my makeup again last week for my friends wedding and again, all of the girls (moms included) felt fabulous!!! He is the best around! Super professional, on time (in fact always early in my experiences), manages timeline for wedding day perfectly, and such a great time to be around. Please do yourself a favor and use Russell!! It will be one less thing to stress about on your big day, I promise!!