Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
In Morton Grove, IL, Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry offers on-site wedding makeup services.
My goal is to help you feel naturally beautiful and completely at ease, bringing a sense of calm, joy, and a little magic to your wedding morning.
I’m passionate about creating a makeup experience that reflects who you truly are. There’s something so special about the quiet anticipation before walking toward your person, and I believe your look should mirror that moment: confident, radiant, and entirely you.
With a soft-focus and natural approach, I enhance your features without ever masking them. Together, we’ll design a look that feels elevated yet effortless.
I also value the intimacy of getting ready. With a gentle presence and a well-planned timeline, I help make your morning smooth, peaceful, and full of intention so you can simply be in the moment.
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Kelsey Friend
Makeup Artist
Hi, I’m Kels, a makeup artist from Sydney, Australia, who found her way to Chicago for love. Now I live here with my husband, Miles, and our sweet pup, Bonsai. When I’m not creating glowing bridal looks, you’ll find me baking sourdough or belting out a karaoke ballad.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0
9 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry, specifically Kelsey, received glowing reviews for her exceptional services on wedding days. Reviewers highlighted Kelsey's professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to create natural, beautiful looks that lasted all day. Kelsey's friendly demeanor, responsiveness, and calming presence were praised, making her a highly recommended choice for brides seeking perfect makeup for their special day. Many reviewers appreciated Kelsey's accommodating nature, expertise in bridal makeup, and ability to bring positive energy to the wedding day.
Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 6
Ellen E
5.0
1/25/2026
Kelsey did an amazing job on my wedding day makeup! I truly felt like the best version of myself. As a "mature" bride I was concerned with either too much or not enough makeup, b...
ut Kelsey listened to my concerns and got it just right! Her professionalism helped create a relaxed mood for my daughters and I, and that set the tone for the rest of the day. I am very happy I went with Kelsey for my special day!
Kelsey - all the best!
Yazmin R
5.0
1/17/2026
Kelsey was amazing! I would recommend her to everyone! She offered a practice session before the big day and was very accommodating to all my family members getting their makeup do...
ne. She checked in after the practice session to know what adjustments to make, and there weren't that many! On the day of, she showed up on time and did an excellent job. We had a lovely time chatting which helped calm some nerves. She stayed longer to help out with some photos too. Overall, Kelsey provided an amazing experience and would totally recommend her!
Any questions?
Colleen O
5.0
12/09/2025
Working with Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Kelsey was incredibly friendly, organized, and patient throughout the entire process. She...
paid close attention to every detail, ensuring my makeup was exactly what I wanted - natural and bridal, and with a touch of plum to match my winter wedding vibe. Kelsey felt like a natural part of our bridal party, almost like a big sister, making me feel absolutely gorgeous. The makeup lasted all day without any touch-ups needed, thanks to Kelsey's expertise and the high-quality products she used. I'm so grateful to Brave Beauty for helping make my special day perfect!
Response from Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry on 12/09/2025
Colleen, you looked so stunning! A perfect winter wedding! Thank you again for letting me ...
be a part of your big day!
Tia M
5.0
10/25/2025
Kelsey did an amazing job on my Wedding Day make up!! We did a trial together with a look I thought I had wanted, and her execution was flawless! I did decide to go with something ...
completely different for the day of, and even without any practice, Kelsey NAILED my vision and even did so with some scheduling hiccups (totally my fault lol).
My make up lasted through a whole day/night in Chicago in August (incredibly humid and I'm a sweaty gal), and through every tear I shed. My husband wore a tan suit and I also had no problems with transferring anything onto him!
She's such a kind soul and was incredibly reassuring while I had profusely apologized for the tight schedule. She really made me feel so beautiful and loved and I can't thank her enough for that!
Thank you, Kelsey!!
Response from Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry on 10/28/2025
TIA!! your wedding morning was so much fun to be apart of! Loved getting you glam to marry...
the love of your life!!
Brooke O
5.0
7/14/2025
Kelsey was an amazing, detail - oriented professional from start to finish. From bringing her own chair and light to the care she took in laying out her supplies, I was amazed with...
the care she showed in every aspect of my service. It was very difficult to find an artist who would do *only* bridal makeup (I did not have a wedding party), but I am incredibly grateful that it led me to her. I cannot recommend her enough!
Response from Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry on 07/17/2025
Thank you so much Brooke! such a pleasure to do your makeup on such a beautiful summers da...
y!!
Tiff T
5.0
6/20/2025
I was a little worried about how this engagement would turn out since I hadn't hired Kelsey through a referral. And it was a more last-minute find, plus I hadn't seen that many pic...
tures of her doing makeup & hair on Asians. But she turned out to be amazing! I wanted a more softer look and she delivered.
I highly recommend Kelsey! Not only was she affordable, she was very communicative, friendly, and open to feedback during the makeover.
Response from Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry on 06/20/2025
Tiff you looked so stunning on your wedding day!! Thank you for trusting me and being such...
a gorgeous human!
Cha T
5.0
5/08/2025
Kelsey is very professional. She makes sure everything is ready for her client. She’s very clean and organised and prepared. She makes sure she asks what client wants to achieve an...
d she gives her suggestions on how to achieve it. She is also very friendly and will make you feel like you’ve been besties all your life! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Response from Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry on 05/14/2025
Thank you so much Cha, you were such a gorgeous bride and so much fun to glam!
Lauren M
5.0
5/08/2025
Brave beauty has always been my go to for make up services, there was no question when it came to who I wanted to beautify me and my girls on my wedding day! Kelsey is gentle and ...
kind, she brought such a good energy to the day and I am forever grateful to her!
Response from Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry on 05/14/2025
Lauren, thank you so much!! It was such a beautiful morning to be a part of, thank you for...
trusting me with your big day!
Haylie S
5.0
5/02/2025
Brave Beauty was hands-down the best decision my bride made for her wedding day. Kelsey and her team were an absolute dream to work with — so kind, professional, and genuinely love...
ly. Kelsey might be the quickest responder of any vendor we worked with, which made the entire process seamless and stress-free. Her calm, warm energy was exactly what we needed on the wedding morning, and it set such a peaceful tone for the day. The bride absolutely loved her final look — it enhanced her natural beauty in the most effortless and elegant way. We would hire Brave Beauty again in a heartbeat!
Response from Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry on 05/14/2025
Thank you Haylie, you have the best brides to work with, always love getting them glam!!
