Dez Penaloza Beauty

16. But truly, booking Dez was one of the best investments I made for the whole wedding. Beyond making me feel beautiful - which she ABSOLUTELY did - she made me feel comfortable in my skin and in my role as a bride. I always felt like she was on my side and I never felt pressure to do anything I didn't want to do. At our trial I told her I didn't think I wanted to do makeup, and she said "well, we're here and we have time and the worst that happens is we take it off so why don't we just try it out and see what you think?" She did actually natural-looking makeup and did it in steps so I could look and see if I wanted to keep going, and she nailed it so completely that I ended up doing full makeup on the day! I felt like me and I felt beautiful. I got ready with a few friends on the day of the wedding and she slotted in perfectly - she instantly became part of the group as if she had been for years. I was so grateful for how kind, calm, and easygoing she was and how much she reassured me that whatever I was feeling on this crazy day was valid and correct. Also, I was running 15min late to getting-ready, and when I got there she was finishing up quickly doing my man-of-honor's hair just out of the goodness of her heart and for something to pass the time! His hair looked incredible, too, for the record. She executed what I asked for with absolute perfection and I feel like I made a friend along the way. And honestly, it would have been worth every penny just for the neck/shoulder/arm massage she gave me before doing my makeup ;) If you want to feel safe, cared for, and gorgeous, book Dez immediately. You will not regret it.

was FLAWLESS so much so that even after crying from my husband’s toast and getting sweaty on the dance floor, I considered not washing my face before going to bed just to get to wear it a little longer. My hair transitioned from pristine Hollywood glam to perfectly lived in curls, exactly how she said they would.  There are so many talented people you could work with, especially in LA, but most bridal makeup leans towards full glam - gorg, but not for me. Not only was I afraid that I’d end up looking like a stranger to myself, husband and our guests (because how awkward), but I didn’t actually know what I wanted. Looking through her work, Dez not only did both hair and makeup, but was highly trained, had the full range of styles, and celebrates the uniqueness of each of her clients in her messaging. While I settled on “I want to look like me, but the hottest version of myself” I knew that if I switched my vision that I’d still be in capable hands!  Every bride deserves to get to work with someone as wonderful as Dez!

which was a colorful, 60s retro inspired look. She knocked it out of the park for my trial and somehow even exceeded my expectations on my actual wedding day - I can honestly say I’ve never felt more beautiful or more confident! She has such a sweet and calming personality that immediately put me at ease during a stressful, nerve wracking day. She’s also super adaptable - a few people in my party weren’t very specific about how they wanted their hair & makeup to look, but that wasn’t a problem for Dez. She really worked her magic and made everyone look and feel gorgeous. And my hair & makeup lasted beautifully throughout the night. Dez and her partner also worked really well with my sister, who is non-verbal due to a developmental disability. Their sensitivity and kindness to my sister while they also dolled her up for my wedding really meant the world to me. I could not recommend Dez and her team enough!! 

he nailed my vision, it lasted through heat, wind, sweat, dancing, hugging, all of it), but that’s not even the part that makes me scream her praises from the rooftops. It was the energy she brought to my wedding morning. I was nervous, overstimulated, and kind of freaking out- the day just felt so BIG, I wanted to make it feel less big (didn't even put on my wedding day getting ready outfit cuz it felt like too much production and wanted to just chill in my sweatshirt lol), and Dez just floated in like this calming, grounding, magical presence. She made me feel like the “non-bridal cool chill bride” I wanted to be, and it felt SO right. Everyone — my mom, my sister, my friends — were obsessed with her. Like we all raved about her for days. And here’s the extra awesome part... I hired her without even doing a trial (after firing my first HMUA), which felt risky but I felt like I could trust she would do a great job without the trial just based off her vibes in email. But I couldn't have any clue how WELL I picked until that morning she showed up. Dez was just instantly that person you trust, who makes you feel safe and amazing, and who also happens to make your hair look better than it ever has in your life. She even came with a little emergency kit (lifesaver!!), which my makeup artist was supposed to do for me and totally forgot about because she was leaving in a hurry. It’s just who she is — thoughtful, prepared, next-level professional but also the chillest person in the room. Also, if I hadn't already booked a new makeup artist I absolutely would have done makeup with her too!! We loved her so much that my mom immediately booked her to do her and her friend's hair and makeup for the Emmy’s this weekend (!!) because obviously she’s now our go-to for any LA/OC glam moment. TBH if you’re reading this just book her. She’s the one. 

the whole process-- it honestly felt like she was not just my friend, but also my friends' friend, which made the experience even more special. On the day of the wedding, she brought that same energy, making me feel totally at ease. We felt so taken care of all the way up until the last touch-up. My hair has always been notoriously thick and hard to style, but Dez created my dream wedding hair - actually beyond my wildest dreams. I wanted a fall-inspired makeup look and big, romantic curls, and not only did she deliver, but she was so dedicated to making sure it was absolutely perfect. Amazing, amazing. Please book her - you won't regret it!

llar job styling me and my sister’s curly hair. Anyone with curly hair knows who tough it can be to find someone who knows how to work with your hair! Dez did such a great job making my curls pop - it was like my dream good hair day come to life! She totally gets how to make you feel like yourself- but like the coolest, prettiest version. She is super professional, easy to work with, and had great rapport with my whole family. 10/10!

I wish Dez had handled better, the biggest disappointments were: 1: She did not read my answers to the questionnaire she requested I fill out, nor did she look at the reference photos I sent her ahead of the trial, which ended up making the trial somewhat of a waste. It was upsetting and stressful to have to communicate changes so close to the wedding for things that I had spent so much time clearly communicating in advance. 2: I was MORTIFIED to see that the makeup photographed extremely poorly, making my face and some of my neck look washed out and completely different in shade from the rest of my body. It even looks completely white in some of the photos. There’s no way it can be a photographer issue, as this My SILs and MIL all had their makeup done by a different MUA and there were not any problems with their makeup photographing poorly. Because of everything I’ve mentioned, I think it’s pretty clear that Dez used a product that was not suitable for photography, resulting in what’s known as “flashback”. Usually the culprit is setting powder, but I know of at least 2 brands that don’t cause this issue, as I test drove them in preparation for my wedding before deciding to book a MUA. In addition to the product causing flashback, I’m almost certain that the shade she used for my skintone was too light. My face looked extremely pale in several of the photos without flash, along with our wedding video taken in natural light. I think she might have used my MOH’s shade on me, whose makeup she did first, as she has a fairer complexion and Dez seemed to have gotten my shade correct at the trial. Honorable mention: Dez felt the need to post a photo with a passive-aggressive caption of our Airbnb stairs (her “work commute”) to her IG stories, despite the fact that my husband took time out from getting ready for his OWN wedding to help Dez carry her things up and down. I had warned her in advance when I found out the stairs would be difficult, and she said that she would pack light. The complete lack of empathy and self-awareness on her part was pretty appalling. If a client were to tell me I made them feel this way, I would be mortified to have tainted their special day. Dez issued me a partial refund (a whopping $350) and apologized for forgetting to look at the pictures and questionnaire I sent her ahead of the trial, but took absolutely zero accountability for the way the makeup photographed, saying she wished I’d told her to fix it then and that none of her other clients have had this problem. It should be a bare minimum expectation to assume that a nearly $1.5k wedding MUA will match my skintone correctly and use products that don’t cause flashback. Dez ran a bit late finishing, and things were running behind in general; we were all really stressed and rushed getting to the venue. In the time I did have, I was looking for all of the changes I had to request post-trial due to Dez not looking at any of my notes or pictures ahead of time. I shouldn’t even have to defend myself, though. There’s no reason for someone charging these rates to make those kinds of mistakes and then try to put the blame on the client. When all was said and done, I feel like I just paid someone an exorbitant amount of money to ruin my wedding photos and make me feel unimportant, extremely stressed, and gaslit.

day of schedule, and even hair and make up for the rehearsal dinner. She wants you to look you best! She listens to you and any insecurities you may have and makes sure you don’t have any insecurities once your hair and make up are done. I had a large wedding party with a range or styles and make up preferences. She brought in two more amazing artists to help her. Dez and her team really listened to everyone and made sure everyone felt their best, which could mean very natural or a bold red lip. They also gave us all touch up bags to make sure our looks lasted the whole night.

got ready. As someone who doesn't normally wear a lot of makeup, I was concerned about my makeup looking too over the top. Dez was able to take my ideas and use them to enhance my look with fun, glam details while still maintaining a natural element to the makeup. The airbrush makeup was light and comfortable, but still held up through all the tears and dancing. Even in the end of the night dance floor pictures my hair and makeup look great. Dez is a talented artist, and it's clear that she truly cares about her clients and loves what she does. The next time I need my hair and makeup done I will absolutely be calling her!

she was able to take my ideas and turn them into reality, making me feel gorgeous. My hair and makeup lasted all day, even through the heat and excitement of the photo shoot. The entire process was so stress-free and enjoyable, and Dez made me feel so comfortable. I’m so grateful for her talent and professionalism.

s is one that is so peaceful and uplifting! I can also always trust that my hair and make-up will be beautifully unique and stay in place all night. I appreciate that her glam techniques are not over-the-top or one-size-fits all. She really caters to your own unique essence and how to make that shine. Whenever I have a red carpet event or creative production, she is the woman I call!

y hair and makeup both times I have hired her! I will be hiring her again in the future. Highly recommend!!!

nd and made me feel at ease immediately. Her refined style and technique beautifully enhanced my facial features, giving me a stunning, natural look that lasted all night. I felt absolutely gorgeous, to the point where I felt I might have outshined the guest of honor! Desiree truly made me feel like a star, and I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a talented and professional makeup artist.

) wanted. Also, she’s just an awesome person to have around. I would recommended her over and over again.

ted. I loved everything, and I was especially impressed by what she did with my hair, because it can be a little difficult and heavy to work with. Dez didn’t even break a sweat, and my hair has never looked better. On the day of, she did an informal consultation with everyone before beginning. She’s very talented, and she’s also a great listener. Everyone got a custom look that beautifully complemented their features, complexion, outfit, and personal taste. Dez did both my hair and makeup, but I booked makeup only for everybody else. Still, when Dez put the finishing touches on everyone’s looks, she very generously added some volume to my mother-in-law’s hair, a soft curl to my mom’s, and a little wave to my sister’s. In short, Dez is a rockstar! She’s so talented, and I really appreciated that she took the time to consider everyone’s look from head to toe. She’s easy-going and incredibly fun to have in the room with you, too!

ay and I am so lucky to have worked with her. Thank you Dez!

held up so well throughout the day. All of my bridesmaids were so happy with their final results as well. She has an incredible eye and is super thorough and thoughtful in her process. Dez was also super receptive to my feedback and was really accommodating when I wanted to make some small tweaks after my trial. She was also very flexible when I wanted to add additional services. Dez is a super warm and lovely person so brought a great energy to my wedding day. Can’t wait to book her again!

day to day life I do not wear much makeup and have had a few poor experiences getting my makeup done for friend's weddings where I felt overdone and not myself. I communicated this to Dez and she assured me that she would work with me to achieve a natural, but elevated, dewey look for my Malibu wedding. She absolutely nailed it! I loved how my makeup turned out and I felt beautiful both after my trial and on my wedding day. She is so so talented and a true expert in her field. The makeup lasted the full day - from 7am until midnight. She also styled my hair in loose curls using a few extensions and it turned out beautiful! From the first point of communication until the wedding day Dez was a true professional - she was flexible with scheduling, gave me all needed information upfront, and was punctual and efficient. It was completely stress-free from the second I booked her. Beyond that, Dez is just an absolute joy to work with! She has an incredible positive energy and a calming presence that you'd want on your wedding day! I would strongly recommend to anyone to not hesitate in booking Dez! I already plan to book her for a makeup lesson to learn some of her magic for my day to day life!

to do my hair and makeup. She did both my rehearsal dinner look and the wedding day look. I cannot imagine going with anyone else to do my makeup. Dez is truly amazing!

r energy. I got the sense that she felt genuinely honored and excited to be part of our huge milestone. Energy is so important to me and she brought that same vibe the weekend of my wedding. It honestly felt like I had another friends around while I was preparing for my rehearsal dinner and wedding. My entire bridal party loved her. #2 - I reviewed makeup options to ensure my team had experience working with Black women. Dez provided photos ahead of time to share with my sister-in-law so she was assured that she would be in good hands. It was important that my sister-in-law could get ready with me and feel beautiful on such an important day. The day of my wedding, when Dez gave my sister-in-law the mirror to check out her look, I was so happy to see a huge smile on her face. She turned to me and said this is the best she’s every looked. #3- Dez is a professional. She was great at communicating and taking feedback. She gave us timely quotes, set a good schedule, and overall delivered excellent service. For a weekend so important, you want to know you’re hiring dependable people! If Dez is available for your event, do not sleep on the opportunity to book her! It was some of the best money we spent on our wedding celebrations.

ior to my summer wedding for a trial to see how I wanted to look for the big day. I provided her pictures of the look I was going for and she nailed it. I had never felt more beautiful! She was able to highlight my natural beauty without making me feel like I had too much on my face. I got home from the trial and my fiancé noticed right away how pretty I looked. It was such a relief during the at crazy time that I had found her! YAAAAAY! Not only did she use quality products, she airbrushed my foundation on which was SO cool. My complexion looked flawless. That first day I left it all on for almost 8 hours just to test the longevity- and it passed the test! I really only needed to touch up my lips! On the day of my wedding Desiree was a calm oasis in the storm of craziness. She had great music to put myself and my bridesmaids in the mood to celebrate. She was super professional and patient and I had the utmost confidence in her work. My overall experience with Desiree is 5 stars. I highly recommend you book her for whatever your occasion may be. She is a gem! Thank you Desiree for making this bride feel her best- I’m so thankful you were part of my big day!

(which she booked with me while I was in the city for a trip at the last minute!), she not only took time to talk through the inspiration for my look (a fun, sparkly Brigitte Bardot vibe), Dez was genuinely excited about it. You can tell she loves her work and loves to put her creativity into each look while making you still feel like yourself, just more playfully elevated! It was easy to keep in touch and plan the day-of schedule with her; she was communicative and chill, very professional yet warm in her correspondence. As soon as I booked with Dez, it felt like that part of the to-do list was totally "in the bag," and I was completely confident all would be well! On the wedding day this past summer, it was a joy to have Dez hanging with me, my mom, and friends. All of my family and friends (including my 8-year-old flower girl) loved her and felt so relaxed in her presence. They all looked so gorgeous with their own unique looks, too! When it came to my bridal look on the day-of, I love the look Dez created; I don't think I've ever looked better! It exceeded my dreams and held up perfectly...despite a misty outdoor ceremony and tears shed during the speeches! I got sooooo many compliments, and I just felt like the best, most confident and beautiful version of myself all day. It was such a gift! For all of these reasons and so many more, I highly recommend using Dez for your bridal hair and makeup needs!

ook like our best selves with makeup that lasted the entire day & night. One of my bridesmaids had too much fun to take her makeup off (oopsies!) and still looked flawless the next morning! She also has the BEST presence/vibe to calm any pre-wedding nerves. She is truly a fantastic person with an incredible artistic gift and we were all so happy with how we looked. She was also very professional and responsive along the way - which is vital for wedding planning. Literally could not have been happier with my decision to hire Dez!

makeup!! I was so pleased with how everything turned out both in real life and in photos. I was especially excited to have found Dez because she uses airbrush foundation, which I find to look less cakey/more natural. She was fun, super easy to work with, and the end result was flawless. If you're lucky enough that she's available on your date, book her asap!!

was welcoming and unique just like her. She worked on my family members plus myself for my wedding and each of us looked our best without looking over done. If you are looking to hire Desiree to do your hair or makeup for any special day, then send a message and hire her because is truly the best.

fident going into my big day knowing exactly what my full look would be! She's incredibly nice and really listens to what her brides want! I've already recommended her to other brides and hope to hire her again in the future for a special event or any reason I can find to get my makeup done professionally! :)

ented and her work speaks for itself. On top of that, she is so kind, incredibly funny and an all around lovely person. Spending an hour with her is like catching up with one of your favorite girlfriends. I could not recommend her more highly!

nd makes any bride feel at ease. The makeup trial was fun and made me feel even more confident about my special day, and my actual wedding day was even better. All of the ladies in my bridal party had so much fun, and we looked beautiful as ever! Thank you Dez <3