Woman with long dark hair wearing a green velvety top applying makeup in front of a mirror.

Hello!

I’m Kelsey aka Rizz (she/her). I’m a professional makeup artist based in Santa Cruz, California with over 16 years of experience.

About my work

I fell in love with makeup through my teen years experimenting doing bold looks as a young punk, and refined my craft through practicing on my friends at photoshoots to help them feel like their best self. I spent my early career taking classes in Los Angeles and San Francisco and working at MAC Cosmetics. I learned early on in my career the importance of learning how to do makeup for all skin tones and gender identities. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I strive to make my chair a comfortable space for all people.

I primarily work on weddings and also love helping clients get ready for other exciting events, family photos, performances, whatever you need! I also contract for other large bridal hair and makeup teams and am happy to assist.

I am a Cancer Sun, Leo Moon, and Aries Rising. I thrive on creativity, big emotions (hello, weddings!) and getting sh*t done. I am adaptable and easy to work with.

Locations I regularly serve are Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, San Jose, San Francisco and everywhere in between. I love to travel, so if you don’t see your location listed, reach out!

Photos by gina barbara and naida lindberg

A woman with short brown hair gets her face makeup applied with a brush while sitting in a chair. She is wearing a white bathrobe with a logo on it and has a hair clip to her hair.

Curious about
working together?