C² Beauty

Introduction: My name is Chelsea Conklin, my company is CSquared Beauty, and I am a certified professional makeup artist in Irvine, California. I enjoy working weddings and events, but I also stay busy with magazine editorials, short films and private lessons. I freelance for M.A.C. Cosmetics and work with a larger community of freelance makeup artists and hairstylists in Orange County and Los Angeles. My services are unique because I am lucky enough to say I genuinely love what I do. I love being able to combine my talents and training to help others smile and boost their confidence about how they look. I am grateful to God and the Universe that I get to create the happiness I want to see in the world every day that I'm on the job. It kills me to hear about "bad makeup experiences" clients have had before booking me. I get told all the time that I stand out for my professionalism, technique, knowledgeability, and cleanliness. However, I think my services stand out because the level of commitment to my craft and client is far above what hobbyists and enthusiasts have to offer. When I was first starting out, I never expected to be paid for something I wasn't professionally trained in. That's why I put in the money, time and effort to make this my profession and attended one of the best private schools in California for makeup artistry. I will admit to having some pride-- I love what I do in part because I feel I'm pretty good at it... However, I also wanted to be good at what I do in order to be able to offer something worth paying for--a really good experience. My favorite feedback is when clients say they feel like the best version of themselves. It's my way of knowing they feel comfortable--both in person and on camera. I think it's interesting to witness that "click" between the mind and body when someone is happy with how they look. Whether it be a soft natural look I'm doing for an engagement shoot, or a dramatic smokey eye for a music video, I see people settle into who they are and what they're doing. I believe I give my clients something very different than an impersonal and rushed application at a mall makeup counter. It's much more personal when someone isn't trying to sell you product and actually cares about helping you look and feel differently. It does feel like a ceremony of sorts. The client and I work together to tailor a look that will help create and define their experience.