Holistic Skin Care & Wedding Day Makeup & Hair Experts| Page 5 of 6

Eco-Beauty Wedding Makeup & Hair in the Pacific NW

Eco Wedding Makeup Artist | Portland, Oregon

When you hire me and my team for your wedding day beauty, expect to experience luxury and attention to detail. From the beauty design session to the day of final touches, we take pride in what ingredients we put on your skin and we understand the way to apply it for an elevated, radiant complexion.

We care about what we put on our skin and hair and we carry that into our passion for our artistry. The products we stand behind are cruelty free, vegan and full of botanical’s. We spend the necessary time prepping the skin, so that the makeup application is not only photo ready, but looks beautiful in person.

It has also become very important for me to offer a stream-lined scheduling system, because communication is essential to the success of the day. My attention to detail creates peace of mind and I take the time to listen to your entire vision, so I can help you curate all the pieces coming together seamlessly.

Portrait of Bride - Eco wedding makeup Portland Oregon

What to expect when you hire Kelli & her team:

We make it our #1 goal that you look and feel like you’ve always dreamed of on your wedding day and we personalize the entire experience.
We set a timeline so everyone getting services understands the flow of the day and service timing.
We work directly with planners if you have one, to make your day as seamless as possible.
We research your photographer’s style to understand how they shoot and what lighting and type of camera they use.
We guide you through a design & preview session to help you find your best complexion and look, based on your personality, color and details of your dress, flowers & location.
We can host you at our beautiful studio in NW Portland or travel to your location. Our team will pamper your entire bridal party and we bring makeup lights, professional makeup chairs and find the best natural lighting, for capturing the best getting ready photos.
We understand how important an excellent client experience is and we stay for all of the extras, from finishing touches, setting the veil or building the floral crown in, as well as helping with jewelry.

Make sure to get your wedding booked for 2026 soon, before our schedule is full!

Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation

“It’s in these moments, while writing a blog or reading a couples review that I get all the warm fuzzy’s and am able to reflect on how lucky I am to be a part of so many special elopements and weddings throughout the year!”

Understanding Skin Rejuvenation Before Your Wedding Day

Skin Care, Wedding Beauty Team, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Prep

Don’t hide behind your skin. Bringing out your natural beauty takes a little consistency and understanding, but once you know why and how to use the correct products for your skin type, you’ll be in harmony with creating your best skin ever. It all starts with listening to your skin. If it feels tight, dry, oily or itchy, then it isn’t in balance. Once you know how to listen to what your skin needs and you have a skin rejuvenation regimen in place to support a balanced complexion, then you are ready for gorgeous makeup application.

My Goal:

To help you feel your most radiant for your wedding day is number one! My favorite pre-wedding recommendation is a custom facial, because I want to work with healthy, exfoliated and hydrated skin that already glows. I know in my 20 years of studying and working with different skin types, that skin homeostasis translates into incredible makeup application and photos!

People often ask me what my favorite treatment is and without hesitation it’s the chemical peel series! Peels are so versatile, work on many skin types & conditions and finding the best customization for each of my clients skin types & concerns is why I LOVE DOING THEM SO MUCH – it’s a way for me to use my knowledge of science and real life problem solving with the goal of helping someone feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Peels reveal the healthiest skin, performed in-clinic by me or one of my colleagues, and the results are clear, vibrant skin with minimal to no downtime.

You asked, I’m answering:

Will your MAKEUP look natural on your wedding day?

It all comes down to how you prepare your skin and how I prep & finish the skin on the wedding/elopement day.

There is an over-load of beauty information out there and with the rise of Pinterest boards and word of mouth selling, it can be confusing and challenging when it comes to knowing what is best for ourselves!

Wedding portraits for post on skin rejuvenation

I encourage every couple to:

do their research
find a licensed esthetician
hire a professional makeup artist
reach out to your top 3 artists and make sure they get right back to you
make sure the artist has a brochure of services and contract system in place
check the artists portfolio and reviews
make sure the artists philosophies align with yours
share your beauty inspiration and don’t be afraid to ask questions and have expectations

A professional makeup artist wants to hear exactly what you want, with room for changes if necessary. Setting those expectations over a trial run is going to be important. These key elements at the beginning of the booking process are ideal to connect with the right artist.

Believe it or not, it’s not the makeup products I use that encourages the makeup to last – it’s what I do before and after makeup application that gives it the real vibrancy and longevity. I also provide everyone with a lip touch-up kit that adds to peace of mind.

Recently, I teamed up with the talented film & fine art wedding photographer to share all of my favorite go to products for keeping wedding day beauty flawless all day.

My Top Skin Rejuvenation Tips:

Pre-wedding & Wedding Day – Keeping skin clear with oil cleansing (oil attracts oil and this cleansing method controls oil, by lifting impurities and leaving skin soft, not dry).
Pre-wedding >>> Exfoliating weekly to keep the pores clear and any dead skin from accumulating.
Pre-wedding & Wedding Day – Skin Mists will keep the skin extra hydrated and encourage serums and moisturizers to deliver deeper into the skin as well as boost results.
Pre-wedding – Serums, Vitamin C & Peptides and a life-changing Om Beauty Oil packed with healthy nutrients are all great for repairing the skin and rejuvenating in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Makeup looks smoother when these ingredients are used weekly within a skin regimen.
Wedding Day – Makeup setting spray to lock in the thinly layered makeup, powder, creams and additional products used to create the look.

PS – I typically don’t use a primer, because the foundation options I use have a primer built-in or the skin type doesn’t call for it.

How to Take Care of Your Makeup Brushes

Eco Tips, Makeup Artistry

It’s important to know how to give your makeup brushes consistent love, so they stay clean and last forever. Dirty makeup brushes are a common contributor to break-outs and don’t create a safe environment for your skin health.

I cannot tell you how excited I was the first time I purchased my first professional AND EXPENSIVE makeup brush set! Now that you’ve purchased your’s, you’ll need to take care of them properly.

I like to break down my cleansing methods into two categories. I suggest that you CLEAN your brushes regularly and DISINFECT them when you need a quick cleaning in between multiple colors or if you want to move from a cream to a powder or vice versa.

How to Clean Your Eco-Friendly Makeup Brushes

How to DISINFECT your makeup brushes:

Materials needed:

Paper Towel, Brush cleanser (I recommend 70% alcohol)

Dampen the paper towel using the alcohol or brush cleanser of your choice.
Take the brush and whisk it back and forth in a sweeping motion on the damp paper towel. Do not whisk the brush in circular motions as this will deteriorate the bristles. Make sure to thoroughly DISINFECT all areas of the bristles on the brush

How to CLEAN your makeup brushes:

Materials needed:

Paper towels, towel, running water and I prefer Dr. Bronner’s Castille Liquid Soap in Peppermint.

Take the brush and wet them under running room temperature water. Be sure to keep the bristles of the brush facing down. This helps to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule (metal piece holding the handle & bristles together) or handle.
Put some liquid or bar of Dr. Bronner’s Soap (never use dish washing soap or anything with a degreaser) in your hand and apply it to the bristles of the brush. Start from the ferrule/handle and work your way down towards the tip of the bristles. Massage the shampoo into the bristles gently.
Run the brush (bristle side down) under clean water to help rinse off the shampoo. Repeat this process until all residue of shampoo has been washed off.
Lay down a paper towel and dab the brush on the towel to help remove excess water.
Re-shape your brush to its original shape
Lay flat on a new clean towel to dry.

I follow these tips:

Dry your brushes with the bristles facing down to allow gravity to help pull any water that may have seeped into the ferrule/handle out. You can also, prop up your brushes so that they are at a 45° to help facilitate the drying process.
Do not dip or submerge your brushes fully into a reservoir of water. This will allow water to seep into the ferrule & handle and will compromise the quality of your brushes.
Disinfecting your brushes using a brush cleanser should NOT replace regular washing.

I’m happy to shop for you and find you your perfect brush set! Schedule a Makeup Lesson and learn how to use your makeup with your new brush set at my studio or virtually.

With Love & Awareness,

Are you Choosing the Correct Foundation?

Eco Tips, Makeup Artistry

I research and find the safest and most effective skin care and makeup products to recommend. I don’t expect anyone whose not an expert in skin health to have the time to figure it all out. I’m a huge advocate for supporting companies that provide a universal shade range. A company must believe in creating healthier lives for others. I will not support any company that isn’t inclusive. The finish of your foundation can is one of the most important thing to analyze.

Which foundation will help you achieve your preferred finish?

Luminous finish foundations tend to be powders or liquids that aren’t matte but rather, leave the skin with a ‘glow’. This effect happens because the foundation uses light reflective particles or ingredients. This is different from moisture, which creates a shine.

Matte foundations normally have a fuller coverage and a more powdered finish with no shine. The options tend to come in a liquid, pressed liquid or powder. This is very popular for people that have an oiler skin type that will tend to develop its own shine.

Satin finish foundation is in between dewy and matte. There will be some shine. However, it will not be as much as what a moisture-rich, dewy foundation offers. These will be options like creams and stick foundations and some liquids as well.

Dewy foundations leave the skin looking very well hydrated with a moisture rich shine on the skin. These foundations tend to be CC & BB Creams or Tinted Moisturizers. These options tend to be more sheer in their coverage. They are most popular for those with dehydrated or dry skin.

My Favorite Foundation Recommendations

I am in love with the pressed and liquid options in the Elate Cosmetics beauty line.

GLO Skin Beauty‘s vast array of different foundations includes everything from tinted moisturizers to HD Stick‘s. These products also look incredible on camera or for every day use.

These two clean companies allow me to have a large range and tons of types of foundation for everyone.

I do complimentary color matches to suit whichever look you’re after.

I know that varying skin types require different foundation formulations. I can recommend something to suit you in person or virtually!

What is my foundation of choice?

I’m not afraid to tell people I prefer all of the different formulation types. Foundation is a personal option and we all like certain styles or finishes for different reasons, seasons and events. Maybe you need a little nudge to start using something different for your skin type. Maybe you need help getting the foundation you love to look right on your skin. I would love to be your beauty expert!

Schedule Your Complimentary Color Match or Makeup Lesson at Kelli Thomsen Beauty.

With Love & Consciousness,

Celebrate Your Rituals

Eco Tips, Skin Care

The month of May always reminds me of Mother’s Day. It reminds me of the rituals and bonds we have with other feminine beings. These include friends, sisters, cousins, aunts, daughters, step-daughters, grandmothers, and mothers alike. We gather and share knowledge through history and stories about our daily skin care and makeup routines. I think we forget that it’s the sharing of these rituals that create some of our most precious bonds.

Think about that for a moment – skin care and makeup bringing us all CLOSER. For centuries, people have created rituals by sharing beauty products. These products affect how we feel on the inside. They also influence the way they touch us on the outside. We are able to open all of our senses when we explore ritual. I can see a direct link between the inside and outside. I understand how one affects the other. I’m happy to report that I want to rally behind more of it… more self care, ritual & sharing with others.

A few years ago, I had the good fortune to spend time with my mom. We sat down for a brow waxing and shaping session. During this time, we got to talking about makeup for mature skin. See her blog discussing what she learned here. More women than ever are asking me for makeup advice. When they arrive for their makeup lesson, we always need to discuss the skin care ritual first. Skin care and makeup are essentially the same in my book. Without good skin care, makeup is just a mask that covers.

We should celebrate self care rituals repeatedly. These daily practices build health and consistency. They impact our future generations. CHEERS TO HAPPY & HEALTHY RITUALS

With Love & Awareness,

Wedding Beauty and Skin Prep | Kelli Thomsen Beauty – Portland, Oregon

Skin Care, Wedding Prep

Your Wedding Day Glow Starts With How You Feel

Your wedding day is one of the sweetest, most sacred days of your life. It’s a celebration of love, connection, and all the beautiful moments that brought you here. In the midst of choosing flowers, tasting cake, and planning every detail, you should focus on something equally important. Consider how you want to feel when you step into that day.

I’ve learned this after 25+ years and over 750 weddings. The most radiant couples aren’t the ones who followed rigid skincare protocols. They’re the ones who learned to care for their skin terrain while also caring for themselves. The ones who built in moments of rest, nourishment, and presence during the planning process.

Your skin is telling a story about what’s happening inside your body. Sleep, hydration, joy, the way you’re moving through… it all shows up on your face. This is why my approach to wedding beauty isn’t just about products and treatments. It’s about understanding your unique skin terrain. It involves creating practices that support your complexion. These practices also enhance your capacity to feel calm, grounded, and present for this incredible celebration.

“Flawless skin translates beauty in photos better than any makeup application, and that radiance comes from regulation, not just routine.”
Kelli Thomsen

What Makes Our Team Different

Choosing licensed artists who understand that beauty work is nervous system co-regulation is key. We hold space for you to land in your body, to feel safe, to be seen. We create an environment where you can exhale, because that’s when true beauty emerges.

We practice Elemental Beauty: enhancing what’s already there rather than covering or transforming. We use cruelty-free, botanical formulations because what you put on your skin matters. And we approach your wedding day from a natural ethos. Not just a timeline to execute, but an experience that deserves reverence and care.

Each artist on the team brings their own gifts. Together, we have created a collective approach. This approach honors you as a whole person. We see you. We hold space for the emotions, the excitement, the joy, the tender moments. And we help you and your wedding party feel grounded and radiant through it all.

Your wedding morning includes those most important to you. We’re here for your mothers, your bridesmaids, your flower girls, your partner and the entire wedding party. We understand the dynamics of getting a whole group ready together. The laughter, the tears, the anticipation, the pure joy. We create a space where everyone feels cared for, beautiful, and confident. Where your mom feels like herself but elevated. Where your best friends feel gorgeous without feeling like they’re wearing a mask. We bring the same intentional, regulated energy to every single person in the room.

The Two Components of Wedding Day Radiance

1. TERRAIN-BASED DAILY SKINCARE

Your skin is an ecosystem, not a problem to fix. I help you understand your unique terrain whether you’re dealing with sensitivity, congestion, dehydration, or inflammation. Together we create a simple, consistent ritual using cruelty-free, botanical-based skincare products.

Consistency is the foundation, but it’s not about perfection. It’s about:

Hydration from the inside out through water, mineral-rich foods, and herbal teas like spearmint for gentle detox
Regulation by prioritizing sleep, nervous system practices, and moments of rest
Nourishment with products that feed your skin’s microbiome rather than strip it

I’ll customize your daily skincare routine. This will be based on your skin type and lifestyle. It will also consider what your body is telling us it needs.

2. PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE TREATMENTS (Personalized Timeline)

Think of these as intentional touch points in the months before your wedding. Not just for your skin, but for your nervous system. Each session is a space to regulate, receive care, and reset.

Deep Cleansing Facials // $150
Monthly sessions, ideally a series of 3, to support detoxification and clarity. These aren’t aggressive treatments. They’re nourishing, nervous system-aware sessions that leave you glowing. Many brides choose our Wedding Skincare Packages for a complete preparation timeline.

Chemical Peels // $175
It’s best to schedule every 4 to 6 weeks. A series of 3 treatments is optimal for texture refinement. This approach creates that lit-from-within glow. We use gentle, botanical-based formulations that respect your skin’s barrier.

Brow Shaping // Every 4 to 6 weeks
Schedule your final brow appointment 5 to 7 days before your wedding. This ensures polished, natural definition that frames your face beautifully.

LED Light Therapy // $30 add-on
Blue light targets inflammation and breakouts, while red light promotes anti-aging and radiance. Have 3 sessions spread over the month before your wedding. This makes a noticeable difference in skin clarity. It also improves skin texture.

What This Means For You

When you focus on your skin care and nervous system months before your wedding, you build a strong care foundation. This allows you to be fully present for one of the sweetest days of your life.

You’ll step into your wedding day feeling like you. Just the most rested, radiant, regulated version. That’s what comes through in photos. That’s what people remember. Not the makeup. You. Your joy. Your presence. Your glow.

Choose Your Path to Radiance

Wedding Day Hair & Makeup for You & Your People
Our talented team of licensed artists serves weddings. We cover the entire Pacific Northwest. This includes areas from Bend to wine country and the Oregon coast. We get the entire wedding party ready with the same care, attention, and Elemental Beauty approach. From the couple to mothers to bridesmaids, everyone receives our full presence and artistry. If your wedding date is available, we’d love to be part of your day. [Check our Wedding Availability]

Wedding Skincare Packages
Whether or not we’re available for your wedding day, I offer skincare preparation packages. These packages are comprehensive, combining professional treatments with personalized guidance. These packages ensure you have the radiant, healthy skin you want for your photos and beyond. [Book Wedding Skincare Packages]

DIY Makeup Lessons
If you’re planning to do your own makeup, I offer one-on-one makeup lessons. In these sessions, I teach you techniques specifically for your face, your skill level, and your wedding day vision. You’ll leave confident and equipped with everything you need. [Book a DIY Wedding Makeup Lesson]

Skincare Treatments & Facials
I can’t be there on your wedding day. However, I’m here to support your skin journey. You can choose from monthly facials, chemical peels, or brow shaping. LED therapy is also available. Together, these treatments help you achieve that nervous system regulated glow. [Book Single Session Skincare Services]

No matter which path feels right for you, our commitment is the same. We hold space for you and everyone you love. We honor your unique terrain and help you feel as beautiful as you look.