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Kelli Thomsen Beauty

Portland, Oregon l Makeup & Hair Team specializing in clean beauty.

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the conscious blog

Wedding Makeup & Hair in Portland, Oregon: Embracing Eco-Friendly Beauty at the Ritz

Makeup Artistry, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Prep

In a bustling city like Portland, Oregon, the pursuit of the perfect wedding or elopement experience often intertwines with the desire for sustainability and eco-friendly choices. Finding the ideal makeup and hair stylist who aligns with your vision and ethos can be a daunting task. However, the story of Sierra’s wedding day at the Ritz Carlton, coupled with her search for a clean beauty expert, reflects the seamless fusion of elegance, sustainability, and natural beauty in a luxurious setting.

Sierra’s journey to discovering the perfect makeup and hair stylist began with a scroll through Instagram. Seeking a clean beauty expert, she stumbled upon my profile and was drawn to my natural editorial style. To get better acquainted, Sierra booked a lash lift with me a week before her big day. Our connection was instant; her calm demeanor and sweet disposition resonated with my approach, solidifying our perfect fit.

On the day of her wedding, Sierra radiated elegance and grace. We opted for long, flowing vintage editorial modern waves for her hair. For her makeup, we curated a neutral, peachy palette infused with caramel and gold tones, highlighting her features with an eco-luxe, polished look. A wash of peach on her lips set the tone for an elegant and natural aesthetic that harmonized seamlessly with the essence of her special day. Her modern wedding dress named Ryder, designed by the talented Amsale, is simply iconic. The New York designers collection is nature-inspired, creating a romantic, timeless aesthetic.

Wedding Makeup and Hair in Portland Oregon

The setting for Sierra’s celebration was the illustrious Ritz Carlton, a new 5-star luxury hotel nestled in Downtown Portland. It’s historical charm provided a stunning backdrop for Laura Shepard, an editorial wedding photographer to capture the timeless moments between the couple. From the picturesque US Bank Building to the enchanting landscapes within the hotel, every corner exuded magic, allowing Sierra and her partner to create an unforgettable experience.

Their adventurous spirits led them through the historical downtown, embracing the hotel’s luxurious ambiance. Beyond the opulent lobby, they explored the stairwells and hotel halls, capturing candid moments that spoke volumes about their love and connection. Snuggled in their hotel room, they playfully leaped on the bed and embraced in each other’s arms, cherishing intimate moments that would forever be etched in their memories.

As engaged couples consider their wedding options, here are three FAQs to guide them towards eco-friendly and sustainable vendors:

  1. How can I find eco-friendly beauty vendors? Look for vendors who prioritize clean beauty products, use sustainable practices, and are transparent about their commitment to eco-friendly approaches. Check their ingredient lists and certifications that validate their eco-conscious ethos.
  2. What are the benefits of choosing eco-friendly beauty for my wedding? Opting for eco-friendly beauty not only aligns with your values but also contributes to reducing environmental impact. These products are often gentle on the skin, cruelty-free, and crafted with natural ingredients, ensuring a radiant and healthy glow on your special day.
  3. What makes the Ritz Carlton an exceptional luxury venue? The Ritz Carlton in Downtown Portland stands out for its impeccable service, elegant ambiance, and rich historical significance. Its commitment to luxury seamlessly blends with sustainability initiatives, offering couples a lavish yet eco-conscious setting for their celebrations.

Portland, Oregon is known for its sustainability and beautiful weddings and I continue to support both in a unique way. You can find me on a mission to elevate the experience of beauty to encompass clean ingredients that last throughout your entire event. My goal with each and every couple is to evoke a timeless, modern elegance like Sierra’s magical day.

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917 NW Overton St. Portland, OR 97209
kellithomsen.com/ | 503-890-5355

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SIERRA & WILL’S FOREST FAIRYTALE✨ When Sierra SIERRA & WILL’S FOREST FAIRYTALE✨

When Sierra told me she wanted makeup that could withstand happy tears beneath the forest canopy, I knew exactly what she needed. We created a luminous look for her fair skin (no cakey orange bronzer here!) and those soft waves she dreamed of for her curls by the talented @hairstyling_by_tay

And let’s not forget Will—because grooms deserve that moment of presence too. Hand massage, cuticle care, and subtle skin perfecting had him relaxed and radiant for their joyful, inclusive celebration with a slightly structured vibe.

This is why I do what I do. Not just applying makeup and perfecting skin, but creating moments of calm in the cabin while you prepare to celebrate with your community. 

Camp Colton magic with these two was everything—moody spring forest vibes, then Katie capturing the glowy evening light, and makeup that lasted from “I do” to the afterparty.

Your wedding day beauty should feel as authentic as your love story. Oregon couples—ready to glow on your day? The calendar for 2025 is almost full and 2026 is filling up fast! 

✨ THE DREAM TEAM ✨
📸 Photography: @katyweaverphotography
📍 Venue: @camp.colton
📋 Coordinator: @slayyourdayevents 
💄Beauty @kellithomsen 
👗 Dress: @truesociety_thewhitedress @missstellayork
👔 Suit: @sewgenerouslybespoke
💐 Hair flower: @dinag_headpieces_studio.ca
🍽️ Caterer: @tcrcateringbbq
🍰 Cake: @hereforthecakes
🪑 Rentals: @powerofloverentals
🚌 Transport: @ecoshuttle

Special thanks to Sierra & Will for trusting me with your wedding day glow! Your love story was as beautiful as the forest that surrounded us. ✨

#pacificnorthwestbeauty #campcoltonwedding #weddingbeauty #bridalbeautyoregon #groomingforguys #forestwedding​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #oregonmakeupartist
The most powerful skincare ingredient? Presence. The most powerful skincare ingredient? Presence. 

This morning, as I was applying my facial oil, I caught myself going through the motions while my mind raced ahead to today's priorities.

I stopped. Took a deep breath. And started again—this time feeling the oil warm between my fingertips, noticing how my skin drank it in, appreciating the subtle scent of Argan & Palma Rosa.

Those 90 seconds of genuine presence changed everything about the rest of my day.

After 25 years in beauty, I've realized something profound: these rituals aren't just about the products or even the results—they're rare moments when we have permission to truly connect with ourselves.

We live in a world that constantly pulls our attention outward. Your beauty ritual might be the only time today where you're fully allowed to focus inward.

You deserve those moments of self-connection.
Not because they'll make your skin glow (though they will). Not because they're efficient (they often aren't). But because in those quiet moments of presence, you remember who you are beneath all the roles you play and expectations you carry.

How can you transform one of your daily beauty rituals into a moment of genuine presence today? I'd love to hear in the comments below. 
 
#BeautyRitual #SelfConnection #PresentBeauty #cleanbeauty #skincare #skinprep
I don't just apply makeup—I create transformativ I don't just apply makeup—I create transformative beauty experiences by blending cutting-edge Western science with ancient Eastern wisdom.

My journey has taken me beyond standard beauty training into the depths of skin physiology, advanced formulation chemistry, AND the time-honored Eastern principles that view beauty as a reflection of inner harmony.

This unique perspective allows me to see what others miss: the connections between your skin's needs, your personal energy, and the perfect techniques to enhance YOUR natural radiance.

Whether you're preparing for your wedding day, updating your professional image, or seeking a skincare revamp—I bring a level of expertise that addresses both the visible AND invisible aspects of beauty.

Curious about how this integrated approach could transform YOUR beauty routine? Let's connect👇🏼

kellithomsen.com

Vendor Team:
Photography @taylorstuck
Videography @fireside.media
Beauty @kellithomsen
Hair @artistrybymai
Florals @songbirdfloristry
Dress @_houseofflora_@thedresstheory
@lovelybride
Men's Suit @bananrepublic
Venue @graygablesestate
Shoes @manoloblahnik
Rings @tiffanyandco
Earrings@@ameliegeorgebridal
Cake@jacivabakery
DJ @paradox_productions

#HolisticBeauty #CleanBeautyAdvocate #weddingglow #skinprep #bridalglow #weddingmakeup #skincare #skintips #SkincareTechnology #MakeupArtistry #BeautyExpert #IntegrativeBeauty
Our couple went above and beyond with this thought Our couple went above and beyond with this thoughtful Sunscreen Bar to keep guests glowing and protected during their outdoor celebration in the PNW! 

✨ Skin Prep for a Healthy Glow:
1. Hydrate Inside & Out: Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers to keep your skin plump and radiant.
2. Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every 3 hours during peak sun exposure.
3. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Herbs: Chamomile, spearmint, turmeric, calendula, and basil can help reduce skin inflammation, calm redness, and promote a balanced complexion. Sip on herbal teas or add these to your meals for an extra glow boost!

As we celebrate the start of spring today on the Spring Equinox, let’s remember that healthy skin is the best accessory! 

Planner
@yourperfectbridesmaid @ashley_wittwer 
Getting ready location @atticushotel
Venue @stollerwine
Photography @laurynkayphotography 
Videographer @portlandweddingvideographer
Florals @blumpdx
Beauty @kellithomsen & @hairstyling_by_tay
Rentals @ardenteventcollective
Photo Booth @smirkphotoboothco
Invitations & Signage@cravedesign
Dress @aandbe_portland
Transportation @bluestarpdx

#SpringEquinox #WeddingGoals #HealthySkin #SPFProtection #SkinPrep #CleanBeauty #Happy Spring
BEHIND HANNAH'S GLOW ✨- Swipe through to see the BEHIND HANNAH'S GLOW ✨- Swipe through to see the magical celebration at @cedarvaleevents, managed by the incredible team at @hostedby.co 

At Kelli Thomsen Beauty, we don't panic about skin issues—we solve them! Whether you're dealing with stress breakouts, unexpected redness, or just want to feel confident without heavy makeup, our proactive approach ensures your natural beauty shines through for your entire event.

Those pips original doughnuts weren't just a sweet treat for the reception—they represent something we can all understand: the balance between wedding indulgences and skin health! Real talk: enjoyment & stress can both trigger skin inflammation, breakouts, and sensitivity before your big day.

That's where our skincare journey began - Hannah and I worked through 3 Custom Dermaplane Facials w/ LED light therapy and my signature trifecta treatment. We addressed active breakouts, calmed inflammation, and created a customized routine that allowed her skin to THRIVE despite pre-wedding stress.

After 2 detailed trials addressing her specific concerns, Hannah's complexion was absolutely radiant come July—ready for the minimal, airbrush application that Yolianna executed perfectly. Her gorgeous updo by Marissa was elegant and captured so beautifully by @indwellweddings.

Remember: skin concerns are normal, especially during high-stress planning periods. Instead of covering them up, let's work together to address them at the source so you can enjoy BOTH the doughnuts AND flawless skin!

Our team collaborates seamlessly with your entire vendor squad (see this dream team tagged below!) to create a relaxed timeline dedicated entirely to YOUR vision as a couple.

💍 Now booking 2025/2026 couples for customized skincare solutions
🌿 Clean beauty advocates
✨ Creating confident, radiant couples through holistic skin care

Incredible Vendor Team:
Photo & Video: @indwellweddings
Event Management: @hostedby.co
Personal Florals: @indwellfloral
Beauty: @kellithomsen
Venue: @cedarvaleevents
Catering: @whitepepperpdx
Dessert: @pipsoriginal
DJ: @highergroundentertainment
#SkincareSolutions #AirbrushBeauty #WeddingMakeup  #OregonWedding #WeddingSkincare
Some moments take your breath away. Lane + Mason’s wedding day was one of those days where everything felt like it was meant to be. The Columbia River Gorge provided the perfect backdrop—crisp October air, golden light filtering through the trees, and that magical feeling of fall wrapping everyone in its embrace.

Their first look? Absolutely unforgettable. I couldn’t help myself—I snuck into the trees to witness the moment Mason turned around to see Lane for the first time. His face lit up with pure joy, and Lane’s excitement was written all over her glowing smile (which, yes, we made sure stayed flawless with a natural, radiant look!). It was one of those moments where time seemed to stand still, and I felt so honored to be part of it.

This day came together thanks to an incredible team of vendors who poured their hearts into every detail:
@hostedby.co - planning and design
@calebgaskinsphoto - photographer 
@foraged_blooms florals 
@kellithomsen - beauty 
@bluewaveband -  music 
@whitepepperpdx - catering 
@blossom.baking’s - cake 
@ardeneventcollective - rentals
@bbjlatavola - linens 
@thegriffinhouse - wedding venue 

When it comes to makeup and hair, my goal is always simple: I want you to feel like YOU—radiant, confident, and ready for every moment of your day. For Lane, we focused on enhancing her natural beauty with clean products that ensured her look stayed fresh from their emotional first look to dancing the night away.

If you’re planning your wedding and dreaming of a day where every detail feels intentional, let’s talk about how we can create a look that makes you feel beautiful inside and out. Your love story deserves nothing less than magic. 

#OctoberWedding #FirstLook  #OregonWedding #ColumbiaRiverGorge #PNWWedding #NaturalBeauty #WeddingInspo

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    4751 SW Seymour Ct.
    PORTLAND, OREGON 97221
    503.890.5355
    KELLI@KELLITHOMSEN.COM


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