FAQ
Final touches on the bride at Lodge at Sonoma
Wardrobe assistance for the bride at Solage
Final touches on the bride at Auberge du Soleil Napa Valley
COVID protocols:
A licensed Aesthetician since 2005, safety and sanitation have always been top priority when servicing clients. Carrie will ask a few COVID related safety questions prior to services. As your personal stylists, she will wear a mask and depending on the current climate possibly a shield as well, while performing services. A freshly laundered styling drape, clean tools and a sanitized work station will be provided for each client. Makeup will only be applied using methods that can ensure no cross-contamination. For hair, sanitized brushes and combs will be used for each client. Hand sanitizer and clean gloves will be used for each client. All dirty implements will be placed in a container and thoroughly cleaned, sanitized +/or disinfected off-site. In addition, noone is permitted to touch our working area or kits, since everything has been sanitized +/or disinfected to follow the strict protocols we must adhere to. With the exception of wearing masks and/or shields prior to COVID, these are protocols that have always been at the core of her operating values.
As things continue to change, protocols outlined and regulated by the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology as well as state and county guidance will be followed in order to maintain a safe environment on site.
A safety note: Carrie and/or her team are not permitted to service anyone who has a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or has been in contact with anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID within 10 days.
What should a client look for when selecting a professional makeup + hair artist?
An artist's level of experience, education, kit products and professionalism can vary tremendously and will reflect not only in their pricing structure but in their portfolio and business practices as well. Today, all professional photos and media use Ultra HD so your makeup + hair details will register different on camera than it will in person. This is definitely a time to budget accordingly; book a seasoned artist who is licensed, insured and skilled in the techniques, products and attention to detail necessary to make your look last throughout your event (which will usually require lasting a full day of 12+hrs.)
What is unique about Carrie Aldous' services?
A Master Wedding Stylist, Carrie is a highly trained beauty artist specializing in natural makeup looks as well as hair styling specifically for professional photography and Ultra HD video. Licensed and insured, she is a trusted preferred vendor partner at premier luxury properties throughout the Napa Valley and Sonoma. Carrie only commits to one booking per day to ensure she is present throughout your event for necessary touch-ups and concierge services.
What is "camera-ready” makeup and is it really necessary for photos/video?
Consumer cosmetics are intended for everyday use and most are not compatible with professional flash photography or Ultra HD lenses. This means that although your makeup might look great to the naked eye, certain product ingredients register differently through today's professional lenses and can create a flash back making your skin appear pale or ashy. Carrie knows exactly which professional grade cosmetic products work best for all media formats and will choose from her beauty arsenal accordingly.
What is airbrush makeup and is it offered?
Carrie is professionally trained and twice certified in airbrush makeup techniques. Airbrush is a gentle tool that is used to deliver a fine mist of makeup to the skin. It provides flawless, high-definition coverage that is light weight and long lasting. There are a few different formulas of makeup that can be used with the airbrush machine however for her bridal clients, Carrie prefers working with silicone based makeup which is the only formula that is truly water-resistant. Airbrush makeup is offered to all Wedding clients.
What kind of makeup + hair products does Carrie Aldous use?
From super soft, pure Cashmere makeup brushes to the finest luxury skincare, Carrie takes pride in using only the highest quality, professional grade products suitable for professional photography and Ultra HD media. In her experience, one brand simply cannot make the best of everything so she uses carefully selected products from Dr. Sturm, Vintner's Daughter, Perricone MD, Glycelene, Make-up Atelier Paris, Tom Ford, Face Atelier, Charlotte Tilbury, Kevyn Aucoin, Make Up For Ever, Ben Nye, Bobbi Brown, RCMA, Cinema Secrets Pro, NARS, Make-Up Designory, Graftobian, Il Maquiage, Le Maquillage Pro, Lise Watier, CHANEL, Dior and M•A•C Pro. Her hair kit is stocked with various items from prestigious lines such as Oribe, Davines, Kevin Murphy, Unite, R+Co, Moroccan Oil, Redken, Aquage and AIIR Professional. Carrie also uses disposable applicators, sanitized brushes, and follows meticulous cleanliness standards for her client’s safety.
Is a Trial required?
Booking an optional Trial is the perfect way to meet your artist, preview your desired beauty look and ensure both are a good fit for your special day. Please note that booking a Trial alone does not reserve your wedding date.
Can services be changed, added or rescheduled?
Services may not be changed once a contact has been signed by both parties. We will do our best to accommodate additional services, however please note that they will be quoted at current rates and require a new contract. Reschedules are not permitted.
What does Carrie do when she isn't providing makeup + hair services?
When Carrie isn't working on-location, chances are you will find her at her desk responding to client inquiries or drafting contracts. She also spends countless hours staying on top of industry trends by researching new products, continuing her education, working with industry vendors, restocking her kits and cleaning brushes. Sometimes she even eats and sleeps!
Where is Carrie located?
Carrie is a full time on-location makeup + hair artist residing in the Napa Valley, California.
What is required to book an appointment?
Please contact Carrie at your earliest convenience to check availability. A signed contract + 50% non-refundable retainer are required to reserve all services.