Brighton resident Marina Greenlee's love of art landed her a job applying makeup in a local salon when she was 18-years-old.Greenlee left a job with MAC Cosmetics about five years ago to start her own makeup studio. Now, at 32-years-old, she provides a variety of services, including bridal makeup.
"While I was with MAC, so many girls would wander in asking if we did brides and wedding makeup," Greenlee said. "There were only five of us at the counter and nobody really liked to do brides because it was hectic on the day of the wedding - it was intimidating. I liked the challenge, so I always said I would do it."After a while, Greenlee began getting referrals for bridal makeup and the hours started to conflict with working retail for the cosmetics company.
"It was a really hard decision to make," Greenlee said about leaving MAC Cosmetics.
"I started just doing one or two weddings a week. That's what I love to do - it's a big party, it's always on location and it's just a really cool experience to be a part of. To do a bride's makeup and have her walk down the aisle then see the pictures later, they (the brides) look so happy and it's a really good feeling. It's wonderful to be a part of such a special moment."Greenlee recently leased space in downtown Brighton to provide a professional atmosphere where clients can come for test runs before the big day. Dolled Up Make-Up Studio and Lash Bar is located at 213 W. Main Street, coincidentally located next door to The White Dress bridal store that just opened last month."I was searching for a small space for trials," she said.
"I didn't want to go to their house and I didn't want them to feel uncomfortable with coming to my house - I wanted a more professional atmosphere. I found this place and it is just perfect -it's nice and intimate."Her business is currently done by appointment only.In addition to bridal makeup, Greenlee also offers cosmetic parties, private make-up lessons, brow shaping and airbrush tanning. Greenlee is also certified to perform eyelash extensions. She offers three different kinds: strips, clusters and individual lash extensions that can last from a day to two weeks.Canton resident Meridith Hall found Greenlee online about a year ago. Since then, Hall has tried everything Greenlee has to offer, from airbrush tanning to lash extensions.
"Everything she does is perfect," Hall said. "The makeup she does is amazing. She's very meticulous with everything which is the way I am, so it's nice to find somebody like that. She's just a really great person with a fun personality and fun to talk to."Greenlee said she usually talks to her clients about makeup and they usually walk away having learned something new, such as matching foundation to your neck, not your face.
"You want to match your foundation to your neck, not your face, because your face is usually darker than your neck or chest," she said. "Many women end up with that floating head look. Match it to your neck, then put the color back in your face with bronzer."