Makeup in the 702Â has been on my radar since when I started planning my wedding. Their name kept coming up again and again on Nevada wedding messageboards and in reviews as an excellent choice for wedding day beauty. They are well known to destination brides for their reliable service and beautiful makeup and hair, two things that are important when you are dealing with a company you may not meet until your wedding day!
Megan Payne of Makeup in the 702 sat down for a few questions with me recently, and as our first beauty pro interview, I was really excited to learn more about her and her business. There are some amazing tips in this interview, not just for wedding day beauty, but looking your best everyday, so please read on!
Megan (fourth from the left) and her team of makeup and hair artists at Makeup in the 702
Photo credit: The Pinup Bride
For those readers out there who may not know who you are, please introduce yourself and Makeup in the 702.
Good day, my name is Megan Payne and I’m the founder of Makeup in the 702 as well as a Master Artist (20+ years).
Are you originally from Las Vegas?
I’m originally from Chi-Town: Chicago, where I studied Fashion Design and Art History.
How many years have you been in business and how did you get into beauty for weddings?
Makeup in the 702 is entering it’s 10th year in Las Vegas – WOW!!!! 10 years, I can’t believe it. I’m not even sure how many weddings and/or faces we’ve done in the past decade – unbelievable!!!
My background of makeup artistry came when I was pretty young. Like so many artists that get their start, I worked behind the Clinque counter at [the department store] Marshall Field’s. It was there that I learned good skin and good color go hand in hand. And – and this is a very important and – anyone that learns how to apply makeup with a cotton ball and Q-tip can only be a genius behind a good set of brushes. How we started in weddings is to come….
What were you doing before you got into beauty?
The art of fashion design and hair and makeup simply go hand in hand. Of course as a student in sewing class, I was never much into the latest fad or trend. I really preferred rich and luxuries fabrics and of course a timeless look. Think CoCo Chanel and pearls.
Once I started in retail I simply could not be stopped. Except instead of the world of fashion I was in the world of makeup and fragrance. O glorious me!!!!! What a wonderful career as a cosmetic manager. I was not dedicated to one specific brand, but was able to pick and choose and find the best of the best within each label and line. I worked side by side with some of the world’s leading artists, attended school weekly and made a super huge name for myself in the beauty world. It was this name that lead me to Las Vegas. I was able to help re-open Fashion Show Mall to the world renowned mall we all know it as today AND open the Chanel Boutique at Wynn Las Vegas. Awesome!
But, even with this under my belt, I was still looking for something. Something more giving; something more personable. It was then that Makeup in the 702 was born.Taking all the knowledge from previous ventures and creating the top, most sought after and most booked on location, all-inclusive hair and makeup company in Las Vegas.
What is your preferred way to work with clients initially – email, in person, telephone?
Typically I refer clients to the website first. This enables the bride to look at our body of work and understand what it is she should be looking for in a hair and makeup professional. I ask the client upon first inquiry their preference for contact.
Do you deal with a lot of out of town clients who want everything done before they arrive and is that a special kind of pressure?
We do! Las Vegas is a sought after destination for weddings, parties and photo shoots. So many of our clients and repeat clients travel to Las Vegas. But, we never feel “pressure” ever!!!! We understand how vital our role is, especially for weddings. We are the very first vendor the client comes into contact with, and we set the tone for the entire wedding day. But we don’t feel like that’s pressure, just an awesome responsibility.
Do you do more than wedding makeup?
We sure do. Again, Las Vegas always has award shows, concerts, celebrity appearances and there is a billboard every 1/4 mile.
Where do you find your daily inspiration?
Our inspiration really comes from our client. Knowing that they choose us for the history of their wedding day makes each and every client unique with her own story. Never the same place or the same face.
A few of the diverse looks Makeup in the 702 has produced.
Photo Credit: The Emerics, Manolo Empire Photography
In a sentence, can you describe your signature makeup look for brides?
One of my very first brides coined a tagline that we still use to this day “It’s me…only me on my most beautiful day”. That line has stuck with all of us through out the years. We prefer and urge brides to stay away from trends when it come to hair and makeup. Save it for the tablescape! We want to deliver wall-worthy photos that are timeless and classic.
What’s the best way a bride can prepare for her trial, or wedding day?
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN!!!! I mentioned earlier that good skin and good color go hand in hand. Look at the wall next to you and its texture. Sure, I can paint that wall any color, blue, black, pink – but that same texture will come though with makeup. Each of our clients receives several how-to emails and how-to prep and prepare for her day. But the single best thing one can do is to take care of skin on a daily basis. PERIOD.
What would you recommend brides NOT do ahead of the wedding day?
Don’t do anything that you don’t normally do. This includes, but is not limited to: botox and injectables, facials, waxing or threading, self tanning or going to the beds, eating and drinking different things.
The Makeup in the 702 team works their magic.Â
Photo Credit: Josh & Jen Photography
Anything else brides should know about the Makeup in the 702 experience?
Simply stated, we are the ONLY all-inclusive custom blend airbrush company in Las Vegas that offers a 15-hour water and transfer resistance guarantee. That’s correct, we guarantee our work. No one else in town will. And we have 300+ past clients that have given us 5 star reviews.
Have you noticed a change in what brides are asking for in terms of hair and makeup for their weddings?
Sure, in the past decade we’ve seen less up-dos and more long and flowing hair with accessories vs. the traditional veil.
Do you see any big trends popping up for 2013?
Well, the Pantone color of the year is Emerald Green. Again folks, save it for something else in your wedding – not the eyeshadow. We still are seeing lots of romantic pinks and neutral eyes.
What is the one thing you wish couples wedding in Vegas knew?
Watch your water intake. Three things to know:
- If you are flying to Vegas, one drink equals three drinks in the air
- For every hour in flight your body loses one cup of water
- Even if it’s not 100 degrees in the desert, you’re still in the desert
Favorite wedding memory?
Wow – only one??? Ok I will be a bit sappy here. Last spring my bride’s mother was pronounced cancer-free the day before her daughter’s wedding. The mom shared with me that there was a time she thought that wouldn’t see her baby girl walk down the aisle. Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in the house…
What’s your personal “Must Do” beauty routine you do for yourself?
SKIN SKIN SKIN! Can’t say it enough. I never ever never ever ever go to bed with makeup on. No matter how tired I am, the makeup comes off. I know I’m going to be tired in the morning, don’t want to look tired too. I also get a facial every single month and have finally stopped washing my hair every single day.
Where can we see more of your work?
Lots of places:
And of course, a few fun questions:
On a typical Sunday I am working, on location or in the office, but I’d rather be anywhere, with my toes in the sand!
If you weren’t a wedding beauty guru you’d probably be:
An account executive for Chanel!
Thank you again, Megan, for a very revealing – and helpful! – interview. If you’re looking for a team of pros for your wedding, engagement shoot, bachelorette party or other event in Vegas, consider them!
Makeup in the 702
http://www.lasvegaswedding-makeup.com/
4270 Cameron Street, Suite 6
Las Vegas, Nevada
702-301-1912
You rocked it out girl!!!!!
It’s all you, darling! Thanks for being the 100th post!