Shannon O'Brien

Beauty services

Prices start at $1,000 per person

Number of beauticians: 4

Styles: Glamorous, Natural, Trendy

About Shannon O'Brien

Shannon O'Brien

Owner + Lead Artist

Shannon and her team explore the captivating world of shape and color from a place of openness and expertise, with the conviction that beauty isn’t meant to be covered up, it’s meant to be celebrated. Creating looks for you to transcend without transforming who you are on your big day.

Shannon begins each project with an emphasis on building a strong rapport. This has proven an integral part in creating an authentic and unparalleled experience. Your big day will be full of ease and energy — celebrating you, in the moment, for every moment.

Services

Services & specialties

  • Available for touch-ups (hourly)
  • Pre-wedding beauty prep
  • Makeup trials
  • Day-of style coordination

Specialty styles

  • Glamorous
  • Natural
  • Trendy

Preferred vendors of Shannon O'Brien

Band/DJ
Dj Matt Roan

Reviews

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5.0 out of 5

2 reviews

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  • Best Make Up Artist Anywhere, Hands Down

    •Verified review
    •Briana C.•May 29, 2020

    One of the FIRST pieces of advice I had when I got engaged was to hire Shannon O'Brien. And easily, that was one of the BEST pieces of advice I had. I booked her before I had any other information about my wedding at my fingertips. I was too afraid that if I didn't get her locked down right away, that I'd always have wished I did that first and foremost. Shannon is truly delightful. She comes ready to work with a smile and a suitcase full of cosmetics more organized than some makeup stores. She is a true artist and works everyone's face like a canvas- she can make anyone look like a complete goddess. I hired her to do my makeup, as well as my bridal party, mother, and mother-in-law and EVERYONE left saying that they haven't looked that good EVER. I know you're supposed to wash your face every night before bed ESPECIALLY when you have makeup on, but I have to say that I was very hesitant to listen to that rule- both times she did my makeup (after the trial and after the wedding). I've truly never felt or looked better and it was all in part to her makeup magic. She is a makeup wizard and her wand is a brush. Another great thing is, she allows you to give input. She lets you tell her how you feel best, what you think looks best on you, to bring in pictures of inspiration looks- and then she also gives you suggestions. She told me to expect that things may shift a little on the wedding day, as things like a tan, etc can change some of the makeup that may not have been done exactly at the trial. The look she did for my wedding wasn't a far cry from the trial, but I loved it even more! After seeing my hair and the whole look for the day, she felt inspired to do something a little different and there's nobody I'd blindly trust more with their makeup work than Shannon. In fact, if she never said a thing about what she planned to do and just went to town on my face, I'd have been thrilled. She's just THAT good. Aside from her amazing talent and artistry is her attitude. A HUGE thing for me was having a positive feeling in the room as I was preparing for the day. Someone that would add radiance and she did just that. Her disposition is sunny and she made everyone feel like the most beautiful person (inside and out). She brings an air of fun to the room, which, of course, is always welcome. Trust me on this, you'll be looking for any excuse after your wedding to have her do your makeup again. Just book her- there is no way you'll regret it.

  • Shannon is one of a kind!

    •Verified review
    •Grace•May 29, 2020

    Shannon O’Brien is a Godsend. I say this literally and figuratively. I was never a bride’s “Bride,” in that I didn’t have any thoughts about my wedding before I became engaged. Once the process started, my biggest concern was makeup. After having many bad experiences as a bridesmaid (all 200 times), I was very nervous about my "bridal look." Who doesn’t want to feel comfortable on their wedding day? I stumbled across Shannon’s Instagram page (shoutout to @Shannicat), and aside from her being the most fashionable and upbeat person, her brides all looked fantastic and most importantly, NATURAL. I knew I had to reach out. Sadly, I received the email that every bride dreads-- she was booked. Of course she was. Her talent is a known fact in the Chicago area. I was crushed, but I started the process of make-up trials with other makeup artists. While they were all very nice, I left each time feeling like a typical bride. No one was able to capture who I was without changing my features. I didn’t feel “special” or beautiful and something just didn’t sit right. Months passed, panic ensued, and the heavens opened: Shannon O’Brien was now available for my wedding. Instantly, I went to contract—no trial runs, no questions asked. I was so confident in this decision that I didn’t even schedule my first trial until 2 months before my wedding—me, the most type A individual, went on blind faith up until the finish line. Once I met Shannon, I knew I made the right decision. She opened the door with a huge smile on her face, assuring me that I would look exactly how I had envisioned. I showed her 3 photos, at most, and left the rest up to her. By time she had finished, I felt amazing. She enhanced my features, made me feel beautiful, and most importantly, I still looked like me! On the morning of the wedding, there was a common theme in the room: Everyone loved Shannon O’Brien. Bridesmaids were raving about her. No one asked for changes (how unheard of is that with 12 bridesmaids and two mothers?) Everyone gravitated to her station to watch her work, myself included. She made the entire group feel at ease between her relaxed demeanor and her uncanny ability to listen and capture everyone’s beauty. For the girls who wanted a natural look, she achieved it. For those that wanted a more done up look, she made it happen while still making them look classic and elegant. She was and IS an absolute dream come true. To give more weight to my confidence in Shannon, I ended up paying extra so that she would stick around for almost the entire evening. I knew there would be a lot of happy tears shed and touch ups would be a must, and I was right. Every time I went back to the room for Shannon to re-glamorize me, she celebrated with me, told me to take in the evening, and sent me back out reminding me of just how perfect this evening was. And she was right. Hiring Shannon was easily the best decision that I made throughout this wedding planning process. Although I didn’t know it then, she was truly the glue that helped keep it all together. She allowed me to look and feel my best self, and because of this, I was able to not let anything else get in the way of what was certainly the start to a lifetime of memories. I cannot recommend Shannon enough. She is one of the most talented and delightful individuals, and I look forward to hiring her for every big life event I, hopefully, have coming my way. Thank you, Shannon!

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