Dana and Jeremy

We knew there was something special about Dana when we first met her for her trial. She was easy going and all smiles, and we had a great time going over her hair and makeup looks. Mei and Dana decided on an updo with an elaborate side bun — Dana brought the perfect hairpin for the bun.

Triple Twist trial photos:

Makeup and Hair by Mei (San Francisco)

On the wedding day, we arrived at the Omni Hotel to setup our on-location gear. The atmosphere was relaxed and the entire bridal party was great to work with.

Makeup and Hair Stylist Bay Area, California

Photo: Jay Kelly. Makeup & Hair: Triple Twist.

Special thanks to Jay Kelly — Jay is one of San Francisco’s busiest and most talented wedding photographers, we’re glad to have had the opportunity to work with him.

Asian Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist for Asian Brides, Weddings in San Francisco

Asian Makeup Artist San Francisco, Asian Hair Stylist Bay Area California, Asian Brides, Weddings

We are often asked “I’m looking for a hair stylist and makeup artist who specializes in Asian brides, do you do makeup and hair for Asian brides?”

See real Asian brides we have recently worked with »

The short answer is yes, we have a lot of experience working with Asian women for their tea ceremonies and weddings. We have a large portfolio of before and after photos showcasing many different types of Asian skin tones, eye shadows for Asian women, lips, hair styles, and more. You can also view a before-and-after video showcasing an Asian bride at her trial.

Chinese-speaking brides have told me they love that fact that my studio manager and I both speak fluent Mandarin Chinese, which often times is helpful for mothers and relatives who speak Chinese as their primary language.

However, not everyone is having their wedding in San Francisco Bay Area, so I thought I’d put together an outline for people who are looking for specific answers.

First of all, it is a completely valid question, so do not feel awkward asking your makeup artist or hair stylist if they specialize in weddings for Asian brides, or if they work specific ethnicities or skin tones. There are special techniques for Asian eyes and eyelids, and Asian hair.

So how do you find an artist to fit your needs? Simple! Look for someone who can answer all your questions and back up their work with a large portfolio. Ask them specific questions about your needs, and ask if they have any experience with those issues.

I feel honored to have such great feedback for my work with the Asian bridal community in San Francisco, and if you have a question or concern about your hair and makeup for your wedding (regardless of who you choose for your hair and makeup for your wedding) feel free to contact us at 888-865-8660.

Jenna + Ryan’s Wedding

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Makeup+Hair: tripletwist.com, Photo: Mariea Rummel

Before the ceremony with Mei - What a view.  Photo: TripleTwist.com - !

What a view!

Thanks to Mariea Rummel for sending over these great shots of Jenna from her San Francisco wedding. Jenna was all smiles as we got ready at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco.

Triple Twist Bridal serving San Francisco, Napa, Marin, Sonoma, Woodside, Atherton and more

Triple Twist Makeup and Hair Design Bridal Studio in San Francisco

Calm, relaxing bridal trials at our studio in Union Square.

Triple Twist’s studio is located San Francisco’s landmark Flood Building at 870 Market Street (corner of Powell and Market).  You may have seen the large GAP on the bottom floor, or the Powell Street cable car turntable just outside.

Triple Twist's two new studios at the Flood Building (Market / Powell)

Triple Twist's two new studios at the Flood Building (Market / Powell)

So what’s new?

Now centrally located. We are in downtown San Francisco, walking distance to restaurants, hotels, Union Square, shopping, and more.

Easy access. Take BART (Powell Street), ride MUNI, or park in one of four major parking garages within walking distance — the Ellis O’Farrell garage is just across the street.

Close to your hotel. We are just blocks away from some of San Francisco’s finest hotels, where many of our clients get ready for their weddings.  The Westin San Francisco, Omni Hotel, Sir Francis Drake, Grand Hyatt, Parc 55, Four Seasons, and the Fairmont are within six blocks of our new studio.

Professional Photos at your Bridal Trial.  We now have a dedicated studio to take bridal trial photos after your makeup and hair at no additional fee.

Hair and Makeup Downtown San Francisco

The Powell-Mason Cable Car stop right in front of our studio.

The Powell-Mason Cable Car stops right in front of our studio.

We love clean.

Triple Twist Makeup and Hair Design Bridal Studio in San Francisco

Calm, relaxing bridal trials at our studio in Union Square.

An important part of any professional training will focus on cleanliness, so when choosing your beauty vendor, make sure that your artist uses these best practices too. Below are some of the techniques we use to maintain the highest level of cleanliness with our clients.

How is Triple Twist different?

We make you look your best while maintaining the highest standard for cleanliness. We only use professional makeup and hair products, purchased at professional outlets that require business licenses and permits. We use products from Shu Uemura, Chanel, Dior, Make-up Designory, Ben Nye, M-A-C, to list a few.

We take cleanliness very seriously, and follow strict guidelines when it comes to maintaining clean equipment and a clean environment.

Triple Twist techniques and best practices for being clean in the makeup industry

Triple Twist applies the best makeup industry techniques and practices for cleanliness.

Cleaning Makeup Brushes

At Triple Twist we clean and dry all of our brushes with safe professional brush cleaner after every client. After a thorough cleaning, we allow the brushes to dry horizontally for 24 hours.

We have multiple sets of our brushes, so there is always a disinfected, dry brush for every client.

Applying Lipstick

All lipstick is taken from the original packaging and applied to a clean Ben Nye palette. Lipstick and gloss are placed on the palette, then applied with a cleaned brush.

This palette is cleaned with 99% isopropyl alcohol before and after each use. This method prevents transfer of product between clients.

We use palettes - never any transfer between clients

We use palettes to eliminate transfer of product between clients.

Pads and Puffs

The sponges, pads and puffs that we use in our sessions are used once per client. You are welcome to take the puffs home after your trial, otherwise they are disposed of. They are also great for quick touch-ups throughout the day on your wedding, as they contain your custom foundation color.

Everything Else?

Curling irons, flat irons, combs, and all other equipment are disinfected after each use, and our studio is cleaned daily by a maintenance crew. The studio hair is cleaned eight times per hour with a professional HEPA air purifier. I hope this helps answer some questions that you should have about cleanliness with your makeup and hair artist! Triple Twist’s ‘clean techniques’ are industry standard in Hollywood. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 888-865-6960 or email at mei@tripletwist.com. Thanks!

Makeup Artist Hair Stylist for Destination Beach Weddings (Hawaii, Bay Area Beaches)

L-R: Mei, Bride. Red carpet treatment on  a secluded beach near Princeville, Kauai.

L-R: Mei, Bride. Red carpet treatment on a secluded beach near Princeville, Kauai.

Destination Wedding in Hawaii

I traveled to Kauai, Hawaii in March 2009 for a wedding on a secluded beach. I was booked for the entire day for touch-up services, which ended up being a great move. Beaches tend to have a breeze, and right after the ceremony there was short, light rain that passed (it was so romantic!). I was able to adjust the bride’s hair and do quick touch-ups between the rain drops.

The Advantage

Because I am experienced with both hair and makeup, only one person is needed on your wedding day for these personal services.

I’m proud to say that my services are not limited to just makeup and hair design. When you choose my day packages and touch-up services, you are getting a personal beauty designer for the entire day. I am aware of the surroundings and the photographer, and I make quick in-and-out adjustments to your hair and makeup so you stay looking your best.

Touch-up services are a luxury you will not regret.  Contact me here to schedule services for your destination wedding or beach wedding.

How do I find the right makeup artist and hair stylist for my wedding?

There are obviously a number of factors that come in to play when you are choosing your makeup and hair artist. Experience, testimonials and reviews, price, to name a few.

In this industry, you really do get what you pay for. Your wedding date is a once in a lifetime event, so be wary of the lowest bidder. Are they professional? Are they reliable? Are they clean?

We recommend using a professionally trained artist. Keep in mind that not all schools are the same. 

Mei is a top graduate of the Make-up Designory, or MUD, in Los Angeles, where she studied beauty makeup and hair styling, fashion, avant-garde, and character makeup. A MUD graduate is highly skilled and is a great choice.

Professionalism

Artists should have an updated portfolio with a sample of looks, showing a variety of skin tones, hair styles, etc. It is a plus if they have a professionally designed web site with online photos of their work and an easy way to contact them. They should respond quickly to inquires and provide quotes in a timely manner. These are all signs that they are reliable, and that things will go smoothly on your wedding day.

Place of Business

Do they have a studio? Do they operate out of a salon? Do they go on location?

Attitude

They should be friendly, helpful, honest, and should go above and beyond to design the look you envision during your trial and on the day of your wedding. 

Bottom Line

You will be photographed with zoom lenses, recorded on HD video cameras, and the center of attention for the wedding guests all day long. Your makeup and hair has to look great the entire day. A trained, experienced artist will make you look beautiful and will help you through your day.