ABOUT

  • You should look like yourself, only more polished. That's the idea at Luminous Beauty, whether you're getting married, getting ready for a photoshoot, learning to do your own makeup, or just in need of some expert care.

    We're an award-winning, women and queer-owned beauty company inside the historic Semple Mansion in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and nothing we do is one-size-fits-all, because the people we work with aren't.

    Here, that means calm and organized, with hair and makeup that's camera-ready and still looks like you. And it means skincare taken seriously, because self-care isn't frivolous. It's restorative and worth making time for. It means a judgment-free space to explore gender expression or learn beauty at your own comfort level, with no industry gatekeeping and no weird vibes.

  • Betsey, founder of Luminous Beauty, has loved makeup since she was two, when her sister found her in the closet in high heels and a full face of makeup. She turned that into a career of more than 13 years, including seven as a MAC makeup artist and manager, working with every skin tone and texture, age, and face and eye shape.

    She's also a CIDESCO-certified international esthetician, so every product she uses is right for your skin, and her bachelor's degree in the psychology of beauty means your experience is never just skin deep.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Everything you need to know, from booking to your big day.

    Booking & Payment

    How do I book?
    Request a quote. Once you accept it, we'll send your contract and invoice. Your date is officially reserved once your contract is signed and your 50% retainer is paid.

    What happens after I book?

    Today: Get giddy! Add Luminous Beauty to your email contacts and confirm your information.

    6 months out: Preparation begins. Facials, peels, skincare routines.

    4 months out: If you booked a preview, we'll reach out to schedule it.

    8 weeks out: You'll confirm your details, party size, services, and timing.

    30 days out: Your final balance is due.

    7 days out: Final confirmation.

    Once you're married: We'll ask you to share your photos with us. We love seeing the finished day!

    When is my final balance due?
    30 days before your wedding. If we haven't received payment 14 days before your wedding, we're unable to send your team.

    What if there are additional charges on the day?
    We do our best to settle everything before we leave. In the rare case we don't, we'll send an invoice, and payment is due within 48 hours.

    Your Bridal Preview

    How do I schedule my preview?
    If you opt for a preview, our team will reach out about 4 months before your wedding to schedule it. From May through October, preview appointments are limited to Monday through Friday. Weekend appointments are extremely rare.

    Where are previews held?
    At our studio inside Semple Mansion:
    100 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404

    Where do I park?

    • Semple Mansion lot off Franklin and La Salle (more spots in the back)

    • Church lot across La Salle

    • Street parking

    How long does a preview take?
    Plan for 45 minutes to 1 hour per service.

    Can I bring someone with me?
    You're welcome to bring one guest. If you'd like to bring more, just email us first to confirm.

    How should I prepare?

    Hair: Clean and dry, washed the night before or the morning of, with no heavy styling products.

    Skin: Clean and moisturized. Think fresh canvas.

    Outfit: A top you can easily slip off, so you can change without disturbing your look.

    Inspo: We love photos! Save them to show your artist.

    Should I bring my veil or accessories?
    No need to bring clips, headpieces, or your veil. Just let us know you'll be wearing them so we can plan for them.

    What if I need extensions?
    We offer clip-in extensions. We'll color match you at your preview and have them ready for your wedding day.

    What if I don't love my look?
    Speak up! You'll have these pictures on your walls for generations, so we want you to love what you see. A preview is exactly that: a chance to try. We're happy to make any adjustments, and we're never offended when someone tells us what they need. Inspo photos are the best way to make sure we're on the same page, and we'll send you a survey after your appointment in case anything comes to mind later.

    Preparing for Your Big Day

    What makes a good inspo photo?
    Look for examples with hair color, texture, and skin type similar to yours, since those all change how a look turns out on you. Email them to us or save them to show us on the day.

    How should I care for my hair and skin beforehand?
    Keep up your regular cut and color appointments, since freshly trimmed ends style best. For skin prep, we offer facials, peels, and skincare routines in our studio.

    • Don't try anything new (products, treatments, etc.) in the three months before your wedding.

    • No facial waxing in the ten days before.

    I'm getting a spray tan. Anything I should know?
    Do a test run first, ideally before your preview so we can see the full picture. Don't worry about your face matching; we match your makeup to your neck so everything blends beautifully.

    Can you cover tattoos?
    Yes! We offer tattoo coverage if you'd rather your ink not show.

    On the Wedding Day

    What time do we start?
    We'll calculate that for you based on when you can access your venue, how many people are in your party, and when you need to be ready to walk down the aisle.

    Do you put together a schedule?
    No. We've found it wastes time. Instead, we set an arrival time and an expected completion time, and we ask everyone to stay nearby so we can take them as we're able.

    When does the bride get ready?
    Last! We want you looking your freshest, so you'll be the final person in our makeup chair, ideally with your hair done right before.

    What if someone isn't ready when it's their turn?
    We can't finish on time if we don't start on time. Wet hair, missing people, or anyone who can't sit down when it's their turn puts the whole morning behind. Late starts are billed at $25 per 15 minutes per team member.

    What does your team need onsite?
    Chairs, flat surfaces for our tools, access to outlets, counter space, and room to move. Please keep food and drinks away from the beauty area to avoid spills and sanitation issues.

    Can children be in the getting-ready space?
    We kindly ask that children stay out of the area except during their own service. We work with hot, pokey tools, and nobody wants unscheduled medical attention on your big day.

    What do you need to find us on the day?
    Send us parking, room, and location details as soon as you have them. We also love having a contact other than the bride we can call with any questions.

    Can we add people or services on the day?
    We'll always do our best! If a request runs past our contracted time or we have another event to get to, we may not be able to fit it in.

    For Your Wedding Party

    What should my wedding party know?

    • Bring inspo photos for hair and makeup

    • Arrive with CLEAN, DRY hair, washed within the last 24 hours, with no heavy product

    • Arrive with CLEAN, moisturized skin

    • Wear an easy-to-remove top

    • No children in the getting-ready space

    • Stay nearby until your look is complete

    Questions?

    Who do I contact about my timeline, adding services, or billing?
    Email our team at info@be-luminous.net.