I'm so happy you're here and I truly hope I get the chance to meet you and glam you up for your big day! I have been a pro MUA for 12 years and specializing in bridal for the last 8 years. Makeup is my passion and once we meet I'm sure you'll be able to see that! I'm here to offer you the most luxurious makeup experience out there.
I am a graduate of Westmore Academy of Cosmetics Arts, have completed advanced makeup training for motion pictures & television, have worked with big name photographers, magazines, local celebrities, and San Diego A-listers. On a personal side, I'm a new mama to my son Palmer, I was born and raised in San Diego, bean and cheese burritos are my favorite food, and I'm addicted to coffee!
I am a graduate of Westmore Academy of Cosmetics Arts, have completed advanced makeup training for motion pictures & television, have worked with big name photographers, magazines, local celebrities, and San Diego A-listers. On a personal side, I'm a new mama to my son Palmer, I was born and raised in San Diego, bean and cheese burritos are my favorite food, and I'm addicted to coffee!
Services
My name is Shelby McElroy. I am a graduate of Westmore Academy of Cosmetics Arts in Burbank, CA. I participated and completed advance training in makeup for motion pictures and television. By participating in this course I learned the dimension of color and harmonies. My career started after returning to San Diego in 2009 when I started at MAC Cosmetics in Nordstrom.
How do I book you for my wedding? First, head over here to contact me. After we've chatted about your wedding, complete your contract and deposit and I'm all yours! Do you travel out of town? Yes! I just require my flights and lodging to be taken care of. My weddings is outside of San Diego. Do you require extra fees for travel?
Reviews (20)
Jordan P.
Dec 17, 2021
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Shelby is an actual wedding day makeup goddess!!! I don't even know where to start with this review because it's difficult to put into words just how amazing and incredibly talented she is.
When I was planning for my original wedding for 10/10/20, I reached out to Shelby (WELL in advance) but sadly she was already booked. Fast forward to peak covid, we made the decision to postpone the wedding to 10/23/21 and the only vendor that wasn't able to accommodate our new date was the MUA I previously hired. I immediately reached out to Shelby for the 2nd time, hopeful that she'd be
When I was planning for my original wedding for 10/10/20, I reached out to Shelby (WELL in advance) but sadly she was already booked. Fast forward to peak covid, we made the decision to postpone the wedding to 10/23/21 and the only vendor that wasn't able to accommodate our new date was the MUA I previously hired. I immediately reached out to Shelby for the 2nd time, hopeful that she'd be
Heidi E.
Dec 09, 2021
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I don't even know where to begin to be honest. Shelby is sweet, funny, professional, overall amazing human being. Shelby is the first makeup artist that I have gone with that knew how to work with my skin color. I told her that's day "do whatever you want!" Risky I know but I knew I was in good hands.(magical hands!) I loved my makeup for my wedding and felt beautiful!! Thank you Shelby I can't stop looking at my photos.
Madison W.
Dec 06, 2021
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Shelby is AMAZING! I don't even have words for how insanely gorgeous she made me feel on my wedding day last week. She's done makeup for a few of my friends weddings in San Diego and that's how I found her in 2020. I booked her the second her 2021 books opened. She is talented, kind, and knowledgeable in her craft. You will NOT be disappointed in booking Shelby for your beauty needs. She traveled to my Airbnb as well and saved me so much time and stress by doing so. She set up quickly and left just as quickly. So so helpful for me. Thank you Shelby for making me a stunning bride
Amanda G.
Jul 24, 2021
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Let me tell you - after my makeup trial with Shelby I was FEELING myself. My phone is full of selfies from that day and on the wedding day, I felt SO beautiful. She's a makeup magician and really sweet too. My bridesmaids and mom said they've never felt more beautiful. I wish I could have her do my makeup every day!!
Diane J.
Mar 19, 2020
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Shelby is an incredible makeup artist and she's so so talented. Makeup has never been my strong suit, and she came over to my home and gave me an amazing in-depth 1:1 lesson. I highly recommend her to everyone. She's so patient, explains things in great detail, and she leaves you feeling way more confident than ever before. She just knows what looks good on you and is always willing to give tips and tricks that she's learned over the years. I wish I could just have her do my makeup all day, every day! Whether you need lessons, coaching, private events, special occasions, etc, she
Alissa K.
Mar 18, 2020
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Shelby has been doing my make up for well over a year now and I'm not sure I can even use words to do her justice! She is one of the most punctual and dependable people I know, she does the most amazing work for any event - day or night - and I trust her implicitly to make me look my best for some of the most important things in my life! Aside from being amazing at what she does, she's an even more incredible person. Thank you Shelby, you're the best!
Julia V.
Mar 18, 2020
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I can't say enough positive things about Shelby!! She was extremely easy to book, and does trials in the comfort of your home making it super easy. Fast forward to the big day, she was early! I was the bride and had 4 bridesmaids and my mother in law get their makeup done and every single one of us was absolutely blown away. My mom stubbornly refuses to EVER have people do her makeup, and admitted to us that she regrets Shelby not doing hers. I'm a very pale girl and cannot handle a lot of makeup, and she was beyond receptive to that and made me feel bride glam while still making me feel
Lura A.
Oct 18, 2019
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Booking Shelby was one of the very first thing I did when planning my wedding and I am so so so happy I did! I hate to admit it but I was a little intimidated by Shelby before meeting her just because she is super glam and I wasn't sure we would have much in common. But I quickly discovered that she is a super sweet, down to Earth, girls' girl whom I felt immediately comfortable with! From the first moments of my trial I knew that she was someone I would love to have in my bridal suite on my big day.
Shelby did my make up for the initial trial, my engagement shoot and then my wedding
Shelby did my make up for the initial trial, my engagement shoot and then my wedding
Alyssa G.
Oct 10, 2019
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This review is LONG overdue, but here it is. Shelby did my makeup for my wedding and IT WAS AMAZING. I've never felt more glamorous. My bridesmaids, mother and mother-in-law also had their makeup done and looked so beautiful! She knows how to transform exactly what Each of us wanted into reality. She also knew how to give the right balance of natural and glam.
Months after my wedding my mom and I took Shelby's make up class. I've always been ok at doing my makeup but Shelby's class got me to the next level. She also provides recommendations for products that really helped
Months after my wedding my mom and I took Shelby's make up class. I've always been ok at doing my makeup but Shelby's class got me to the next level. She also provides recommendations for products that really helped
Johanna R.
May 25, 2019
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I just have to say that Shelby is AMAZING! She is not only talented but she has such a kind soul!
I booked Shelby for my bridal shower and wedding and OMG she made me feel beautiful and she really made sure I was happy. She was on time for each booking, professional and she's fun to talk to. She made myself, my mom and my whole bridal party look stunning!! I can't express enough how great she is. I would highly recommend that you book with Shelby if you need your makeup done for an event, wedding or even just want to learn how to put makeup on! I will be booking with Shelby again in
I booked Shelby for my bridal shower and wedding and OMG she made me feel beautiful and she really made sure I was happy. She was on time for each booking, professional and she's fun to talk to. She made myself, my mom and my whole bridal party look stunning!! I can't express enough how great she is. I would highly recommend that you book with Shelby if you need your makeup done for an event, wedding or even just want to learn how to put makeup on! I will be booking with Shelby again in
Krystal L.
Mar 09, 2019
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Words cannot even fully describe how happy I am that I found Shelby on Yelp! I was traveling to the San Diego area and searching around ahead of time to find the right person I needed to help me get all glammed up for a very special occasion. Let me just say, Shelby was the answer to my prayers!!
I reached out to her prior to my SD arrival to see if she was available and initially she wasn't due to a wedding event she had scheduled that day, but after discussing further she was able to fit me in for an morning makeup session before her wedding event and I'm forever grateful that she
I reached out to her prior to my SD arrival to see if she was available and initially she wasn't due to a wedding event she had scheduled that day, but after discussing further she was able to fit me in for an morning makeup session before her wedding event and I'm forever grateful that she
Abigail P.
Jul 30, 2018
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I knew I needed Shelby to do my prom makeup so I booked her about a year in advance, and i'm so glad I was able to have her! A group of 6 of us all got our makeup done by her on prom and it turned out absolutely amazing which I totally expected!! I received SO many compliments on my makeup on prom night and I even wore it the next day. I loved it so much that I even had her come back like 2.5 weeks later and do my makeup for my graduation ceremony. She was at my house at 5:30 in the morning and did my makeup & my friends. Once again, it was perfect. Thank you shelby!! There's a reason
Ana D.
Jun 29, 2018
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You're looking for a Makeup Artist for your wedding day? Graduation? First Date? Anniversary? whatever that is you're looking for someone to do your makeup, well you've reached the right yelp review page and stop searching because Shelby is THE person you want to do your makeup for that special occasion.
I was honored to have stumbled upon her Instagram account and I think eventually yelp and it was a no brainer... she is an AMAZING makeup artist. I don't have amazing skin, I have a lot of acne scars from really severe acne as a teenager. Shelby made my face look beautiful
I was honored to have stumbled upon her Instagram account and I think eventually yelp and it was a no brainer... she is an AMAZING makeup artist. I don't have amazing skin, I have a lot of acne scars from really severe acne as a teenager. Shelby made my face look beautiful
Jess L.
May 14, 2018
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Makeup is something that has always been a love of mine. Ever since I was little, if the house was too quiet, you could most likely find me snooping through my mom's makeup drawer. When it came to my wedding day, I thought finding my make up artist would be my biggest challenge ... BUT then I found Shelby. She was recommended by a friend and I truly owe them all the thanks in the world.
Shelby is extremely talented and passionate. She makes it look easy! Sitting in the make up chair hours before I was about to say, "I do" I felt nothing but calm and ready. She is personable and
Shelby is extremely talented and passionate. She makes it look easy! Sitting in the make up chair hours before I was about to say, "I do" I felt nothing but calm and ready. She is personable and
Mo G.
Apr 04, 2018
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Absolutely Love Love Love Shelby, she was very professional and works efficiently. She also has a very warming personality that doesn't make you feel awkward while doing your make up, even when meeting for the first time. Highly recommend her! I have attached a before and after picture so you can see her work.
Karly C.
Apr 01, 2018
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Hands down, no question, you are in GREAT hands with Shelby. If you want a true professional who knows her way around makeup, look no further. After years of special event makeup applications from all types of professionals at Sephora, MAC, BeGlammed, and a couple bridal trials, I can assure you there are few (if any) makeup artists as talented as Shelby. She is worth every penny if you want flawless, long-lasting makeup on your wedding day. Beyond her skill set, she's also super easygoing and a joy to be around. Her personality makes for a fun experience while sitting in the makeup chair
Danae D.
Jan 07, 2018
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Long over due review!
Best MUA out there.
I'll start by saying I am such a make up girl. I love all make up glam and I am just SO picky with mua. I've never had my make up done and not had to tweak things myself... until Shelby. Not only did I not tweak my make up, I didn't want to move because I had never felt so pretty in my entire life.. I didn't want the make up to ever leave my face! ( and it didn't until I showered the next day, It was still flawless in the morning because I was too tired to wash my face on my wedding night). I was really worried about finding an
Best MUA out there.
I'll start by saying I am such a make up girl. I love all make up glam and I am just SO picky with mua. I've never had my make up done and not had to tweak things myself... until Shelby. Not only did I not tweak my make up, I didn't want to move because I had never felt so pretty in my entire life.. I didn't want the make up to ever leave my face! ( and it didn't until I showered the next day, It was still flawless in the morning because I was too tired to wash my face on my wedding night). I was really worried about finding an
Monique C.
Jan 10, 2017
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I am beyond grateful that I was fortunate enough to book Shelby to do my makeup on my wedding day! Through the stresses of wedding planning just knowing Shelby was going to do my makeup on the big day put me at ease.
Leading up to and day of she was extremely professional and easy to communicate with promptly responding to all my emails/text questions and concerns.
Shelby truly brought my bridal glam vision to life. I have never felt more beautiful and the compliments were endless.
She also did my moms makeup and she looked stunning!
Shelby is so talented and THE BEST at what she does. Thank
Leading up to and day of she was extremely professional and easy to communicate with promptly responding to all my emails/text questions and concerns.
Shelby truly brought my bridal glam vision to life. I have never felt more beautiful and the compliments were endless.
She also did my moms makeup and she looked stunning!
Shelby is so talented and THE BEST at what she does. Thank
Alyssa R.
Oct 06, 2016
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BOOK HER NOW.
Seriously if your getting married, you need Shelby to do your make up.
Don't even hesitate, Shelby is hands down the most talented make up artist I have ever encountered. She can do any style, any color combo, really whatever you want. I was so indecisive and had multiple trials, and started trying all kinds of looks.
I did a trial for every look I thought I may want. I don't wear a ton of make up day to day so Shelby recommended certain colors and types of make up specific for my skin and complexion!
She immediately connects with you and honestly feels like a friend
Seriously if your getting married, you need Shelby to do your make up.
Don't even hesitate, Shelby is hands down the most talented make up artist I have ever encountered. She can do any style, any color combo, really whatever you want. I was so indecisive and had multiple trials, and started trying all kinds of looks.
I did a trial for every look I thought I may want. I don't wear a ton of make up day to day so Shelby recommended certain colors and types of make up specific for my skin and complexion!
She immediately connects with you and honestly feels like a friend
Lainey L.
Sep 22, 2015
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Ok, so basically Shelby is absolutely AMAZING.
When I started the whole wedding process, she was my absolute first choice for a makeup artist. Unfortunately, I procrastinated and by the time I contacted her, she was booked. After doing about 8 different makeup trails (literally!) and feeling extremely discouraged, I decided to go out on a whim and contact her again to see if by chance she was available on my wedding date. To be surprise, she was! Before even doing a trial, I had her send me her contract and I paid the deposit just to secure my date (she books up that fast!).
We scheduled a bridal
When I started the whole wedding process, she was my absolute first choice for a makeup artist. Unfortunately, I procrastinated and by the time I contacted her, she was booked. After doing about 8 different makeup trails (literally!) and feeling extremely discouraged, I decided to go out on a whim and contact her again to see if by chance she was available on my wedding date. To be surprise, she was! Before even doing a trial, I had her send me her contract and I paid the deposit just to secure my date (she books up that fast!).
We scheduled a bridal
