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About

MAKE UP IS MAGIC!!

Karuna Chani is an internationally recognized and accomplished make up artist, image and skin care consultant.

Karuna's introduction to the world of beauty and fashion started at an early age when she spent countless hours reading women's fashion and health magazines. She became fascinated with the transformation one could achieve through make up and clothes. This passion for the industry led her to Parsons School of Design where her dreams included following in the foot steps of Marc Jacobs and Badgley Mischka. As a fashion student, she designed for the fashion runways and learned how make up and skin care are an integral part of creating a designer's vision. At this moment, she decided to focus on her life long love for the beauty industry and never looked backed.

In 2002, she moved to Southeast Asia where she opened her first makeup studio. Her international clientele included women from Singapore, India, Bali, Thailand and Hong Kong. In addition to opening her first makeup studio she freelanced for luxury beauty lines such as Guerlain and Make Up Forever. The fashion and beauty press stood up and took notice and soon Karuna's work was being featured in magazines such as Vogue India Ed., Cosmopolitan Indonesia Ed., Femina and Hello India Ed.

In 2005, Karuna returned to New York City to work as a makeup artist for Giorgio Armani cosmetics, NARS and Chanel. In addition to working with these prestigious brands, Karuna collaborated with jewelry designer Amrita Singh and worked on various projects with renowned photographers; Ian Cuttler, James Weber and Charudutt Chitrak..

Most recently, Karuna was highlighted in Marie Claire - India Ed. "Big Beauty" feature for their December 2010 issue with famous photographer Anushka Menon.

In addition to her private clients and fashion industry work, Karuna has been involved with charitable events such as Sunflower Children Funds, Indo-American Arts Council, Inc. and Reach 2010 showcasing fashion designer Satya Paul's 2011 collection.

Karuna is available to travel on location and welcomes you to view a portfolio of her work.

  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

What is the base price for blowouts for brides?

$25

What is the price of trial service for updos/styling for brides?

$150

What is the base price for updos/styling for attendants/family members?

$100

What beauty services do you offer?

Consultations

What hair services do you offer?

Blowouts
Extensions
Textured Hair Styling
Updos / Styling

What makeup services do you offer?

Airbrush Makeup
Contour Makeup
Fake Lashes
Tattoo Coverage

Reviews of KC Makeup by Karuna Chani

Jyoti
Jyoti Sent on 11/20/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Jyoti Mann

Karuna was a joy to work with. My daughter clicked with her at the very 1st zoom call. Karuna immediately understood the looks my daughter was wanting. She even advised her on styling each look. I have had my makeup done on innumerable occasions, and usually have to correct a thing or two. She did my makeup for 3 events, not once did I find any faults (and I am a fault finder!) Her love for her craft, her expertise, and her professionalism all combine together to form the perfect package. My daughter and I really bonded with her. I would hire her again without question. Thank you Karuna for making my daughter so beautiful and happy on the most important event of her life.
S
Sphoorthi Sent on 01/14/2023
5 out of 5 rating

KC is the way to go!

Karuna Chani is a miracle worker! She made me feel like an absolute princess during my wedding weekend! Karuna and Krish were so fun to work with, even at 3:30 AM when we had to start getting ready! They had me cracking up bright and early as though I was getting ready with my girlfriends! They have so much experience and were awesome about giving suggestions and tailoring my hair and makeup to my outfits, accessories, etc! My hair and makeup were even better than I could have imagined, and KC is masterful at still making you look like an elevated version of yourself (and not fake and overdone)! Our photos are absolutely stunning thanks to KC and Krish! I would recommend them to anyone!!
S
Sreya Sent on 11/02/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Bridal Look of my Wildest Dreams!

Karuna did my and my mom's makeup for my wedding a couple of weeks ago. I had total faith in Karuna since she has done my makeup in the past, but she blew even my wildest expectations out of the water. I LOVED my look, it was exactly what I wanted but even more than that. It was everything I didn't know I needed and I got so many compliments all night long. Karuna elevated my look in a way only she can. My mom was a little nervous to get her makeup done since she never does, and she looked gorgeous. She was so happy with her look and felt so beautiful all night. You really can't get any better than Karuna for your wedding. I'm so thrilled with my decision and now I just need the occasions to keep coming so I can keep going to Karuna for my looks!
S
Sapna Sent on 11/22/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Best in the biz!

Karuna Chani is a master at her craft and it is evident in all of her work. Making someone up is a talent, but to be able to translate that talent into a teachable methodology is a skill set that only a few have, and even fewer can execute.
During my one-on-one consultation, Karuna took her time demonstrating her technique, patiently repeated the lesson, and really made sure that I was absorbing what she was telling me. She went through every single piece of my existing makeup collection, including brushes/applicators, and gave me feedback about all the products that worked, and why she didn’t recommend those that wouldn’t. I'm glad that she was able to take the same products I use in my everyday routine to create a more polished and professional look, as well as translate them into a glam night look. The timing couldn’t be better with the holidays coming up! I can’t wait to practice everything she taught me, and incorporate the ‘Karuna Tap’ (as I like to call it) into my routine.
The icing on the cake? She is so sweet & real. I loved her sense of humor and ability to keep things 100 with me about the whole appointment. I can’t thank her enough, and hope to work with her again in the near future!
A
Akriti Sent on 10/28/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Must book!

Where to even begin with this review... All I can say is that hiring KC Makeup will assure you that there is literally one less thing to worry about during your wedding weekend!
First off, Karuna is very responsive and clear in all her communication. This was absolutely refreshing, as she wasn't a vendor that I ever had to chase after to get a response; instead, if there was anything that needed to be clarified, she made the effort to directly communicate with me through email or phone. Also as someone who planned my wedding without a planner, it was nice having a clear explanation of services and fees- I had absolutely no surprises before, during, or even after my wedding. Also, since the location of my wedding was non-traditional (barn wedding in the Catskills), Karuna was one of the few NYC vendors that was open to the logistical challenge and very accommodating throughout any changes.
Now, for the actual services...I don't think I can even explain in words how amazing I felt my entire weekend. Karuna and Krish were the dream team that attended to me, my MOH, and mom during the wedding weekend. As someone who is artistic and into makeup myself, I knew I wanted a vendor who shared my passion for creativity. These women are not just wedding hair and make up artists, they are TRUE ARTISTS and PERFECTIONISTS. They are up to date with trends, styles, and know what works best for every skin tone/hair type/face shape/ etc. They knew I wanted non-traditional and unique looks for all my events, and I got just that! I even trusted them with my reception look without a trial, which was a little out of my comfort zone, and boy am I glad I did- I looked and felt like a movie star! The best part was that this team was not just focused on hair/makeup. They completely styled me head to toe, using their experience about colors, fabrics, flowers, and studying details of my wedding to help me make final decisions about my draping, jewelry, etc. I just want everyone to note that this does not happen without YEARS of experience, education, and training- there is a reason these women are at the TOP of the industry!
Now, to top it all off was their personalities. I think the most relaxed parts of my weekend were when I was getting ready, and it is all due to Karuna & Krish. It truly felt like I was having my very own girlfriends helping me get ready for my wedding. They were extremely kind, honest, hilarious, and always had my best interest in mind (especially when I was getting overwhelmed at times). They went above and beyond multiple times, including making sure I was eating/drinking and that I didn't leave the room with ashy elbows (lol!). Karuna and Krish truly felt like my fairy godmothers, and I can't imagine having had anyone else during this important time in my life!
G
Gabriel Sent on 09/10/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Karuna, best makeup

Karuna visited Seville as a make-up artist for a wedding in Spain and hired me for a photo shoot. She is an incredibly close and friendly woman. I could see what a great professional she is in just a few hours.

During the photo shoot she told me how important her work is and the great effort she makes to make her clients look beautiful on their wedding day.
Meeting Karuna has been one of my most rewarding things this year.
I recommend 100% your work and professionalism.
M
Mojgan Sent on 05/14/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Dream Wedding Make Up Experience

My wedding seems like yesterday, and I think it will forever feel so palpable. The feeling of elation mixed with bliss, confidence, and pure joy persists even now, and I have Karuna Chani and her talented team to thank for it. She made me feel like the most important person in the world with her precise eye for details, soft yet strong touch, and ability to pull out my personality and who I am on the canvas that is the human face. On top of all of this, she and her team made every woman near and dear to me, my sisters and mom, feel exactly the same way. Everyone was glowing from the inside because of the experience Karuna and the team gifted us from the outside.

I vividly remember my mom, who is somewhat soft-spoken and shy, open up to Karuna about her fall and the way is bruised her face. With sensitivity, she made her feel so comfortable and delicately applied the make up to her tender face so she was pain-free. Each and every one of us felt at home in the team’s hands because they are so professional, positive, and fun. I also remember over 400 people waiting for me downstairs along with trigger-happy photographers and the team reduced the stress with their jokes, smiles, and get-it-down attitude. If I could turn back time and have the wedding all over again, I would pick Karuna in a heartbeat. In fact, the incredible photos just arrived, and seeing my face, my loved ones’ faces, and the light in our eyes, we are able to relive that night. I recommend Karuna to all my friends and hope our paths cross again!
K
Krishna Sent on 01/17/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Phenomenal!

I have truly never felt as beautiful as I did that day. All our family and friends continue to rave about how well done our hair, makeup, and dressing were done. Every time I look at the pictures, I tell my husband that I don't think I will ever look as beautiful as I did that day. I felt every part of my being glow from inside to out. I'm not normally the most confident person in my skin and I'm sure you may have felt that from me the morning of, but you both put me at ease with your incredible skill sets and just overall warm personalities. You're both extremely professional about your work but definitely can make those morning jitters turn into belly laughs. I appreciate the time and effort you put into not only prepping for the events themselves but in helping guide me with tips that I can use in the future as well for healthier skin and hair.

This day wasn't just about me, it was about all the people who made me who I am, and to see my mom in her element was really amazing. She never gets to take the time to be pampered and dolled up so it was nice to see her enjoy every moment. You were so amazing to the both of us I can't put into words how happy we are to have worked with such incredible women. My mom is already planning for when my brother gets married to work with you again!

I am extremely grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work with you both. I now have memories I will cherish for a lifetime! The childhood dork inside me dreaming of that beautiful wedding with the love of her life can't thank you enough for making her feel so radiant. You both are a huge part of making that dream come true! Thank you so much!
M
Mary Sent on 08/07/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Karuna is a perfectionist. Her work is not only gorgeous but current with beauty trends. As a bride, I had my full trust in her. I have to say that she did not disappoint. I still look back at my wedding photos and gasp! I never looked and felt more beautiful and true to myself. She didn't change my look- she enhanced it. That is what every bride can hope for. I would love to work with Karuna again in the future (and have no doubt that I will). Thank you Karuna for your talents. You're a true artist.
K
Kripa Sent on 01/18/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Karuna and her team were absolutely amazing!!! They listened and took everything I had wanted for my big day into consideration. Not only did I love the way I looked, Karuna and her team were super professional every step of the way. When I finally received all my wedding pictures it was easy to see that I felt beautiful. I would not change a thing! Their service was worth every penny and I would highly recommend them for any occasion.
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Awards

68
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Stella Fatale Stella Fatale Wedding Hair & Makeup

Karuna is without a doubt one of the greatest makeup artists I have ever seen. She is not only talented but also incredibly professional and a focused director of cultural traditions and a calm and organized presence keeping detailed weddings on track. It was a pleasure working with Karuna and I look forward to future events with her. She is a top recommendation for any bride!

Preeti Exclusive Events Preeti Exclusive Events Wedding Planners

As an event planner, one is mindful about the vendors they select that will play a role in timing, professionalism and communication. Karuna is my 'go-to' artist for any bride needing glamorous services for their big day. I have seen her complete traditional to modern styles for brides and mothers with ease. I recommend KC Makeup to anyone that wants that "wow" factor!

Preferred Vendors
Stella Fatale
5.0 out of 5 rating , 47 reviews
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