Jenny Makeup Land
Beauty
The story of Jenny Makeup Land begins long before there was a name or a brand. It starts in Jennifer’s childhood, among brushes, lipsticks, and the lively atmosphere of a hair salon — a deeply feminine world where beauty was expression, ritual, and transformation. It was there, observing her mother, that an instinctive connection to makeup was born, long before she realized this path would become a profession.
Although she once dreamed, as a child, of a career in the skies and later in teaching, Jennifer quickly understood she needed something that combined emotion, aesthetics, and humanity. As a teenager, she was already intuitively doing makeup for women and brides. In 2010, on her own wedding day, the turning point came: by hiring a makeup artist, she realized this craft could be a profession — and she embraced it fully. From that moment, she never looked back.
The philosophy of Jenny Makeup Land is clear and profoundly human: it’s not about making up brides; it’s about honoring women. A bride is a powerful rite of passage, but behind the dress stands a woman with a story, desires, insecurities, and strength. Every look is born from listening, emotional reading of the face, and absolute respect for each woman’s essence — never from empty trends. There is always sensuality in her work, not as excess, but as affirmation.
Over more than 15 years, Jennifer has worked with brides from different cultures and nationalities, developing immense adaptability, empathy, and emotional intelligence. For her, technique is only the starting point. The real difference lies in the way she creates a safe space on one of the most intense days of a woman’s life, balancing professionalism, sensitivity, and presence.
What moves her most is not just the final result, but the moment the bride recognizes herself in the mirror. The father’s gaze. The restrained tears. The courage of second weddings. Over the years, Jennifer has learned that beauty is not about hiding or transforming, but about revealing and celebrating what already exists.
Today, Jenny Makeup Land is a reference in the wedding world, with an increasingly international perspective and a journey defined by consistency, authenticity, and intention. More than makeup, her work creates memories, confidence, and women who feel seen.
Because when the day is over and the makeup fades, what remains is how someone felt.
We are pleased
to present…
Where Beauty Meets Profession…
Jennifer, tell us about yourself: what in your childhood or youth brought you closer to your passion for beauty and makeup?
Actually, a lot, mainly my mother. I remember always being surrounded by makeup from big brands, and from there I got the bug and the desire to experiment. Also, the fact that she was a hairdresser and that I was immersed in that world from a very young age played a huge role.
What made that passion turn into a career? When did you decide, “this is what I want to do”?
That wasn’t really the plan. Since I was a child, I dreamed of being cabin crew because, in my young vision, it seemed very glamorous. I remember being fascinated by the elegance, the hair up, and the little hats they wore… that was my dream. Fast forward to adulthood, that world wasn’t as enchanting anymore, so I decided to become an English teacher… but that world quickly lost its charm for me.
Actually, since I was very young, around 14 or 15, people would ask me to do their makeup at my mother’s salon. I did it very intuitively, it’s true. I even did several brides’ makeup at that time (perhaps a bit irresponsibly), and they still tell me today, “You did my makeup for my wedding many, many years ago…”
In 2010, I got married, and even though it wasn’t very common at the time, I hired a makeup artist. That was the click moment — I thought, “Hmm, this could be a profession.” Very quickly, I completely left teaching and told myself, “This is what I’m going to do.” From the very first moment, I approached it as a full-time profession. And I haven’t stopped since.
How was the transition from language teacher to entrepreneur in the beauty industry? What challenges and lessons did you encounter?
As I mentioned, it was very sudden. I wasn’t happy teaching. I enjoy routines and rituals, but going every day to the same workplace and seeing the same people wasn’t for me. I need novelty, I need magic, I need to be surrounded by beauty, by emotions — that’s when I shine.
So I left everything. Fifteen years ago, the world was different. We didn’t have social media as we do now to promote our work — it was mostly word-of-mouth — but at the same time, there wasn’t as much competition. It was difficult, yes, but I started working consistently right away, and the first year was already a success. Perhaps a mix of hard work and luck.
What is the philosophy of Jenny Makeup Land when it comes to bridal makeup?
JML has always been about being a woman, not about being a bride. The bride is a transitional state, yes, a rite of passage, a strong archetype that stirs a lot within a woman. But I never forget that behind the bride is a woman, and it’s that woman I want to honor and celebrate. The choice of look is very much about that — her expectations, fears, and insecurities — but above all, it’s about respecting the true essence of each woman. And yes, there’s always a very subtle element of sensuality in my work.
You’ve done makeup for brides from different cultures/nationalities. How do you adapt the look, expectations, and style to these differences?
Yes, that’s the challenge. Being a good makeup artist today is a given — it’s assumed that a professional knows what they’re doing and will deliver good makeup results. But the human and social side, managing expectations and cultural differences, is another story. For me, that’s the most fun and challenging part of my work. It’s not always easy to navigate, and you constantly need to switch your mindset. European brides will want something completely different from Chinese, Indian (I love working in Indian weddings), or American brides. You definitely need adaptability, empathy, and flexibility. It’s not for everyone.
What advice would you give international brides choosing Portugal who want to ensure perfect hair and makeup?
First, trust that Portugal has excellent professionals. That’s the starting point. Then find someone with social proof (today it’s easy to appear as something you’re not). Make sure the portfolio aligns aesthetically with the bride’s vision and, of course, check that personalities fit. This is one of the most beautiful days of our lives, but also one of the most stressful — you don’t want anyone adding unnecessary stress. After that, fully trust the professional you’ve chosen.
What moves you most in your work with brides? Is there a moment (before, during, or after) that leaves a lasting impression?
For me, it’s a very special moment, and I take it seriously. I know everything involved, all the insecurities, and my role is not just to do hair and makeup but also to provide a safe space to share fears and doubts. I love seeing brides’ reactions when they first see themselves after I’ve finished — it’s a beautiful sense of fulfillment. I love seeing fathers look at the brides (I cry often, I confess). I adore second weddings — seeing people who have been “broken” but don’t give up on love, who know the challenges but are willing to try again, to do better. I think that’s beautiful.
What have you learned about the value of beauty in terms of self-esteem and confidence over the years?
I’ve learned that my work is incredibly valuable. It has an amazing power over a woman and how she sees herself. A woman who sees herself as she is — beautiful and powerful — has an inexplicable power. We shouldn’t need makeup to feel this, but in many cases, lipstick and mascara work wonders!
Is there any product or technique that has become indispensable in your kit over the years? Why?
I wouldn’t say there’s a single indispensable product. There are products I like and that give me comfort, like MAC paint pots and the MAC Teddy eyeliner, but I wouldn’t call them indispensable. I would say good skincare is essential for the result — not a single product, but a set of steps tailored to each client’s needs is fundamental to achieving a beautiful, long-lasting result.
In your opinion, what distinguishes professional makeup from “just pretty” makeup?
Professional makeup is not just about technique or knowledge of products for a nice, long-lasting look that photographs well. Above all, it’s about the artist’s eye and their ability to read each face as unique and adapt techniques accordingly. Being a professional, especially in this field, involves not only technical skills but also soft skills, personality, responsibility, and empathy.
What has been the moment you felt most proud of your career?
It’s been 15 years, many years indeed. Seeing what my work can do for someone is beautiful. A few weeks ago, I received a message from a bride I did makeup for 14 years ago, telling me how I made her feel that day and that she would never forget it, that she hoped to see me again and wished me all the success in the world. It may seem small, but we have the power to touch someone in a beautiful, human way.
Today, I feel especially proud because I booked my first wedding in New York — for me, it’s a milestone to celebrate.
How do you define beauty? Has your definition changed over your career?
Yes, I think it evolves as I get older. Today it’s not so much about hiding or altering, but about celebrating and enhancing. It’s about expression, play, and being whoever we want to be.
Has any wedding, project, or experience changed you as a professional?
Yes, several. Some weddings came at the right time, when I wanted to reach a specific audience. This year, for example, I had an incredible Indian bride — a diva — who wanted to explore makeup looks fully and gave me spectacular creative freedom. The Indian market was something I had in mind but hard to enter… Once I worked with her, doors opened.
I also believe things happen in their own time — when we’re ready to receive them, not before or after.
What advice would you give “Jenny” at the start, if you could go back?
I’d say: Go. It will be so much better than you can imagine right now. Trust yourself. Go. But also take time to rest a little — don’t try to do everything.
Looking to the future, are there projects we can know about?
2025 was a year of change for me, a year of pause, as I like to call it, a year of more thoughtful work, fewer craziness (I had burnout at the end of the 2024 season). So 2026 is a year where I start regaining energy to think of new things. I have a few things I’d like to do, like move to a bigger space that really reflects who I am and can transport my brides into that world.
There are markets I want to explore more, people I’d like to work with… but I believe everything will happen when it’s meant to happen. Calmly.
