About Buchanan Beauty
Photo by Together Theory photography
Hi! I’m Eliza Buchanan, owner of Buchanan Beauty, and I’m so glad you’re here. My job is to help you feel radiant inside and out, whether that be with my high-end, cruelty-free kit, a gorgeous hairstyle, or just an excellent haircut. No matter the service, you get to walk away feeling pampered, gorgeous, and stress-free.
When I was a child, I actually thought beauty makeup was silly. Why would someone spend so much time trying to be someone they’re not? Special effects makeup on the other hand… I was all about that. I loved the theatrical ability to prank my friends and family by showing off a giant gash that was completely fake.
By high school I started learning more about the beauty side of makeup, as I was in both theatre and a show choir. While I was still fairly new to it, I enjoyed how the creativity pushed me in new directions, and I thought it was beautiful how uniquely you can portray your personality through it, how impactful little changes can be. I also learned how to be fast, as the theatre doesn’t give you much time to get ready. Both of which help me to this day, being able to create your unique look (instead of just applying one cookie cutter look for every client), and getting you ready on time.
In college, I experimented more and more and finally started to find the foundation (no pun intended I swear!) for my skills. One of my theatre professors noticed, and he put me in charge of designing and applying makeup for the dance concert that year.
And that experience is what made me realize I wanted to go to Makeup school.
Not long after, I attended the Art of Makeup School in Portland, Oregon, completing the Mastery of Makeup Certification course. In just seven weeks, I was well trained, my portfolio was ready, and I knew that I had found my people!
I worked in the makeup industry for several years before becoming restless, wanting to be able to create an even more seamless base for the makeup I was applying. Skincare can make or break a makeup look, and makeup will never cover texture, so I decided to go through Esthetic’s school to provide the best possible service.
And now? I’m happily working my way through a Cosmetology apprenticeship, so every base is covered. Whether it’s hair, skin, or makeup, I’m ready to help you feel incredible.
One of my main services is weddings, and I’ve worked on over 100! I myself even got married in October 2023, and not only did I do my own hair and makeup, I also did both my Spouse’s and my Sister’s! Weddings can be such beautiful events to celebrate love and community, and my partner and I worked very hard to make a queer, trans affirming space. If you’re getting married, I promise your wedding can look however you want it to look, and I’d be thrilled to help you on that journey.
No matter the occasion, if you work with me you can be assured of speed without compromising integrity, and a luxurious experience tailor made just for you.
In addition, while all high end, you’ll only find cruelty free brands in my makeup kit. Your experience and my job should never rely on animals suffering for it, so any product or brand I use has never tested on animals, even on the ingredients level.
Use the button below to contact me and let’s start dreaming together!
What People Are Saying
“Eliza was easy, fun, and a pleasure to work with! As a photographer I know the importance makeup and hair play into the quality of photos, and Eliza created a result that was versatile and photogenic. From the beginning they made the process simple- with only a few inspiration photos they calmly and effortlessly achieved the look we were going for, and was super sweet and nice to talk to throughout the whole process. I would recommend Buchanan Beauty to anyone who is looking for an amazing and stress-free experience with their HMUA. I know I definitely look forward to working with them in the future!”
— Anon photographer
“Eliza has serious skills in hair and makeup styling! I trust all of my boudoir clients in their hands because I know they will make them look FLAWLESS. They not only know what makeup is needed for photo shoots, they talk to the client and listens to them. Eliza is accommodating and thoughtful and seriously a great friend I am happy to keep around. Don’t shop around, pick Eliza.”
— Jamie Peterson, photographer
“I had a great time working with Eliza in each instance. They came prepared with a clear vision and was flexible and adaptive throughout each photo shoot. Their work is incredible!”
— Melissa C, model
“Sweet soul, great energy, communicative and reliable. Love Eliza. Oh… and they’re great at what they do.”
— Sara Nova, photographer
I’ve had 13 different hair colors since I was 13
I named my cat Minerva after McGonagall (from Harry Potter, though we do not support JK Rowling in this household)
I have a black belt in karate
I spent a semester abroad at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts studying classical acting
I have an older sister named Megan whom I absolutely adore
When I was about 10, I wanted nothing more than to be a painter. Now, in a way I paint faces!
I would be happiest if it were Halloween all year round
I stick florals (real and fake) everywhere
(Pictured: My wedding day look, minus my white cropped jacket and pastel rainbow half cape)
FUN FACTS!
Values:
Racism, homophobia, fatphobia or any other discrimination will not be tolerated here. There can be a lot of exclusivity in the wedding industry, but Buchanan Beauty serves all skin tones, sexualities, and gender identities, and strives to make everyone feel welcome. I myself am non-binary (they/them) and queer.
Every human being is beautiful. Every human being deserves to feel beautiful. The beauty industry profits off of our insecurities, but I’m never here to make you feel bad about how you look. I want you to feel beautiful exactly the way you are. Your acne, rosacea, cellulite, peach fuzz, or any other areas that you’ve been told are “problem areas” are beautiful, and you don’t need to hide any part of yourself. My job as a makeup artist isn’t to make you feel bad or cover you up, it’s to make you feel radiant and still feel like yourself.
I care about the environment and am incredibly cautious about how much waste I produce with my kit. Any one use items I have are compostable, or otherwise reusable.
Everything in my kit is high end, and cruelty free. About 60% of my kit is vegan, ~70% is POC owned, and ~90% is woman owned.
I have a goal of one day owning and creating a truly inclusive vegan and cruelty free beauty brand, focusing on skincare and creative expression, not gender or stereotypes.
