Press & Recognition
Named, not implied.
Every beauty vendor says they have been featured. Very few will show you the link. Twenty years of work leaves a paper trail — national television, national editorial, and industry awards — and every item below opens the original article or segment.
Coverage
Every one of these is a live link.
National television, national editorial, and trade press, most recent first. Click any outlet to read the original.
- CanvasRebel Founder interview Long-form interview with Paula Heckenast on building the agency, and the “90 Day Fiancé” work. 2024
- Bold Journey Founder interview Profile of Paula Heckenast and City Lights Beauty Agency. 2024
- WeddingRule Bridal feature “10 Questions with Paula Heckenast” — a Q&A on how the bridal side of the agency runs. 2021
- StyleCraze Expert reviewer Paula sits on StyleCraze’s expert panel, fact-checking their beauty coverage. 2021
- ABC7 Chicago · Windy City Live Television “Hair and makeup looks perfect for summer” — on-air segment with Paula Heckenast and stylist Brandy Dohse. 2018
- WGN Morning News Television “Makeup Artist Paula Heckenast shows us an Easy Morning Makeup Routine.” 2018
- Voyage Chicago Founder interview “Meet Paula Heckenast of City Lights Makeup Artistry and Hair Design.” 2018
- Total Beauty Editorial Quoted among celebrity makeup artists on the best drugstore products, alongside credits for Vivica A. Fox and Lauren Holly. 2017
- Felix Magazine Cover credit Hair and makeup credit on the Isidora Goreshter (“Shameless”) feature. 2016
- Women’s Health Editorial “6 Genius Eyeliner Hacks You NEED To Try” — six techniques credited to Paula Heckenast. 2014
- WGN Morning News Television “Around Town” segment shot on location with the City Lights team. 2014
- Patch Editorial “The award-winning City Lights Make-Up Artistry Inc., led by founder and CEO Paula Heckenast…” 2013
- Refinery29 Editorial Named one of five Chicago makeup artists “guaranteed to make you feel camera-ready,” citing L’Oréal and CoverGirl work. 2012
- The Knot Vendor rating 4.9 out of 5 across 14 verified reviews on The Knot’s Chicago marketplace. Current
- ProductionHub Industry directory Listed production vendor for HD makeup and hair styling. Since 2012
Awards
Recognised in 2025.
Two award bodies, three awards, in our first full year operating as a licensed agency in Florida.
- Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Best of the Bay Best Makeup Artist, Best of the Bay 2025. 2025
- LUXlife Magazine Best Luxury Makeup Specialist LUXlife Health, Beauty & Wellness Awards 2025. 2025
- LUXlife Magazine Most Empowering Makeup Lessons LUXlife Health, Beauty & Wellness Awards 2025. 2025
Credentials
The part procurement asks about.
A state-issued license to represent talent, which most beauty vendors bidding against us do not hold and cannot obtain quickly.
Certificates issued to your production entity or venue in the format your risk team requires, before the day rather than during it.
We are used to procurement portals, net terms, and the paperwork larger brands and networks require. This is where most beauty vendors fall out of the process.
A written standard our artists work to, which matters on set, in a green room, and in front of a client's compliance officer.