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Jessica Tristan

Whitney Schaaf Senior Stylist

Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty is pleased to have Jessica Tristan, 2019 Austin Monthly’s Best Makeup Artist, proving makeup and brow services for our luxury downtown Austin hair salon. Born in Austin then raised in San Marcos, Jessica was drawn back to Austin for its friendly nature and appreciation for the outdoors. From a very young age, Jessica was drawn to the beauty industry and makeup in particular, often providing hair and makeup “services” to her extended family and friends. 

In 2007, she began an 8-year tenure at The Housing Authority for the City of Austin. She would arrive early with a bare face and after 10-15 minutes have completely transformed her look.

Coworkers quickly took notice and would approach Jessica during breaks to help with a quick eye or makeup refresh. Fast-forward to 2012, and word spread of Jessica’s talent, so she began freelancing as a makeup artist. While she loved her work at the Housing Authority, her coworkers strongly encouraged her to begin pursuing a career in the beauty industry given her extraordinary skills.

While her client list was growing, and a local hair stylist brought her along to weekend weddings and special events as her preferred makeup artist, Jessica was self-taught and determined it was time to get the credentials to back up her talent. She enrolled in Baldwin Beauty Academy in 2014, and this is where she discovered a love for hair as well. But while pursuing training in hair, fellow students sought her out for help with makeup and brows. Jessica also received a great deal of training and practice while working at Sephora, where she encountered a variety of skin types and tones, enabling her to hone in on her ability to color match, select the right products, and give the client their desired look.

After receiving her cosmetology license, Jessica found a position with Janet St. Paul Studio. After a little more than a year working as an assistant and often being pulled in on makeup consults before the studio officially offered beauty services, it was as if she could not escape her calling and transitioned into the role of full-time Makeup and Brow Artist. She has received top-of-the-line certifications and training from distinguished Permanent Makeup Artist Amy Kernahan and the famous Kelley Baker of Kelley Baker Brows.

Janet St. Paul is an inspiration and demonstrates every day what the beauty industry should be—client service above all else.

At the end of the day, Jessica is a nurturer, who loves taking care of people and making them happy. She feels very closely aligned to the mission of Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, providing heartfelt service to clients. When she’s not making Austin more beautiful, Jessica loves being a mom and spending time with her two daughters enjoying this wonderful city with picnics at the parks, camping, swimming, or taking a walk around Lady Bird Lake.