ARTISTS
SHIRIN RATNER
After graduating with a Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Shirin made her move (with her now husband) to New York City. During this time, she lead a team of artists at MAC cosmetics in the charming city of Brooklyn, NY. While in New York, Shirin worked on contract work, weddings, and multiple special events. Working in both New York City and Washington, D.C., Shirin is known in the industry for creating clean and flawless beauty with a modern touch. Shirin has also been a part of countless brides’ special days and has been showered with thank you notes and referrals from satisfied clients. Shirin puts her clients instantly at ease by making them feel comfortable, respected, and most importantly, looking and feeling their absolute best.
Shirin's passion for makeup started at a very early age. As a child, Shirin fell in love with beauty, always admiring her mother while she applied her makeup. While Shirin wasn't allowed to wear makeup at such a young age, she explored many other creative outlets that have helped shape her into the makeup artist that she is today.
Shirin's creative interests and talents progressed and led her to Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received a Fine Arts Degree in painting and printmaking. Shirin's background in art allows her to apply advanced skills in highlighting, contouring and color theory. Her artistic background provides her with a unique style and approach. She’s able to combine classic techniques with a cosmopolitan touch.
PONEH GRAY
Poneh’s love for makeup came at an early age. With her sister Shirin, they would admire watching their mom beautifully transform into a more glamorous version of herself. Poneh’s education took her to Virginia commonwealth university where she studied elementary education. She then received her masters in education at George Mason University.
Over the years, Poneh frequently shadowed and assisted Shirin’s weddings. In addition, Poneh has taken several of her own clients and weddings. As Makeup By Shirin expanded, It only made sense for Poneh to join the team. Poneh’s clients have described her as "attentive, professional, and warm".
BRITTANY PATTEN
Brittany, or Britt as most of you affectionately know her, has been a member of the MUBS team for 7 years!
Brittany and Shirin have been friends for almost 20 years. They first met at the MAC counter in Nordstrom Dulles Town Center (R.I.P) where Shirin was the go-to for every single prom/homecoming dance and an instant bestie.
Brittany works full time as a Marketing Director for a small cybersecurity consulting firm, and fully appreciates the creative & fun outlet that your beautiful faces provide her.
She is married to the love of her life, Jake, and they share one very sassy & beautiful daughter, Saylor. They also have two pups, a German Shepherd, Stella and a Red Lab, Sylvi. Britt lives in Western Loudoun, so make sure to schedule a vineyard day when you book your trial at her home studio!
Brittany believes all you really need is highlighter, lip gloss, and a few deep breaths to be your best. And maybe a cocktail or two! Cheers
BELMIRA MACHADO
Belmira's love for all things beauty related started at a young age. Growing up as the youngest of four girls, she loved to watch her mother, a hairstylist, and her sisters do their hair and makeup. When she was old enough to dabble with makeup on her own, she started with a simple blue eyeliner in her waterline, mascara, and a whole lot of shimmery bronzer. After lots of trial and error, Pinterest boards, and youtube tutorials, she learned what worked for her and began to fine-tune her skills. Eventually, she branched out by doing her sisters' makeup, then moved on to friends. In college, she began to advertise her services to friends and sorority sisters. In 2019, Beauty by Belmira was born, allowing her to branch out even more - she even posted her first tutorial on instagram! Belmira also joined the Makeup by Shirin team in 2019.
MANISHA GOSAIN
Manisha, or Manish, has been with the MUBS team for 6 years!
Manisha is from the Northern Virginia area and graduated with an Economics degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2018. She has 10+ years of experience as a makeup artist and now floats between Washington, DC and Boston, Massachusetts. She works full-time as an Account Manager at Amazon Web Services and spends her weekends working bridal events.
Manisha has always had a creative side to her and in her early teens realized her love and passion for makeup. She has been certified by many talented artists in the industry and continues to expand her knowledge in makeup throughout the years.
Manisha says, "the most rewarding part about getting to glam others is their reactions at the end and getting to be a part of people's special days."
TESS COGDELL
@mubsxtess
Tess is originally from Tennessee. Like many southern women, she has always loved makeup. Her mom taught her at a young age and she continued to learn and practice on her own through the years. Tess is also the granddaughter of a professional artist whose work has been in shows and museums all over the country.
Tess took art lessons from her grandmother growing up and also majored in Art before switching to Education. Tess works full time as a Kindergarten teacher and gets to be creative in that field. She has even illustrated a children's book! However, doing makeup is her favorite creative outlet. She looks at every beautiful face as a fresh canvas that she can bring to life.