The first time I visited Ashlee at her studio was in December of 2008 and at the time I was very skeptical of her and her abilities as a makeup artist. I had seen makeup jons by paid-by-the-hour department store "professionals" and knew what an awful experience that was. Also, I had recently visited a local beauty spa and had recieved a makeup application that made me a few shades of orange with clown eyes and mouth.

When I got pregnant in early 2007, my once clear, flawless skin erupted into something that resembled a pizza. I was horrified! I was already overweight and now destined to gain more and now I had this new problem to worry about. I immediately questioned my doctor to see what options I had for treatment. He quickly squashed my hopes of a speedy recovery to my condition, chalking it up to the increased hormones of pregnancy. None of the prescriptions that he could give me were safe while I was pregnant. So, I went on reasoning that as soon as I got rid of the pregnancy hormones, my face would clear up and be normal again. Little did I know that that would not be the case.

Over the next year, I went to dermatologists, who prescribed antibiotics and topical creams and ointments. All together these cause cracking, peeling and pain. I was constantly hurting and burning, and still wasn't clear. I tried every trendy and new skincare line; trying to regain some moisture but also without clogging my pores and causing new blemishes. I purchased every high-end brand of makeup as well, in hopes of covering all of this mess. It seemed like I was just throwing money away. Between the doctors, the skincare and the makeup I probably spent between one and two thousand dollars that year.

I heard about Jane Iredale cosmetics at a local spa and decided, why not...what did i have to lose. I was so frustrated with my situation already, to the point of tears sometimes, that it just seemed like it couldn't hurt to try one more thing. (Forgot to mention that during the course of that year or so, I had also lost 130 pounds and so desperately wanted to feel good about myself but hadn't been able to be proud of my accomplishments. All I saw when I looked in the mirror was the reddness and irritation, the scarring and the unevenness.)

I went for a consultation, where an employee "matched" my skin, and proceeded with choosing eye, cheek and lip colors too. She never showed me what to do, or how to use it. She just kept piling it on. I never was able to look in a mirror, until she was done. And what I saw wasn't me. The face color didn't match my skin and all the colors were so harsh and costume-like. I went home in tears that night because it just felt hopeless. The only thing that I did notice, that was encouraging, was that my face wasn't burning like with other lines I had tried. Because of all the medications I had been using and how they had irritated my skin, every time I put makeup on my face would burst into flames and I would have to sit in front a fan until the watering of my eyes subsided.

I remembered what they had used so I went online, and ordered from the Jane Iredale website and started using it. I loved the fact that it didn't irritate my skin any further, but I still didn't feel like I was getting the coverage that I wanted.

A few weeks later a friend came in talking about this makeup artist that she had made an appointment with. She had seen Ashlee's work and assured me that she was amazing. I decided to go with her. When we got there she immediately made us feel comfortable and at home in her studio. She told us about her products (Juice Beauty and Jane Iredale), and how great they were for our skin. I liked that she was using things that were pure and organic, instead of things loaded with chemical and cancer-causing agents.

Ashlee continued to show us how to use what we already had so we wouldn't be wasting it, but also incorporating her products and showing us exactly how to apply them. We both felt great when we left. We both purchased a few of the things Ashlee had used on us that day. She also sent us home with samples of the Juice Beauty.

I could tell from the first time that I washed my face with it, that I loved it. My skin felt so fresh and truly clean; which I wasn't getting with all of the chemical-filled products I had been using. My opinion of Jane Iredale cosmetics was also changed that day. Before, I wan't shown how to apply it and "application is the key." It is hands down the best coverage in the most natural looking way.

It also lasts an incredible amount of time. I purchased my first pressed powder in December of 2008 and just now have had to replace it, nearly a year later. Nothing had ever lasted that long before. The overall condition of my skin changed immediately. No more redness, cracking, peeling and soreness.

The best part ,however, was that week by week my skin was clearing up. The combination of the Juice Beauty and Jane Iredale has saved my skin. I LOVE these products and no longer have to search for something to try next. Since then, I have thrown out all of my other cosmetics and have switched solely to Ashlee's lines.

Ashlee and I have become good friends in the last year. She is one of the sweetest, most genuine and definitely the most talented people that I know. Her studio is warm and inviting just like she is. She has since done my makeup for several occasions and I never leave disappointed. She has so many tricks and tips to share

I know it sounds cliche but Ashlee Rice has changed my life. She never made me feel inferior because of my skin issues, and was always encouraging and knowlegdeable about what would work for my face. She makes me feel beautiful. In the past year I have been able to be comfortable in my skin again and that is truly a gift. She is a MASTER!!! Thank you so much Ashlee for showing me that I don't have to hide behind layers of makeup but to embrace my beauty and let it shine through. I love you girl!!! - Heather - client who has used Jane Iredale, Juice Beauty, boudoir photography makeup, makeup lessons and halloween services.