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Katie CottonCompany Owner
Cotton Rouge Photography Makeup Artist, Hair Artist, Wardrobe Stylist With over 22 years of experience in the beauty industry, Katie Cotton has honed a unique skill set that blends artistry with empathy, making her a go-to choice for clients seeking a flawless, personalized experience. As the founder and owner of Cotton Rouge & Company, Katie is passionate about creating an inclusive community of talented artists while delivering exceptional beauty services for special events, weddings, editorial shoots, and the commercial production world. In addition to leading her team, she launched Cotton Rouge Photo in 2010, focusing on women’s portraits such as boudoir, maternity, and professional headshots.
Growing up surrounded by theatrical design, Katie’s love for the transformative power of beauty began backstage. What started as doing makeup on friends in high school and studying makeup design and theatre in college soon turned into a thriving career in Los Angeles, where she worked on large-scale productions and with countless celebrities, experiences that sharpened her artistry and professionalism. But after the birth of her first child, she and her husband Greg chose Greenville as a place to build a more grounded life. It was there that Katie discovered her true passion — working with brides and clients who don’t always sit in a makeup chair, and giving them the same superstar experience she once reserved for red carpets and sets. That approach has since become the heart of her artistry: treating every client like they deserve the spotlight. Since then, her work has taken her across the globe for weddings, onto local news broadcasts to share beauty trends, and onto stages at national conventions where she’s spoken to photographers and wedding professionals alike. She also plays an active role in the Greenville community as the Key Makeup Artist for Greenville Fashion Week, a ten-year featured business in The Scout Guide Greenville, and the founder of the Rouge Ball, an annual event raising funds for the National Eating Disorders Association. When asked about her love for the beauty industry, Katie says, “It’s all about making people feel amazing about themselves and seeing them in a whole new light.” And when it comes to Cotton Rouge & Company, she’s equally passionate about the community she’s helped build, saying, “I’m so honored that so many talented artists have chosen to identify with this brand, and I’m thrilled that I can bring work to those artists while doing what I love.” Katie's Favorite Beauty Products: Makeup: Natasha Denona—her all-time favorite brand for its quality and versatility. From concealers to eyeshadows, amazing! Hair: Kenra and Redken—her go-to brands for creating flawless styles that last. Texture spray is a must! Underrated: Face Atelier—an amazing Canadian foundation brand that’s not as widely known but a must-have for any pro makeup kit. Signature Look: Elevated natural to soft glam. Go-To Beauty Tip: Skincare must be a priority for beautiful skin. Liquid eyeshadows for long-lasting, crease-free results—perfect for all skin types! Personal Style: Elevated minimalism with an edge, balanced by moments of over-the-top glamour when she feels like it. Coffee Order: A PSL all the way (but only “half sweet”!) or a refreshing milk Thai tea with boba in the summer. When she’s not transforming clients, Katie loves exploring the outdoors—from the beach to the mountains—and spending quality time with her family. She’s also ambidextrous, which explains her lightning-fast skills! For Katie, beauty is about transformation, but it’s also about connection—connecting with her clients, connecting with her team, and embracing the ever-changing journey of the beauty world. |
Katie did all of the hair/makeup for our wedding and she was AMAZING. She listened to what each of us wanted and absolutely nailed it. Most of my party was Asian, and so I was initially worried with how the makeup would turn out since Asian facial features are different. However, she did an AMAZING job. She is also incredibly efficient but also at the same time never made us feel rushed. I have never felt more beautiful. - Audrey, 2024 Katie, my husband told me I was the most beautiful bride there ever was and my father told me how beautiful all my bridesmaids were on our wedding day. As the bride tribe knows, YOU were our ace up our sleeves. Thank you so much for all your efforts and hard work towards preparing for our wedding day. You are personable, talented, and understanding that while all brides have different visuals of how they will look during the big day - the perfect look for the aisle is VERY important. Thanks for helping me look my absolute best to marry my husband." - Laurel, Married June 2018 |
Katie has got it! I worked with Katie in a number of different capacities through my wedding planning journey including a trial run I used for bridal portraits and a private boudoir shoot as a gift for my groom. By the time the day of came around I felt more than comfortable with Katie. We had many girls getting hmu and an early start time. Never once had a worry. She made me feel so beautiful without covering up true beauty or making me feel fake or uncomfortable in any way. Exactly what I wanted. - Rickell, 2023 I can not sing Katie Cotton’s praises enough! I worked with her for my boudoir photos which was such an amazing experience that I had to book her team for my wedding hair and makeup too!! She is beyond talented and has such a great eye for beauty! She makes you feel absolutely beautiful! I recommend Katie and her team to every bride. Thank you so much Katie! You are wonderful!!!" - Leah, Married April 2019 |