Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Makeup Artist FAQ's
I've always realized that clients ask us makeup artists a whole lot of questions, and they're excellent questions too! Just thought it would be interesting to share what the top few are...
#1) What are your rates?
Basically, makeup artists can charge whatever they want! Most of us base what we charge according to our experience. If we are doing really well, have a great reputation, graduated from a top school, travelling all over the place, and carry only the best products in our kit, we don't tend to be cheap! I also think that I'm affordable, so I promise not to break your bank account. Plus school..... clients have to understand that our excellent training was pretty expensive, but worth it! Make-up artists who are just beginning their career, will usually do your makeup free in exchange for photos! That's how we all started!
#2) Why is the price you charge based on the occasion?
Our pricing is ALWAYS based on occasion. We charge the most for weddings because it's the most important occasion of all. We have to take our time to make you look perfectly flawless! We basically have to pamper you. It's like a once in a lifetime sort of thing so we really have to make your experience special! We do not rush when we're working on our brides! We really take our time..... minimum 40 minutes..... maximum 1 hour on just their makeup.
#3) Do FREE make-up trials mean that the artist isn't necessarily that good?
NO! I've done a whole lot of free make-up trials simply because I truly believe that I've got great skills and that I will not be turned down. It's worked everytime! Most of us usually do charge $30-$60 for a consultation.
#4) Is a deposit required after a consultation? And how much?
Yes, but only if you loved your makeup of coarse! It depends. From 10% up to 50% of the total price your makeup artist is charging you.
#5) Do Makeup Artists provide touch up kits?
We usually tell brides to buy their own lipstick, mascara & compact for powdering because those items shouldn't be shared. Sometimes I'll give them a small container with the lipstick color I've applied on them just incase they need the usual touch-up for after I'm gone. Blotting paper is actually better than powdering because powdering too much can make skin start to look chalky. If you're really worried about ruining your makeup if you do your own touch-ups, it's best to hire us for your entire wedding day. After all, it's just one day, your most important day! We'll make you feel like the princess you know you are!
#6) What if we don't know what look we want on our special day?
I suggest to clients that they look through magazines and look for several make-up photos of their favorite celebrities/models . Then they should show us and that way we'll know exactly what is wanted. We then try up to 3 or 4 of those looks until the bride really makes up her mind. If the client doesn't bring us tear sheets, we usually bring our portfolios and our own tear sheets which are usually in portfolio form and then they're able to pick something out.
#1) What are your rates?
Basically, makeup artists can charge whatever they want! Most of us base what we charge according to our experience. If we are doing really well, have a great reputation, graduated from a top school, travelling all over the place, and carry only the best products in our kit, we don't tend to be cheap! I also think that I'm affordable, so I promise not to break your bank account. Plus school..... clients have to understand that our excellent training was pretty expensive, but worth it! Make-up artists who are just beginning their career, will usually do your makeup free in exchange for photos! That's how we all started!
#2) Why is the price you charge based on the occasion?
Our pricing is ALWAYS based on occasion. We charge the most for weddings because it's the most important occasion of all. We have to take our time to make you look perfectly flawless! We basically have to pamper you. It's like a once in a lifetime sort of thing so we really have to make your experience special! We do not rush when we're working on our brides! We really take our time..... minimum 40 minutes..... maximum 1 hour on just their makeup.
#3) Do FREE make-up trials mean that the artist isn't necessarily that good?
NO! I've done a whole lot of free make-up trials simply because I truly believe that I've got great skills and that I will not be turned down. It's worked everytime! Most of us usually do charge $30-$60 for a consultation.
#4) Is a deposit required after a consultation? And how much?
Yes, but only if you loved your makeup of coarse! It depends. From 10% up to 50% of the total price your makeup artist is charging you.
#5) Do Makeup Artists provide touch up kits?
We usually tell brides to buy their own lipstick, mascara & compact for powdering because those items shouldn't be shared. Sometimes I'll give them a small container with the lipstick color I've applied on them just incase they need the usual touch-up for after I'm gone. Blotting paper is actually better than powdering because powdering too much can make skin start to look chalky. If you're really worried about ruining your makeup if you do your own touch-ups, it's best to hire us for your entire wedding day. After all, it's just one day, your most important day! We'll make you feel like the princess you know you are!
#6) What if we don't know what look we want on our special day?
I suggest to clients that they look through magazines and look for several make-up photos of their favorite celebrities/models . Then they should show us and that way we'll know exactly what is wanted. We then try up to 3 or 4 of those looks until the bride really makes up her mind. If the client doesn't bring us tear sheets, we usually bring our portfolios and our own tear sheets which are usually in portfolio form and then they're able to pick something out.
