How to Find your Wedding Makeup Artist

There was a time when makeup was an afterthought. You’d book your bridal hair services at a salon and request makeup services secondarily. You’d find a converted hair stylist assuming the title of “makeup artist” that you’d then entrust to do your and your bridal party’s faces. Seventy-five bucks, ok, if you got a bargain, maybe $65, and that would get you bridal makeup that your fiancé could probably do better.

I was in my sister’s wedding before I became a full-blown makeup artist, and I remember seeing the makeup job that one of her bridesmaids had gotten at the salon we went to. She had to touch up her makeup before the wedding even started.

Makeup has morphed into an understanding amongst brides-to-be as being on-par with the importance of the right hair style. That’s great news, because when the camera is up close and personal with your face, don’t you want to look your very best? After all, these pictures will be all over social media, living room mantles, and bedroom walls for decades.

That being said, I’ve put together a general guide to help you in making your decision to book me as your MUA:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR: While searching for your MUA, you’ll find a range of prices. Your wedding is definitely NOT the time to price shop. Can you trust the $50 job to be there on your big day? Will your makeup last all day? Will it look good? Will they end up bailing for a better gig? Yes, you’re on a budget. Yes, you’ve already spent money on the photographer, caterer, and band. But, do you really want to cut corners on the way you and your bridal party will look on the wedding day? A few extra bucks may in fact be worth it in the end. As a guideline, use this in making your decision: “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.”
HYGEINE. Often overlooked, this is one of the most important criteria when selecting a makeup artist. If you’re anything like me, the last thing you want is to get pink eye or a cold sore, right? Is your makeup artist certified in hygienic practices? Has he/she been trained in proper sanitation? You’d be surprised; many are not. Do you want someone working on you who double dips, and then you run the risk of infection? I received my certification from the Lia Schorr Institute of Cosmetic Skincare in NYC. No need to worry.
COMMUNICATION. You’ll be communicating with your makeup artist countless times over a fairly long time span. Look for someone who is responsive, professional, and friendly. The experience goes way beyond the wedding day.
WHATS IN YOUR KIT? That high-end HD foundation. Those super pigmented eyeshadows. That expensive lipstick. They all cost a makeup artist a pretty penny, but a quality makeup artist sees the value in quality products. Those same products will go on your face. Wouldn’t you rather spend a bit more for quality?
EXPERIENCE. Is now the time to hope that your friend’s little sister will deliver the results you want? Not really. Now is the time when experience really counts. You’ll spend a little more on a senior hair colorist, an award-winning chef, and you should with an experienced makeup artist.