How to hire a makeup artist
A makeup artist does event, bridal and photographic makeup — where a trial before the day is the single thing that prevents the most common disappointments.
What the job usually involves
- Bridal makeup, including the wedding party.
- Event and special occasion makeup.
- Photographic and film makeup.
- Trials and consultations.
- Lessons in applying your own.
What to ask before you agree to anything
- Is a trial included, and when should we do it?
- Do you travel to me, and is there a travel charge?
- How long do you need per person on the day?
- Do you work with my skin tone and skin type regularly — can I see examples?
- Are lashes included, and do you use single-use applicators?
- What is the deposit, and what is the cancellation policy?
Warning signs
- No trial offered for a wedding.
- A portfolio with no examples of skin tones like yours.
- Products applied directly from the container to multiple clients without decanting.
- No written booking confirmation for an event date.
Common questions
Do I need a makeup trial before my wedding?
Yes, and ideally in similar lighting to the day, with a photograph taken afterwards to see how it reads on camera. A trial is where you find out that what looks right in the mirror looks different in photographs — which is exactly the problem you are paying to avoid.
How far in advance should I book a wedding makeup artist?
Popular artists book out months ahead for peak wedding season, so as soon as you have a date and venue. Book the trial early enough to have time to change artist if it is not right.
How long does bridal makeup take on the day?
Plan on roughly an hour for the bride and a shorter slot per additional person, and build in buffer time. Ask your artist to work back from the photography start time rather than the ceremony time.
How does Region Beacon work for makeup artists?
You describe the job once. The first nearby business that takes it gets your details and contacts you; nobody else does. You deal with whoever you pick directly, and you pay them directly — Region Beacon never handles the money and takes no commission, so nothing is added to your price for using it.
How do I know if a makeup artist's quote is fair?
Get more than one. A single quote tells you what one business charges; three tell you what the job is worth where you live. Ask each for the same scope in writing, and treat a quote far below the others as probably missing something rather than a bargain.
Get quotes from makeup artists near you
Describe the job once and the first nearby business to take it contacts you. Only that one gets your details, no commission is added, and your details are not sold on to anyone.