Choosing the right makeup artist for your wedding

Planning a wedding is hard enough but now you must find someone to give you that flawless look on your special day. Don't panic. Here are some considerations that can make your decision easier.

Popularity can mislead

Going after the ‘big name’ makeup artists can sometimes disappoint. Resist the urge to choose blindly and dig a little deeper to ensure the makeup artist is the right match for you. Yes social media is a great indicator of social proof but bear in mind that not all that glitters is gold. Social media platforms give us numerous tools such as filters that do a lot to enhance our images. While this is good for marketing purposes, you may be fooled into thinking someone is technically sound, when in truth they are just savvy with a few Google Play apps. Therefore what you see online and what you see before your eyes might be worlds apart. This is why consultations with potential makeup artists is important.

In choosing a makeup artist it is best to take a close look at their work and not just rely on number of likes. Close here, might mean paying for trail makeup to get a sense of what the artist can deliver. Is the style and technique applied, right for you? Your wedding is a big deal and the last thing you want on such a big day is a botched makeup job.

Some makeup artists apply very heavy makeup, some too light and others are in the happy medium. Be Goldilocks and find what’s right for you.

Think about the look that you want to achieve and ensure your selection is based on that reason more so than the ratings of the makeup artist.

Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words and well taken images are hard to beat but do the due diligence of shopping around.

An artist might be good at his/her craft but not be the right fit for you and your situation. Its your wedding and you deserve the best and best is what looks right but also feels right.

Small portfolio but big on talent

As a freelance makeup artist, it is difficult to secure clients and it becomes even harder when the artists' portfolio is small. You as the potential client must decide on whether to approach budding artists or target well established makeup artists with tons of photos to show.

Does a small or rather non-existent bridal portfolio mean the artist is not credible? No, but the beauty industry is a ‘show not tell’ type of business and it is a hard sell when trying to build a portfolio.

One advantage you may have with working with an up and coming makeup artist, is their attentiveness in achieving your desired look and might also charge a smaller fee as big bucks come with big proof. All in all it is your wedding and if you are shy about taking this route, no one should blame you.

A good makeup artist with a small portfolio will eventually grow, so if there is product to be seen, peruse them before ruling the artist out. Sometimes less is indeed more and who knows you might find that golden nugget that becomes the deciding factor of who to choose.

Location is a factor

Most makeup artists travel to their clients but there are some that do not. Never assume but inquire about what arrangements will be put in place before making any agreement or paying a deposit. Will the makeup artist come to you on your wedding day or do you have to go to a specified location? You will need to factor these considerations in your selection.

Cheaper is not always better.

I know you might be on a tight budget and want to save when you can, but your face is not where you want to be cutting corners; unless its cutting creases and drawing wing liners.

You know the saying that you get what you pay for. That is often true but sometimes cheaper is just an artist’s way of quickly building a portfolio.

Nonetheless, more times than not, cheaper means weaker skills and technique. So, unless you plan on pulling off Alicia Key’s ‘new normal’ which is no makeup at all, you need to invest in a reasonably priced makeup service that will have you looking your best on that special day.

Reviews

Another good way of finding the right makeup artist is by listening and reading the reviews of others. Choosing a makeup artist based on referrals might be your best bet. It will be good if you can find somebody that knows somebody who knows a credible makeup artist and can attest to their skills.

So, while you may absorb the shock of poorly done birthday makeup; I doubt you will recover that easily from poorly executed bridal makeup. Given all that can go wrong on your wedding day; don’t let your face be one of them. Happy hunting.

Let me know if these tips were useful and if you would like more posts like this in the future. Comment below.

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