Professional makeup vs DIY

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone knows the average cost for getting your makeup done professionally? I was thinking of trying to do my makeup myself, but it seems like quality makeup is expensive. So I'm wondering if you add on the fact that a makeup artist would know what they're doing, and that I'd probably never wear makeup I bought myself again, if it would be more worth while to hire one. I don't wear makeup very often, sometimes eyeshadow and maybe lipgloss, so I'm not very good at putting it on. I'm esspiacally terrible at cover up, which seems important for the big day. My bridesmaids also have never really put makeup on anyone else and only one really wears makeup on a regular basis. I'm sure with practise though and watching those instructional videos on youtube I would look alright on my wedding day. So basically, I'm wondering if having a makeup artist would be worth the cost over buying my own makeup, or should I start practising now to get it down for the big day?

Posted On: Jun 24, 2009 at 1:54 AM | Vendors are allowed to participate

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Kristina G.
Community Superstar

Wedding: 05/30/2010

27 Comments | Login or Signup to post a comment!


victorianroseinc
Community Megastar

Granny's Bridal Boutique
Posted On: Jun 24, 2009 at 2:35 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
Hello Kristina and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I am not a makeup artist, but in my opinion, on your wedding day, you will want to be "picture perfect".
If I were you, I would hire a makeup artist to do yours and your bridesmaids makeup.
In our area, I know that Gene Juarez does an exceptional job with makeup and you can get your hair and nails done at the same time; maybe even a spa treatment.

CelticChick831
Community Megastar

Married: 10/17/2009
Reviews: 7
Posted On: Jun 24, 2009 at 9:37 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
Im having an outdoor wedding so the makeup does not have to be as heavy as if I were having an indoor one so I am doing my own makeup using mineral makeup from ELF, AVON and some regular makeup from covergirl. I like the mineral makeup because its kinda hard to mess up and it feels light. But you do need to put a bit more on then you would on a normal day just for the photos. As for the cost it depends on the salon you go to. There is a high end salon by me that charged $50 for a half hour lesson (paid for me and my BM's so we could do our own) and for a bridal application it was $75-$100 I think. Just shop arround.

Michelle P.
Community Superstar

Married: 06/27/2009
Reviews: 1
Posted On: Jun 24, 2009 at 9:52 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
After I looked into the cost of buying the "good makeup" and the stress of making sure it was applied correctyly, I decieded to spend the $45 dollars and have my makeup done. I know that you also need to have it alittle darker than normal for the pictures and I would have had a hard time doing that myself, because I wear my makeup really light.

CaboBride09
Community Megastar

Married: 07/18/2009
Posted On: Jun 24, 2009 at 10:04 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
I too am getting married outdoors - my friend was supposed to be coming to our wedding to do my makeup, but she can't make the trip with us. I hired a make up artist through the spa at the resort JUST IN CASE - but my friend has been giving me personal lessons. If I feel comfortable doing it myself, then I will - I have been practicing and applying my make up every weekend, and so far so good. It really depends on your comfort level with applying your makeup. I think if you seriously want to do it on your own, start taking classes, getting tips from magazines and get to practicing. As the wedding approaches and you don't feel comfortable, hire a make up artist. Check out the MAC website - I took a class with them earlier this year at the local Nordstroms (dept store) they go all over - you have plenty of time! GOOD LUCK!

Kari95630
Community Superstar

Married: 10/03/2009
Reviews: 1
Posted On: Jun 24, 2009 at 4:47 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Kristina, I disagree with the girl who mentioned the mineral makeup- don't use it! It reflects in photographs and will end up making you look shiny. I'd stick to the professionals and not stress about it!

CelticChick831
Community Megastar

Married: 10/17/2009
Reviews: 7
Posted On: Jun 24, 2009 at 4:55 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
there are two types of makeup, mat and glittery. Stay away from the kind that says illuminating or glow and the reflective shine issue the last poster stated will not be an issue. I only use mineral make up now because I had more shine issues using normal makeup then I do now. I also have a mineral booser product that helps set makeup and absorbs oil.
This could be part of the PP paroblem but I found that most store brand mineral makeup all have reflective particles in them. Its the kind you order like mirabella that have the nice clean mat finishes.

Liz Varenne
Community Superstar

Liz Varenne Makeup
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 8:39 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
Hi Kristina,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Just want to give you a Makeup Artists perspective on the high cost of our services. Most professional makeup artists have been trained to do makeup in a way that is most flattering to the individual, and also to last for a substantial amount of time. Correct tools and high end products also complement the expertise. Time and travel to your locations are also part of the equation. You hire professionals to take care of all of the other parts of your big day-a makeup artist compliments these services. If you do decide to do your own makeup, first of all, know what you are getting into when buying product-unless you go to Sephora, where the staff does not work on commission, you will probably be buying things you don't need! Practice on yourself, and take pictures wearing white in different lights from different distances. Use water resistant products, and don't go too heavy on cover or foundation and see how they look after wear-GL!

Tonya89
Community Megastar

Married: 08/22/2009
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 9:49 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
Hi Kristina,
Im going thou the same problem. I do my makeup on a dayley bases but I want to look picture perfect on my wedding day, Im only spending 40$ on my makeup to be done with mineral makeup.
I have to say thou if your wanting to do it your self, spend the money and learn how to do it yourself because thous are skills every woman needs, and it would make you feel super hott and give you more confidence in your self.
If you go to the vendors section on here(weddingwire) put in your zip code and click on the beauty and health and it will come up with vendors near you, give them all a call to price=]

Future Mrs.Schmidt
Community Megastar

Wedding: 08/07/2010
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 3:01 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I would suggust a trial and error tatic, You can do your make up however you think will look good for the big day, with the help of a experienced friend, and then head outside and start snapping pics of you and our dolled up face, that way you'll be able to get an idea of what your make up looks like on camera, if you think it wasn't bad, but needed a little more, head back inside, add a little more of what ever you need, A few make up tips I have:
When you put on eyeliner, It may seem like alot in the mirror, but in pictures, it really makes your eyes stand out.
Haven't tried, but have heard, that if you line the inner rim of your eyes with white eyeliner, will make your eyes look bigger, (not sure how this works if you also have outer eyeliner)
After I have put on my foundation, I add blush next, after I use the bluch brush, my cheeks are little more red..

zara1201
Community Superstar

Married: 07/04/2009
Reviews: 2
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 3:19 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
The makeup artist for my wedding is charging $100 for the me the bride since i get a trial and my make up is a little more important. The bridesmaids and mom's are all $50 a piece, flower girl $25. This was the cheapest I could find. I got a quote from someone that was twice as much. I would encourage anyone to get a makeup artist, your face will be in all your pictures! It's just as important as having a hair dresser do your hair to me at least. Another thing to think about is lighting. My photographer encouraged a makeup artist that has done weddings before because the lighting can take out pigmentation thus needing a little something on your face. I was in a wedding party where we all went to the clinique counter and had our makeup done. You just need to spend $25-$35 on makeup But you could just get the lipgloss or lipstick they use on you to touch up later. I would double check on cost on this though, you can do this at any makeup counter in a mall. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Stephanie B.
Community Newcomer

Married: 08/08/2009
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 6:53 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
before you spend alot of money getting your make up done... look into glamour shots...they do your make up and your hair for free and usually run specials so you get a free picture with option to buy..its a wonderful for the small budget wedding :)but you can only book up to 17 days in advance sadly:(
good luck!

Kristina G.
Community Superstar

Wedding: 05/30/2010
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 8:48 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Thanks for all of the advice! It's all been really helpful ^^. I'm still not completely sure which direction I'll take (it'll probably depend on our budget as we get closer), but I think it's a good idea to start practising and playing with ideas. If nothing else I'll at least have a few more make up skills, which is something every girl should have, right? ;)

Karka H.
Community Megastar

Karla Howland
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 9:12 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Hi and congrats on your wedding. Getting your makeup done by a professional not only takes some stress out of the day, but you get to be pampered on your special day. Also, please please dont get your makeup done by Glamour Shots. Nothing wrong with them for photos, but the makeup is pretty much caked on. Someone suggested make some calls-see what mua in your area charge and if they offer airbrush makeup. This would be your best bet-hope this helps.

AmyLeigh
Community Superstar

Married: 10/03/2009
Reviews: 5
Posted On: Jun 25, 2009 at 10:59 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I went to my sister's wedding this past weekend in southern Illinois, and she had to cancel her professional make up appointment (for various reasons), and my mom ended up doing her skin stuff, while I did her lips and eyes. I have to say, she looked fantastic!
I was debating between regular professional makeup job or airbrush for my own wedding, and now I think I will have my mom do it! She used Sheer Cover, with their Base Perfecter, and then the normal concealer and mineral powder that they sell. My sister's skin looked flawless. And in the insane humidity of southern Illinois, it didn't shine, and yet you couldn't see any powder. I've used sheer cover myself, and it did in fact come out looking shiny in pictures (maybe also I was sweating - I was dancing). Can anyone weigh in on this? I was really impressed, especially b/c the trial run my sister did at the beauty salon with "all mineral makeup" looked awful - just pasted on.


The Blushing Bride
Community Megastar

The Blushing Bride Cosmetics®
Posted On: Jun 30, 2009 at 12:51 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Kristina,
On the one side, since you are not too likely to use the makeup you purchase again, hiring a makeup artist would be a good way to spend that portion of your budget. You will not have to worry about how well you can apply the makeup. You will still need to purchase a lipstick and/or lipgloss and some powder for touchups.
On the other side, by spending your budget on the makeup basics (primer, foundation, powder, blush, mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick) and taking the time to practice applying them, you will gain a skill that will benefit you the rest of your life, whether you wear makeup every day or just a few times a year.
I suggest starting with one item, say the foundation, and practice that until you are happy with the results. Then move on to powder and then blush, etc.

Lizzie M.
Community Headliner

Glam 2 Go Mobile Beauty Service
Posted On: Jun 30, 2009 at 7:13 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Hi,
As a makeup artist we are trained to apply makeup for different looks, skin, seasons, and photography. Your everyday makeup photographs different and that's when a professional comes to play. You won't have to worry about buying makeup and one less thing to worry about on your wedding day. Trust me on the day off your wedding and once you get your pictures, you'll be happy you hired someone!
Good Luck and if you need any help feel free to contact us at myglam2go.com

BJohnson
Community Superstar

Becky Johnson Studios .com
Posted On: Jun 30, 2009 at 11:27 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
If you can work it into your budget - HIRE A PRO! A really good make-up artist/hair person is invaluable - and I am biased since I am a photographer! My make-up artist that I work with regularly is the best investment my brides make when it comes to looking good.
She has worked with me on portrait shoots, weddings and personal projects - her abilities far exceed what anyone else could do non-professionally. She uses MAC and airbrush application. My brides are not shiny, and their make-up lasts all night long. No rub-offs, no sweat-offs. She doubles as a hair person and can do both in 45 minutes. That also makes a difference when you are on tight time lines.
It also helps when you have someone who knows what they are doing - and it cuts down on any Photoshop time for me when I am cleaning up someone's face. You have my vote to invest in one if you can - and not just anyone, research to see who is best in your area.

weliz
Community Superstar

Married: 10/03/2009
Reviews: 7
Posted On: Jul 01, 2009 at 9:12 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
I'm in the same boat. If you don't already wear makeup often, I think you would be happier hiring a makeup artist, especially as you say you are not good at putting on what you do wear at this point. Plus, do you really have the time and energy to commit to practicing makeup between now and your wedding? Yes, you will have the stress of researching artists ahead of time, but for me that pales in comparison to the stress I know I'll have on the morning of the wedding, so having my makeup done for me will be one less thing on my to-do list (and to-pack list) that day. Once you find an artist you like (definitely do a trial!), she can also do your attendants that day if they want theirs done too.

Megan Garrison
Community Superstar

Megan Garrison Photography
Posted On: Jul 01, 2009 at 12:39 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Considering that you and your bridesmaids are not religious makeup wearers, I would look into contracting a makeup artist. I definitely think it would be worth the money! If you wanted a makeup artist for your bridesmaids you could also get them sessions and put it towards their gift. Some makeup counters (like at the mall) will quote you a price that is cheaper than using a makeup artist that you find using the internet. Good Luck! :)
Megan Garrison
Owner, Photographer
www.megangarrison.com

Rei
Community Superstar

Married: 08/22/2009
Posted On: Jul 01, 2009 at 3:07 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Don't pay a salon for it - I put a wanted ad in Craigslist for my local area and a local woman that does make-up sessions in her home replied. She is doing me on location and my bridesmaids for only $35 each. She did a consultation too to make sure I get what I want.

BJohnson
Community Superstar

Becky Johnson Studios .com
Posted On: Jul 01, 2009 at 4:33 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Just as an aside - some of the best make-up/hair people you can find, are not in a salon or at a make-up counter.
The girl I use has the majority of her experience on sets - models, magazines, videos... you have to really pump out work, know about the different kinds of make-up and how they are affected in front of a camera, and how to work in a high-stress, tight deadline atmosphere.
Those are some of the characteristics I find most appealing in a make-up/hair person.

megdalena
Community Superstar

Wedding: 05/21/2010
Posted On: Jul 01, 2009 at 4:38 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Doing your own make-up really depends on how you want it done. It sounds to me like your best bet would be to get your make-up done. Doing your own make-up, even with plenty of practice, could be a stress factor and a time cruncher. If you make an app and have a professional do it you'll be more likely to have more of a stress free day.

kt
Community Superstar

Married: 11/21/2009
Posted On: Jul 01, 2009 at 4:45 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
I'm looking into hiring someone. She charges $50 for the bride and $35/bridesmaid and she comes to you which is great. She also gives a free consultation. I heard that your makeup really needs to be done differently for pictures than what you would normally do and since you're spending so much on a photographer wouldn't you rather spend a little more to know that you will look your best in the pictures? That's my theory, plus the added bonus of not having to worry about it on my wedding day. On a side note, my friend got married last year and had her makeup done professionally for her engagement pictures and did it herself on her wedding day. She looked completely different. I would never tell her but her engagement pictures looked much better than her wedding pictures.

kdevi
Community Newcomer

Wedding: 03/13/2010
Posted On: Jul 01, 2009 at 8:17 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
i wish i could help with info on how to hire, but let me just say: DO NOT DO IT YOURSELF! wedding make application up is not like ordinary makeup application because it is designed to look good on camera etc. i've seen plenty of people get this wrong. this is going to be a day you will remember forever and it's the one day you want to be your most glamorous and beautiful.
good luck with your search

Artistic Soup
Community Superstar

Artistic Soup
Posted On: Jul 02, 2009 at 5:06 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
Highly recommend brides hire a professional. A pro will make it last for the day without putting it on to thick. If anyone wants a list of people we have worked with don't hesitate to contact www.artisticsoup.com

cindy s.
Community Headliner

Dylan Michael Cosmetics
Posted On: Jul 04, 2009 at 7:29 AM | Flag As Inappropriate
Hi Kiristina~
Congratulations!
As a makeup artist I can tell you there are (2) ways to go:
Many makeup artists have a studio location where you can have a makeup lesson and then purchase any products you would need for the big day. For me, there is no charge for the lesson since in most cases your purchase will offset the cost of the lesson. This way you have actual products for your money.....
On the other hand, hiring a makeup artist for the wedding day truly takes the stress off of you and your bridal party....We are trained in application techniques such as traditional application, acne/scar coverage,airbrush foundation, etc; that guarantee that the makeup will last beautifully through the entire day as well as be "photographer ready"....
Many makeup artists like myself offer wedding packages that help make things more affordable....Feel free to to contact me for further information.I also offer free trials to all brides.
www.dylanmichaelcosmetics.com.....


marcburgess
Community Megastar

Marc Burgess Photography
Posted On: Jul 09, 2009 at 3:52 PM | Flag As Inappropriate
There's always photoshop!
But, seriously, I'd recommend finding some professional that can work on your budget and do nice work for YOUR big day.
You certainly don't want to have to hassle with your own makeup that day.
Alot of bridesmaids help with makeup, but if they aren't up to par, is it worth cutting corners?
Best of luck!!
Marc Burgess

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