Does ethnicity of MUA matter?

I don't think it would really matter as long as they have make up to match anyone's skin tone. Send them pictures of the look you want and have a trial with them before your wedding day.

I would ask. I don't think the ethnicity of the makeup artist matters, but I definitely think you should ask whether they have experience working with clients with your skin tone.

I agree with Lori, I would just ask to make sure that they have experience working with your skin tone. I'm sure professional makeup artists are trained for every skin time, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Not necessarily, but you need to ask if the MUA has worked with X skintone before. A MUA may not work on clients of different ethnicity very often, so they may not have the correct makeup or know the right techniques to use.

I would just straight up ask them if they have experience with darker complexions. See if they have photos in their portfolio of clients with similar complexions to show you as well.

What kind of question is this? Super odd........

I would think any MUA would know what kind of makeup works best on various types of skin tones.

The ethnicity of the MUA doesn't matter but experience does. Training is one thing, people who have actually worked with darker skin tones is another. I'm lucky that here in NYC I can go to anyone and they are fine but I'd just ask what their experience is with women of color. They don't need a ton, but I wouldn't want to be someone's first for my wedding day ;-)

@AthenaKay it's actually a very good question. You'd be surprised how someone without knowledge of darker complexions can be clueless about makeup and techniques. Utterly clueless.

All of the artist I've looked at so far have zero black clients in their photo books, so that's not particularly reassuring, but thanks for the advice! I will contact those I'm considering to see how comfortable they feel/if they have the resources necessary.

Athena, I have no experience with makeup artist and you know what they say about making assumptions. It might sound silly to you, but when it comes to hair stylist, experience with ethnic hair isn't something everyone has. Just reaching out to other brides to see if the same concerns are valid with MUAs.

@Erica and Brian - I guess I was just thinking that MUA who is properly trained and has experience would know. I know I would have no clue, but a professional should know. You said it right that training and experience is what matters, not the MUA's ethnicity.

@AthenaKay it's odd to you because you've never experienced this as a white woman. You'd probably also think all hairstylists would know how to handle different hair types, but it took me until I was 26 years old to find someone who actually knew how to take care of my "ethnic" hair. ETA: and yes, ethnicity matters. I've actually had more than 1 white hairstylist state that they were not able to do my hair.

I don't think this is a weird question at all. Doing asian eyes are TOTALLY different from caucasian. My Mary Kay lady tried and she knew technically how to do it, but when she actually did my trial it wasn't great and I ended up DIY'ing my make-up. --Also MK reps aren't pros, I'm aware.

I would ask the MUA if they have experience for sure. It's not about skin tone, but about the different contouring...! A professional should be trained in all types, but experience is a whole other matter

Thank you for the lesson ladies

I'm Asian and run into a similar issue - MUAs that don't know how to work with Asian features will make me look like I got punched in both eyes and do super weird contouring. I agree with the other ladies that it's experience not ethnicity that matters. If there is ANY way you can schedule trial, I would do that for sure. I pulled together a "look-book" for my MUA of looks that I love and looks that I hate so they know where my head is at.

I am black...very fair skinned. My MUA is white and she did an excellent job. She has worked on all skin tones. You will just need to ask the MUA about their experience and see their portfolio especially working with an ethnic person. We have different pigments and tones that an experienced MUA would know how to match you to. For example: my undertones are yellow and she made sure to contour and highlight them.

I would see if they'd be willing to give you a discounted or free trial, too, if they don't have any pictures.

Obviously many white women don't even see why this is an issue, so having someone say "of course I can help" is kind of meaningless. And training is great-- but anyone who doesn't practice a skill is going to lose it. If a MUA only ever has white clients, they may not remember that one day they learned about other skin tones back in beauty school.

@AthenaKay yes in this case, ethnicity won't matter, skill will. With ethnic hair it can definitely be way more complicated and finding someone skilled can be a lot tougher. Even then, ethnicity doesn't necessarily matter but you often find more ethnic hairstylists dealing specifically with ethnic hair.

@Nye with makeup you shouldn't have to hunt as hard. The good thing is that in Texas you at least have women with darker complexions especially in El Paso. You may just have to do trials with a few people and see.

My ladies are all from different ethnic backgrounds, so I sought out an artist who had diverse ladies in her portfolio. However, my makeup artist is Asian and I am African American. Her ethnicity wasn't a factor and I didn't even know until we met for our trial.

Not with a good one. They know all nationalities and skin types

If they are really a professional they will know how to apply makeup on any skin color.