Does ethnicity of MUA matter?

I don't think the ethnicity of the MUA matters as much as their experience with working with various skin tones. When I was looking for a MUA, I make sure to look at their portfolios to see if they had a wide range of clients with varying skin tones because my bridal party is really diverse.

It matters!!! Training really matters. And please take pics with a heavy flash if you have a trial. Sometimes it'll look okay in person, but with browner skin you really want to make sure everything will be okay with flash photography if your wedding is in the evening.

Best wishes with you're hunt.

I think it matters that they know how to work with your skin and features, not that they are actually your SAME ethnicity.

Just make sure they have experience working on darker skin, and have makeup that will work with your skin tone.

Thanks for all the advice and the outpouring of support! Retrospectively, the way I worded my question may not have been the best, but I'm glad you ladies understood where I was coming from. I will speak to the contenders regarding their comfort level and experience, and will definitely take some flash heavy photos (great tip for any bride and something I'd never thought of-- thanks @NelsonsGirl!)

Erica, try and look for a MUA that focuses in Indian complexions. They usually can handle dark skin tones since Indian skintone varies almost as much as blacks. I would be wary of MUAs who don't have an darker skintones in their portfolio. Often they struggle to make colors show up and will over apply or they have issues with color matching.

Also, I see you're in El Paso. I quickly looked at Munaluchi Bride to see if there was anyone in your area (that's my go to source). But I also found the El Paso Black Business Network while searching. The EPBBN was recently looking for personal care professionals including make-up artist. See here:

http://blackelpaso.com/?p=49

Maybe email them and see if they have any contacts/recommendations: ****@*****.***

It's worth a try.... I can't vouch for them (I live in NYC) but I personally understand your desire to find a professional who has quality experience with your skin tone.

The MUA's ethnicity does not matter, it's the ethnicity of the majority of their clients that should matter to you. I wouldn't hire a MUA who does not have plenty of black brides on her resume. The thing about makeup is that you get better with practice, and the work is very different across skin tones, so if their practice is mainly on non-black brides then as a black person you won't get the best of them.

ETA: typo

Great question!

I prefer someone that looks like me.

There are plenty of licensed beauticians that cannot do natural hair. Other professions are no different.

I have done clients of all skin types/colors for many different occasions, that said, not everyone will have experience with all skin types/color depending on region and specialty. But a good make up artist will have education in color theory and will be able to match you skin tone and find complementary colors that will bring attention to which ever feature you prefer. Just find someone professional and look at their portfolio. If you don't see what you need, try someone else.