Hire makeup artist from retailer? (such as Sephora or Ulta)

They might have issues with conflicting interests- so I'd be VERY careful about approaching them unless you have a working relationship with them.

I know for sure at MAC there are people who work there part time as free lance artists- you could ask the manager for a list of their free lance artists- I can't speak to Sephora or Ulta- but I can promise you if you go in there often enough and you talk to some of the make up girls regularly- you can get one on board.

I would only hire them if they did it as a side job too. In the store they have all of the store's products at their fingertips, if they were coming to you they'd need a supply of their own.

My best friend used someone who worked at ULTA we went to high school with him so we knew he was good but everything worked out for her.

I worked at Ulta and was approached a few times to do make-up on the side. I wasn't aloud to sell myself as a freelance MUA and I had to be very careful that my manager didn't know I was taking side jobs. This was because technically they do offer MUA services at Ulta. I would assume Sephora and MAC are the same way. MAC girls always go way to intense for me, did you know that they are required to wear 5 eye shadow shades with every eye look? No thank you, ha.

Many of them are not actually makeup artists, just retail workers with a little training. Not certified muas....I wouldn't do it because my training encompasses things like understanding which ingredients cause reactions in people, color theory, photography principles and how to make certain features look good in photos, which products will an won't photograph well, I could go on forever...but unless you know the person and see their liscenses, I would not hire them.

I wouldn't...only because I've suspected what @mrjonesandme mentioned and experienced it somewhat. I know Sephora seems to be really pushing their makeover services lately (and you get them free if you are a member of their "VIB" program, which I am). I went in recently for assistance on lipstick since I pretty much never wear any and needed something for photos. Seemed simple and basic. Nope. The "color expert" they gave me used some device against my skin to let their computer tell her what colors she should use on me (instead of just looking at me and my skin tone and using her "expertise"!) and her application of the lipstick was horrendous. I mean, she lined my lips practically twice the size they are! When I turned around to show FH, the look on his face was priceless...HILARIOUS. I looked like a clown. The girl had absolutely no idea what she was doing. All that to say...seems like a good idea, but beware.

Exactly what Swolemates said- you have to be REALLY careful at places like that- conflict of interest.

If you DO approach them- make sure you've talked to them before (regularly) and that it's really what they do and are licensed to do so.

Definitely a "buyer beware" situation.

I have a friend who does freelance and works in sephora (she's amazing, did my engagement party make up), I would go into the store and find the girl who has the best make up on*

* I know this sounds strange but at least you know she can do make up*

Talk to her let her know you're getting a feel for makeup since you'll be needing your make up done soon, feel her out, if she seems interested and engaged, go for the kill (i.e-slip her your business card or a way to contact you).

But do it on the low, and def. get a trial done even if she applied your make up in the store, their lighting is off.

I'd look for a real MUA; many of the counter workers are not trained cosmeticians, who have to be licensed in many states.

I'd look for a real MUA; many of the counter workers are not trained cosmeticians, who have to be licensed in many states.

@Diana - hahaa that's not strange to me at all! When I'm walking through a local department store around the makeup counters through the gauntlet of makeover specialists, I take note of their makeup and mentally point out who I would never let near me with a makeup brush!

Just an FYI there is no license or certificate to be a "real" make-up artist. Yes you can go to a fancy make-up school, or receive an esthetics or cosmetology license, but none of these things qualify you as a professional MUA. I am a licensed esthetician but I only got my license to offer other services to brides such as waxing. I was working for years professionally before I became licensed. And honestly they taught me nothing at school about make-up that I didn't already know you, actually they had me "teach" a few of the sections. And the girls that I know that have gone through cosmetology school rarely know what they are doing. No I didn't have $10,000 to spend on a fancy make-up school, but that's okay because it's not anything legally that I need. Time practicing, natural talent, knowing the proper sanitation guidelines, and clients paying for your service is what makes a MUA a "professional". Trust me, I WISH there was a license out there we had to get to be a MUA, it would keep the retail workers, wannabes, and youtube "make-up artists" away. It would also ensure that anyone applying make-up knows the proper sanitation guidelines.

I'm sorry, that was a rant, but it really gets to me when people misrepresent what a true MUA is.

You can find some great MUA's working retail, it pays the bills.

I feel like, if those ladies are even trained, it's just for going out for a couple hours, not an 8-10 hour long wedding day. Plus, since you're having a summer wedding I'm guessing you're planning for hot weather -- I would go with airbrush if I were you, which I doubt those ladies know how to do

My makeup was done at one of our local retailers. I had to buy $35 worth of product and my makeup was done for free. I went in a couple months before for a trial to make sure the girl was good.

ETA: My MUA was a smashbox rep and only smashbox products were used. It lasted all day and was still in place the next morning.

Our MUA for my wedding last Saturday is an employee at Sephora who freelances she was amazing!! But she was a mutual friend that's how I contacted her. I don't think they're "allowed" to, so I would be discreet when asking them if you don't know them personally.

Thank you all!! I have a lot to consider. For now, I think I'll stick to finding a professional MUA. Again, thanks!

Hey Jamie,

I am going to agree with SwoleMates2016. As a makeup artist myself, there is no need ever for a license. However, there is definitely the need to go for a professional MUA and beauty shop. This is something myself (and my current teammates) had to understand very quickly when we got into the bridal business. Main reasons:

1) When I was a freelancer or independent artist, I realized that if I was to get sick or in an accident the day of the wedding, there will be NO back up to cover the wedding. So this business required me to work as a team. No matter how reliable a person is, accidents CAN happen and it can happen on someone's big day

2) Many venues require a COI (certificate of insurance) for vendors who enter the venue premises, in case you are getting ready in the bridal suite of the venue

3) People spend quite a bit of money on food and venue. Unfortunately the venue & food are what will be enjoyed & forgotten. But you do have to see those pictures for the rest of your life. I always say be the pickiest and invest the most in your photography and your look: dress, hair, makeup & a great pair of shoes

I would hire them as a freelancer - Have a trial with them (outside of the workplace) and book your day with them so they can take the time off in order to do your makeup on the day of.

I'm not sure about them. I do not know anyone who has had experience with them. I will say I work for Mary Kay and we help our customers learn how to apply the makeup. I can actually apply it for you but I don't think you live near me. However, if you would like to take a look at our skin care products to help prep your skin for the big day, please visit my website www.marykay.com/hsnoke. I can work with you to find a customized skin care routine. Thank you and good luck on finding a make up artist!

I don't know about them too, but once I hired a make up artist for my friend's b-day party from here: www.hirerush.com/anywhere/service/makeup-artist There are a lot of them, so I had a wide range to choose from. You can arrange the time with some make up artists which you like the most to discuss the details of the make up and then choose the most suitable one for you, if you want. Cause I think it's a very important decision.