Is a makeup artist really worth it?

I would look around. I am paying $100 for a hair and make up artist and the trial for the bride is free. She also travels to me. Where are you located? I found mine searching the vendors on here and she has so many wonderful reviews. My concern with the ones in the mall is that if you dont like it you dont have a lot of time to re do it. Most of the time they do half the face and you have to pay for the other half to be done or by so much in products.

Im in las vegas, and there are so many to chose from! Im not sure who to go with. I dont want my hair done, just my makeup. I dont mind buying some products, that actually sounds like a better deal. lol

This is what I said at first.... but the way I look at it is that you are paying so much for that day, and so much for pictures of the day, that you don't wanna risk looking "bad". You know? Like why spend so much on a photographer if you aren't getting your makeup professionally done. With people in the mall you never know if you are getting someone who is out on the floor for their first day or someone who has 10 years of experience.... JMHO but I definitely get the cost thing some of them are ridiculous

Thanks!

The other issue I find is that sometimes people in the mall arent as hygienic. I worked for a company that sold make up and we did special events make up but we were extremely strict on hygiene. I had a girl come in who had her make up done by one of the mac type of girls and they had not been hygienic and she had broken out in spots and her skin itched immediately after. The products they used on her she had used previously so was not allergic too but obviously something hadnt been cleaned properly and had something she was allergic to on it.

I hear you, but professional makeup artist use the same makeup over an dover again on clients, and you never know how clean they are. I was planning on using an actual Mac store, not some kiosk

I suggest going to a cosmetology school first. The students are always looking to practice and show off their work (but they have instructors watching them so you don't have to worry). And best of all, it's cheap or possibly even free. And they will probably give you a make-up trial so you know what to expect. I have a friend who just graduated cosmetology school and she will be doing my make-up. She understands how light plays off the face, how to apply make-up for pictures, etc etc. I have skin issues and she is able to cover them up and make me look flawless!

Dear MrsSmith11: trust me, we are totally worth it! A trained makeup artist will make you look gorgeous for the photos (which you already invested a lot in, and which will stay with you forever - your grandchildren will be admiring your beauty one day!), but most importantly, your makeup will stay fresh all day if professionally applied! This is especially important in Las Vegas climate! Salesperson at the mall is a trained salesperson, not necessarily a makeup artist. Her function is to sell makeup for the company. She might do a nice work on your makeup, but it might fade away in 2 hours. Make sure to bring a bottle of "modelinabottle" makeup setting spray with you if you want to go the mall cosmetic counter: that way you can be sure your makeup will stay all day! You will find that makeup setting spray at www.forprincessbride.com . Good luck!!!

MrsSmith consider looking for a MaryKay consultant. They will help you pick out colors that look good on you and teach you how to apply it. The good thing about that is you'll have the makeup to do touchups if needed throughout the day. I met an MK consultant at a bridal show (I already have a consultant but I just met this lady) and she was telling me that she puts together a custom compact for her brides and she'll get together with them a couple of times to practice. And if they still don't feel confident she'll go out the day of and do their makeup for them. I have used MK since undergrad and I can't live without my custom compact. They look like this and you can fill it for $75 or less

No marykay, they are all stalkers!!!! And it doesnt stay all day, ive had a consultation

LMAO! My consultant doesn't stalk me. But I typically just go her website and order when I need something. Well it was just a thought

I think they are. Shop around and you should be able to find one to fit your budget. You want someone there after the photos (if you do them before the ceremony) and then to touch up your makeup before you take that wonderful walk down the isle.

LOL on the Mary Kay, I understand MrsSmith11....I love their skincare products and on an average day I am a lip gloss and mascara kind of girl. It took me three consultants to get them to understand that if I need something I will call you! I finally have a rep that understands and we are good to go. No stalker rep over here she respects me and I respect her.....LOL that was funny.

LOL, I didnt mean to offend anyone, Giving your info to a Mary kay rep is like posting your info on a free government grant or work from home site. They continuosly call, invite you to parties and beg for your friends and family info. I love Mary kay, I would die without my mineral foundation so I found a friend of my moms in Californa whom sells and i order from her website. But mary kAy to me, isnt glamorous honestly, Its everyday-wear and Im not looking for that on my wedding day. I want to look FAB-ulous, DIva-licious just at a more FRUFAl-listic price.

@Desertlight If i have to touch up my make up every few hours, then maybe I should just do it myself, i wonder how long does air brush really last?

Hi MrsSmith11,

Obviously, my answer is that makeup artists are worth the money. But just as with everything else, do your homework. Take the time to look through the artist's portfolio. It is best to hire someone with experience rather than a student. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to makeup. I always recommend airbrush makeup to my brides for several reasons. Airbrush makeup is flawless, lightweight, and long-lasting. You will not need to do touch-ups with it, and it photographs beautifully. It may be a bit more expensive than traditional makeup application, but it is well worth the added expense! Ask your makeup artist for a trial. Sometimes, the price for the trial becomes your deposit for the wedding day, and if you take the time to look at portfolios, then you should minimize having a bad trial.

I wish you the best!

I've had good and bad experiences with Mac. I agree with the person that said that you never know if it's the person's first day or if they have lots of experience. I don't think it would be a bad thing to try them out though. The times that I have gone to them where I live I just had to buy $40 worth of makeup so it would definitely be worth it if they do a good job. BUT if you can fit it in your budget I would still go with a pro since the makeup has to last all day.

If you have the time, maybe you can establish a relationship/rapport with a mac person that you feel comfortable with and that you trust. Maybe they do freelance too or find out their work schedule. Professionally applied makeup lasts longer.

Hi there..you can go to my blog and read what i wrote entitled. its worth reading

Bridal makeup artist-why you should hire one.

http://lorinansi.wordpress.com/

I think the main reason we normally charge for a trial is this...would you go into a salon and have say your hair and makeup done and walk out without being charged?

Also some makeup artist like myself travel to the brides home so they are more comfortable and have privacy rather than having other clients ect around watching them during trial or interrupting during the consultation.

Happy Hollidays everyone! and congrats!

I see the transformation as a third party. A good makeup artist is 110% worth the fees that you will pay.

Wedding I recently photographed, the bride had a large scar on her arm that she was self conscious about. He worked on the scar as well, and there weren't any pictures that I had to edit. Pay now, or pay later, your photographer will likely charge you for those edits if there is anything you want modified.