Is a makeup artist really worth it?

First, MAC products are fine, as per the posts above. Most of the stylists I work with have used them. And yes, I am upset at the tone of your posts. They seem really disrespectful to all of the makeup artists in your area, almost like you are having a public tantrum that they do not want to give you a free trial. I do agree with you that you should not just trust photos on websites. The best way to find your vendors has always been and remains through word of mouth from people who you know well and trust. I will agree with you that Vegas is different from my area. Most of the vendors in my area do not give anything away for free before signing contracts--no free tastings for people just looking, etc. so maybe this is just a regional difference. Good luck with your search.

Well I havent contacted all of the artists in my area, the ones I have did not offer a portion of the trial to goes towards my wedding day. After contacting a few I decided to get some opinions on the differences, thats why i posted. I cant speak for anyone else. I feel that there should be something in it for the both of us. Unfortunately Ive read some of the views and it gives me even more mixed emotions, some have really great posts and then a few reviews down, someone had a horrible experience. I dont know anyone personally who has had the need to use a makeup artist. I dont go out, dont drink, dont smoke, and that pertty much places me out of the circle of friends that Ive had from high school. I went to the military after graduating so my maturity and personal growth is that of a 30 year old. My only associates are women in there 30-50s who use Mary Kay and other brands like it.

My point is, is it worth going to a pricey makeup artists and pay in the end around $250 or will I get the same effect and long last if I go to the MAC store. I hear most makeup artists specialize in MAC application. Wouldnt a sales person in Mac have that same experience? And the great thing is I pay a portion on the price and leave with all the products used on me to try and duplicate the look for touch ups or even at home use?

Mrs. Smith...Just be careful. You said you would go home with all the makeup they use. In my experience Mac does not just give you the makeup. If you want it, the whole set they use on you could cost you upwards of $200 anyway. Maybe it is different in Vegas, but in my experience they don't give you anything and you have to buy at least $50 in product. This isn't to be mean or discourage you, I just don't want you to go in thinking one thing to find out something completely different. I would just double check with your local MAC stores/counters.

Oh and whenever I have gotten my makeup done at MAC it has lasted throughout the night. The pics in my profile were taken aroun 8 at night, I had m makeup done first thing around 11 am, then my hair, going to dinner...etc.So yes, in my experience it does last pretty well. The only thing I ever touch up is my lipstick/gloss.

LOL! Lovelyunique! 2 mellissa, i know you have to purchase $50 worth of product, but hey, Im getting some product and they're doing my makeup for free!! Thanks so much you guys! Even photogirl. i would never want to waste anyones time, I would never go get makeup done just for fun, and some may do that like they try on wedding dresses at Kleinfeilds but I just dont want to get f'd over. im sure anyone who had a horrible experience feels my pain. i made all the mistakes that this life has for me with my first husband...no room for extras, even something as simple as my makeup! LOL. Congrats to all the brides and thanks for all the great replies

Michelle I just looked at your pics, Thats what Im looking for, the highlights and cheek stuff(blush) in the right place...Nothing too dramatic. Just nothing that looks like I did it myself. Flawless. I think Im going to check mac out at Town square while I shop today! they have an actual store, and parlor in the center. I love the icy look on your eyes.

Having never done a MAC makeup session, I am curious. I remember some other makeup place that was in malls for a long time when I was younger and I have been to the dept. store (i.e. Macy's, etc) for sessions, too. Do you make an appt. with these MAC people? I cannot imagine just walking in the morning of your wedding without that. What if you got behind some other girl with the same idea and she's brought along her mom, FMIL, and entire wedding party? Forgive me for not knowing. I do see the benefit of having pro airbrushing, though. My sons have modeled since they were very young, and even those boys have something applied for shoots and their hair styled; always by pros that the studio and photogs hire.

Mrs Smith (1) I'm pretty sure that the folks who work at the MAC counter and other makeup counters have to go through some pretty decent training or at least show some demonstration of their skills. Also someone told me that MAC makeup is stage makeup so it stays on pretty well. I actually use MAC foundation, blush and lipgloss in tandem with my Mary Kay products.

(2) Have you considered asking a makeup artist to sit in or observe a session? That way you don't have to just go by online pictures (although I'm sure they have a portfolio you can look through) and you can see first hand the quality of their work without having to pay $100 for a trial.

Ladylee: I was looking for someone who would let me sit in, but i also read in posts that most makeup artist wont do that so their actual client doesnt feel uncomfortable, and are able to relax and enjoy their pampering.

In fact at most sites you visit, they clearly state they will come to you for all your make up needs so that you donthave to worry about "other" people in the way, watching, or asking questions

Well i guess that makes sense.

Ugh, been there, done that. I feel your pain! I had 2 horrible trials and 1 good one. Each cost me almost the full day-of-makeup price as each makeup girl said they have to use the same products, etc. I agree, with the MAC counter girls, they are more than qualified and do waaaay better than the 2 bad so-called make up girls I had a trial with. The only thing is, I didn't have time to go to the mall to get my makeup done, so I ended up shelling out the money to have someone come to me. While she was great, it was still in my mind overpriced for that service.

I'd say, if you have the time, go to the MAC counter. If not, try doing it yourself, but I totally recommend getting the trial-run. It saved me from looking like an 80's drag queen on my wedding day!

You can also try posting on Wedding4Bid.com and have makeup artists bid on your job. You might get lucky and it will save tons of time.

Good luck!

~ Tee

www.WeddingNerd.com

I TOTALLY get what you mean. I also am facing the same dilema. I do not want to pay an outrageous fee like $100 for a trial run when I may not even like it. I don't understand this. I suppose maybe they're concerned that you are just trying to get a free make up job for an event you have that day, so if that's the concern then why don't they just inform you that if you like it and want to book you can keep the make up on but if you decide not to book, then you must remove the make up befor eyou leave the salon? And if you book you have to leave a nonrefundable deposit? I wouldn't mind doing that if I love the job they did.

I understand being apprehensive about spending the money b/c when you're paying for a wedding you have a mounting stack of expenses. But you know these people are in the service industry. This is how they make their money. If they book an appointment with you, they need to be compensated for it. that's how they make their living. Not everyone caters to the wedding industry. If you were getting hair and/or makeup done any other time, you'd pay for it. If you are looking for a new job, the interview is the consultation. You're not going to do any work without being paid.

I think one very inmportant thing to look for when shopping for a makeup artist is "read the reveiws" they can be very helpful and informative.

In the end when you do your calculations the makeup artist is more than likely the least expensive part of your wedding costs. Remember you are the focus of the event and your photographs will be a reminder.

Thankyou kindly Stephanie Well said as always.

Brides to be the article on my blog is helpful.

In an attempt to help you decide if hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day is really for you.

Congrats to you all!

MrsSmith...LMAO about Mary Kay consultants being stalkers. My sister had a little Mary Kay chick who she bought items from and then I started buying items from her and OMG...she would not stop calling us!!! She would call for every little thing, seeing if we need new items, seeing how our items are working out...I mean, don't get me wrong, it's nice to call and ask...but when we have already answered the question the first time, STOP! She also called us for our birthdays, Christmas, New Years, St. Patricks Day, Valentine's Day, etc...any holiday you can think of! LoL.

I would say pay the extra money for a makeup person. My friend that just got married had one and she did have a trial, but wow... she looked horrible! It was so caked on and the fake eye lashes were horrible! Better yet you could barley even see her eyes! I am doing my own makeup, but I don't want to look different on my wedding day... I have a few things to make me look better for the wedding day... haha! I am a MaryKay girl... promise no stalker here!

Well ladies I went to the Mac store in Town Square today, The ladies were very helpful and guess what? Almost all of them are freelance makeup artists when they're not there (One does all the makeup for Cirque D Soleil and a few other shows on the strip) .... Someone was there getting her makeup done for her wedding and might I say..she looked like she stepped out of a magazine! Friggin gorgeous!!! The eyelashes looked so real and neat, she looked like a barbie doll! The store was crowded and there was like 10 artists putting on makeup but the music was on and it was a great atmosphere. Guess how much for a trial..$50, and I keep the lashes and a free mascara of choice. On my wedding day...same $50!!! Thats what Im talking about!! Thanks for all the responses.

They have a private studio in the back of the store that looks like a spa, so its closed off and quiet with no interuptions!!!

GO TO MAC, I think ts worth it.