M.A.C. cosmetics?

MAC is the bomb!!! It is one of the best makeup lines out there IMO. I havent been to yours but they are all great, they go through extensive training.

you will have to buy $40 worth of cosmetics or pay for your makeup session...its either or...they dont typically do trials for free.

i have gotten a few makeovers there and loved what they did

Lots of people swear by MAC, including several of my girlfriends who use it as stage make up (they are actresses). My Mom loves it too and she is particular.

They have a MAC store here in OC too. But, I've been by there a few times...the makeup looks very heavy and thick. I want to look nice for my photos, but I also want to look real! I have thought about having a trial done with them first, even if I have to pay for it...just to see if it has a pancake feel and make sure it won't drive me crazy. Just like picking a hairstylist, I would do a trial run first. Good luck!

I've gotten a makeover once with MAC makeup when I was MOH for a bride who had hers done too and we both looked FABULOUS. I agree about the pancake-feeling, I rarely wear anything on my face - only powder occasionally, and I'm sure if I make that clear it won't be an issue.

Right now I'm choosing between someone who will come out to me who uses MAC ($$$ and poor customer service so far), vs. going to a MAC store or counter (cheaper but slightly more of a risk, and more hassle-factor).

Does anyone know if the MAC artists are required to have training or certifications?

I do believe they are trained and have to go through some sort of MAC certification process.

I am hiring a free-lance MAC makeup artist....which will be easier than having to go to a store. I am not sure how to find them though...perhaps look up makeup artists in you area and start asking if they use MAC or know of someone that is a freelance artist

I'd say it depends on the individual make up artist. The products are very good quality, and they all get the same training, but it's like anything else artistic - it's all about personal taste. I've had vastly different experiences at different M.A.C. counters and stores with different make up artists. Some really listened to what I wanted and gave me a look I liked while explaining their techniques so I could recreate it at home, and some just steamrolled me and gave me what THEY wanted. Look for someone who's wearing a make up style that you like, who is receptive to your ideas and has good listening skills. That way you'll have a better chance of getting exactly the look you want.

Hi, I am a Freelance Makeup Artist who uses 100% MAC Cosmetics in my kit. I swear by their makeup, it is specially designed to last for hours on the skin under all sorts of different circumstances. Make sure the artist uses a Primer on your skin, this will assist with keeping the makeup in place your whole day. They have a large variety of finishes for the skin, so if "the cakey feeling" is an issue, request a lighter finish. M.A.C. Artists do go for training before applying makeup, although they are not required to be licensed in it, just certified. One difference with hiring a freelance artist, as opposed to an over the counter artist is that you can request their portfolio and references. This allows you to get a better idea of what experience they have with bridal makeup.

I did, in my area and it was horrible, I looked like a drag queen, I kid you not, but you may have better luck then me, good luck, although I do love their makeup, I guess it was the person.

What you want for superior photographs is PRINT makeup and a print makeup artist - skilled in lighting for publications and using what is known as, CAMERA READY products. Retail cosmetics are not print level and cause flash back and distortion into the camera...they're made primarily with SPF that is a sunscreen product - that use is to flash the sun back and deflect it from burning you. This ingredient can make you look shiney, showcase wrinkles and acne further. My opinion, as a print makeup artist is, of course, biased. I have worked years as a print makeup artist, however, and cannot recommend retail products for your expensive bridal portraits. I use hollywood and cinema/movie quality products made for the motion picture, professional print and HDTV media. Keep these things in mind when hiring a makeup artist for your bridal makeup. MAC sells cosmetics...that is there number one focus - not serving the brides needs, IMHO.

To answer the question regarding Licensing or Certification. Licensing is only required if you are working in a spa or medical spa, as well as workign with or as an Esthetician...that is the specific license. Certifcation is not a used in the industry. You can print out a "certification" on any piece of paper and be "certified" it is not a legal instrument or even considered as any proof of "training". The majority of professional makeup artists, historically and working int he industry today are self taught. The more famous ones like Kevin Aucoin, Dick Page, Billyb, etc are all self taught. The only time you you usually encounter formal schooling and training is a special effects F/X makeup artist working in the Union. Those skills are a specialty.

I cannot imagine why a bride would choose to run to a cosmetic counter on her wedding day. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider doing your own bridal makeup...

1)It is the most budget friendly. No fees, tips or travel fees spent for a makeup artist.

2)Your makeup will be done when & where you want

3)It is the most private. No strangers watching you as you are getting made up.

4)It is the most convenient. No traveling to & from a salon or store in any type of weather.

5)It is the most reliable. No worrying that the makeup artist is running late or won’t show up.

6)You'll already have all the makeup you might need for touchups at no additional cost.

7)It is the most sanitary. The makeup & brushes will only be used on you.

8)You can practice & change your look as many times as you like at no additional cost.

9)You won't be talked into a look or products to purchase that you are not comfortable with.

10)If in doubt your family & friends will be right there to assist you.

Hi Vivacious, I am a former MAC makeup artist and the "pancake" look primarily stays on the artists faces. we're required to wear all that makeup, but we're all very skilled and if you tell any of them what exactly you're looking for, they will deliver. they have roughly 10 different foundations, a few of them with very sheer coverage, so you wont get that cakey look or feel.

All MAC artists go through very thorough training and a certification process (certified by MAC, not the state board of cosmetology). Depending on which state you live in, a makeup artist license is required for any artist or skin care specialist to touch your face. however, most states do not require it. I've worked for other lines and I have to admit MAC not only has the best products, but the employees are far more trained than any other line.

Good luck!!

Lauren

www.laurenmorreale.com

Well! My wedding 9/9/09. It is popular day. I m looking around for good makeup artist since my skin is not good. I went 5 makeup artists I spent some much money. ;-( and also I just went to Mac in burlingame. I don't like the makeup that they applied for me, they can not do the airbrush for my bad skin, and also they can not do the hair. One of girl who works at the Mac store give me www.wowpretty.com Card. Well! I went with JIRA/wowpretty.com . I love her. the prices are reasonable $450 for makeup and hair, 15 experiences, 16 stylists and Airbrush.

Try it girl.

I haven't had bridal makeup done with MAC before, but I did use it for awhile as a normal use makeup and only had a few problems, mostly it was with the foundation not matching my skin tone well enough. This might not be much of an issue for a big event where you want to look picture perfect anyway, but my personal preference is to have something that makes me look like me, just minus the normal imperfections my face usually has. I now use Bare Escentuals loose powder mineral makeup, they have a whole line of products and I've been REALLY happy with them so far, they blend so much that you can't even tell you're wearing makeup, but it does wonders at the same time and I'm pretty sure it's really healthy and natural, too.

Hope this helps!

I have a friend who is a makeup artist at MAC...she did go through extensive training. However, my suggestion to you would be to definitely try your look way before the wedding so you can see if you like how that brand of makeup feels on your face and most importantly if you like how the makeup artist applied it. I also know that The Body Shop stores will do make-up as well...you just need to make sure they have an artist onsite or you can choose to go the home base business route. As an independent consultant for The Body Shop At Home, my job is to bring the products to you and teach you on how to choose colors and apply the makeup to give you a professional look. We also now have a Nature's Minerals product line which includes foundation, cheek colors, and eye colors. I love the minerals makeup! It is great for sensitive skin and will give you the natural look.

www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/kathleenq

MAC products are great but as with anything it comes down to the person that does the makeover for you. As I read earlier it is sometimes easier to book a freelance artist as you can ask for references and portfolio pics. All MAC artists do receive some training but everyone has their own styles and it really comes down to finding someone that best suits you! All the best in your makeup artist search!

Ok, I'm a makeup artist, so I'm probably biased but I really recommend getting a freelance artist who is experienced and works directly with the bridal industry. I used to manage two different makeup counters in malls and let me tell you, they are all about the sales! However, that doesn't mean that you won't meet one that is willing to work on the side with you and come do your makeup for you. Just ask them if they do work outside the store in their free time. MAC is a great line, but the comments I've read from other artists are correct that they are not the best for photographs b/c of the SPF. And most of my clients have mentioned the "cakey" feeling of those who have tried it. With a freelancer, you can find someone who can airbrush (so light you don't even feel it!) and who can provide portfolios and references. Be prepared to pay, though. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for so it's best to get all the knowledge you can before hand in a trial.

I personally don't don't wear MAC but my bridesmaids had their makeup done at a MAC counter and their makeup looked fantastic. In my photos on this site I think I have a picture with all my girls, you can see how they looked. Just be sure you makeup looks a lot like you usually do it though, the last thing you want it to not look like yourself.

I am in Houston, but I worked for MAC for 6 years. The artists are well trained and educated. You'll get the best job going to a MAC than any other make-up counter or store. Have a trial and see if you like it, then you can always ask the artist if they freelance.

To comment on MAC not being camera ready, there is some camera ready. You can look at my photos, it's all MAC makeup. Only house held cameras pickup the reflection, not professional equipment. As far as the pancake feel, you want to think about how you want to look. Do you want to look like a celebrity on the red carpet at the golden globes? Or like you just did your own makeup? Why pay for a makeup artist if you don't want the skills of the artist. The makeup may feel heavy, but your pictures will be flawless and you will look at those the rest of your life. You only have to wear it for one day.