How do you choose the right makeup artist for your wedding?

A wedding makeup artist can ensure a flawless look on your big day. Finding the perfect person isn’t all about price, though. Here are tips for choosing the right makeup artist for your wedding:

Research before reaching out. Wedding makeup artists should have an online presence with portfolios of their work. Find someone with an aesthetic you love.
Read reviews. You want a wedding makeup artist who’ll be on time, do beautiful work, and add a positive vibe to your day. Pay attention if previous clients report bad experiences with a makeup artist.
Consider skin tones. If your bridal party has a range of skin tones, make sure your wedding makeup artist and assistants are experienced and talented working with everyone.
Is your top pick available on your date? If so, put down a deposit to secure their services.
Confirm rates and payment. Clearly discuss prices and payment plans, and sign a detailed contract so there are no surprises on your wedding day.

Do I need a makeup artist for my wedding?

There are no rules around your wedding day, and that means it’s your choice whether to have a wedding makeup artist. If you’re on the fence about hiring a wedding makeup artist, consider the pros and cons. Some women decide against a wedding makeup artist to save money. The national average cost for a wedding makeup artist is $70-$100, which is an expense some women prefer to do without. Other women just don’t love wearing makeup. Some brides have friends or family members who are talented makeup artists willing to provide their services. If you choose not to have a wedding makeup artist, be sure to do at least two trial runs of your makeup look well before the wedding day to avoid any morning-of panic.

On the other hand, a wedding makeup artist can make the bride feel pampered and confident, giving her a flawless, fabulous look for the ceremony and reception and in wedding photos. For brides who are uncomfortable with heavy makeup, many wedding makeup artists usually excel at the natural look. Many brides consider wedding makeup part of the ritual and tradition of the ceremony, a shared experience with the entire bridal party. Ultimately your choice of whether to hire a wedding makeup artist should be based on what will make you feel most confident and happy.

How much do wedding makeup artists cost?

A wedding means love, celebration and tons of wedding photos. Professional wedding makeup artists have you looking your best on your big day and forever after in your wedding photos. The national average cost for a wedding makeup artist is $70-$100, although this price can increase based on your location, the extent of the makeup services and the reputation of the makeup artist. Most wedding makeup artists offer discounts to brides who book group services for their maids, mothers and flower girls at the same time. Wedding makeup artists who also do wedding hair usually offer package rates for hair and makeup combos. Here are some examples of average wedding makeup pricing:

Bridal makeup: $85-$125. Pricing often includes full face, eyes, lips, brows and false eyelashes. Airbrush makeup may be an additional $20 or more.
Bridal hair and makeup: $150-$200.
Bridesmaid and bridal party makeup: $50-$100 per person.
Bridesmaid hair and makeup: $100-$150.
Flower girl makeup: $25-$35.
Trial sessions: $60-$120, depending on the makeup artist. Some charge their full rate and others charge a partial rate for trial makeup services.
Hourly rates to stay on and keep makeup touched up throughout reception: $35-$75 per hour.
Travel fees: 50 cents to $1 per additional mile beyond a set radius — such as 50 miles.

How much should you tip a wedding makeup artist?

Wedding makeup artists ensure you and your bridal party are looking your best bright and early on your wedding day. Tipping a wedding makeup artist for their hard work is standard practice, and is also greatly appreciated. A tip of 15 percent to 20 percent of the total bill is appropriate. You may consider tipping extra if the makeup artist or someone on their team went above and beyond — for example, squeezing in Aunt Martha at the last second or redoing a flower girl’s hair free of charge after she dunked it in the fountain.

A gratuity is a reflection of a job well done, so if the wedding makeup artist was late, did a shoddy job or didn’t provide all the services you negotiated, you are not required to tip. Talk with your wedding makeup artist prior to the event to ask how they prefer payment and gratuity to be handled. Can you pay by credit card the day of the event and include a tip then? Do you need to pay in cash the day of the event? Find out ahead of time how to manage payment for services so you can be prepared with cash or credit cards as needed. Even better, delegate the task of payment to someone in your bridal party so you can just enjoy your day.

Sandra G.

Verified review

What an amazing makeup artist! I have gotten my makeup done by many makeup artist and none of them have done a job like Leticia. She takes her time doing your makeup and perfects it to your liking.

Annie W.

Sabrina was awesome! This was my first time working with her and through thumbtack. A little nervous (since I wasn't sure if I could really rely on the site and wasn't sure about hiring a complete stranger.) Sabrina came though. She was on time and very professional. I had a wedding to attend today, and needed to look good. Prior to the event, I had numerous conversations with her via phone, texting, and email about the hair style and makeup look I wanted. She was very easy to talk to, and very comfortable to work with. When I posted a question to her, she usually got back to me with in a couple of minutes. If not, she got back to me within a hour or two for sure (this was important to me because I needed to know if she was reliable. And she was). I am Asian. I know how hard it is to find an makeup artist really know how to do makeup right on Asians (another important point to me was to find someone that knows how to do makeup on an Asian lady). Sabrina was both for me. With Sabrina, I am totally happy with the way my hair and makeup came out today. I highly recommend her. I would certainly work with her again if I need my hair and makeup done in the future.

Andrea J.

I hired Ashley as my makeup artist for my wedding and I am sincerely happy I did! I recieved so many compliments about my makeup, including my photographer. I wanted airbrush makeup with dramatic eyes and soft lips and that is exactly what she gave me! I was thoroughly impressed with how well prepared she was. She also did my matron of honors makeup last minute and she looked gorgeous! Ashley is very professional and has an amazing personality! I can't wait for her to do my makeup again for future events. I HIGHLY recommend Ashley Baclesse!

Nathan J.

Rebecca is an absolute professional. She went above and beyond to help staff 5 Makeup Artists in both LA and Las Vegas. She and her team needed very little hand-holding, and produced high quality makeup at an affordable rate.

Veronica D.

I am so happy to have found Julie as my makeup artist. If there was one thing I was really stressed about for my wedding it was the makeup. I wanted to look like me and not a cakey overdone mess. I was so worried about it that I made up my mind, after already acquiring quotes which included Julie, that I would do my own makeup even though I knew that would stress me out even more. But my bridesmaids still wanted there makeup done so I went on the hunt again and luckily Julie was still available. I set up a consultation with Julie and told her the change of plans that it would be for my bridesmaids only and after seeing her work on my sister who very rarely wears makeup I was so impressed and excited that I changed my mind once again. I absolutely loved loved loved my makeup I was so happy to look like myself but just a little more glam haha. I felt comfortable and confident. She was so sweet and flexible especially at the end when we had to add more girls and some wanted specifics. Her and her assistant were so great and I would definitely definitely recommend and book Julie again. :)

Jannette V.

Absolutely wonderful to work with! Another makeup artist cancelled on me just hours before and ruba was quick to respond to me with 2 available times she could squeeze us in! She was so wonderful and helpful my daughter looked gorgeous!! Thank you so much for being so professional and just downright awesomeness Her work was awesome! And always responded back super fast. Thank you 😊!!!!!!

Sherry S.

Rachel is an outstanding hair stylist and makeup artist. Her work is phenomenal. She has cut and colored my hair several times and always does an excellent job. I would highly recommend her.

Victoria R.

I don't know much about makeup and always struggle with what foundation works best with my skin. Vanessa knew what colors to apply and the right amount of foundation. She's brilliant at knowing the right shades for skin tone. I should have gone to her years ago. Her recommendation really made a difference in my daily life and confidence. In the past I've always been frustrated with makeup artists who didn't listen to me. Vanessa takes her time with you there's no rush which is a breathe of fresh air. She's so kind and listens.

Sara C.

I did a makeup trial for my upcoming wedding with Perfectly Radiant and was very satisfied! She was quick to respond with any questions I had, and was punctual on the day of as well. While doing the makeup, she checked with me multiple times to see if it was too heavy, which was very appreciated since I prefer more natural makeup. She was also able to style my hair according to the pictures I sent her. I had an engagement shoot after the trial, and the makeup stayed on all day! (We were shooting outside around downtown LA, and I sweat A LOT--my fiancé was amazed that the makeup stayed on too haha.) I would definitely recommend doing a trial with Perfectly Radiant.

Gabriel R.

Samantha is an exceptional makeup artist who I've hired several times and will do so again in the future. I am a commercial producer and I've hired Samantha for shoots for eBay, Levis and others. Her work is top notch. She is always on time, hard working and delivers the look we are going for. She is a genuine and warm person who loves what she does and gets along with everyone. She has a great knack for connecting with her subjects on a personal level and if you've worked with her once, you'll want to do so again.

Vibha R.

Paru is a fantastic makeup artist! She traveled all the way to my apartment to get me ready for a photo shoot , and it could not have turned out better. She knew exactly how to pick colors that complimented my cool undertones, and she's an expert at giving you a clean and natural finish that plays up your best features and that will give your photos a timeless look (which is perfect for those of us who don't like the heavily contoured, Instagram/Kylie Jenner-inspired look that many other makeup artists do). Paru's rates are very reasonable, especially considering how she travels TO YOU! She uses high-quality makeup brands like Anastasia, and she cleans all her tools after every single customer (a BIG plus for a germaphobe like me lol). I was very pleased with how my makeup turned out. I would totally use Paru again and would recommend her to anyone.

Bobbie L.

Lorena did an amazing job, I could not have been happier with the way my hair and makeup turned out. She came to do my hair, but because I was running late she offered to do my makeup for me too. It was super last minute, but she was still prepared and did an amazing job. My prom hair and makeup was on point. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs their hair and makeup done. Great job, and she was very nice. She was able to make good conversation and it helped keep things from being awkward. I had a wonderful experience, and she helped make my prom night that much more memorable. Thanks again girl! Great job 👌👍👍

Thumbtack Customer

I needed a last minute hair and makeup artist for our company event and I was so happy I found Lesley! Not knowing exactly how I wanted to look, she took the lead and created her work of art. She did an absolutely flawless job! She worked with my skin type, and easily blended the perfect color of foundation for my skin tone. She's super cool with a calming presence. I've received a lot of compliments about my look the entire night. I'd definitely recommend her!

Shaika H.

Luz and her makeup artist were amazing. I had an Indian outfit for my wedding and they were able to bring my look to life and were so sweet and easy to get along with. My mom looked great too! Thanks!!!

Kristle S.

Raina did my makeup for my bridal shower. She did an amazing job! I love the quality of her work. She was very responsive to me when I first started my search for a makeup artist and it made it easy for me to book her right away. I got so many compliments on my makeup at the party! She’s easy to work with and talk to. Thank you Raina!

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