Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

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 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.

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.

Victoria B.

Verified review

I chose to use Krystal as my makeup artist for my wedding day. Crystal is extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cares about her clients. I loved that she listened to my thoughts and was able to incorporate my vision for my makeup into her work. She even assisted with a hair crisis just hours before the ceremony! I would definitely recommend her and use her again in the future.

Michelle M.

Blasina did an amazing job! I mostly wanted to use Mac makeup products and she did an incredible job mixing and blending. She has an extensive makeup kit and loved her special light that she uses when applying makeup. As u can see from the photo attached nothing had even been retouched yet and this photo was taken on an IPhone while we waited for my photographer to set up! She will be my go too makeup artist for all my photo shoots and hopefully, one day, my wedding as well:)

Jae M.

Jessica was extremely professional. She was so knowledgable when it came to the products and any questions we had. She did an outstanding job and everyone was beyond happy with her services and the outcome of the makeup and hair. Keep up the good work! She is my go to from now on.

Dianna B.

Mina is incredible! She is not only extremely professional and sweet she is also truly talented at makeup and hair. I was thoroughly impressed with her attention to detail at my recent photo-shoot. I would absolutely recommend Mina. She made me feel super relaxed and I had such a great time working with her! She's the sweetest and you will love her!!

Belle W.

My experience with Keralis and Courtney is always amazing. I was a frequent client of theirs at the MAC COUNTER ,I WAS SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THEM AGAIN! COURTNEY RECENTLY DOLLED ME UP FOR OUR MOST RECENT FAMILY PORTRAITS ! WHICH HAPPEN TO BE ON FATHERS DAY SO MY HUSBAND WAS A LITTLE TO EXCITED . I DEFIANTLY RECOMMEND THEM FOR ANY MAKEUP SERVICES OR BEAUTY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE ! MY BIRTHDAY IS AROUND THE CORNER , ILL DEFIANTLY BE NEEDED THEM SOON . XOXO

Wanda M.

Very quick response and accommodating/flexible with time. The makeup application was flawless, looking exactly how I envisioned! Very professional and knowledgeable on skincare and makeup. So happy! : )

Tatiana K.

Keka was amazing! I could not have asked for a better Makeup and Hair experience for my wedding. She was extremely professional and knowledgeable about what would looks would be ideal with my dress. Not only did she have great ideas, but she was so flexible. On my wedding day, one of my bridesmaids hair styles needed to be changed four different times. Keka was so calm and worked with her as we tried to find the right look for her-- we finally found the right one! Keka had a large amount of makeup products for a range of skin tones and skin types. My wedding makeup stayed on throughout the entire night! I danced all night and we had wedding pictures outside in the New York City heat in June. She was phenomenal! I could not have asked for a better experience.

Breanne B.

What can i say? It was absolutely the best makeup service that I have ever had. Not only were Isca and Becky extremely flexible, but they showed up with smiles the day of my wedding ready to tackle makeup and hair for 12 girls! They made my wedding day absolutely stress free, fun and they made me feel and look like a million bucks! :) Thank you Isca for your professionalism and amazing talent.

Regina G.

Anthony was available on short notice to do my 14-year-old daughters makeup for her 8th graduation party. My daughter was very nervous, as this was her first time wearing a full face of makeup, but Anthony made her very comfortable. Anthony’s application was age appropriate, natural, classy, and Dad approved. Anthony included a lip-gloss and makeup sponge for touch ups, but her make up lasted all night; no touch-ups required. She received so many compliments from her friends (and their Moms). She was truly the belle of the ball.

Toksie A.

Tai-lo was very professional from the moment I reached out to her for makeup services. She has a warm personality that kept me relaxed on my special day. She took her time and communicated with me as she worked. My makeup was flawless and yet I looked like myself (which I liked). I will be using her again and referring her to other.

Brittany M.

Brittany is amazing! She is the only person I will go to with make up questions or beauty tips! Brittany helped transform my workday drab to a face and hair ready for the New Kids on the Block concert! She helped me pick out the best tones to bring out my features and as she was doing my makeup she explained what the product was and how to apply it properly so that I could do it myself in the future! She is fantastic! Really knows what she is doing and I would recommend her to anybody! She is very professional and if I could afford to have my own Glam Squad she would be on the top of my list! If you book with Fox In Cotton you are definitely getting every penny worth!

Cristina P.

Stellar job - proficient and professional. I would recommend Morgan (BeautyxGeorgia) for any friend or family member of my own. She takes her time in the beautification process and valued me, truly made me feel like I was her priority and did an awesome job on my hair and makeup for an unplanned event with quick response time. I will be referring her to anyone and everyone I know needing style advice and guidance, as she was extremely informative as to how to better care for my hair with tips and tricks to keeping my make up fresh and luminous! Thanks so much!!!

Malaika K.

Shayron did my makeup for my 32nd birthday and it was perfect! She was on time, very professional and did a great job. The pictures came out great. Can’t wait for her to did it again!

Nicole B.

Angela was the consummate professional. She answered all of my questions prior to securing her services and made me feel that she was the right person for me. On the day of the appointment she was very prompt and well organized to do my makeup (i.e. ensuring the lighting was right, had all of her own equipment and asked to see my outfit before applying makeup - by the way this was for my 50th birthday (I'm a young at heart 50 and she nailed it))! My makeup was exquisite. I seriously hated to wash my face at the end of the night. I received compliments on how beautiful I looked all evening and provided references to friends. I would hire Angela again in a heartbeat and you should too! You will not be disappointed!

Chelsea A.

Aicha did such an amazing job on my makeup for my cousin's wedding. She was very professional and on time. I plan on having her do my makeup for any event that I have in the future. She won't disappoint you! Thanks again for everything 😊😊

GRECIA M.

Monica is a miracle worker when it comes to makeup! She made me feel BEAUTIFUL. She was extremely calming and fun to work with. She is a true professional and arrived to the location on time, followed a set schedule and told me exactly what she needed in terms of space, lighting, etc. She created looks for 4 people including myself. Each of us were OBSESSED with how our makeup turned out! My makeup lasted ALL NIGHT even after taking photos and and dancing all night. I would 100% recommend Monica to anyone and I would love to work with her for future events.

Kristine P.

Sade was very professional, arrived on time, even stayed a little longer. Received a lot of compliments about how talented she was, everyone was extremely happy with her work. Will definitely use her in the future!

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