Wedding and Event Makeup

Find a makeup artist near Philadelphia, PA

Find a makeup artist near Philadelphia, PA

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Top 10 Makeup Artists near Philadelphia, PA

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Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

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 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.

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.
Reviews for Philadelphia makeup artists
Nikki W.
Best makeup artist I have ever worked with! My makeup was exactly like I wanted it and I looked good. I would definitely hire again.
Vintage Doll StudiozVintage Doll Studioz
Kathy C.
Jasmine took time to explain what she was doing each step of the way. She made me look natural and beautiful. She will be my makeup artist forever!
Vintage Doll StudiozVintage Doll Studioz
Estefania C.
The makeup artist was right on time and performed an amazing job. My makeup look for graduation looked stunning and lasted the whole day. The ceremony was on a sports field which means that I was sitting under the sun for almost 3 hours and the makeup remained intact, with no sweating or any kind of problem. I would definitely request their services again in the future.
VNC BeautyVNC Beauty
Stacie t.
Excellent! Easy to communicate with and very responsive. She was prompt and professional, but most importantly she is a a highly skilled makeup artist. Her work was truly flawless! Would recommend without hesitation!
SaraSara
Kat D.
What an amazing makeup artist. She gave me a wonderful natural glam look for a engagement party. She also provided a touch up kit to help my makeup stay all day long. I will definitely work with her for events I have coming up in the future.
Joelle phillips artistryJoelle phillips artistry
Leslie J.
Rachel is a very talented makeup artist! She’s professional and personable. She listened to what I wanted and executed it beautifully. I plan on using Rachel in the future and highly recommend her to others.
Rachel Bruno Makeup , Hair & PhotographyRachel Bruno Makeup , Hair & Photography
Tracy b.
Yolisa was very professional and very nice i don't usually wear makeup but she made me feel comfortable and her work is spectacular. Yolisa will be my go to make-up artist for now on.....
Makeup by YolisaMakeup by Yolisa
Julie M.
Kim was such a wonderful makeup artist. She catered and customized to each individual’s needs. She was patient and showed interest in clients requests. Kim traveled and was on time and I would recommend her to my friends any day.
Kim Kelly makeup ArtistryKim Kelly makeup Artistry
Mrs. S.
In a word: WOW! Joelle is an amazing makeup artist who created the PERFECT prom look for our daughter. She delivered a look that EXCEEDED our expectations: our daughter looked like she was ready for the red carpet. Joelle is WONDERFUL.
Joelle phillips artistryJoelle phillips artistry
Marlene D.
I absolutely loved kerah as my makeup artist !!! She is the one to trust on your special day she was very professional, very sweet and delivered fire 🔥 😂. Please don’t hesitate to hire her for your next special event .
Kerah KosmeticsKerah Kosmetics
Diane Y.
I had the privilege of having Mariel as my makeup artist. She was very professional and efficient. I was absolutely happy with her work. FLAWLESS! Many compliments 😇. I flew in from the bay area to attend a wedding in Philly. I put my full confidence in Mariel. I highly recommend her. I actually would fly in for a few hours just for Mariel to do my makeup again.
Beauty by Mariel - PhiladelphiaBeauty by Mariel - Philadelphia
Himasha G.
Rachel was amazing! She was on time and I she made me feel so comfortable throughout our session. I could not have asked for a better makeup artist for my special day and she did exactly what I asked from her and more!! Loved everything!!! 💗
Rachel Bruno Makeup , Hair & PhotographyRachel Bruno Makeup , Hair & Photography
Jess W.
Tjameika was amazing! She helped me with an early morning makeover and was so friendly and easy to work with. She listened to my ideas and made sure to make me look and feel my best. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a great makeup artist. Thanks Tjameika!
Cdiamonds CosmeticsCdiamonds Cosmetics
Akili A.
Jazmine is a highly talented professional who delivered what we asked for to perfection. She arrived early to set up with a fantastic attitude, was ready work when our model arrived, and delivered the exact look we were wanting. We couldn't have asked for a better makeup artist. We HIGHLY recommend this professional.
Vintage Doll StudiozVintage Doll Studioz
Michelle C.
Update to original review: Debbie did an amazing job for me and my whole bridal party for my wedding last weekend. She arrived early and completely prepared and was extremely responsive to the look everyone was going for. She did makeup for my family and friends in their 30s through their 60s and made everyone look amazing. I was so happy with how everyone looked, and I recommend Debbie to anyone looking for a makeup artist for their special event! I just had my makeup trial with Debbie and it was wonderful! She arrived early and fully prepared, and was a true pleasure to chat with during the trial. I'm not used to wearing much makeup and asked for a more natural look, and Debbie happily showed me a few different levels of coverage so that I could find what I was comfortable with. The more I keep looking in the mirror, the happier I am! I'll update the review after the wedding day, but I'm so excited to have Debbie doing my makeup for the event!
AElashes LLC -- Hair & MakeupAElashes LLC -- Hair & Makeup
Ryen N.
Sarah was great to work with, on time and such a sweet fun girl while doing my makeup. Not only does she do amazing work, she has an amazing personality. I was instantly comfortable with her. She was the first professional makeup artist to do my face and I couldn’t be happier. I got so many compliments and even after I took my lashes off after hours of dancing, it still looked amazing. I didn’t want to take it off! I definitely plan on hiring her again!
SaraSara
Bill S.
WOW!!! We hired Ashley as a last minute replacement for a magazine cover shoot that we were creating over the Labor Day Weekend. It was meant to be!!! We went into a panic when our makeup artist backed out - there was no need. She eased our tensions, her bubbly personality and professionalism combined with serious skills helped to create one of the best photo shoots we have ever participated in. EVERYONE wanted her card - models, hair, designers!!! The most experienced model didn't take her makeup off before leaving - I asked her why - she said she had never had anyone do her makeup as good as it was and she wanted to enjoy it!!! Thanks Ash!!! We will see you again! Bill & Kris
Eyez By AshEyez By Ash
OllO A.
I loved the great communication they offered.They we’re on top of everything, very reassuring.my artist Crystal was amazing, very knowledgeable,kind and calming.She made sure she gets what I want and was asking for feedback every step of the way.She are great suggestions too!I would definitely recommend makeup masters specially Crystal for anyone who wants to look and feel fabulous ❤️❤️
makeup mastersmakeup masters
Thumbtack Customer
Never received services from Tammi. Hired her in June, emailed her in June and July to do a re-trial on myself as well as my mother-in-law to be, but never heard back from her UP UNTIL 10:44 PM the night before my wedding!! Here's what her text read: "Sorry for calling and texting so late, just flew back in from work out of town and wanted to quickly touch base to confirm timeline for tomorrow for makeup. Please feel free to give me a call." How rude and insensitive. I figured I was scammed so I was forced to hire another make-up artist (which by the way was INCREDIBLE!!) I'm a firm believer of "Everything happens for a reason!" The morning (day of wedding) I texted her back and let her know I emailed her two times and never heard back and hired someone else. She stated she emailed me back. When we go to court, as she has threatened to do, I will request they go into her "sent" folder and find this email because the subject my original message was "9.13.13" her fabricated email didn't have my thread and her FWD subject field was "Re-trial." ONE OF THE EMAILS FROM TAMMI TOLIVER: Here is the original email sent in response to your request for a retrial. Please review and follow up with me to resolve the matter regarding your outstanding contract for wedding services that were agreed to be performed today (9/13/13). Attached please find a copy of the original signed contract, and I have held all text communications a well as a copy of the check deposit that was paid. The outstanding balance remaining on your contract is $205.00, and will be due within 14 days to avoid legal action. Hopefully the miscommunication that has transpired can be resolved quickly and amicably. As a bride, you want someone that will make you feel comfortable and will take control when it comes to the services you hired them for. She did neither. In fact, I felt like I had NO MAKE-UP artist since I didn't hear from her until the night before my wedding. If you're looking for an awesome make-up artist, feel free to contact me, she will make your day super easy. She requests your photographers number and they collaborate on times.
Fashion Facez ArtistryFashion Facez Artistry
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