Selecting Your Make-Up Artist

Photo Courtesy : www.linandjirsablog.com

If you're getting married this year one of the things on your ‘wedding to do list’ might be booking a Make-up Artist.   Of all the days to skimp on make-up, your wedding is not one of them. After all the planning, and selecting your outfits, the last thing you want is to hate how you look in every wedding photo for years to come.

With so many talented make-up artists out there, finding someone whose style of work that you like, who is available for your wedding dates and that you get along with - can be quite a daunting task.

If you're lucky enough to have a trusted make-up artist already on hand that will certainly make it easier.  However if make-up is a bit of an unknown to you, or if you're a make-up lover but want to relax on the morning of your wedding and leave it to a professional, keep reading for some tips on how to pick a great make-up artist for your big day.

Ask For Referrals

Ask your wedding planner since this person is supposed to contact with numerous wedding vendors including beauty specialists. Your wedding consultant will definitely provide you with some worthwhile recommendations

Ask your friends and family members who have recently gotten married. If you are attending friends weddings over the next few months – check out the work of the make-up artists they have selected. It’s always better to ‘see’ the work up close than on a photograph because it may have been touched up.

Enquire About Availability

Sounds obvious – but you'd be surprised how many make-up artists get calls from brides at the last minute to check on availability. Once you have shortlisted some make-up artists, it’s best to call them and enquire about their availability for your wedding date. This is a good time to find out whether they offer a trial session.

The very well known make-up artists do not offer a make-up trial as they have built their reputation over the years. The rest of the artists will be happy to give you a trial if time permits at a nominal cost.

AKA Tip

∞ If your wedding falls over busy dates i.e. Bank Holidays, Christmas, New Year, Easter or during auspicious ‘mahurats’ according to the Indian calendar, then it’s best to get in touch with your preferred make-up artist at least 6 months prior to the wedding as they are likely to get booked up sooner than later.

Trial, Not Error

A trial is recommended for a number of reasons; so you can get to know the make-up artist, discuss requirements, see if the make-up artist style suits yours, and make sure the look created is the one that you are comfortable with.

Use the trial to test different looks and don't be afraid to try a different lipstick or change another element in the look to get it just right. If you prefer using certain products – inform the make-up artist so they can include it in their kit.

Having an idea of the sort of style you'd like is always an advantage. It is useful to take with you a few pictures of styles you like to give your artist an idea of the look you're hoping to achieve.

Trials cost money so make sure you allocate some funds in your wedding budget for this. Some make-up artists will adjust the trial fees against the final booking amount if you confirm their services.

AKA Tips for Trial

∞ Take pictures during the trial and keep them handy.

∞ Make a note of the products that you like (and don't like).

∞ Keep a swatch of fabric from your wedding outfit / or a picture of your outfit handy so the make-up artist can see what it entails.

∞ Try to wear similar colour clothing to your wedding dress. Wearing strong colours can reflect on the face and slightly alter the way your make-up appears.

What’s In Their Kit

A professional artist will use professional products. Some will give this information on their website but if not, then ask. Some products speak for themselves such as Bobbi Brown, Lancôme, L'Oreal and MAC but if you are not familiar with the products the artist uses, then simply ask them why they use those particular products. If they really are experienced, this question will not be a problem for them and they will be more than happy to talk to you about the products they use.

Let’s Talk Pricing

Professional make-up artists charge per look per function; and can also work out a package if you need to arrange make-up for your Mother, Mother-in-Law, sister etc. The charges for an over-the-counter make-up artist from Lancome / MAC / Bobbi Brown vs. an independent make-up artist vs. a celebrity make-up artiste will vary significantly.

In India, a well known and good make-up artist will charge Rs 15,000 – Rs 25,000 per look per function for hair & make-up if they are in the home city.  Destination charges can range between Rs 35,000 – Rs 60,000 per look per function. 

Most make-up artists will work out a package if you require services for 2 or more functions so it’s better to ask them upfront. If your wedding planner has a good rapport with the artist, they will be able to work out a deal on your behalf as well.

These are our tips on hiring the make-up artists and stylist.  What do you think? Ladies, please do share your experiences with make-up and hair stylists.

If you are currently planning your wedding in India, and are searching for the right make-up artist and hairstylist, contact A Klass Apart, and we'll be glad to provide the names of the artists and stylists that we trust and have worked with.  You can leave a comment below; Email Us; or call on +91 9833 205 193 or +91 9820 329 287