PRICES- makeup application, travel and parking! I'm breaking it all down!

What do your prices mean? What should I be paying for a makeup artist? How do you come up with your pricing? I'm answering these questions and more...........


Starting with: Why is wedding makeup more expensive!?
It's more than just getting your makeup done on the wedding day.... It's months of planning! We talk and get everything set up- makeup trial and wedding day makeup. I've talked with brides for up to two years prior to their wedding day getting everything ready. On my end I have paperwork that goes along with every job I do and weddings have the most with electronic invoices for deposits and day of invoices as well as thank you cards. I also include oil blotting sheets and a lipgloss for all my brides! I almost always travel on site on the wedding day being set up anywhere from a window seal to hotel desk to kitchen and more. I often have to park in parking garages or street parking and carry all my stuff pretty far. I typically bring my own makeup chair and I always have my makeup kit with me as well as another bag with extras- extra airbrush machine, lashes, paper towels, etc. So that's 3 bags and a chair. I also typically have an assistant with me to help out carrying stuff, cleaning brushes, and taking payments. And when their are large bridal parties I have a second makeup artist accompany me who comes with her own makeup kit and usually chair as well. I do everything I can to accommodate my brides.... To get the bridal party ready on time and all with makeup looks they love!


You definitely get what you pay for. You can go with a 'cheaper' artist and you will probably receive a cheaper look. Using non professional makeup, dirty brushes, etc. Most of these discount artists are not trained or certified. Just because they sell Mary Kay or Yonique or worked at Clinique doesn't mean they are a trained makeup artist. And someone who does their makeup great doesn't mean they can do everyone else's makeup great too! You want to pick an artist that is experienced, professional, and clean. You want a makeup artist that has an impressive resume instead of one that posts selfies all day. You want someone that uses professional makeup and doesn't just play with makeup for fun or on the side. For me this is what I do full time and I work sometimes 7 days a week! I do makeup for commercials, tv, film, photo shoots, pageants, fitness shows, weddings, proms, school dances, and other special occasions. I've built a nice business over the past 5 years and have tons of clients that can vouch for my skills including producers, agents, photographers, brides, other business owners, etc.

Think about all you are spending on your wedding and how much thought you put into picking the perfect dress and all the decorations and flowers and food. You don't want to skimp on your hair and makeup.... Everyone is looking at you all day and you will be photographed all day long! It's your big day so make sure you book a professional and experienced artist!


HOW THE PRICES BREAK DOWN:
The actual Makeup application- supplies including disposables like mascara wands, makeup remover wipes, qtips, and lashes are all one time use. Other supplies include brushes, airbrush machine, and of course all my makeup.
Training- classes, school, continued education, etc.
Time- And then of course the time it takes for me to actually apply the makeup.
*So basically the makeup price includes my makeup, equipment, disposables, my time and skill.

WHAT ELSE beyond just the makeup application!?
Setting up your appointment. Talking with you about what makeup look you want. Sometimes corresponding through 10 or more text messages or emails or multiple phone calls. For weddings a little more time goes into correspondence and the day of makeup. Like I mentioned my brides always receive a lipgloss, oil blotting sheets, and a hand written card. And if I have to book extra help like an assistant or second makeup artist that takes time and money as well.

*TRAVEL- what is this fee!?!? I've been offered 'gas money' before and it's way more than that!
Each time I travel this is what I do:
pack my stuff up, load it in the car, drive to the location, park, unload the car, carry stuff in house/venue (sometimes taking lots of stairs), set up makeup, do makeup, clean up and pack up makeup, load in car, drive home, unload car. Also I put miles on my vehicle and use gas. I keep my travel fees as low as I can because I am a predominately mobile service but I do have to take all this into consideration!

*PARKING- paying for parking is definitely part of it but it's also carrying my makeup kit, chair, etc from parking garage or street parking to the venue. This is a little more than just the actual travel. If I park in your driveway right by your door I'm not walking as far with all my stuff. So the parking fee is an additional fee to travel and is never waived. (Sometimes I get lucky and get a spot really close to the entrance of the hotel but once inside I normally I have take an elevator or stairs and walk down several long hallways.) I've paid as little as $3 for a parking garage or meter and as much as $20!

***I just wanted to give you all a run down of what my prices mean! I know booking makeup is a big part of a special event and I want my clients to know that I do my best to give you the look that you want that will last all day and that you'll be happy with! And that I don't just price gouge for a wedding or because it's an onsite makeup appointment. My pricing has a lot of thought put into it and I do my best to be as fair as possible without undercutting myself!

Side note: if you do not pay a deposit your wedding is not booked. The $50 deposit is also nonrefundable or transferable.

Here you can see part of my makeup kit... Yes part! I always have everything with me so I'm prepared for all skin types and colors and for any look you could want!