How to Choose the Right Wedding Makeup Artist in Washington State
Q: I want to consult with a makeup artist for my wedding day makeup. There seems to be many choices. What’s the best way to go about choosing the right artist for me?
A: Let’s face it ladies, your wedding day look should be of utmost importance. The pictures you take will last you a lifetime of memories. Unless you’re an experienced makeup artist, doing your own makeup just won’t cut it. You’ll see things in your wedding photographs that you won’t be very excited about. Avoid the drama and opt for a professional who understands makeup and lighting. Choosing the right makeup artist who will cater to your needs can be a challenge. Here are my 5 tips for choosing someone who you can both bond and feel comfortable with:
- Avoid cosmetics counters! They’re not the place for wedding day artistry. Instead, research local Washington state wedding sites, greater Seattle newspapers and bridal magazines and look for seasoned makeup professionals. Find out what your artistry options are. Talk to friends and associates to see who they used for their weddings. Word of mouth and personal references are always the best.
- Contact your top 5 choices and ask to see their portfolios and rates. If you have sensitive skin, consider asking for a product list from each artist. Look for consistency in portfolio pictures and pay attention to color selections. Since you’ll be photographed a lot, this is important to note. Also, look for a professional flow and feel to their website. A website-less artist can be a red flag.
- Narrow down 2 choices. Book a trial makeup session. This will let you see how you bond with the artist and how their skills reflect on you. Since this person is going to be in your face for a few hours, make sure you feel confident and comfortable with your final artist selection.
- Realize that experienced, professional makeup artists are not cheap. We have gathered many years of experience and will not work for a discount or for free. The current market rate for an on-location makeup artist in Seattle can range from $50.00 – $300.00 per person depending on the artist and region.
- Before you commit, ask for a signed contract with the event date, artist’s specifications, location, times and final price along with an emergency cancellation policy. Secure your date with a deposit (generally half of the final price). This will allow your artist to buy extra supplies that you may require. A 15% gratuity in addition to the final bill is always appreciated.
An amazing makeup artist will make you look as fabulous as you feel. Lastly, give your artist the respect they deserve. Trust me darling, this is a relationship you want to nourish.
By Suresh Seneviratne; a professional Seattle makeup artist and owner of SureshBeauty.com.
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