Hiring vendors for your wedding can be overwhelming. Hiring a makeup artist is one of the many people you are probably trying decide on and talking with. So what should you look for when hiring a makeup artist? Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when hiring your wedding makeup artist:

Make sure the makeup artist is an actual business you can trust: Make sure they have insurance. A real business will and it won’t be just a hobby. Also make sure for your wedding that they have a contract. The contract is for both you and the makeup artist.
You should see the specific makeup artists portfolio: So makeup artist companies sometimes have multiple people working for them and you don’t know who are specifically working with. Make sure you see your artists portfolio to make sure you like the work they specifically do on their clients.
Make sure you like the makeup artist as a person: A makeup artists will literally be in your face on your important day. So make sure you enjoy being around them and they will help you feel calm.
Does the makeup artist stay with you beyond the makeup application: Doing the makeup and leaving after for some things is fine but a lot can happen on your wedding day and you don’t want to worry about keeping yourself touched up. See if your makeup artist will stay with at least through the ceremony to make sure everything is still perfect. On a wedding day you are eating, drinking, crying and kissing none of which is good for makeup. And if you are getting married where its warm you sweating and where it’s cold your nose will turn pink which red tones are exaggerated in HD photography.
The makeup artist communicates in a timely fashion with you: The makeup artist should be responding back to you with in 24 hours typically of when you contacted. However be aware sometime DMs on social media do not always reach the person and might go into their spam. So if they don’t respond that way make sure you email and or call/text them. If you are having trouble reaching your makeup artist look for another.
Make sure the makeup artist uses quality products and sanitize between clients: As someone who reacts to products I know first hand the importance of using quality products. Not only will the read better on camera but you are less likely to have a reaction to them. Sanatizing is also key. I’ve heard horror stories of makeup artist using the same foundation sponge or mascara wand on everyone. This is how infections are spread. Not only should they use individual items but for items that must be reused they should be sanitize them between clients.
Make sure your makeup artist understands how products and techniques work on camera: The mirror and the camera do not read makeup the same way. Some products that look fine in the mirror will actually react with a camera cause all sorts of strange effects on your face. There are also specific techniques they should know to make your eyes pop on camera and more.
How long does your makeup artist keep you in the makeup chair: On a wedding day there are a lot of moving parts and a lot that needs to happen in a short period of time. Make sure your makeup artist respects this and your timeline. You don’t have all day to sit in the chair and the makeup artist should schedule around you needs and the photographers needs. Many makeup artists take an hour plus to do makeup which can really eat into your day. I’ve also heard of makeup artists informing the bride when they will arrive not taking into account when the photographer needs everyone ready for photos. I take 20 - 30 minutes to do a clients makeup and building extra time on a wedding g day to sanatize and get everyone in and out of the chair. I base my start time on this by calculating backwards from the time the photographer needs you ready and how many people I work with for each wedding.
Check the makeup artists reviews online: Basic research into their reviews is key. Good to their Google Business Page (also a way to see if they are a legit business), their social media and other locations where reviews can be left. Make sure their reviews are in depth and give actual examples of what their clients say about them. Weed through the generic reviews that could be posted by friends and family and not actual clients.
Don’t just hire the cheapest makeup artist: Your makeup artist should be part of your investment in your wedding photos. Your wedding photos are what you are going to remember this special day by. Your face is going to be the main thing featured in these images. Don’t risk that with someone that isn’t qualified to do your makeup because they were cheap. Remember cheap could mean not quality or sanitize products which could lead to an allergic reaction or infection. If they aren’t professional you risk them not showing up, arriving late, or taking too long and you missing your photos or being late to your ceremony.

Hopefully these tips help you find your perfect wedding makeup artist for your big day. Many of these tips can help with hiring your other vendors as well.

10 Tips When Hiring a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding