How to choose the right Makeup Artist for your Quinceanera?
You understand how important beauty and makeup is on your Quinceanera day and you want to be confident you will look fabulous in person as well as in pictures so you need to find a high-quality makeup artist if this is a priority for you. With so many makeup artist websites out there how do you start sorting through the good ones from the bad ones? Below are the top steps in choosing the best makeup artist for your big day.
1 KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT
Decide what makeup style you want before looking for the makeup artist. Already have a vision of what you want your makeup to look like that amazing day––it's time to amass a few ideas so that you can narrow it down to a few choices. Look through books, magazines, instagram, facebook and pinterest to get the best ideas.
2 Make a scrapbook of ideas. Tear or print pictures out, and make a folder.
• Don't assume anything if you're not expert with makeup. Sometimes what you think is natural makeup maybe not be as natural makeup to other, so is good to bring pictures and have the makeup explained to you.
3 Take a stroll to the mall to browse through the kinds of makeup you like the most. Visit the stores that carry the lines you like best. Ask whether the store has makeup artists; if so, ask to take a look at some of the makeup artist's portfolio. Do you like the portfolio makeup? If so, that's a good start.
FINDING THE ONE…
1Decide whether you wish to have your makeup done in your home/venue or if you want to go to a salon/mall on your Quinceañera day. If you like the convenience of having someone come to you directly on your Quinceañera day then seek out makeup artists that are freelance and mobile in your area.
2Decide whether you want both your makeup and hair arranged at the same location. If this is a requirement for you, then conduct a web search for makeup artists and hair stylists in your area. Many makeup artists also provide hair styling and can accommodate this type of request.
3Ask around and get referrals. Ask your friends, family, coworkers and hairdresser if they can recommend a good makeup artist and if possible, look at the makeup artist’s portfolio to see if you like the artist’s work yourself! If you're having your Quinceanera planned by an Event planner, ask if they have any makeup artist suggestions, because they should have at least one.
4Review several makeup artist websites from your chosen area. Look at their portfolio of work and decide if their style of makeup is similar to your own. When looking over the images, check for things such as skin tone matching, attention to detail and if they include any current Quinceañera makeup trend pictures in their portfolio of work. The portfolio is everything, and don't try to ignore what you don't like.
5Create a list or bookmark your favorite Makeup artists, including the ones who have been recommended. Contact them and ask around or visit, as required.
6Know what to look for. A top makeup artist should demonstrate an open and friendly manner on the phone. Be sure you have a calm and confident feeling when you’re speaking with them. If they exude a calm and natural manner over the phone they will likely be this way in person and will keep you calm on your big day .
Make contact with the Makeup Artist
1 Make an appointment for a makeup trial with your favorite makeup artist. Be specific on how you would like to look on your big day. Use your collected clippings from magazines, photos etc., to show the makeup artist what your preferred style is. Check that they listen to what you really want. If you aren't that sure, ask if your makeup can be done in front of a mirror.
2Notice their willingness to keep trying until you're satisfied. Once your makeup trial is complete, the makeup artist should ask you if you’re happy with the results. If you are not, they should re-do the look until you are satisfied.
3Find out some other basics. Ask the artist what kind of fee do they charge. Find out what availability they have. Check that they'll use the makeup brands you like (or have to use if you have specific issues such as allergies).
4Book them immediately if you’re happy with your results. A good makeup artist will often be booked months in advance. If you are not happy with your results, go back to your list and start over.
Tips
• Be realistic about the look you want.
• Ask your family and friends for referrals.
• Conduct your search within your chosen region.
• Check out the makeup artist's terms and conditions of business.
• If an artist needs to come to your place, discuss their availability for that date and have a plan B if this person does not show up for whatever reason, such as purchasing what the artist uses over the counter, and keeping a chart of the makeup routine, just in case.
Warning
• Do not choose a budget makeup artist for your Quinceañera day and risk ruining the most important day of your life. Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. Choose quality.
20 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Makeup Artist.
The person you choose to provide your makeup services the day of your Quinceanera will likely be spending several hours with you and your big party. It’s important that she or he be a person you like being around! You might even suggest to your attendants that they have makeup done by this person or team, which means that the results of her work will be the focal point of about 80% of the photos taken that day. So trust and confidence in this person is very important, wouldn’t you agree?
Book an artist you feel comfortable with, that you communicate easily with and who you naturally find yourself trusting. The makeup artist’s first priority is to provide beautiful makeup in the style you want, but she should also offer some moral support, help to boost your confidence and soothe your raw nerves in those very special moments.
So here is a list of questions that you should ask most of, if not all, based on your needs and circumstances, to ensure you’re hiring a professional who will provide the level of services you deserve on your big Day.
1) How do I book you for my Quinceañera? Do you require a deposit? What about a contract?
Understand what the artist requires to secure your date on her book. Sometimes the deposit will be nominal, but most will require 25 – 50% of the total package of services. And be sure to get it all in writing, with receipts for each payment. A well-written contract will list the services being provided to each member of your Quinceañera party with a schedule of appointment times. There should also be provisions made for unusual or unforeseen events like cancellation of the contract or illness on the Quinceanera day. This gives you legal recourse to recover your funds if the artist does not provide the services as agreed. Be wary of any artist who does not provide a contract or does not want a deposit. There once was a time when all business could be done on a handshake, but for something this important, do you really want to risk it?
2) Will it be YOU at my Quinceañera or another artist? What happens if you can’t make it on my day?
The artist who does your Trial Run or Preview Session (in case you request one), should be the artist who does your makeup on your big day. This is the person you’ve discussed the details of your wishes and developed a report with. Some larger studios and salons will not give you that promise, so be sure to ask. Also ask what happens if that artist is unable to come that day. Any studio, salon or even free-lance artist worth booking will have a back-up plan.
3) How many Quinceañeras have you done? Do you have any experience with Quinceañeras ?
Just as in any profession, makeup artists can “specialize” in any number of areas. Those who work with Quinceañeras exclusively will understand their needs better than an artist who works with runway models or for print advertising. In addition to providing beautiful makeup in the style requested, the makeup artist must be mobile, be able to work with unpredictable lighting and space in various settings (hotel rooms or venues dressing rooms), adhere to a tight schedule, and remain calm, relaxed and supportive for nervous Quinceaneras experiencing the occasional pre- meltdown with the chambelanes & damas.
4) What is your background? Where did you learn to apply makeup?
While I do not believe that this is the most important question to ask, it should still be asked. After all, there are incredibly talented artists who have never set foot in a classroom! Overall, the artist’s portfolio or most recent work should weigh more heavily in your decision. But the answer to this question may give you insight into who this person is and whether you’ll “click” with them.
5) May I see your portfolio?
Her portfolio will give you a good indication of her versatility and style. Are all the faces made up the same like a cookie-cutter, or has she brought out the best in each face? Will she follow your style requests and welcome input from you and your party? It’s very important that you check her or his social media or website, that’ll give you a better idea if she or he does the work and results that you are looking for.
6) Do you have a website or blog?
This is a good indication of the artist’s level of professionalism and dedication to her career. You will probably gain your first impression of the artist from online media, and so it should be informative, complete and current. Any artist with photos of work she did in the 20th century on her site is not the artist you want on your big day.
7) May I call a few references?
This is probably the most forgotten or skipped step in hiring any professional, not just makeup artists. If you’ve got good “people instincts”, you may choose to trust your judgment alone in order to save time making additional phone calls. But hearing feedback from previous clients ensures this artist is working regularly in the Quinceañera for three references from the last 12 – 18 months and then be diligent about contacting them.
8) What do you charge?
While this shouldn’t be the only criteria you look at before hiring an artist, it must be considered, of course! Ask about packages that fit the size of your party or if there’s a rate reduction with a certain size group. Also ask what’s included in that rate, such as products for touch-ups or if she stays through the Event.
9) What size of a party do you accommodate? How long will it take to get makeup for my Quinceañera party of <fill in the blank>?
If you have a large party, this will be a very important question to ask. If your ceremony or event is at 11:00 AM and you have 8 attendants, be prepared to be out of bed early that day. Most artists will need a minimum of 40 minutes with each person to as much as an hour to hour ½ with the Quinceanera. Make sure you carefully plan enough time on the Quinceañera day so that preparations are not rushed.
10) Can you duplicate a makeup look from pictures in a magazine?
Not all artists are comfortable working from a picture, while others may insist you provide one. Just be sure the picture you take her is of a woman with similar bone structure and skin tone as yourself. Eye makeup styles that look great on large, almond-shaped eyes like Ariana Grande will not look the same on smaller, round eyes like Selena Gomez.
11) What methods of payment do you accept?
Make sure that you have the funds available for her preferred payment method and get a receipt for every installment.
12) My Quinceañera is on a Saturday and the services that I need are less than the weekend minimum to book. Can I still hire you?
If your Quince’s party is very small or they are not opting for makeup services, you may run into this with artists who provide this type of makeup services for a living, and thus must reserve their in-demand dates for larger groups. And while most artists will allow you to pay the difference between the smaller package and the weekend minimum, others may refuse or require a higher non-refundable deposit to protect their interests should you change your mind. But if you love the artist’s work and feel comfortable with her, you may feel the extra cost is money well spent.
13) What kinds/brands of products do you use? Is this makeup good for pictures or photography?
You may not recognize the name brands used by pro artists, and that’s OK. What you’re really looking for is to exclude any artists who use one specific brand exclusively. As a professional who has used many, many brands, I can assure you that no single company does everything “right” for every person or situation. Select an artist who can change products to fit your needs and your skin.
14) How do I keep my makeup fresh for the whole day? How will the product wear? What about color-matched products to touch up with?
This is another area where choice of products is so important, and having an artist that can tailor those products to fit your needs and skin. Professional products will stay fresh looking for many hours longer than most consumer-grade products. Many artists will also provide products for touch-ups at her cost or include it in her services.
15) I have skin allergies or severe acne. Can you work with me? Do you airbrush? Can you contour my face? How about covering blemishes or my tattoo? Do you apply false lashes? Do you do hair as well?
Based on your particular needs, you may want to ask some or all of these questions and I’ve listed them here as a group just to get your mind thinking these details……
16) Do you charge a travel or location fee? How far do you travel for that fee? What other travel-related expenses will I need to cover? What will be the total cost of the services I want?
Many artists will offer on-location makeup for your event day, but may require that you travel to their studio or salon for your Trial Run. It may be possible to have a makeup Trial at your location for an extra fee. Some artists tack on a “location fee” for any venue, no matter the driving distance, while others include a range from their home or studio included in their service fee. Are you being quoted an hourly or per person rate for your party? Either way (hourly or per person) is fine, but it’s best that you know so there are no surprises. Other fees or costs that may be extra or are deferred to the Quinceanera package include parking at the hotel, or providing products for touch-ups, after the artist has departed. Be sure to get a full list of what is, and is not, included in writing…or better yet, a signed contract.
17) What happens at the Makeup Trial or Preview Session? Do I come to you for this appointment? How much is the Trial or is it included in your services? How long will the Trial Run take?
The Makeup Trial or Preview Session is so important to ensure that the makeup your artist provides on Your Day is everything that you want. It’s a good idea to take a camera with you to preserve the look she creates for you. But remember, no one ever shoots pictures of you at less than four feet away, and with a flash, except when they are trying to get details of your makeup! Shots taken that close will never be flattering – to you or the makeup! Take pictures from a natural distance in order to get a “real” feel for how it will look.
One word of caution: the “point and shoot” digital cameras readily available on the consumer market today for under $500 have a flash that is VERY different technology from the synchronized flash of your photographer’s camera. Thus, the pictures you take with these kinds of cameras WILL NOT do justice to the makeup you’re photographing. This can be very discouraging to both the Quinceañera and the artist! To avoid this, turn on all the available lights in the room and use only ambient lighting – no flash – to take pictures of the makeup. Also, have the person shooting the picture stand at least 4 feet away from you and use the zoom function, instead of coming up close to your face with the camera.
18) On the day of my Quinceañera , do I come to you, or do you travel to my venue (or where I’m getting dressed)?
The best is to find a Makeup Artist who will come to you at your venue and take that traveling stress off your shoulders, or you decide to select a studio or salon for the convenience of having all their beauty services under one roof. Have in consideration the traveling time & traffic if you’re going to them. On- location Services will save you from all this drama and will be less stress & more comfortable for you, and if you have any damas and family getting ready, definitely this will be the best option for all of you.
19) Do you sell cosmetic products?
There’re Makeup artists that provide the cosmetics and products that they use on you, for touch ups and many times they’re included in the Quinceanera package. Ask your Artist if she offers that option, and let her know the products you might like.
20) How many events will you work on the day of my Quinceañera?
This is often an overlooked, yet crucial, question to ask before booking. If preparations on The Day don’t go quite as planned and run late, you need to know that your makeup artist will not be leaving before all the damas are done, just because she has another event that day. An artist who books only one Event a day will give you and your quinces party their full attention, best work, and be more likely to stay until the job is done, regardless of delays. Keep in mind, though, that an artist who works this way may also have a minimum booking requirement, especially on weekends or for in-demand dates. Smaller parties may need to recruit additional family members to have services in order to make that minimum, or pay the difference.
Dos and Don’ts on your makeup trial day!
Do:
1. ‘Make sure you have your trial at least three weeks before the event.
2. ‘If you have any skin problems or if you’re are allergic to any product let the artist know before she starts applying the makeup.
3. ‘If you’re not used to wear makeup, choose a natural look instead a dramatic look’
4.’ Bring references to your make-up trial. Start looking for images of make-up that you really like and bring them with you on the day. Try to identify what it is you like about the make-up in the image and take into account that if you have the skin colour of Dita Von Teese then the make-up of Kim Kardashian won’t necessarily translate onto you.
5. ‘Remember, there’s a big difference between everyday clothes and a Quinceañera dress, so there should be difference in your make-up, too. Prepare and visualize yourself for this change of look.
6. ‘if you go for the natural look, ask the artist to Use individual eyelashes – they’re a brilliant way to make your eyes stand out and look far more subtle than a full strip.
7. ‘Focus on the most important elements of your look, such as beautifully natural-looking skin, softly groomed brows and feathery lashes. If you get these basic factors right the rest of your make-up will fall into place’
8. ‘Research application methods, for example, Airbrush Makeup vs Traditional Makeup, find and ask the Artist about the difference between these two.
9.’Ask the Makeup artist if she does hair too, that way you don’t have to search for Makeup Artist & Hair stylist in two different places.
10. ‘ Make sure you take a before and after picture on the trial day, and keep it as a record for the day of the event.
Don’t:
1. ‘Don’t Have your make-up trial without day lighting. If you have a professional make-up artist coming to your home, or you to her studio, arrange a time when it’s still a daylight’
2. ‘If youre not sure about the makeup look for the trial, don’t go for the smokey eye or bright blue eyeshadow, it will be a little too much if is your first time using these colors.
3. ‘The makeup trial will be a full face makeover, try to imagine your self with the quinceanera dress so you don’t feel so weird with makeup on.
4. ‘Let the Artist finish her job before you give any comment, don’t check yourself in the mirror every 5 mins, you need to trust the Makeup artist Experience.
5. ‘If you’re not satisfied with the final results, let the Makeup Artist now as soon as possible, don’t leave without telling her what you don’t like, that can be fixed at the right moment by the artist.
6.‘We love Social Media but don’t use your phone while the makeup trial is in process, which will interfere in the Makeup Artist work & time.
7. ‘Be realistic about the makeup look that you have as a reference, try something similar to your skin color, face complexion and personality don’t try a total different look unless you’re ready for it.
8. ‘Wearing makeup or water proof mascara the day of your makeup trial, it’s not a good idea, will take more time and may irritate your eyes.
9. ‘Be on time, if you’re late the day of the makeup trial with no previous notice you may loose your appointment, sometimes Makeup Artist have more than one appt the same day.
10. ‘The day of the makeup trial is very important for you to make a decision, be accompanied by an adult who can help you decide if the Artist is the one or not. Don’t take your little sister or your bff. If you loved her work and personality, You may need a deposit to booked the date with the Artist.