Okay so obviously we’re a little biased here (pick us! Pick us!) when it comes to choosing your Columbus wedding makeup artist and hair stylist, BUT these tips can help you choose an artist that is right for you. There are a few ways to ensure you’re hiring a company that’s professional and reliable and will see your vision come to fruition. Here we go!
DON’T BOOK YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST BASED ON PRICE ALONE
First off, don’t book just because it’s cheap! Knowing what we know that goes on in the beauty industry, we wouldn’t be trying to find the lowest price when it comes to makeup. Unfortunately, you typically get what you pay for. Remember it’s not like you’re buying a product here where shopping around gets you the exact same item at a lower price. When it comes to purchasing services it’s like comparing apples with oranges, you just can’t compare two service providers based on price alone as the end result will always be different. The service and personal touch they provide plus their experience will make a huge impact on your big day. You want an artist you can trust to give you exactly what you’re looking for and more.
How much you pay for your wedding day makeup will depend on who you book, how long they’ve been in business, their level of service, the market you’re getting married in, and how in-demand the artist is. We know you don’t want to spend crazy amounts of money and budgeting is important. If you do your research and compare pricing and quality with the artists in your area, you’ll be able to manage your expectations when it comes to pricing and services and make sure you’re finding a company that meets both of those important criteria.
Our Tip: Read the reviews! Seems simple, right? Check Google and Facebook and other review platforms and see what past clients are saying. Are clients saying it was just ‘great’ or did they say ‘she went above and beyond and made me feel and look amazing. I felt on top of the world’. See the difference? It’s your big day, you want amazing not meh!
FIND A MAKEUP ARTIST WHOSE STYLE SPEAKS TO YOU
We’re not here to tell you what makeup style to choose for your wedding day. Everyone has their own styles, and when searching for the right makeup artist, you’ll want to take that into account. Want full glam? Find an artist that does a killer job with that! If you’re a minimalist and don’t wear a whole lot of makeup day to day? Don’t choose a makeup artist who does big bold, glam looks because you will look and feel overdone.
Unfortunately, by the time you realize your artist isn’t right for your personal style, you may have invested a lot of money and have run out of time and ability to find someone else. You want your wedding day makeup to look like you and highlight your natural beauty, not feel overdone.
Our Tip: Check makeup artist portfolio pictures carefully, does the bride’s skin glow and look realistic or is it matte, heavily done and artificial-looking? You don’t want to look plastic like Barbie on your wedding day.
CONSIDER HYGIENE AND SANITATION PRACTICES
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of clean, hygienic services, especially when it comes to personal services like makeup application. It seems like common sense that a professional in the beauty industry would take proper care, but our artists have been doing this a long time and unfortunately have seen some really gross things in the industry over the years.
Some of these things you might not even consider, but happen all too often. Practices to avoid in makeup application are double-dipping, not cleaning brushes, blowing on brushes and reusing disposables like Beauty Blenders. Another unfortunate thing we see in the industry is a dirty work space and kits that look like a bomb went off in them. Yikes!
Our Tip: Ask questions about the sanitation and hygiene protocols of any artist you’re considering. If they seem uninterested in answering your questions or don’t sound thorough enough then move on. That’s the last thing you want to be worrying about on your wedding day!
RETHINK YOUR FRIEND’S OFFER TO DO YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP
Mention weddings and every aunt, cousin, friend, sister’s second neighbor twice removed has some input on who you should get to do your flowers, makeup, etc. Free is totally tempting, but there are details better left to the professionals, makeup and hair being one of them.
I’m sure you appreciate being completely bombarded with recommendations from family (peak the sarcasm), but look for services by people that literally do this every day for a living! So many things could go wrong with beauty services (hint though, it’ll be evident at your makeup trial what you’re getting into). Our artists get calls frequently from brides trying to get in at the last minute because they booked with a friend or some family member and it didn’t turn out the way they wanted. Wedding makeup is best left to the people that really know what they’re doing!
My Tip: Do your own research and you’ll find the right artist for you!
CHOOSE A MAKEUP ARTIST WHOSE PERSONALITY SUITS YOUR OWN
Since the dawn of time, clients in the beauty industry have been spilling the tea, laughing, crying, sharing stories, and ultimately connecting with their beauty professionals. Your wedding day shouldn’t be any different. We might not be your “regulars,” but the same principles apply, perhaps even more so, for your wedding beauty experts. Your wedding day is the most amazing day of your life, but can also be one of the most stressful.
When choosing your makeup artist, you want someone you know is going to make that day, and the whole experience relaxing and enjoyable. Our makeup artists are part mind reader and part psychologist! We understand how to read people and the room and know how to fit in to make sure your day stays relaxed. When you start looking for a makeup artist you need to make sure they’re easy to work alongside and are not overbearing. You want an artist that will make you feel comfortable and can ease the anxiety of your special day. Hair and makeup preparations set the tone for your day. They’re the first suppliers you see so make sure the vibes from your stylist are what you want to carry throughout the rest of your wedding day.
My Tip: Schedule a call with any artist you’re considering booking. Our artists are more than happy to have a chat with you!
CONSIDER THE PRODUCTS THEY USE
Most artists will happily tell you the products they use because artists with killer products are like kids in a candy store. We could talk about them allll day. Ask your prospective beauty experts what brands they are using. Those lovely drugstore brands are fine for everyday, but won’t hold up on a long wedding day. You’ll want to look for professional brands- a variety of them. If an artist is a one-brand kind of professional, you might end up with a “one size fits all” look which we all know doesn’t actually exist. When artists use variety, you know they’re dedicated to a look that truly works for you and your wedding party.
If cruelty-free, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices are important to you then this is something to consider as well. Our kits at 614 Beauty are all cruelty-free, but are still pro quality and industry respected. We also recycle and use sustainable disposables to reduce waste.
Our Tip: Ask Makeup Artists what brands they use, if you don’t know them by name give them a quick Google search to verify their quality and reputation.
But wait! There’s more… tips. We have more tips. Well, just one. But it’s important!
*The best artists will have a legitimate, comprehensive website that showcases their work and professionalism AND includes client reviews and referrals. Instagram is great to showcase work and style, but a website with reviews will really show you what an artist is made of.
Photo: Jessica Miller Photography