How To Hire a Makeup Artist

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I have been getting a lot of queries from Brides To Be, on various skin & makeup related issues.
One of the most crucial steps is hiring your MUA for the day.

Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day & Makeup artists help you do just that. Here are some tips to help you find that perfect makeup artist

• Most girls prefer to start their search with their local beauty parlours. Do talk to your friends & relatives too, particularly those whose bridal makeup you really liked, for their recommendations.

• Do go through the work portfolio of makeup artists at parlours. That will give you an idea of the kind of makeup style the MUA prefers and whether that gels with yours. Ask for before and after pictures of work that they have done.

• Head to the department-store counter of your favorite brand (MAC / Clinique ) and approach the people doing makeovers. A lot of the SAs at these stores are young MUAs who have just entered the feild and are looking for work to practice and enhance their portfolio—most of them do freelance work for a surprisingly low fee.

• Schedule a trial. The easiest way to try someone out is to get a makeover right there in the store/parlour. If you like the way you look, then make an appointment with that person for your event. If the makeover didn't turn out that well, you shouldn't feel obligated to hire her.

• Make yourself clear. Once you've found someone you like, ask plenty of questions. How much does she charge? (a lot depends on where you live, plus if you will need the MUA to travel with you.) Will she bring her own makeup and brushes, or use yours? Make sure you're entirely clear on the costs and your expectations both in terms of money and the look you want, and speak up about anything she did during the test run that wasn't perfect—"The eyes are heavier than I wanted'' or "That lipstick washes me out''—so she has a chance to correct it. Also make it a point to share with her the colors of the dresses you will be wearing.

• Schedule your appointment for about three hours before the event; that way, you won't feel rushed, and the makeup will have a chance to settle. Plan to buy the same lip color / gloss from the makeup artist so you can take it with you that night—you shouldn't need to reapply anything else.

• Buy 2-3 products like foundation, concealor and blush after talking to your MUA on what shades look best on you as well as brands & prices. Other than the wedding, there will be a number of smaller family functions where you will need to look as good, as they all will be photograped and most probably land up on FB (Damn those pesky cousins). Getting your basics right will help you rustle up a finished look even on your own for smaller ceremonies. Most MUAs are more than happy to help out. 

Any more tips to help our hassled brides out?