Help picking a makeup artist...

[karasue91]

I called a makeup artist about a month ago that came recommended, the only thing was that they said she wasn''t very "professional". Not sure what that means, but it makes me a little wary. Then tonight she called asking when I would send my deposit since she was getting other calls, so I took another look at her website. I dunno...her portfolio all seems like she uses WAYYY too much makeup for what I want, and there are no pictures of any older women she''s done. Since my mom and FMIL are getting their makeup done too, and FSIL is 37 (my second BM), I want to have someone who knows what they are doing with an older face, not just a younger face. My other BM and I are both 27 so I''m not that worried about us. Except, I don''t want to look like I belong in Playboy or Maxim, which is what her portfolio looks like to me!! http://www.makeupbyjackie.com

I found another team of makeup artists, and I really like their portfolio. But, I called and the 2 girls who started the company and are featured on the website are booked up. She said they have a couple other makeup artists that they have hired and they wouldn''t hire anyone they wouldn''t trust to do their own makeup...but I''m a little hesitant since I can''t see their work. http://www.illuminatemakeup.com/looks.html

The third option is the one that EVERYONE on my local wedding forum says they use and they rave about them. But I really don''t like the photos of their work on their website, and for some reason I just have a mental block that I don''t want to use them. lol also websites that have music irritate me...hahaha http://www.cinnamongirl.ca/

One more option that I found was http://www.artbeauty.ca/ The looks seem really natural, but again I''m not super impressed with their portfolio except for the fact that they have photos of older women they''ve done.

So, should I just trust the second company to send me someone who will do a good job? I was going to have a trial anyway, but on the phone the girl was a little snooty that I was hesitant about hiring one of their "other" artists. Oh, and it''s the same price, of course.

Which one would you go with, based on the portfolios?

I''m probably being really dumb because what I want is fairly simple...liquid liner, lightish lips, probably brown shadow and rosy cheeks...here''s a pic:

 

[diamondfan]

I personally think she should block out the date for you and arrange for you to do a paid trial. NO WAY would I blindly pay for a make up artist without having her meet me in advance and do my make up, per my instructions. Just my two cents.

 

[karasue91]

Date: 2/28/2008 9:54:37 PM
Author: diamondfan
I personally think she should block out the date for you and arrange for you to do a paid trial. NO WAY would I blindly pay for a make up artist without having her meet me in advance and do my make up, per my instructions. Just my two cents.

Argghh thanks Diamondfan, the snooty girl on the phone irritated me too...but there are just NO OPTIONS in Calgary! Actually lots of girls go to the MAC counter and arrange for the girl/guy to come to their house....but MAC scares me for wedding makeup....I barely wear makeup on a daily basis - powder, mascara and blush - and the people at MAC always have CRAZY makeup on!!!

But, the trial would be free....so it doesn''t hurt....maybe I should give it a try this weekend.

 

[diamondfan]

Honestly the key to any beauty service is communication.

Go to the counter, point out shades you like. Bring photos of people whose make up you like. And sit in the chair, let someone do their thing. You can wash it off if you hate it. See if your rapport and ability to communicate your wishes is good. MAC does many lovely neutral shades, and some of their campaigns in the states recently have focused on natural looks. Tell them what you want and go from there. Worth a try at least. Bring that photo, it is hard to not get that look. A true m/u artist should be able to do all types of looks.

The site on your post, the first, the girls look a bit overly done to me sort of a **** star vibe! The MAC counter is certainly worth a shot, esp. if pickings are slim.

 

[BigDiamonds]

I understand your hesitation on the first one. Some of them do have kind of a Maxim vibe!

The good news, however, is that it takes a fair amount skill to apply that much makeup and not make someone look like a drag queen. It looks like she''s pretty talented, perhaps just a bit heavy-handed. If you could do a trial and make sure that she understands what a lighter touch looks like, it could be really amazing. She does the kind of makeup that transforms your face, which I really love.

Just my $0.02, steer away from the MAC counter. A vast majority of their people are not particularly qualified, and I would venture a guess that they have minimal (if any) training on bridal makeup. I''m kind of into makeup, and I don''t even go to their special events anymore because I''ve found that I can do my own makeup better than they do. Especially for what you want, I would go for the most skill and precision you can find.

This sounds ridiculous, but the best makeup artist I know once worked at a very high-end gentlemen''s club doing the dancers'' makeup. She also did makeup for a burlesque group on the side. Again, beware the drag queen look, but those places might be worth checking out, or they may have tips for you. Also, have you asked your photographer for recommendatins? They see a lot of brides. Good luck!

 

[diamondfan]

I am not sure I agree. I know a fair amount about make up too, and at least in the states there are competent store artists. It only takes ONE who will get your vision. And what harm is there in TRYING SOMEONE out and seeing if they are on your wavelength? Pick a night you are not going somewhere, plunk down in the chair and be explicit. If you hate it, wash your face and see what your choices are. With limited options I would certainly be willing to explore.

Are there other lines that offer this too?

I would also approach someone whose look YOU like, it might be a good starting off point.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I reviewed all of the portfolio''s and from a professional stand point, they all seemed pretty average...nothing really "popped" for me that lead me to believe that this is the one. As someone that hires makeup artists for that bridal industry to make a large portion of my living and not to mention my job discription, I would like to think I have a good "eye" for real talent.

First of all, the MUA you spoke with should never put the pressure on you to pay prior to even having a trial run. Normally, you would meet with her...have a nice consultation, show some pictures of looks you like and looks you don''t...allow the MUA to work her magic...and then you two would sit down, discuss the contract, and you should have at least a day or so to make final decision at which time, yes, you would be required to send a check. But, anyone that is taking your money before any consult isn''t behaving ethically or adhering to professional standards of business.

Now, with that said...when you''re looking at these portfolios, its important to keep in mind that these artists are highlighting their very best work that shows off where they can go with makeup--which may not be bridal. If you look at their portfolio and like the pictures, I would strongly suggest you forge ahead dispite not seeing makeup looks for 55+ or tons and tons of looks that duplicate the style you''re drawn too. Heres the thing, MUA use their site for many different things--including agents, print work, film, photog, theatre...and most of the jobs do not want to see bridal...they need to see the scope of an artists talent, and bridal is very muted look in general. If an artist is capable of creating really avant looks, she more than capable of doing a bride perfectly.

Finally, your first vibe is very important. If they were snooty, or rude, or into high pressure, you might want to rethink working with them. I always treat my brides like princesses...I am very kind, sweet, and patient as they list off what they want and how they want it...I would never dream of being anything but a professional--because my philosophy is that I sell makeup and myself!

Good luck, let us know what you decide!

 

[CrownJewel]

Haha...I clicked on the first link, and immediately understood why you thought you''d get a Playboy look from them. I didn''t see many "natural" looks in their portfolio, so

I''m not sure I would bother with them.

The other portfolios, actually do have very pretty natural looks. The second one, illuminatemakeup, has a nice portfolio and photos of older women. I honestly think they would only hire people whose makeup style is similar and equally talented. However, snooty-ness is a major no-no in my book.

The third and fourth options also have nice portfolios.

I would probably call the third one, because everyone on your local wedding forum has experience with them. They have a very small online portfolio...too small to fully represent their range, but I would trust the local reviews. I did the same for myself - called up 2 artists that local knotties raved about, left a message with the first one (artistA), actually got through to the second one (artistB). artistB was super nice on the phone, so I booked a trial with her. She has no website, so I''m going in blind! I think recommendations have a lot to say about a person.

 

[Future Mrs Polka Dot]

Hmm, this is a tough one! I think ItalianHair had lots of good advice! I think the #1 thing is to get a trial done, so that way there is always room for them to adjust!

Edit - my brain is fuzzy and my last post made no sense (because I confused the 3rd and 2nd!) Anyway, I say don't go with anyone who seemed rude or made you feel uncomfortable on the phone! So maybe rule out the 2nd one? Will the 3rd, cinnamon group let you do a trial?

 

[BigDiamonds]

Date: 2/28/2008 10:32:40 PM
Author: diamondfan
I am not sure I agree. I know a fair amount about make up too, and at least in the states there are competent store artists. It only takes ONE who will get your vision. And what harm is there in TRYING SOMEONE out and seeing if they are on your wavelength? Pick a night you are not going somewhere, plunk down in the chair and be explicit. If you hate it, wash your face and see what your choices are. With limited options I would certainly be willing to explore.

Are there other lines that offer this too?

I would also approach someone whose look YOU like, it might be a good starting off point.

I agree, actually. It can''t hurt to try. I have had zero luck, but perhaps karasue will fare better. Maybe it is just the store in my area - I have never had my makeup done in a bigger city.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I think the cinnamongirl ones are my favorite. I think it is a HUGE sign that all the locals love them. A good make-up artist may not be a good web artist so I would consider those opinions very highly.
I think they did a lovely job with thing sthat have enough pop to show up on camera but are still natural. I also think they did the best job of any of them on enhancing the woman''s beauty but matich their bone structure and coloring. I will say who ever takes the pictures though did a very poor job and that might be part of your hesitation. You might want to atleast give them a call.

 

[karasue91]

Thanks everyone for your input!

I emailed the first one and told her thanks but no thanks. I had heard from several girls that she does good makeup but is unprofessional. When she called tonight she demonstrated that. I totally understand why she called, I had completely forgotten to get back to her about scheduling a trial. But when she called it basically went like this
"Hi Kara, this is Jackie. I never heard back from you."

long pause. Me trying to think who on earth Jackie is.

"Oh, hi, sorry I completely forgot!!"

"Yeah. Well I have other people calling me about your date, so I need you to mail your deposit."

"Oh. OK I''ll send that out." haha soooo then when I called the next girl and I felt like she was snooty too, I was even more peeved. I''ll call Cinnamon Girl tomorrow, they are probably already booked though since they seem to be the most popular in town. Arrgghh the disadvantages of being in a city that has only been a big city for about 5 years.

I think I might just stop by the MAC counter this weekend and see what they can do.

BD, you have a good point about how a bridal look would definitely not be any makeup artist''s best work because the bride usually wants to look pretty natural. But, that was why I liked the second place''s portfolio better, because it looked more high-fashion than Frederick''s of Hollywood. I wish that girl at the second place were nicer!! I mean, can you blame me for being a little hesitant about getting a second stringer in charge of my FACE on my wedding day?? hahaha but maybe I''ll call her back and just schedule a trial with the girl who would be doing it. as much as it pains me to pay someone who treated me as expendable, that seems to be the trend in the bridal industry here!

I''ll call Cinnamon Girl too. What the heck, maybe I''ll do a trial with both. Brazen, you are right about the photography, it''s not great.

Thanks again!!

 

[violet02]

Date: 2/28/2008 10:35:03 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
I reviewed all of the portfolio''s and from a professional stand point, they all seemed pretty average...nothing really ''popped'' for me that lead me to believe that this is the one. As someone that hires makeup artists for that bridal industry to make a large portion of my living and not to mention my job discription, I would like to think I have a good ''eye'' for real talent.

First of all, the MUA you spoke with should never put the pressure on you to pay prior to even having a trial run. Normally, you would meet with her...have a nice consultation, show some pictures of looks you like and looks you don''t...allow the MUA to work her magic...and then you two would sit down, discuss the contract, and you should have at least a day or so to make final decision at which time, yes, you would be required to send a check. But, anyone that is taking your money before any consult isn''t behaving ethically or adhering to professional standards of business.

Now, with that said...when you''re looking at these portfolios, its important to keep in mind that these artists are highlighting their very best work that shows off where they can go with makeup--which may not be bridal. If you look at their portfolio and like the pictures, I would strongly suggest you forge ahead dispite not seeing makeup looks for 55+ or tons and tons of looks that duplicate the style you''re drawn too. Heres the thing, MUA use their site for many different things--including agents, print work, film, photog, theatre...and most of the jobs do not want to see bridal...they need to see the scope of an artists talent, and bridal is very muted look in general. If an artist is capable of creating really avant looks, she more than capable of doing a bride perfectly.

Finally, your first vibe is very important. If they were snooty, or rude, or into high pressure, you might want to rethink working with them. I always treat my brides like princesses...I am very kind, sweet, and patient as they list off what they want and how they want it...I would never dream of being anything but a professional--because my philosophy is that I sell makeup and myself!

Good luck, let us know what you decide!

I was really worried I went through this process incorrectly. Basically I met with the MUA, liked her work, she got great referrals etc. I gave her a deposit check and signed a contract. No trial runs or anything, basically she''s doing that in August she said (she''s doing both hair and makeup). I was concerned about losing the date with her because she''s always so busy and I just wanted to get it out of the way.

So just the consult then deposit is generally how it''s done? No trial runs first? I didn''t even consider it for some reason.

 

[karasue91]

Just wanted to give an amusing update to the first MUA....I emailed her last night and said:

Hi Jackie, thanks for calling tonight, however, I have decided to go with someone else.
Thanks again,
Kara

Her response:

Dear Kara,
Yes I think that is best, thanks!!!
Jackie

hahahahaha apparently she didn''t want to work with me either, since she thinks it''s best that I cancelled. lol.

 

[CrownJewel]

OMG. She sounds like a total nightmare.

 

[diamondfan]

???? I THINK THAT IS BEST? What a passive aggressive so and so!

You would have been miserable using her, I can almost guarantee you.

 

[basil]

Ha. I think that''s why people say she''s unprofessional!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Don''t take her e-mail personally. She sounds extremely unprofessional, and apparently sour about not being not making the money. Ugh, people like her give decent, hardworking MUA a bad name.