Training aside, there are many factors to consider when picking a makeup artist to do your makeup for an event:
- Experience
- Portfolio
- Addressing your questions/concerns
- Products they use
- Makeup style
- Professionalism
Notice I didn't mention price? Price alone is not a factor and should never be the deal maker or breaker for you. Consider everything before you decide because you get what you pay for. Most women find their makeup artists through a referral or an online web search. Since most makeup artists nowadays will have a website displaying their work, you can get a sense of their artistic style right from the start, which is your first step in finding the one who will be right for you and your needs.
Take your time to go through their portfolio work and see the artistic range they're capable of. If there are hardly any photos, or poor quality images, that should be a red flag for you to move on because professional makeup artists will only show their work in the best way possible, so anything that looks cheap is a bad sign. Also if you see "fake" looking stock photos of editorial pictures, you may have found someone who is claiming someone elses work as their own to dupe you into thinking they are talented, and obviously not someone you want.
If you happen to meet your makeup artist in person (no website), how did they look? Was their makeup done nicely/creatively or in a manner you like? Did they look professional or sloppy? Did they show you their portfolio? Seeing photos is important to know that your makeup will look great in person and in pictures, so don't be shy and ask to see their work. In the event their own makeup is done with too much flare for your taste, don't rule them out yet until you've see their portfolio because their artistic range may surprise you.
Do you have any skin concerns you need to address? Cosmetic allergies? Do you know what you want and don't want? Do you have any picture examples of the look you like? Is there a question about the products they use? When you contact a makeup artist, ask them anything you need to know to help make your decision. A professionally trained makeup artist will know the art and science of makeup because it is a skill learned and perfected over time. They will know the proper application for the lighting, time of day, purpose and event the makeup is for to create the right look for you.
Familiarize yourself with the artists work and take into consideration the look you want for your special event to see if they have the ability to create that for you. Your rapport with them is important too because you want to be able to communicate clearly and get what you want. In summary, their work should speak for itself if you have no questions for them. If you like what you see, book 'em!
