How to choose your MUA

If at all possible - don’t compromise!

Find an artist with a varied portfolio of work you love, including real brides. I would be wary of a portfolio which only showcases studio photography or styled bridal shoots. It’s important to see how the make-up looks on ‘real’ people in different lighting situations.

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone to chat to artists whose work you like. A huge part of a successful partnership is about being able to chat about your wedding and bring ideas together. Find someone who LOVES weddings!

Find an artist with experience in weddings. A wedding morning is a very unique few hours, you need an artist who can adapt to situations eg. Finding the best lighting in a dark hotel room, being interrupted by flower deliveries/wedding planners/photographers. A good artist will allow extra time for these things and will be able to manage changing situations with ease so that you never feel rushed. Ask around, friends, other wedding suppliers – personal recommendations are fab as it means someone else has done the leg work for you.

Consider your make-up trial is about discovering what you do like and what you don’t - if there’s things you don’t like it’s important to communicate that so changes can be made and the look evolves to the perfect creation! It’s a great opportunity to test out that lip colour or false lash with no pressure. Enjoy the experience, most artists will be happy to explain their techniques as they work too so you will be able to pick up some tips too.

Booking through an agency Vs direct with a freelance MUA?

There are pros and cons to each option. I personally think it’s better to book and choose an artist direct, there should be more continuity in communication, you know you are dealing with only one person - THE person who will be there on the wedding morning.

There is usually a financial consideration as well - you are either paying extra for the middle-man when you use an agency or you are paying the same but the artist ends up with less money as the agency takes a cut or maybe both - when I did agency work at the beginning of my career I was shocked that the agency was charging more than my rate AND I ended up with less money for each booking.

Pricing

This is such a tricky subject as there are no rules with pricing, there are some very in-experienced artists out there charging a lot of money for their services. Please be aware that expensive doesn’t always mean excellent!

I think my prices are a very fair reflection of my experience and skill. My clients choose me because they value my work and the skills I bring. It’s pretty clear I love my job and that enthusiasm definitely cements my working relationships with all my clients.

Good luck with your search, if you have any questions please just get in touch!