15+ Questions You Must Ask Your Bridal Makeup Artist Before Booking One

Image Source: Dipak Studios

Are you Team ‘all-out glam avatar’ or Team ‘barely-there makeup’ bride-to-be? If you know which team you will be joining soon, you are halfway there to finding the best makeup artist who can help you achieve your bridal makeup goals.

You may have found the perfect lehenga for your wedding day, even had a little Cinderella moment with the shoes, and even matching jewelry, but only flawless makeup can help you pull off the bridal look of your dreams. When the day is as important as your wedding day, we suggest you put your faith in the professionals. Whether makeup is unknown territory for you or you live-and-breathe makeup, we’ve rounded up all the right questions to ask a makeup artist before you book them for your bridal makeup on your wedding day.

1. Are you available on my wedding date (or week)?

Well, this one is a no-brainer! You can’t rush up a makeup date with your artist because it takes time to create the magic you are looking for on your big day. So to avoid any last-minute change of plans or an overbooked makeup artist, start by asking them if they are available on your wedding date.

2. Do you specialize in bridal makeup?

The art of flawless makeup for every skin type surely comes with experience. With zero to negative margins for error, you surely want a professional to handle the most important aspect of your wedding look – your bridal makeup. Ask the makeup artist about their previous bridal makeup and how long have they been in this industry.

3. What all services do you provide?

You can’t miss this one! Ask the makeup artist you have shortlisted for your wedding day makeup about all the bridal packages they offer and what all services are covered in those. Commonly, all the bridal packages do include bridal makeup, hairstyling, and dupatta draping. So if you have a few add-ons, you can check if they can customize a bridal makeup package for you.

4. Can I have a look at your portfolio?

You can only judge makeup artists based on their previous works. It is imperative that you know if the artist’s makeup style is something you are up for and will look good wearing it on your wedding day. Taking a peek at their wedding portfolio will clear all the doubts you may have and keep a lot of wedding jitters away!

5. Do you have a list of references I can call?

Getting a testimonial straight from the horse’s mouth is an effective way to learn about the whole bridal makeup experience. So ask away your prospective bridal makeup artist for a few phone numbers of real brides who can vouch for their work.

Image Source: Studio Kelly

6. Are you proficient with HD and/or Airbrush makeup?

HD and Airbrush makeup are the hottest picks among brides today. If you are planning to choose any of these, you may need to know if your makeup artist is well-versed with these bridal makeup styles.

7. How long will a natural makeup look take?

A natural makeup look may sound like less work but it actually takes longer to achieve the flawless look you are aiming for. So it’s better to know so that you can line up your W-day schedule around it.

8.  What brands do you use for bridal makeup? And will you be using your own products or will I be supplying them?

This is a very good question to ask! Most makeup artists carry all the popular brands so you choose your favorite ones from the selection. Let them know your preferences to keep any last-minute surprises at bay.

9. How do you charge for your services and what are the terms of payment – by the hour or per person?

It is always good to know what are you signing up for. Clear up all the doubts when it comes to services provided by the makeup artist. Make sure to ask them if it includes a makeup trial as well. Will you be charged separately if you wish to include bridesmaids’ or your sisters’ makeup and styling for the day? If yes, how much will it cost and are there any discounts?

10. Are you open to traveling to my location or do I need to travel to your studio?

Traveling to and fro from the wedding venue on your big day may present some logistical challenges of its own. If your makeup artist is willing to travel to your location, you may not have to worry about that. Though there are some travel costs involved that may add up to your overall package. But if you have to commute to the makeup studio, your artist should communicate that in advance for you to make the necessary arrangements.

Image Source: Dipak Studios

11. Will you give a makeup trial before the wedding?

To decide upon a bridal makeup look for your wedding, it’s imperative you experiment with a look or two beforehand to be sure if that’s what you want for your wedding. Makeup trials give you the opportunity to do so.

12. Do you have a team or will you be the only one to do my makeup on the wedding day?

A lot of makeup artists have their own assistants to help them during the bridal appointment. So you can expect a team rather than just a single makeup artist showing up at your door. Well, do keep that in mind while tipping them.

13. Will you be carrying extra accessories for my appointment or should I get them myself?

We can’t expect the bride to go shopping a few hours before her wedding. So ask your makeup artist in advance if there is anything you need to bring on your own. If you have something specific in mind like the trendy floral hairstyles, ask them if you need to bring in the floral selection with you.

14. Do you have a contingency plan in case of an emergency?

Most popular artists have a team in place that will overtake your bridal appointments in case the original makeup artist is unavailable.

15. What wedding makeup look do you suggest for me?

Testing the waters before you go swimming is one way to find out about your makeup artist’s talent. Asking this question will actually tell if your artist is keeping up with the trends and have fair expertise working with your skin type. You may have already scrolled millions of Instagram pages and Weddingz blogs to discover the perfect bridal look, don’t forget to consult those with your makeup artist.

16. How long will makeup take on the day?

Well, you don’t want to keep your groom waiting for Jaimala on your wedding day! A very crucial piece of information to keep everything on track on your big day. Also, you will know at what time you can expect your makeup artist or plan the logistics accordingly in case you have to drop by their studio.

17. How long will the makeup trial take? Do I need to prepare for the trial and how do I prepare?

The more looks you want to try for your big day, the more time your makeup artist needs to spare for you! Popular makeup artists can generally accommodate trial requests in certain time slots only. You may be asked to wear the color of your wedding lehenga or saree, to give you an idea of how your skin will look against your dress.

18. Would you be open to using my own make-up?

Nobody wants to have a bad break-out leading up to their wedding day. If you have sensitive skin, it becomes even more crucial for you to bring your own true-and-tested makeup products, rather than trying something new.

Now that you already have the list of questions you are going to ask makeup artists, let us help you shortlist the best bridal makeup artists in your city. So are you ready to roll?