How much will your wedding and event makeup cost?
Columbus, OH 43215
Wedding makeup artists charge$218 - $424
National average fixed price
- Lowest price:$
- Most common low price:$218
- Most common high price:$424
- Highest price:$
How much does wedding makeup cost?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Wed, Jan 22
Nationwide, wedding makeup artists charge $218-$424, on average, according to Thumbtack data. How much you'll pay depends on the specific services you select, the number of people in your bridal party, and many other factors.
| National average cost | $305 |
|---|---|
| Average low-end cost | $218 |
| Average high-end cost | $424 |
Wedding makeup can be solely for the bride, or it can include everyone who is a part of your special day. To create the perfect look for your wedding party, you may want to expand your bridal beauty package to include bridesmaids, flower girls, and other family members Wedding makeup artists can create bridal looks that are natural and clean, romantic and soft, or bold and glamorous. Optional add-ons include airbrush makeup, a classic vintage look, smokey eyes, bold lips and contouring.
What affects the cost of a wedding makeup artist?
Number of people
For a special event, the number of people who receive makeup services also affects the overall cost and may even require an additional makeup artist. For example, dBeauty Junkie requires an assistant to aid with parties of six or more for a flat fee of $150.
Lashes
Many makeup artists include false eyelashes in the cost of the bride’s makeup services. Lashes often cost extra for other members of the bridal party, however. The cost is typically a flat fee for each additional person. Sarah Jeanne Makeup Artistry charges $15–20 for lashes, depending on the number of people receiving the service.
Full-day booking
In addition to the initial wedding makeup application, brides can request that a makeup artist remain on-site on the day of the wedding to provide touch-ups throughout the event and reception. dBeauty Junkie charges $50 per hour after the initial application costs. This service is sometimes provided for a negotiated price, and some makeup artists have a set rate for full-day services.
Bridal hair services
Many makeup artists also offer bridal hair services. By bundling salon services and makeup services, clients can save money. For example, Knots for Me charges $100 for wedding hair styling, $85– $125 for wedding makeup and $150 for wedding hair and makeup together.
Trial makeup
Most makeup artists encourage a trial application. Some include the service in their total fee, others charge an additional cost for the service, especially if it includes travel. Knots for Me offers a trial session for $60–$70.
Travel
Travel costs are typically billed to the client, with makeup artists generally providing a base fee within their service area and additional fees based on mileage, hotel needs and drive time. dBeauty Junkie charges extra for locations farther than a 1.5-hour drive, events with a start time prior to 7:30 a.m. and for those that require a hotel stay.
Compare prices from Makeup Artists near you.
How to hire a wedding makeup artist
- Read reviews: Look for reviews from brides who used a similar makeup style to the one you have in mind for your special day.
- Look at their portfolio: Makeup artists typically have a portfolio where they can show you bridal looks they’ve created for other weddings.
- Ask about products: Especially for those with sensitive skin types, make sure the beauty expert is using quality products as a part of their bridal beauty service.
- Do a trial run: You can do a makeup trial before you commit to your bridal makeup. Find out how much a makeup artist charges for a makeup trial and use their services for a night out or another special event. This will give you a better sense of their style, products, and personality.
How to save money on a wedding makeup artist
- Skip additional services: Add-ons like lashes for your bridesmaids or airbrush makeup can add up. Keep the price low by sticking to a more streamlined bridal beauty package.
- Bundle salon and makeup services: If your makeup artist offers salon services, find out if they do package deals if you hire them for hair and makeup.
- Travel to the makeup artist: If it’s convenient, get your makeup done at the makeup artist’s studio instead of having them travel to your location. This will cut travel fees from the overall price.
- DIY touch ups: Have the wedding makeup artist show you or a bridesmaid how to touch up your makeup. Decide in advance what products you’ll be using, particularly on your lips, so that you have them on hand for a quick DIY touch up later in the night.
Benefits of a wedding makeup artist
- Better photographs: Professional makeup guarantees that you look fresh and fabulous in your photos.
- Products and skills: Wedding makeup artists bring skills that go above and beyond day to day makeup application, and they have the products and tools to help you create any look. From airbrushing to eyelash application, they can bring your bridal beauty to the next level.
- Peace of mind: Who wants to worry about having the right lipstick color or covering up a blemish on her wedding day? A wedding makeup artist will make sure you look picture-perfect, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the day.
*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
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