How much does wedding makeup cost?

Expect to pay between $85 and $125 per hour for a wedding day makeup artist. The complexity of the makeup, length of services, and headcount all affect the hourly rate and total cost of hiring a makeup artist for a wedding.

Below are the nationwide cost averages for wedding makeup by bridal party headcount:

Makeup artists usually charge less for bridesmaids’ makeup, and can average between $50 and $100 nationwide. For example, Knots for Me in Long Island charges $85–$95 per bridesmaid, rather than charging per hour.

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.

• 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.

• 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.