Make-up Trial Costs and Disappointments

With what you’re describing it sounds like you’re better off doing your own. You might spend $150-200 on new good makeup but at least it would be good colors, you can practice at home for free, and you get to keep it for other events.

Definitely!!! I would definitely do my own after this experience... and $75!!!! That’s such a rip off!!! You could had bought so much make up with that..

If you aren’t 100% sold on doing it on your own, then I would absolutely suggest finding another make up artist elsewhere!!

View Quoted Comment That's my thought. I have $1000's in makeup from doing my own makeup and I have no problem with doing it the day of my wedding. The thought of not having to worry about my own makeup that day was alluring to me... but not for $100+ in failed makeup trials.

View Quoted Comment I'm leaning towards just doing my own makeup. I liked the thought of not having to worry about doing my makeup but I'm practically bleeding money from the wedding already so I'm not about to waste more on makeup trials.

I had my first make-up trail today. It went very well and I was happy with the results. I will say I was starting to get a little upset when she kept staying I need false eyelashes to complete the look. I don't wear make-up on a daily so having my make-up done is a big step to begin with. I just prefer not to wear false lashes on my special day. if you ask me it's a bit much.

I would try another artist. Was this one well reviewed & had an active license? I did two trials before booking.

I would try another artist. I love doing my own makeup but could not imagine the stress of doing my own for my wedding day. Do you follow MUAs on social media? I would find an artist that you really like, preferably someone familiar with doing makeup on POC because our undertones can be tricky to match if they aren't experienced. Also, make sure that you're 100% honest about how you'd like to look. If they do something that you don't like or didn't ask for, TELL THEM!

How are you finding the make up artists? Were you able to see their portfolios ahead of time? Also, it helps to bring along some inspo pics and be super honest with them so that they have the chance to correct themselves. In order to find my make up person I went on instagram and found a page dedicated to make up artists in my area and I also went to FB where there are a couple of wedding vendor related websites and looked at people there. I went on two trials (you are right though....so expensive, I paid $125 for one and $50 for the other) and honestly had a hard time choosing because they both did a good job. One matched my complexion a bit better than the other, which was important to me. Good luck, you will find the right person. It also may help to ask some of your friends who have been married in the past. Funny enough, we went to my FH cousins wedding a few months ago and I asked him to ask her who her make up artist was once we got engaged....he forgot of course! However, it turns out that I wound up booking her artist so it all worked out!

I think you should keep looking! My photographer recommended my makeup artist, and she is great! I really don't think you'll want to stress worrying if your eyeliner is even on the day of lol, but that's just my opinion. There has to be a good makeup artist out there!

I'm sorry to hear about this! I fear it myself and I understand your disappointment. Maybe try telling her how unhappy you were and see if she'd be willing to give you a little money back? The key to this is to be honest, kind, and tactful. However, I'd suggest eating the cost if you can (the stress of trying to get back something like $20 isn't worth it to some, myself included due to anxiety..) Alternatively, let her know how unhappy you were with the trial (again, in a kind and tactful manner) and see if she would be willing to try again using your own foundation that you know works and talk to her about your brows/other concerns for free or a very minimal cost? She may accept due to the fact that without another trial you will clearly not be using your (ie spending more money with her) nor recommending her. Asking costs nothing but has possible gains.

Second, if you decide to get another trial or trials- how are you going about it? As my mom has been saying to me a lot recently: "you get what you want when you know what you want." I suggest saving pictures/having a Pinterest board or something with looks and/or pictures of yourself with some of your favourite looks. Explain what you like or dislike about each photo ("this eyeshadow look but her brows are too much for me, I like how they are on this photo of myself, could you do those together?"), and accept their advice or seek it ("I think this color wouldn't compliment your fair skin/hair colof/whatever") within reason. Hope this helps!

My biggest suggestion for doing your own is to consider your comfort with makeup. For instance, I have A LOT of makeup, I love makeup, and I love doing makeup. HOWEVER, I struggle with my winged liner (which I want on my big day) and I don't want to be stressed and upset on my wedding day trying to get it right over and over again (while also making the area around my eyes red, raw, and sore in the process.) Just little things to consider, like the example above, and how long it takes you vs. how long you have to get ready/how much time you have with your photographer to get ready.

I'm currently having the same issue. I went to a place near my venue and for $80 I was left with eyelashes that were falling off, majorly accentuated pores, and dark purple, patchy eyeshadow. After my final walk through at the venue, my caterer suggested I go with someone he knew personally. I trusted my caterer, so I went with this other girl and it came out just as bad. Now I'm not sure what to do because the second girl is booked because I'm too nice and am probably going to end up having to do my brows and eyeliner myself because apparently getting a skilled MUA for the kind of money everyone's charging is impossible.
Check out the pictures of the messes I've had done to my dang face. Everything about both looks was just bad, seeing as though I told them both I wanted a soft, natural look. Bridal makeup should be timeless and classic...not like I'm about to go clubbing after.

First Trial

Second Trial

Second Trial (other eye)