Makeup artist bailed on me - need advice

I totally get why you feel the way you did. It may seem kind of shady but she may also have a legitimate reason for no longer being able to commit to do your makeup on your wedding date and it's better for her to cancel 2 months out then a week or the day of. Also to try and put the trial costs in perspective, had you decided not to proceed with her as your MUA then you would not be eligible for the funds to be refunded either. I think the trial costs are completely separate from the actual day of makeup costs.

I think it wouldn't hurt to express your issue with it and explain to her that you now have to pay for an additional trial (and possibly another artist who may cost more) and this has effected your budget with not much time to spare. I would also mention that you would have canceled the trial and not paid for it had you known she was going to cancel. Thank her for returning the deposit and ask her kindly if she'd be able to return the trial money (maybe she'll meet you in the middle and return half of it). With that said, if she says no and repeats the fact that she provided the service, I would let it go at that point and put your energy into finding someone else. Unless your contract states it, she doesn't technically owe that to you, although I agree with your sentiments on it. Hopefully she'll at least show good faith and want to meet you in the middle if not return the whole amount.

I know it sucks and I can't imagine the stress on you right now but I think she was fair with refunding you the deposit. Even though she isn't doing your wedding, she did do the trial so I don't think she should refund that. I would contact the other artists and if you cannot afford another trial, see if they have references or maybe a social media account that they have posted their work to. Are your friends good enough with their own makeup that you could all do your own if you don't like the other artists' work? I'm so sorry. I hope you are able to find someone as you should absolutely feel like a princess on your wedding day.

That is strange, and I can see why you're upset, but honestly, none of us can know what's going on with her. Maybe something horrific has happened in her family. As a makeup artist myself, I say she did the right thing. The work done is the work done, so I wouldn't expect the trial money to be refunded. No MUA I know would do that; the trial is paid due to many factors, including the artist being out a considerable amount of money for makeup she obviously can't scrape off your face to get back. That stuff is more expensive than people think!

Every artist I know will refund money paid other than the trial payment, as well as attempt to find you replacements. Have you looked into or contacted the replacement artists she recommended? She sounds 150% professional to me.

That stinks that she did that. But you just might be out the trial money. You can try to get it back, since she cannot do the hair and makeup for your day. I'm glad she you gave back the deposit.

That is totally wack! OMG ;(. I think I would contact her and ask for the vast majority of my money back on the trial because if she is not going to do your wedding then the trial services zero purpose and she knows that. If she did not return most or all of my money I would review her negatively everywhere. That is only fair...I know things come up but that is not your fault and she needs to be professional and responsible. So sorry but I bet you will find someone and they will do your make up WAY better than her and your pics will be that much better forever because of it. There is something good that is going to come out of it. YAY =)

I'm so sorry! I completely understand how frustrating that is. I'm dealing with a similar situation. I had one MUA that I had a trial with back in March, loved, and then never heard anything from her until 3 weeks ago. (I sent her about a dozen emails). Then I was working with another girl, all ready to sign a contract and put down a deposit when she said "something came up" and once again I was back to square one.

I wouldn't ask for your trial money back. She performed that service, and you liked what she did. I completely understand how frustrating it is, but like you said...you had the trial and were very satisfied with it. She should be paid for the services she did provide.

Update:
As it turns out, the makeup artist replied to my email saying, "I decided not to move forward because I do not believe we are a good fit to work together."

I'm absolutely flabbergasted, because like I said in my original post, the trial seemed to go fine. I had her make a few adjustments, which is the whole point of doing a trial, and there was absolutely no ill will. Feeling even more ripped off and hurt, since she did not even have the decency to give any clear explanation after I replied to this email asking what I did or said to make her feel that way. It's one thing to have a family emergency or something like that, but another thing to take my money and run, for what I can only assume may have been a more lucrative opportunity for her (it was just my mom and I getting makeup done for the wedding day).

If she has been professional up until now then give her the benefit. I know it SUCKS and is just adding to your stress! (Aug 24th Bride here ) I think you just add more stress to yourself if you try to battle this out with her and at least you are getting your deposit back.

Maybe if you explain to the new make artist what happened they will do a trial for free or at a discounted rate?? Worth asking!

Sorry this happened!

I know how frustrating this must have been for you,and I am so sorry you have to experience this. As a bride I sympathize with wanting the refund, but as a professional you paid for services rendered. Trials are recommended not mandatory so I'm sure you enjoyed the experience and showed off that beautifully made up face.

Good luck with the big day.