Why are makeup artists so expensive?
Makeup is a luxury service. It’s a want, not a need.
Whether you are a potential client looking to hire a makeup artist or a makeup artist yourself, trying to figure out the pricing for your market, these are the things that I like to take into consideration when setting my rates and sending out quotes and deal memos.
How much does your kit cost?
Personally, I have a very high-end collection stocked with mostly luxury brand products which my clients expect from me. So I carry around 6-8k of makeup, makeup brushes, hair products, and hair tools with me for most jobs. I am replenishing my stock constantly. If things expire, I throw them out and repurchase new ones.
What is the cost per client?
Skin prep - exfoliators, toners, essences, sunscreen, serums, moisturizers, oils, lip balms, primers, and anti-shine products
Complexion products- Foundation, Concealers, color correctors, finishing powders, setting powders, bronzers, highlighters, contour, etc
Colour products - eyeshadows, cream blush, powder blushes, eye pencils, gel eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, brow gels, brow pencils, mascaras, lip liners, lipsticks, glosses, etc
Disposables - qtips, mascara wands, lip wands, kleenex, paper towels, spatulas, makeup wipes, cotton pads, and materials to sanitize your station
How many applications are you getting out of each 50 dollar bottle of foundation, that you bought in at least 14 different shades to accommodate anyone of any skin tone that sits in your chair? How much do all of these items add up to per application?
What is your time worth?
Determine if you are a luxury, mid-range, or budget-friendly artist.
How long does it take to complete a service? I work quickly and efficiently because of my years of experience
Factor in travel time back and forth from your home to location, setting up your station, and breakdown time. As we say here “ It takes an hour to get from Miami to Miami.”
Do-and-gos or half-day/full-day rate services?
Does this leave you time to accept other jobs on the same day? If you are charging 75 dollars a face and only have time to book one client a day, that’s less than a minimum wage.
What type of services are you providing?
On-site or in-studio?
A la carte or packages?
Do-and-gos or half-day/full-day rate services?
Time when you get home to wash loads of brushes and sanitize and reset your kit between jobs
Who is your ideal client and what is your ideal market?
Again, determine if you are a luxury, mid-range, or budget-friendly artist. Consider the type of client you want to attract and the level of service you can confidentially provide. Do you want to service the budget, average, or luxury class clients? Price your services to attract those that you want to come to you.
How much administrative time do you spend on the average client?
How much time is spent on emails, phone calls, consults, deal memos, contracts, mood boards, and other paperwork? How much is that time worth? This is often why bridal makeup artists charge significantly more for the bride’s makeup because there is generally a lot more admin work, such as emails and phone calls exchanged over the year prior to their wedding factored in.
Do you have any formal education?
School to get licensed in Cosmetology or Esthetics? I’m a licensed esthetician and it infinity improved my makeup skill and understanding.
Makeup school? twice
Makeup classes?
Business courses? yes!
Continuing education? It’s so important to always learn and not get stale over time
Factor all of that time, cost, and experience in as well.What is your general overhead?
What are your yearly or monthly expenses?
Do you have a studio, pay agency fees, carry professional business/liability and kit insurance, taxes, accountant, QuickBooks, automobile expenses, travel expenses, Gmail pro, website, web designer, SEO, advertising, fees to set up a business, yearly LLC business license, professional cosmetology/esthetics license renewal, attorney for contracts and other fees necessary to run a legitimate self-employed business? These add up quickly!!
The bottom line is that makeup artistry takes time, money and experience to perfect. It can be an expensive luxury service, but it also has value; an investment in beauty for moments often captured on camera, film, and preserved in memories. If you're considering hiring a professional makeup artist, don't let cost deter you from hiring an artist because it is an investment that will only make your production or event that much more elevated, polished, and memorable!
Does hiring a professional makeup artist sound like something worth exploring further? Reach out to me for a quote