Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a makeup artist?
There are many reasons for hiring a makeup artist. The top three reasons are:
to look your best, in person and on camera
to have access to the top products in the beauty industry without having to purchase them, and
to relieve any stress that may come with your beauty routine or with makeup needs for a special event.
What is your makeup specialty and area of expertise?
Many of my clients initially contact me because they like the client photos on my website. They often use the word “natural,” and that is how they want to look. To me, natural means that your skin looks evened out and more youthful. Your makeup looks fresh and polished, and it accentuates your best features. My favorite makeup approach is an overall natural look with some special accents, such as a pop of color on the lips or defined eyes.
What products do you use?
I use different products, depending on the situation or event. For clients who will be interacting both in person and on camera, I use specialty foundations and powders that exactly match skin tone and provide a flawless finish that looks impeccable, both in person and on camera. I use high-definition foundation, powders, and contouring products for people appearing only on camera. I also research and curate the best products from top health conscious makeup brands to ensure that I have top-shelf and safe products in my makeup kit—products that have been tried and tested, and are trusted by professional makeup artists. I carry products not only for special events, but for everyday makeup wearers, health-conscious individuals who are interested in safer products, people with allergies and sensitivities, and vegans.
How Did you Come up With Your Business Name?
I was getting lots of requests for services and I knew I had to come up with a name pretty quickly. My best friend and I were on a Circulator bus in Georgetown (pre Uber and Lyft) and she said, What about "The Makeup Chick?" We went with, "The Makeup Chic" as a play on words. My company has evolved to Natural Makeup Chic to hone in on my niche clientele base.
How far in advance do I have to book?
My bridal makeup services require advance booking, and I recommend that you contact me between six to twelve months in advance for these services. Although the makeup industry can accommodate last-minute needs—and I have worked within two weeks of booking at times—a month or two out for booking non-bridal services is not the norm.
What type of travel is involved? Do you come to my house and to the event site?
I come to the event site for weddings and I usually charge a flat rate travel fee, it's easier that way. For my makeup lessons or classes, I have set places that I conduct them. For bridal clients getting married in Annapolis, there is NO travel fee! For bridal clients getting married on Kent Island or the Eastern Shore MD, I offer special travel rates. Ask me about them!
Is parking included in your prices?
If you are getting ready at a venue where a parking fee is involved, then my parking fee is added to the bill. I typically use valet parking at hotels because of its logistical simplicity. Hotels often provide complimentary parking for wedding vendors, but you must set that up in advance; otherwise, parking fees can be charged to your room or paid on the day of the event.
What is the booking process?
Once the date of service, time frame, and price are confirmed, I require a signed contract. For weddings, I also require an up-front deposit.
How do I pay?
For nearly all makeup clients, I accept a check or credit card payment. For wedding clients, I require final payment be made two weeks before the wedding.
What are your rates?
My rates are pretty consistent with other professional makeup artists who are based in the Washington, DC area. I tend to be slightly more from what I am told. I am a boutique company. Typically when I book a wedding, I only book one-a-day so I feel relaxed and focused without being rushed. I also use a lot of high-end natural skincare and makeup products. These high-end natural companies are independent and create their lines in small batches in the USA, so the product can be pricey even for professional makeup artists.
I also prefer to provide personalized quotes because I offer many specific, tailored services, and because travel costs can be different. For an estimated price per service, please contact me with the type of makeup service needed and location information.
For weddings, how do I prepare for the pre-wedding trial?
After deciding on a mutually agreeable pre-wedding trial date, I will email you with the following trial instructions:
Please refrain from wearing makeup products on the day of the trial. Regular skincare routine is fine.
Wear a white/cream v-neck, white/cream button down, or white/cream tank top. This is optimal for your pre-wedding day trial if you plan to wear a white dress for the wedding.
Please bring photos of your wedding hairstyle, if applicable.
Please bring makeup inspiration photos.
Please bring photos of your wedding attire.
Please bring photos of wedding attire for your bridal party.
Please bring any photos you may have of planned decor, flowers, or colors. This helps me visualize the overall style for your wedding look.
For weddings, what happens during the pre-wedding trial?
You should allow 90 minutes for a makeup-only trial and 2-1/2 to 3 hours for makeup and hair. During the allotted time, we discuss your wedding style details and your ideas and images your wedding day makeup and hair. We review any inspirational photos that you have brought, and then, based on our discussion, I do your makeup. We then go over the finished look, tweaking the makeup if needed. After we finalize the look for makeup and hair, we review and finalize the wedding day timeline and confirm whether any additional artists are needed to assist for your wedding day. If your time is limited that day, please let me know ahead of time so that we can discuss wedding style details and the wedding day timeline before beginning the actual trial.
For special events leading up to the wedding, such as engagement shoots and bridal showers, do you recommend doing a pre-wedding trial on the same day as these occasions?
Only when there is sufficient time. I have done pre-wedding trials on special occasions, but I don’t recommend them before or after your engagement shoots and bridal showers. Please read my blog post about this.
What should I expect on the day of the special event or wedding?
We will have discussed logistics during the initial consult and/or pre-wedding trial. If I am on location, I always build in sufficient time to park and get set up, and I am always on time. You should expect a calm, orderly makeup session.
What do I need to prepare for you on the day of the event?
Please make sure to designate an area for me that has the best natural light, near a window. Please ask the hotel staff if a bar stool can be provided. For hair styling, a lower hotel chair is adequate.
Do you do hair or know anyone who does?
I do light hair styling, making sure that hair is in place for photos and video. For boudoir and glamour portraits only, I also apply basic hair volumizing techniques. I maintain a list of hair stylists—many of whom I contract or work with on a regular basis—and can provide referrals, as requested. Please note that most of the hair stylists I work with do separate contracts.
Do you have any other questions?
If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact me at: suz@naturalmakeupchic.com