What to charge clients?

Sep 20, 2016

Grace M.

My cousin is getting married, and has asked me to do the makeup. What is a price you would give family for bridal makeup?

Sep 20, 2016

Aleena P.

It may sound harsh, but I've heard over and over again from pros that they don't give discounts to family and friends on principle and I have to agree. for one, it can be a slippery slope. for two, your prices aren't outrageous to begin with they are calculated to cover product used, effort, and time.

although I do want to mention that if this is a new thing for you and you are not licensed you should check with your state laws right away to see if accepting money for applying makeup without a license could get you fined or jailed. most states do require some type of license or training and you can't even accept tips of you don't have it.

Sep 20, 2016

Kathleen K.

To be honest I wouldn't charge my family. but that's just me, especially because my family is really really close and considering she's already spent a lot I would do it as a favor. But to each their own.

Sep 20, 2016

Paulina C.

Since you are not a pro..like check on your nearest makeup artist and ask for half...

Sep 20, 2016

Alura J.

Maybe a middle ground would be to find something that can be traded? Your makeup services for something she's good at? Does she have any skills you need?

It's tough since its family. Personally, if I was going to be paying full price to get my makeup done, I'd choose a licensed makeup artist with a full portfolio etc. She's may be asking you because you're good at it (and family, so hopefully cheaper).

Sep 20, 2016

Jacqueline H.

I do not charge family members, simply because of 'how' I charge. I do not feel right charging members of my family my full day rate or even my half day rate. If a member of my family wants me to do their makeup, it is usually for a very special occasion and I 'gift' my services. :)

I cannot tell you what to charge, because I do not charge per face or per look. I am booked in time blocks. Here is a link that is hugely helpful when it comes to determining rates:

http://www.glossible.com/beauty-business-blog/how-to-set-your-makeup-rates

Do you need a license to apply makeup for profit in every state? No. This is a constant debate, and most people believe that it is considered illegal as per the State Board. What they are unaware of is this: The State Boards only govern what transpires inside of a salon or spa. In terms of hair, it's true, individuals are not allowed to cut, color or chemically process hair without a license both in or out of a salon. That being said, styling hair or applying makeup on location for TV, film, print, or special occasion events, which include working on brides does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Cosmetology unless such bridal work is done in an actual salon.

In my opinion, there will always be an ongoing argument as to what type or kind of work allowed is permissible without a license. In essence, whether or not the client/talent is to appear “on camera” or not. Brides hire photographers and videographers; hence, making that particular point a real non-issue. The point being this, “being/appearing on camera” would mean that live events, concerts and theatrical performances would also be in question as well, and that is just not the case. The guidelines reference that individuals who perform hair styling or makeup services for professional/entertainment purposes do not need a license. That means, TV, video, film, and print gigs. This also includes live events and special occasion events. If you provide makeup application services for a wedding, prom, quinceanera, runway, pageant, concert, dance recitals, all of these kinds of events are done for entertainment purposes for the attendees and audiences. Every type of event would not constitute a 'violation' with the state board of cosmetology guidelines.

The State Board always 'alludes' to the fact that everyone needs a license. Why? Think about it...Revenue. Allow me to make myself very clear, I am in no way saying that no one 'needs' a license, or that getting a state license is a complete waste of your precious time and money. What I am saying is this: There are tons of individuals that get their license that have no intention of working in a salon or spa where the license IS clearly required. Why? Because they want to work professionally in the entertainment industry. Just on a completely different note, if you want to be Union and do hair for Film/Television, you must be licensed because on set you most likely will cut, color etc. etc. etc. as needed. You do not need to be licensed to do makeup for the Union. Cosmetology schools don't teach the skill sets that are necessary to work in TV/Film industry. If you want to join the Union, you have to meet certain criteria based upon working experience, and that has nothing to do with being a 'licensed' makeup artist.

To say that you will be fined or possible hauled off to jail for applying makeup without a license outside of a salon/spa is a very very large stretch (no disrespect intended Aleena). There are indeed some states that do require mua's to be licensed; however, that only applies to salon/spa and/or sometimes working in a retail establishments. Unfortunately, unlike other licensed professions, state laws concerning 'makeup artistry' are ambiguous, at best.  :)

Sep 20, 2016

Kim M.

I did my sister in laws hair and makeup for her wedding, it was part of her wedding gift from me.

Sep 21, 2016

Ariana S.

Since the start you should choose like 4 or 5 members of your family you will never charge, from there just who ever else from your family just charge for the products and half of your time, instead of taking tip just ask them to recommend you to relatives and friends that's as good as a full payment ;) 
xoxo

Sep 21, 2016

patty s.

Do you work as a makeup artist? Or do makeup as hobbie? If you are a MUA I wouldn't charge a family member I would tell that's my wedding gift.

Sep 21, 2016

Lara R.

I think the "pay" you get is your job being promoted because it's likely that all of her friends will ask who did her makeup.

Sep 22, 2016

Yesenia E.

I do not charge my family whenever they ask me to do their makeup. But that's just me... We are very close and for some reason I don't feel right charging them. Of course they always insist to pay me etc.but I really don't take their $. They do show up at my house with my favorite Starbucks drink or breakfast which is a plus hahaha!😅