3 Rules to Help Choose Your Make-up Artist Wisely

As a professional make-up artist, I try to be very careful not to judge the work of other make-up artists. But it is my duty as a card carrying member of the 'I Am a Diva Club' (it should be a club), to issue a warning to the trusting, unsuspecting men and women who fall prey to those who bare the name: Professional Make-Up Artist, but they are really just a hot mess!! Normally I would not dare write about a subject like this, but after seeing so many people with bad make-up that was "professionally" done, I can stay silent no longer. Here are three rules to help avoid a bad makeover:

Rule #1 Check out the artist

First impressions are everything, and you never get a second chance to make a first impression. This rule should definitely apply to your make-up artist. When you meet them for the first time there are certain things you should look for. Of course the obvious thing would be to see how their make-up looks. Now it is true that everyone has different styles, and their style may not necessarily reflect your style; however, you are looking beyond they style to see if it is done tastefully and applied correctly. Check out their total appearance. Its okay to make sure this person has good hygiene because they will soon have their hands all over your face!

Rule #2 Body of Evidence

So what do you do if you are not meeting the artist in person or when you do meet them they aren't wearing any make-up at all? A professional make-up artist will have a portfolio. Some who are just starting out may not have a huge portfolio, but they will have some pictures of their work for you to view. Even if the photos consist of a few pics on their camera phone. The point is they will have some proof of their work. There should be a few examples of different styles of make-up so you can get an idea of their capabilities.

Rule #3 Go for a Test Drive

Every make-up artist should offer you a trial session or a consultation. This is extremely important if you are receiving special occasion make-up for a wedding or prom, etc. This allows you to make an educated decision before your big day. There is no worse nightmare than planning for your special day and everything turns out perfect, but you look a mess because you chose the wrong make-up artist. It's also very important that the artist choose the right type of make-up depending on the purpose. For example, make-up for a photo shoot is going to be much different than the make-over given to someone who is going out on the town for their 10th anniversary.

Most importantly, trust your "beauty sense". If something doesn’t feel right about your make-over and it's just taking way to long. More than likely you're right and you should get out of there as quickly as you can without making a scene!

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