On average, event makeup artists generally charge $75-$125 per person for hair and makeup. Services like false lashes, glitter, and touch-ups can add to the cost.
For certain special events, you want to go above and beyond your go-to looks. A professional makeup artist knows all the makeup tricks and has access to the best makeup to give you a flawless finish. From avant-garde makeup to covering under eye circles, makeup artists can do it all.
Makeup artists are most commonly hired to apply makeup for weddings, birthday parties, Hollywood red carpet events, Halloween and costume parties, video production, photo shoots, fashion shows and other special occasions. They can also create special effects makeup or theatrical makeup look.
The most requested makeup looks are glamorous and bold, romantic and soft, or natural and clean. Some people also make special requests for tattoo or scar covering. Rates vary widely by geographic location.
On average, a professional makeup artist can cost between $90 and $475 nationwide, depending on the services you select.
For different event styles, makeup application can require more or less products, time and expertise, and therefore, costs vary significantly. Bridal makeup generally demands the highest rates. Red carpet makeup often features a similar package to bridal makeup but may cost $25$50 less because clients generally require less engagement from the makeup artist prior to the event.
A more standard makeup package includes full eyes, lips, cheeks and skin. False lashes, airbrushing, and highlighting and contouring bring additional charges.Special makeup touches or false eyelashes affect the total cost of a professional makeup artists services because they require additional product and time.
Fantasy makeup (for Halloween, costume parties or added glamour) can include various add-ons or special effects. Heres how Army prices some of these add-ons:
Many hair and makeup artists offer packages that combine hair styling and makeup services. Bundling the services with one provider may reduce overall costs. Dyana Raz of Celebrity Army offers traditional bridal makeup and hair for the combined cost of $275 and offers the bride a gift. For custom Indian weddings, Army has billed up to $750 for the very detailed makeup, hair weaves and elaborate flower accents requested.
Wedding parties and other large events often require makeup services for more than one person. Negotiating a group rate can lower overall costs.
Travel time, car mileage and gas all affect the cost of makeup artist services. Many makeup artists offer a set rate within their immediate area, then charge an additional fee based on distance. For example, Army is based in Santa Clarita, California, and charges an additional $150 (round trip) for events in Santa Barbara, California, which takes 90 minutes to drive to one way.
Makeup artists who have trained with high-profile teachers or can boast celebrity clientele often have higher rates than those just starting out or with less visibility.
The number of hours a makeup artist is needed on location affects the cost of services. Events such as photo shoots, weddings and video production often require all-day presence. For events such as weddings, makeup artists will often negotiate a per-hour rate after the initial wedding party makeup application.
Most customers tip their makeup pros 15% or 20% of the total cost.