I’m in shell shock from the price quotes I’ve gotten from hair and makeup people. Seriously? Up to $175 for hair alone? The same for makeup? Kill. me. now.
I recently had a consultation with less insanely priced, (but still more than I budget for) hair/makeup artist. I was referred to him through my benevolent bride friend, after I saw how incredibly glowing and lovely she looked in her photos. He seems great – I really like his energy. However, I’m just not sure I can rationalize the cost…. but I can’t do it on my own, either.
I’m not much of a make-up person. On a daily basis I wear sunscreen and lip gloss. Sometimes I wear mascara and blush gel too… but that’s about as far as it goes. Oftentimes, when I get makeup professionally done, it feels cakey and matte. It might look great on film, but in person, its 3 layers deep. I don’t want that for my wedding. I want to have a radiant, dewy look that looks great both on film and in person. More like I just had an invigorating romp – all flushed and natural. Is it possible?
In a hunt for inspiration, I turned to celebs with similar complexions as mine (read: vampiric). Here’s what I came up with:
Ah, Kate, you are ethereal. And, Cate, your sassy freshness is inspiring! Love the hair, too!
Rory er, Alexis, how sweet! And Claire, even with a touch of the crazy-eye, you still look clean and fresh.
Elisha, you are nearly perfect in your berry lovely glow!
What do you think? Which is your favorite?
I’m still a little lost on the hair…. I feel like maybe a wavy bob might be fun…
Less crazy than her, though.
Or sleek and smooth a la Katie Holmes
And this is a terrible picture, but I loved Miranda‘s hair at her wedding. Piece-y and slightly wavy.
Hair is way harder for me to figure out. My bangs are still new and I’m not really sure how to use them… or if I’ll keep them. My hair is thinnish and given to scraggles. I want something I don’t have to worry about all night, but something that feels special and will hold up to dancing. I know what I’m wearing in it, I just don’t know about the style. The stylist seemed to think with my dress and “bohemian rockstar” style aspirations, the Cate Blanchett hairstyle and makeup would suit me best. What do you think?
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i’m loving the miranda hair and claire danes makeup.
What most people don’t realize is that NONE of these celeb looks were achieved “naturally” they all ALL ALL have a team of makeup artists, stylist, hair people who make their “glow” appear natural, effortless and easy. When you hire an artist you are paying for their TIME. Why would it cost less than $175 for anyone to make a house call at your convenience? If their skills are any good, it shouldn’t. I saw Jennifer Conolly on the street the other day. She has taken some BEAUTIFUL photos, nearly every photo of her I have ever seen made me stop in my tracks. On the street she looked so unmemorable I did not notice her, until someone else pointed her out. She looked the way you do with your sunscreen and lip gloss, pretty yes, purty no…Look, I think you have to prioritize with your budget etc. but I don’t think it’s unrealistic to pay somone $175 or more to come to you to do hair and makeup on one of your most photographed days of your life.
Just a piece of advice – never ever mention that the services are for a wedding – the price seems to magically go up with the mention of the “w” word!
I saw one budget saving technique work out really well for one of my brides. I was planning her wedding in downtown Chicago and she told me she and her bridesmaid’s were going to get their wedding day makeup done at a counter in Macy’s. I thought YIKES!! This is not going to end well. But it was great. She built a relationship with the guy, did a tryout, and then scheduled it on her wedding day. They ran a little late, and I definitely think it was a plus that the wedding was just two blocks away. It was completely free (but I think she slipped him a tip.) Ultimately though, I have to agree with Aricka. I don’t think it’s too much to pay for how it makes you feel on the day and how great you look in photographs. Thanks for a great blog.
@Aricka – I live in Los Angeles and work in the TV/film industry, so I fully understand the value of good makeup in front of the camera…. which is why I’m planning on spending any money on it, rather than doing it myself. However, I didn’t specify that I require someone to make a house call. I’d be happy to travel for it, if it brings the cost down. Of course I want to fairly compensate all my vendors for their time. They key word being fairly. As an actor, I know what makeup artists are worth. What bothers me specifically is how the word “wedding” before makeup automatically merits a price increase.
@Kimberly: Amen, sister!
I hired a make-up artist for my wedding. She was the consultant I was using at Nordstoms for all of my make-up needs. Day of she was a no-show. I had my sister run to the nearest department store to buy the products I desperately needed (I had planned on make-up lady to be bringing what I needed) and did my make-up myself. It turned out better than I could have planned. I’m actually very relieved she didn’t show up. I ended up looking exactly how I wanted to look.
I would suggest finding the right products. Getting “consultations” for free at make-up counters, asking for “tips” on application and then practice practice practice and just do it yourself. We ended up saving a lot of cash on that one.
I’m going the way Kat did… BUT that’s also because I’m a bit of a make-up junkie and don’t mind doing it myself!
I’m going to get a couple consultations and will probably buy some of products that they use, and then I’ll just practice practice practice!! The hair, though, I am having done by the stylist I’ve been going to for years. That should only cost around$50. (not too shabby!)
And as far as pricing goes, I kind of agree – granted, I’m not in L.A., but $175 sounds pretty high. And if you’re on a strict budget, that would definitely make a difference!!
For what it’s worth – I LOVELOVELOVE Cate Blanchette’s look!!! I love her super rosy cheeks and bright mouth!! She looks so pretty! And I also loved Miranda’s hair on her wed-day. Plus, it’s definitely an easy style that as it started to “fall out” towards the end of the night, it would still look good!!