How Much Do Makeup Artists Charge?
Professional makeup artists charge anywhere from $100-$400. This price can vary depending on the artist’s experience, location, products used, time spent, and more. You might seek professional makeup appointments for events like prom, weddings, galas, and other special occasions where you want to look your best.
What affects the cost of a professional makeup appointment?
Factors such as the location of the appointment, artist’s experience, desired additional services, whether it’s an individual or group appointment, and type of makeup service influence the cost of a makeup appointment. Additional services can include false lashes, contouring, airbrushed makeup, touch-ups throughout the event, and more.
Makeup artists will typically charge by the hour, but remember to discuss the price breakdown before the appointment begins, as every artist structures their price range differently. For example, some artists have a baseline cost that increases as extra services are added.
What are some other costs to consider?
Besides the cost of the makeup application, there are add-ons to consider before booking an appointment:
- Consultation appointment
- Skincare
- Makeup removal
- Touch-ups
It’s important to understand exactly what’s expected of you and the artist before, during, and after the appointment. While you aren’t required to partake in anything that might cost you more than the makeup appointment itself, it’s highly encouraged to ensure you get the look you want.
A consultation is typically credited toward the overall cost of the main appointment. For important events like weddings, artists recommend a consultation to have a better understanding of your request before the big day. Depending on the artist’s availability, their clientele can also ask for touch-ups throughout the event. However, this is not included in the price of the initial application and can cost an additional $100-$150+.
Other expenses like skincare and makeup removal products are up to you. An artist will likely recommend a hydrating skincare routine before the makeup application to prepare your skin for your new look. The price of your skincare depends on how much or little you want to spend, and the same goes for makeup removal products. You could use your existing skincare routine or splurge on more luxurious products for your big day.
How much do makeup appointments cost in the U.S?
In the U.S., makeup appointments average around $100. We’ve gathered data from our community of makeup artists across the country to give you an overview of the cost in each state:
| State | Average cost per appointment |
|---|---|
| AL | $71 |
| AR | $73 |
| AZ | $85 |
| CA | $119 |
| CO | $66 |
| CT | $87 |
| DC | $98 |
| DE | $72 |
| FL | $81 |
| GA | $79 |
| HI | $108 |
| IA | $57 |
| ID | $48 |
| IL | $93 |
| IN | $59 |
| KS | $83 |
| KY | $72 |
| LA | $72 |
| MA | $76 |
| MD | $92 |
| ME | $85 |
| MI | $80 |
| MN | $77 |
| MO | $85 |
| MS | $58 |
| NC | $76 |
| NE | $28 |
| NH | $38 |
| NJ | $82 |
| NV | $117 |
| NY | $86 |
| OH | $73 |
| OK | $44 |
| OR | $54 |
| PA | $78 |
| RI | $90 |
| SC | $79 |
| TN | $78 |
| TX | $105 |
| VA | $53 |
| WA | $110 |
| WI | $73 |
| WV | $50 |
How much do special occasion makeup appointments cost?
A special occasion makeup appointment costs an average of $120 in the U.S. If you’re looking to book a makeup appointment for your wedding day, prom, or another special event, the data below may help:
| State | Average cost per appointment |
|---|---|
| AL | $101 |
| AZ | $63 |
| CA | $209 |
| CO | $125 |
| CT | $113 |
| FL | $133 |
| GA | $118 |
| HI | $108 |
| IA | $65 |
| ID | $40 |
| IL | $68 |
| IN | $86 |
| KY | $178 |
| LA | $43 |
| MD | $134 |
| MI | $86 |
| MN | $60 |
| MO | $256 |
| NC | $158 |
| ND | $75 |
| NJ | $97 |
| NV | $214 |
| NY | $147 |
| OH | $150 |
| PA | $199 |
| SC | $23 |
| TN | $94 |
| TX | $181 |
| VA | $207 |
| WA | $150 |
| WI | $68 |
How can I reduce the cost of a makeup appointment?
You can reduce the cost of a makeup appointment by bringing your own products, going to a beauty counter, or asking for only eye or face makeup. The easiest alternative to getting your makeup professionally done is going to a makeup counter. This can cost anywhere from $50-$100 and allows the artist to use the makeup from the brand they’re working with.
Other options can reduce the total cost but vary depending on the artist. If you’ve booked a makeup appointment, the artist will expect to use their own products to ensure stunning results. Therefore, if you’re keen on using some or all of your own makeup products, you should inform the artist to discuss what’s achievable.
Meanwhile, many clients are well-versed in makeup and only require professional assistance for a certain area of the application, like eye makeup. If that is the case, the artist will inform you of the price for a single service.
If you require a makeup service by a professional, some artists may offer discounts. Asking about student discounts for prom or group discounts for a wedding party never hurts.
What happens during a makeup appointment?
During a makeup appointment, the artist evaluates your skin condition, plans your look, chooses their products, preps your skin, and applies the makeup. While most makeup appointments are one or two hours long, some artists suggest a consultation beforehand to speed up the process on the day of.
If you booked a group session, the process will change to promote efficiency. The artist will book a consultation to choose the makeup look and products ahead of time. Occasionally, makeup assistants help out during large group appointments. A group session can last anywhere from three to five hours, depending on if the artist has assistance or not.
A makeup appointment is a detailed process that can cost quite a bit, depending on the route you choose to take. Now that your questions are answered, and you’re ready to get glam with the help of beauty experts, book your appointment with our community of artists.
