Counter Makeup vs. Freelance Makeup

Understanding the difference between a counter makeup artist and a freelance makeup artist.

 

There are advantages to both counter makeup artists and freelance makeup artists. When selecting makeup for every day wear, a counter makeup artist is an ideal choice. However, when you are considering makeup for your wedding day, you need to determine what is most important to you.

 

PRODUCTS: A freelance makeup artist works independently and does not represent any particular cosmetic company. She provides an unbiased approach when selecting makeup products based on individual performance and function. With access to thousands of cosmetic products, the freelance makeup artist will choose items from her professional experience. Since she is not required to carry any one brand, she can offer you the best products available that are ideal for you and your event.

 

A counter makeup artists typically represents a specific brand (or brands). Working at the counter, she is limited to the products provided through this particular company, and as her goal is to ultimately sell you products, she will utilize the choices at hand. The items available may be limited and may not be the best option for you.
 

TRAINING: The State of Florida, as well as most other states; does not require a license to be a makeup artist. This means that anyone with a stack of makeup and a website may be open for business.  Some freelance makeup artists will hold a cosmetology or esthetician's license.  This allows them to provide services in a salon. There is a limited amount of makeup application training that one receives during the cosmetology course and is typically focused on daily makeup wear. This is similar to what a counter makeup artist may provide.

 

A counter makeup artist normally receives very limited training and it's usually provided by the brand she represents. It's focused on generating sales of specific products and not on application for a wedding or special event. Most counter makeup artists are adept at makeup application for the every day makeup wearer and may not be skilled at the details needed for photography or long-lasting makeup as required for a wedding.

 

A wedding will require more thorough knowledge than makeup applied for every day wear or a night out on the town. Most freelance makeup artists will obtain additional training and education through makeup workshops and seminars, as well as attendance at a makeup school. They may also receive hands-on experience by mentoring a professional artist and working on clients for photoshoots and film work.

 

LOCATION: A freelance makeup artist is often able to provide services directly at your location on your wedding day with one-on-one attention. A counter makeup artist provides the services during store hours and it may not be a private and personal experience. The store or counter area may be open for business and you may find your makeup application is being shared with a variety of shoppers. A freelance artist is committed to being sure you look fabulous (her career depends on it) and a counter makeup artist is primarily focused on her cosmetic company and sales goals.

Relaxing on your wedding day may be easier if you have your makeup artist travel to you. Otherwise, if you are driving to the store to have your makeup applied, you will need to account for additional travel time to and from the store, considering traffic and any unexpected incidents that may arise. Be sure to allow enough time to get back to your location to finished getting dressed.

If you aren't able to schedule a specific appointment time at the counter, you may need to wait for an available artist. The store may not be open early enough to accommodate you and you may be rushed or delayed. If you have a large bridal party, the counter may be tight on space and not comfortable for all of your girls to be there at the same time.

COST: A freelance makeup artist is not going to try to sell you makeup products. Her goal is to make you look flawless and beautiful for your wedding day. She is unbiased and carries multiple brands of professional products. Her reputation and career depend on your satisfaction.

A counter makeup artist works off of commission based on the amount of products she sells and her goal is to get a sale. The more cosmetic products you purchase from her, the better it is for her sales goal and career. Cosmetic companies often promote certain items and the artist may be required to use a product that isn't necessarily the best for you.

 

Since a freelance makeup artist is providing an on-location, personal experience, you may find her services to be more expensive than receiving services from a counter makeup artist. A freelance artist is responsible for her own taxes, advertising expenses and all the costs associated with her business. As a bride, you may not be able to afford a freelance makeup artist on your wedding day and receiving services from a counter makeup artist may work better within your budget.

 

EXPERIENCE: A freelance makeup artist who is experienced in providing bridal makeup services will understand the flow of events on the wedding day. She will not be frazzled by all the chaos and frenzy that surrounds the bridal party as they get ready. Selecting a makeup artists who is not familiar with weddings, can be more stress than a bride needs. If the makeup artist is unable to function through all the commotion and excitement of the wedding day, your makeup may not be up to par.