Photo: Bon Miller Photography
Getting your makeup done can be an exciting and relaxing experience. It’s the time for you to sit back and let a professional work their magic. You might feel tempted to chat, scroll through your phone, catch up with friends or multitask to pass the time, but trust me, as a makeup artist with over 15 years of experience, these can have a negative impact on the process and the results.
While you are enjoying your time in the makeup chair, remember that for your artist it is work.
For this reason, I created a list of things you shouldn’t do while having your makeup done if you want the best results.
1. Avoid Using Your Phone Unless Absolutely Necessary
Using your phone for non-emergency tasks can interfere with the makeup application. When your head is tilted down toward your screen or your eyes are looking in a different direction, it would be challenging for your artist to get the job done. Taking phone calls adds even more distraction with facial expressions and head movements.
Pro Tip: If you need to show your makeup artist a specific look you desire, have it saved and ready on your phone before your appointment starts.
2. Don’t Over Chat with Your Makeup Artist
Engaging in long conversations while your makeup is being applied can be distracting for your artist. While it’s nice to be friendly and enjoy small talk, non-stop chatting can make them be less concentrated. Talkin from personal experience, multitasking is slowing me down. Because of this, you might not be ready on time.
3. Stay Still, Especially During Lip Application
Moving your head or talking during lip applications makes it difficult for your artist to create that perfect lip, which results in smudging or uneven results.
4. Avoid Getting Too Emotional
While makeup appointments can be therapeutic, try to avoid getting overly emotional during the process. Teary eyes or watery skin make it hard for the makeup to adhere properly, especially when it comes to eyeliner or foundation around sensitive areas.
5. Don’t Raise Your Eyebrows or Move While Brow Work Is in Progress
Facial movements, especially raising your brows while your makeup artist is sculpting them, can lead to uneven or mismatched eyebrows.
6. Try Not to Fall Asleep
While the makeup chair can feel relaxing, falling asleep can create awkward interruptions. I had that happened while doing makeup before and I needed to gently wake my client up.
7. Don’t Bring Books or Laptops
Looking down to read a book or type on a laptop during your makeup appointment creates the same problem as using your phone: your head and eyes aren’t in the ideal position for your artist to work their best.
8. Skip Snacking During Makeup Application
Eating during the process can move your jaw and ruin freshly applied makeup, like lipstick or foundation, that is still setting. Avoid food until your makeup is done for the best results.
9. Avoid Holding Babies or Pets
Bringing babies or pets into the makeup chair can be a recipe for disaster. Not only is the distraction unhelpful, but makeup can accidentally get in their eyes or on their sensitive skin. Plus, you’ll struggle to stay still while trying to tend to them.
10. Don’t Overindulge in Alcohol
It’s not uncommon to see some celebratory drinks when preparing for special events like weddings, but avoid drinking too much alcohol before getting in the chair. It can make focusing on instructions harder and cause strange movement or reactions.
11. Avoid Checking the Mirror Constantly
Looking in the mirror every step of the way will not give you a clear understanding of the final result. Makeup is a process and it doesn’t look perfect until it’s completely done. Watching every detail does not give you the idea of how amazing the finished look will be.
Are You Guilty of Any of These?
Being in the makeup chair should be a positive experience for both you and your artist.
Bonus Tip: Show trust in your makeup artist who is professional and know what she/him is doing. Sit back, relax, and let them make you look your best!