F.A.Q.
Q. What is your background? Where did you learn to apply makeup?
A. I have always been an artsy person and loved drawing and painting. This led to my love for makeup. I started out my profession as an artist for Too Faced cosmetics training the artists and sales team about product knowledge. Next, I worked for NARS Cosmetics as a freelance artist. Finally, after a couple of years, I went to work for MAC Cosmetics as a freelance artist and I was then hired on as an Artist. I worked at MAC for 5 years and received a lot of my knowledge and training while I was there. I feel like I already had the talent but working with different artists helped me be more diverse. Each artist I worked with taught me something different and unique.
Q. What types of products do you use? Are they good for photography?
A. We use pro products in our kit and most you may not have heard of. There are a ton of lines now that are made by artists for artists. To name a few we use KETT, Viseart, MAC, MUFE and also our makeup line Rawwbeauty Cosmetics. We also use airbrush which is made for photography and HD television. See below.
Q. Do you use airbrush makeup?
A. YES! We specialize in Airbrush makeup and swear by it. All of my wedding makeup has been done using Airbrush because it lasts longer and feels amazingly light on the skin. It has great coverage without feeling “heavy” on the skin. It does not “sweat off” or look cakey. I use the brand Kett Cosmetics for all of my airbrushing.
Q. Do you do tattoo cover-ups?
A. Yes! We love doing cover-ups and use special Airbrush makeup made for covering up tattoos. The Airbrush makeup is completely non-transferable and water proof. No worrying about the makeup rubbing off on your wedding dress! We also do cover-ups for body acne, stretch marks and uneven skin on the body. Call for a consultation!
Q. How long will my makeup last?
A. The makeup will last all day(12-15 hours). The Airbrush makeup lasts up to 15 hours depending on the weather conditions. We have never had anyone say it didn't last so I know it will stand up in the South's humid weather. We have done many brides at 6 in the morning and their makeup is perfect until the end of their reception. Of course, you will have to touch up with blot powder or blot paper and touch up your lips throughout the day.
Q. What happens if I cry/sweat?
A. Don't worry, everything we use for weddings is water resistant or waterproof, from the foundation to the mascara. Simply dab your eyes or forehead with a tissue, and keep on looking gorgeous!
Q. What if I’m not used to wearing makeup?
A. We always work with each client to ensure he or she looks their absolute best. If you are unsure about makeup, we will work together to create a look that enhances your best features and plays down the areas you may not be as happy with. We don’t want you to feel that we’ve transformed you into someone no one recognizes anymore – unless that's how you want to look!
Q. Do you have experience with Ethnic/Acne/Mature skin types?
A. Absolutely!! We specialize in custom-blended makeup to match any skin tone no matter how dark or light. We LOVE working with the many different shades and tones of beauty! We also have a full range of professional skin care products that we use to prepare delicate, mature, sensitive or acne-prone skin before makeup application to achieve the very best results.
Q. I am not sure what makeup look I want on my special day. Can you help?
A. Definitely!! If you are not sure what you are wanting we would love to help. We try our best to ask a variety of questions in order to get an idea of what you may want. Remember, it is your wedding day so if you aren't sure we will usually stick with something more natural. We can always start out that way and work our way to a more dramatic look.
Q. Can you duplicate a makeup look from pictures in magazines?
A. Our before and after photos on our website are a great place to start to get an idea of what you want. Remember, it is a little bit harder for me to see what is on the eyes in some pictures in magazines so it is best to have pictures that show the eyelids.
Q. Why do I need a Professional Makeup Artist vs a free makeup artist or doing it myself?
A: Here are a few of the reasons why you should consider a Professional make-up artist for your wedding day. If any of these apply to you, then it's probably worth having a professional make-up artist.
- You are unsure what colors to use and how best to apply make-up for the photography.
- You want the make-up to last all day.
- You would be too nervous on the morning of the wedding to apply your own make-up.
- -You want to be pampered on your wedding day.
- You want your wedding pictures to look flawless.
- This is your wedding day and you want to look your absolute best.
- You have spent so much money on your photographer, dress, shoes, jewelry, and reception hall. Why would you want to skimp out on your face?
Q. What size party can you accommodate?
A. Each artist can do up to 8 people comfortably provided we have enough time. It all depends on what time you have to be ready that day. If we have 8 girls and you have to be ready at 10 in the morning then I will need to have my other artist to assist me or call on another one if she is not available. We have myself and Tess our makeup artists, Cassandra and Danielle our Hairstylists that we can call on to help if there is too short of a time frame to work with or for larger parties.
Q. Do you also do wedding hair?
A. Yes, we offer both hair and makeup for your event. Please let us know you are interested when you contact us.
Q. Do you require a deposit/retainer?
A. Yes, we do require a deposit/retainer to hold your date. The retainer amount depends on how far out your wedding date is. We have a couple of options to make it easy on you. Your date will not be held without a signed contract and retainer.
Q. Do you do a trial run?
A. We do require doing a trial run before your big day. Doing a trial run will help insure that you are happy with your makeup/hair look before the big day. You don't want to have to worry about that on the day of your wedding. Having your trial run behind you, you can sit back and relax on your wedding day knowing that you love the look that you chose.
Q. What is included in the trial run?
A. You can expect that your trial run/consultation will last 60-90 mins (makeup only, if getting hair trial too it will also be 60-90 mins). First, we will discuss all the details of your wedding – dresses, flowers, theme, etc. We will also discuss what makeup, if any, you wear on a normal basis. We will go over your ideas and what looks you were envisioning for your wedding day. We will look over any pictures that you have brought with you and also at my portfolio. Once you have decided, we will start with the makeup application and tweak anything we need to. If your mother or bridesmaids would like a trial run as well, we can do it at the same appointment or schedule it when it is convenient to them at the same rate. We want you to be a 100% happy with your look and we will make that happen.
Q. What if I want to do a trial run to decide if I want to book your services?
A. You are more than welcome to book a trial run to decide if you want to book our services. Most people know just by looking at our work and past reviews that they want to book us. If you are still unsure we can definitely book your trial run before hand. Just remember that doing a trial run does not secure your date. If someone else calls and is ready to book before your trial run your date might get taken. Most of the time this isn't an issue but just want you to be aware that it has happened in some cases.
Q. When should I schedule a trial run for my wedding?
A. Most brides like to come a month or two before but that is totally up to you. Most want to do it then because you are more certain of the look you are wanting and less likely to change your look or colors. On the other hand, we do have others that want to come right when they book me.
Q. Do you travel? Do you charge a travel fee?
A. Traveling is what we love about our job. We know that on a stressful day it is much easier for someone to come to you so that you can enjoy and relax on your special day. We do not charge a travel fee if your location is within the Birmingham Metro Area. Please inquire for details.
Q. How far will you travel? What other travel-related expenses will I need to cover?
A. We will travel as far as you need me to. Depending on how far we have to travel there may be an additional travel charge, hotel stay and my food expenses for the day.
Q. On my wedding day do I come to you, or do you travel to my venue (or location where I am getting ready)?
A. We will do whatever works best for you. We have some clients that come to us but the majority of clients want us to come to their location. Coming to you helps to reduce time and stress for that day and also helps things flow smoothly.
Q. Do you charge an on-location fee?
A. Yes, the on-location fee is $100 if just booking one service and $150 if booking 2 services. You do have the option to come to our studio if your budget does not allow for us to come to you.
Q. How will I touch-up my lips or face? Can I get those products from you?
A. We suggest to all of our brides to have some sort of blot powder or blot film with them throughout the day. Most of the popular wedding months are in the summer when it is very hot and humid. You want to have something to help with sweat and oil. I have my own line Rawwbeauty Cosmetics and have touch up products available for purchase. We will not pressure you into purchasing these, but sell them for your convenience.
Q. Will I be your only event on the day of my wedding?
A. We often book more than one event on a given day depending on the size of the group, timing and location. We do not overbook and always make sure that we can complete everyone in the time discussed. Just a reminder, we only book another wedding that day once we have confirmed your schedule with you. Once the schedule is confirmed we have to stick to that schedule you give as we have already booked someone else based on that schedule. For example, each artist might book two weddings but one of those might be just the bride only and the other would be the minimum booking. See Below.
Q. Do you have a wedding day minimum?
A. Yes, there is a minimum of a 5 person booking including the bride to be the main wedding of the day. If your service total does not meet the 5 person minimum, you will be worked in before or after the main wedding. What that means is if you are the only one wanting a service you will have to be worked around the main wedding of the day.
Q. How do I book you for my wedding date?
A. We prefer to speak on the phone first to get all of the details of your wedding and what you are wanting for your special day. From there we will send you a contract of all the details that we discussed. Once we receive the completed contract and retainer you will be booked.
Q. How soon should I book my makeup services?
A. We start booking weddings a year in advance so the sooner, the better!!
Q. What methods of payments do you accept?
A. We accept Cash, CC (3%fee will be added) or PayPal. If it is on the day of for any reason I accept CC or Cash before we begin.
Q. Is your pricing negotiable? Are there any discounts?
A. Nope ! When it comes to hiring a professional makeup artist for on-location or personal services, you definitely get what you pay for! When you hire us, you are hiring an experienced professional that comes to YOU. The level of skill and expertise that you can expect is far superior to hiring your sister, other relative, friend or a cosmetic sales-person from the mall. We will however give you the best possible pricing and options that best suites you and your wedding.
Q. I have more questions (or, I'm ready to book). How can I get in contact with you?
A. You can contact our Studio Manager Amber via email (hello@rawwbeauty.com), telephone (205.533.5843), or fill out this form.
Q. I am interested in Microblading services. Where can I look for more information?
A. Click here and it will take you to our page.