A little info before I lay into my question....

As my full time job I work in as a Marketing Supervisor for an automotive company and doing make-up is hobby and sometimes as a part-time/side job.

I recently did a friends make-up for her wedding (for free) as a gift to her. When I was there all of the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and mother of the groom all wanted their make-up done. One would come up and say, "I'm next!" or another would say, "I want you to do this type of look on me!"

I had never offered to do anyone elses make-up other than the bride, so I was kind of ticked off.

In this case is it proper to say that if you would like your makeup done I charge $x amount? I just thought that it was really rude that people assumed that they could just use me for free or expect me to do their makeup.

I don't mind doing their makeup but it is costly for me to use my own supplies, tools, and time without any compensation.

I hope I don't come across as mean but I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else while at a wedding or event! TIA!

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No, you're not being mean.

It would have been just fine to politely and in a very chipper tone say:

"I would love to do your make-up! I'm actually here to do ______'s make-up as a bridal gift to her. Here is a sample portfolio* of some of my bridal looks. You are welcome to have a peek. I actually charge $__ for individual applications, so if that works for you, let's get started!"

*I keep a small folio of polaroids from previous weddings in my traincase.

I usually work out a package for bridal parties, otherwise $45 each. If there is at least 8, the bride is free. I can get each one done in about 20 minutes. I like to allow 45min to 1 hour for the bride.

I haven't had this happen to me before, but I have considered the possiblilty, so I actually rehearse what I might say when a sticky situation arises.

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that happened to me back in march - i showed up at the groom's house to do my friend's makeup (she was the bride) but it turned out her mother-in-law to be had booked her an appt to get her hair and makeup done - and while i was waiting around, the groom's aunt got me to do her makeup - i only did the eyes and as soon as the groom arrived, i jetted out of there - the groom came to take us to their hotel so that we could get a little rest and then get ready - we woke up at 5am to drive to OC. anyhow, i couldn't say no to the aunt - it's this whole "respect" thing to your elders in my culture

but yeah, if i were do it again, i would just say that this was a gift to the bride and then depending if i wanted to do makeup for others, i'd say i charge this amt or say i have to go get myself ready and excuse myself.

you had every right to be ticked off when everyone wanted their makeup done for free.

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:holysheep: will knit for M.A.C. :angel2:

I noticed too, how you dress & carry yourself can help to ward off 'freebie wanters'.

I wear all black of course. (I've had this thing about black since high school). I took 2 of my business cards and laminated them back to back. I put two small holes in each top corner & connected it to a slick stainless steel eyeglass chain using o-rings.

I wear this around my neck at all times on all jobs. Couple this with wearing a perfectly executed neutral day make-up look, ultimate professionalism, a well organized kit/train case - you project the polished image of a PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST. This seems to help ward off pests.

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Honey, you are a business!!! They have to respect that.

You have to set ground rules the next time you do something like that. You will do the brides make up for free, but instruct her that if anyone else wants their make up done it will cost them. With the price of gas these days, you need to be paid for your services.

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"It's pure fun to let go and play with makeup."
`Pat McGrath - Allure Magazine November 2007

AGREE!!!!!

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"It's pure fun to let go and play with makeup."
`Pat McGrath - Allure Magazine November 2007

This type of behavior burns me up. People don't respect our part of the industry at times.

Don't let them walk over us!!!!

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"It's pure fun to let go and play with makeup."
`Pat McGrath - Allure Magazine November 2007

With bridal work, I require all wedding party members to be pre-booked with me through the bride. If someone changes their mind at the event and doesn't want it anymore, they are still responsible for the fees as I have a 15 day cancellation requirement.

For people who decide they want my services day-of, they get put in AFTER everyone who has contracted with me, and they have a flat higher rate regardless, and they do not get much say in what I do for them (I don't travel with my full kit to bridal clients with whom I have done a demo).

The only freebie that I will do is a flower girl under the age of 12, and in such cases I do a light eyeshadow wash, lipgloss, and blush. That is it.

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J'aurais voulu ne pas mourir, j'aurais voulu ne jamais grandir, j'aurais voulu me casser l'ame.

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What I want to know is if hair stylists deal with this. I know someone would not roll into a salon and expect a free service (at least I hope they wouldn't), do they ask for free hairstyles from freelance stylists?

Yes...

I have actually had many more people ask me to "do something to their hair" when I'm working as a hair stylist rather than a MUA.
It is much harder for people to see you as professional when you are friends w/ the bride, but I agree with everyone else. If time permits, tell them that you'd be more than happy to do their makeup for $x as soon as you are done w/ the clients that booked w/ you in advance.

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"Dorks die when bullets hit them. Dorks cry real tears"~Kathleen Hanna

My suggestion is to find out where they work, show up unannounced and ask for free products/services.

Thank you everyone for your responses! It will be helpful to have these tips the next time that it happens! I really appreciate it!

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