No refund on bridal make up after trial

[MakeupWoes]

I booked a highly recommended artist for my bridal makeup, and had to secure with a non refundable deposit before I was allowed a trial.

I've since had a trial, and the makeup was shocking. My face was caked on (I get for pictures), but in the heat, it was literally running down my face. It transferred everytime something brushed my face.

I'm left with proceeding with someone who's make up I really dislike because I can't afford to lose the deposit, or I have to borrow the money to change to someone else. WWYD?

Hmm, I’m not sure a deposit is allowed to be non refundable if the product isn’t as described/you’re not happy with the service.

Or, how far in advance is your booking? If she resells the slot would she refund you?

Do you not get any input into the makeup you want? Couldn't you just tell the woman you want light foundation and that it needs to not transfer? Surely you didn't just sit and watch her trowelling it on and not say anything. I'm sure if you speak to the MUA you can get the look you want.

I've always wanted to have my makeup done professionally. I wanted it done for my wedding but my mum said it was a complete waste of money, so....I just did my own. My sister had hers done professionally and she looked beautiful.

How much is the deposit? If the artist has already done the trial would the deposit cover the hours and products used? Or is it more than that?

Do you have paperwork? I'd threaten her with small claims court.

The artist advised me it had to be thicker for photos, and I wasn't about to argue considering that is her job and assumingly she knows better than I. So whilst I asked about the thickness, she explained why.

However, it wasn't until it all started running once I was getting on with my day, that I saw the real problem of it moving so much

I wouldn't expect the deposit refunded because you decide to cancel. It's rubbish but it's how most places work.

Can you explain to the MUA what you disliked and see if she can work with you to get something you're happier with? Less foundation, set it better etc.

If they won't do this then I would cancel and lose the deposit. Otherwise you'll be anxious about it on the day and unlikely to change your mind about liking it.

If you're not confident doing your own make up do you have enough time to learn? There are some very good tutorials on YouTube.

I've had my professionally done for being a bridesmaid 5 times and each time I cancelled after the trial and just did it myself.

Have you given the makeup artist feedback and explained you'd want it lighter for the day? That's what the trial is for, I'd have thought

Wedding is early September. She's stated no refund at all

You do need to wear a lot of make up, I was surprised as I wear none usually
its also incredibly hot! Can you ask for another trial?

£80 for the deposit which was paid upfront to secure the space, and then I paid for the trial when she came

I guess the deposit is to cover this sort of thing? Or they’d just take payment after the event.

You wouldn't normally pay the whole lot up front.

Surely the deposit only covers part of what you've already had?

Of course you have to pay for the trial, regardless of whether you liked it, but you shouldn't have already paid for anything more than that.

If you have then you were a bit foolish to pay so much up front. Still, if you don't go ahead with the bridal make up I think you should argue that you should get at least some of that money back.

I have to pay for another one, which I'm loathe to, because of funds and what if it's the same?
Maybe not as thick, but the movement?

I haven't paid the whole lot up front, just the deposit

My wedding make up trial was also dreadful. I asked for a subtle natural look and when I saw myself in the mirror when she was finished I resembled a hooker. It was dreadful.

I binned the MUA, visited some make up counters for tips and nice products and did my own. I looked like myself and felt comfortable. You really don't need to have the slap caked on.

I wouldn’t expect a refund for this. She needs paying for her time and products. You cannot expect that somebody comes round and does your make up and you don’t pay.

You don't 'need' to. I only had light make up and the photos were fine.

If she genuinely did a bad job then I think you could argue for a refund. Your wedding isn't until September so she has lots of time to rebook that date. I think she's being unfair.

Why would it need to be thicker for photos? Surely most people have a good idea of how they look in photos in normal make up.

I think the OP wants a refund on the deposit she’s paid for the wedding day, not the trial.

I have paid her - I paid her for a trial which covered all of that.

What I also had to pay, to secure her, before she would even do a trial, was a non refundable deposit.

I am asking whether people would go ahead because if like me, couldn't afford to flush away £80, or borrow money and change to someone else, of which I'll also need a trial

I think the deposit is save that date and then you've had your trial and paid for that. It seems fair enough tbh, she's had your wedding booked in and now needs to find someone else.

@Aprilx she's paid for the trial separately. The deposit is for the wedding day. So she paid for a trial she's not happy with but can't get her deposit back for the wedding which seems unfair

I'd change, or possibly trial with someone else and see what you think then change

I barely wore any make up and my photos were also fine 😀