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?

You should have made it clear in your original post that you have paid for the trial AND the again to secure your slot. As it’s a deposit I can understand why she wouldn’t refund that however how can she justify asking people for a deposit before their trial if they are paying for that separately?! I would have questioned that before paying tbh but you didn’t so if I was you and you genuinely can’t afford to go elsewhere then I would detail in writing all the changes you would like making. She will then have the pressure of getting it right on the day however long it takes but that’s her issue. If she comes highly recommended she should be able to achieve the look you want!

The artist advised me it had to be thicker for photos

I am a professional wedding photographer and this is RUBBISH.

This is not studio make up, it's not makeup designed to be in harsh, direct light where colours will be blown out and any detail lost. Whatever is on your face will show on camera as it is.

I only ever hear this from crap makeup artists and those who don't know the difference between heavy studio makeup and anything else.

If a makeup artist tells you this, run a mile.

I think the issue is the deposit is too high an amount, I wouldn't have been comfortable putting that much down and potentially losing it.

I think because you are really unhappy with the result she should offer to do another trial free and try to rectify it.

Ask her to do it much lighter / provide your on foundation for her to use, be assertive and override the 'for the photos' bollocks

Get yourself some urban decay all nighter setting spray and apply liberally over the top when it's done

If you still have some trust there that is.

Mine wasn't quite what I wanted when we did the trial so I asked for some changes on the day and it was fine.

Just an alternative perspective here. If she has blocked the date out for your wedding, she is in effect losing a job that day. Makeup artists only have x many slots per year and it's part of their income so the deposit is reasonable.

I would do as others have said and speak to her about the issues and try and resolve it with another trial... these girls had a terrible time in Covid and lost a lot so I'm sure would rather meet halfway than lose a booking? The current heat is not ideal either. Good luck I know it's awful

So it was pointless having a trial when she is going to do it the way SHE wants anyway!!
You have been swizzed op.

The fact the make up was transferring onto I'm guessing clothes etc shows it was a bad job in my opinion. Most people who aren't even MUAs who are ok at make up use a decent powder/setting spray routine so this doesn't happen.

I had the same experience, I was covered in thick orange makeup that was so terrible that I cried all the way home. My tears washed 2 lines of foundation off my face and stained my white t-shirt. It must've been the shittest foundation around and NOT suitable for anyone, least of all a bride!

I threw myself on the mercy of the Estée Lauder staff in Boots 4 days before my wedding and they pulled out all the stops to find me the right shades of makeup and showed me how to apply it correctly. They were fantastic!

so if you book me to come and make your face up for a wedding, and I turn up with markers and felt tips you'd be fine with paying me?

Trial was not fit for purpose, OP didnt just 'not like it' - it was falling off her face, 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 don’t know why you need to wear loads of make up???? I spent some time in the lead up to my wedding researching, trying and selecting bits and pieces that I normally wouldn’t buy as they’re a little more expensive. I did my own make up, and looked like myself on my wedding day, with make up that suited my skin type. I could touched up with my own products in the ladies or before the photos.

find it very strange women spending £300 to look like someone else. And to wear makeup that might not suit their skin for their wedding day.

Can you show us a photo of a section of your face? (So your full face isn't showing revealing your identity).

Perhaps some of us can work out what went wrong or reassure you it isn't as terrible as you thing?

Just do your own makeup?????

You absolutely do not need think makeup for photos. She’s probably said this as that’s all she knows. A good makeup artist is adaptable to the client. I had a light, natural, glowy look for my wedding which took place during a heatwave. Nothing melted off and it was comfortable all day because it wasn’t caked on. The entire bridal party was the same, makeup lasted until the end of the night.

I would find someone new if I were you, it’s worth it to feel happy and confident on the day. If you're booking close to your wedding try to get a trial asap and avoid the situation of another non-refundable deposit as they only need to hold your date for a couple of days until you confirm after the trial. My original MUA pulled out 3 weeks before my wedding due to extending a filming contract 🙄 The new MUA I found at short notice was amazing so it’s not always the case that the best ones are fully booked well in advance.

I would also like to add...

I was very unhappy with my makeup trial, I didn't look like me and the finish wasn't what o was used to. I like my makeup to be matte, no shine or 'glow' I just look sweaty and greasy.

She didn't put enough eye makeup on and used brown instead of black for eyeliner and lashes, god knows why.

Anyway I told her what was wrong and I made sure on the day I was absolutely clear, and I took my own matte powder to use so I could top it up later on.

*thick not think!

Not everyone knows how to apply it properly and some people might want to look back on their wedding photos with happiness and not dread.

This is a Thing. MAC counters will do it too. Value of a lifetime grateful customer and all that. If you’re near a good counter this is a really good idea. If not I’d DIY it (I did my own from Youtube videos).

I think you should read OP’s original post.

I don't think she can legally keep the deposit if she can't prove she has put in some work for the money. If you've paid her separately for the trial then I would definitely demand your deposit back as the makeup isn't to your taste and not what you expected.

How much is left to pay for the wedding day plus the £80?

I honestly would either call the make up artist and discuss but you run the risk it's not right on your wedding day either. Or you cut your losses and do your own (or use a counter). You might find make up lessons locally that could be a nice general investment not just for your wedding day.

I think make-up is so personal and such a part of you that it can be very hit and miss to get someone to really listen and do what you want rather than what they want.

I had two trials and hated them both. Very thick and caked on, typical “bridal” look which didn’t feel like me at all. Th deposit is usually always non-refundable and covers the cost of the trial partly too. In the end I spend some money on some new makeup and did my own. Loved it on the day.

I'm really confused by this thread. I wore tinted moisturiser, mascara and tinted lipgloss only. I had a big dress and a full 'wedding' with all the formal photos - it looked lovely, and like me. Why do some pp think you 'need' heavy foundation?

What happens at 40? Do they stop selling you the makeup and send you over to Bobbi Crone instead?

find it very strange women spending [money] to look like someone else
If it's done by a good hand I can't even put into words the feeling I get, that second I look in the mirror and see the best me I didn't even know I had deep deep inside.
I still feel like a giddy teenager when I think back to the first time a proper pro did my face: the lady at Bobbi Brown (Lafayette Galleries). Bloody heck, she was brilliant beyond words and she treated us like we were beautiful. They were super super busy and she could have been bitchy as we were just tourists but she went above and beyond the call of work. This was over 15 years ago but I've never met anyone half as good, not that I go around to makeup counters on the daily! haha!
Good makeup still makes you look like you but better! I completely understand the OP wanting to have a fab MUA for such a special day.

I don't think you are confused really tbh