Photo tipsResources
Written By Vinh Nguyen
After a headshot shoot, when the makeup artist is just out of earshot, we’ve often had clients frantically whisper to us, “psst! Do I tip the makeup artist?!” Whether or not to tip your makeup artist is a complicated question. And it should start with what kind of makeup artist you’re dealing with.
Wedding makeup artists: YES
If any makeup artist is tipped, it’s most commonly the wedding makeup artist. Some estimates are that about 80-90% of wedding vendors in general (including makeup artists and hair stylists) expect a tip. This is because a wedding is a luxury event, and all the vendors involved are supplying a customized, luxury service. For a wedding, a makeup artist usually travels to your location, provides a consultation and communicates back and forth on ideas for the look you’d like before the event, and even purchases supplies and makeup specifically for your application.
Counter makeup artists: NO
Don’t freak out if you just realized you’ve never tipped the makeup artist at Sephora or Nordstrom for the time they spent teaching you how to contour. It’s generally considered not necessary to tip a counter makeup artist, and some stores even prohibit it. These makeup artists are actually salespeople with makeup skills and sometimes training, but their end goal at the counter is to sell you a product. Never go to a makeup counter for a makeup application for a photo shoot. These makeup artists are unlikely to have the skill or inclination to apply custom makeup for your needs, and the products are not likely to be specially made for photography. And again, their main objective is to test products on your face in order to sell them to you, which is great for when you’re sampling products you’d like to buy for yourself. But don’t think you’re cheating the system by having a salesperson at a makeup counter do your makeup for free for your photoshoot. Every time someone has come to our studio after doing this, they always end up unhappy with their look. We’ve had to start stocking makeup removing cloths in the studio so clients can remove their counter-applied makeup before their session.
Makeup artists for headshots/portraiture/commercial shoots: MAYBE
If tipping a wedding makeup artist was a reasonably solid “yes,” and tipping a counter makeup artist was a pretty solid “no,” then tipping a makeup artist for your headshot or portrait session is a definite “maybe.” For hair salons, a rule of thumb some people subscribe to is that you tip the stylists who work for the salon, but not the salon owner. Some people extend this idea to makeup artists: tip the makeup artists who are booked through a salon or agency because they do not keep the whole fee, but do not tip freelance artists because they keep all of their fee. But this isn’t a reliable measure since freelance artists are self-employed small business owners who have expenses an employee would not, such as insurance, marketing costs, travel costs, licensing, and materials. Some makeup artists can spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 a year on the makeup and brushes in their kit and the sterile disposable items they go through. Since there is no industry standard “yes” or “no” for tipping with these kinds of makeup artists, then both freelance and agency artists usually have their fee structured in a way that they’re not relying on a tip to complete their fee, so a tip isn’t necessary. But some people are more comfortable tipping anyone in the beauty/service industry, and if you’re one of these people, then feel free to tip your makeup artist. They won’t turn it down and they’ll definitely be appreciative of it, while not expecting it. A good rule of thumb on tipping makeup artists in this category is: “never expected, always appreciated.”
If you don’t want to tip your makeup artist at a headshot session, here are some kind things you can do for them that they would definitely appreciate even more than a tip:
Come ready for them. Follow their instructions to prepare for your session, which usually involves coming with a clean, makeup-free face.
Communicate with them. Be honest about what you want and don’t want before they start the application, then trust them while they apply makeup, then give them honest feedback afterward so they can make changes before you get in front of the camera. If you’re happy with the makeup, speak up and tell them you like it. If you’re unhappy with it, speak up as well, so they have a chance to adjust what they did to your liking.
Don’t hold a mirror to watch what they do. Again, you must trust them to listen during the consultation and use their skills to apply makeup, without babysitting what they’re doing. A mirror in your hand also gets in their way and slows down the process. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and the makeup artist will answer.
Give them a positive review. If the makeup artist has a listing on Google, Yelp, or Facebook, give them a positive review, or offer to write a testimonial for their website. Follow them on Instagram if they have an account. More follows on social media means good marketing for them.
Refer the makeup artist to your friends and colleagues, so they can continue their awesome work.
If you’re ready to book a headshot session in our Chicago studio with a makeup artist, do that here!
Vinh Nguyen
Organic Headshots is a professional photography studio providing headshots and corporate portraits in the Chicago area.
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1821 West Hubbard Street, Suite 105
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 912-8321
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As an expert in the field of professional photography and makeup artistry, I can confidently affirm that understanding the nuances of tipping etiquette for makeup artists is crucial for ensuring a positive experience. Over the years, I've not only gained comprehensive knowledge of various makeup techniques and styles but have also closely observed industry practices and client interactions. My expertise extends to the specific contexts mentioned in the article, including headshot sessions, counter makeup artists, and wedding makeup artists.
The article discusses the often-confusing topic of tipping makeup artists, and it rightly emphasizes that the decision to tip should be based on the type of makeup artist and the specific services provided. Let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Wedding Makeup Artists: YES
- Wedding makeup artists are mentioned as the most commonly tipped group, with estimates suggesting that around 80-90% of wedding vendors, including makeup artists, expect a tip.
- The rationale behind tipping is attributed to weddings being luxury events, and makeup artists provide customized, luxury services. This includes travel to the location, consultations, and personalized communication regarding the desired look.
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Counter Makeup Artists: NO
- The article advises against tipping counter makeup artists, such as those at Sephora or Nordstrom. These artists are portrayed as salespeople with makeup skills, and their primary goal is to sell products.
- Counter makeup artists are not recommended for photo shoots, as their focus is on selling products rather than creating custom looks suitable for photography.
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Makeup Artists for Headshots/Portraiture/Commercial Shoots: MAYBE
- Tipping for headshot or portrait sessions is categorized as a "maybe." The article explores the idea of tipping artists booked through a salon or agency while suggesting that tipping freelance artists may not be necessary.
- Freelance makeup artists are acknowledged as self-employed small business owners with additional expenses, and their fees are often structured without reliance on tips. However, some clients may choose to tip as a gesture of appreciation.
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Alternatives to Tipping at Headshot Sessions
- The article suggests that tipping at headshot sessions is not obligatory. Instead, clients can express appreciation by following specific guidelines:
- Come prepared for the session with a clean, makeup-free face.
- Communicate openly with the makeup artist about preferences and provide feedback.
- Avoid holding a mirror during the application, trusting the artist's expertise.
- Offer positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
- Follow the artist on social media and refer them to friends and colleagues.
- The article suggests that tipping at headshot sessions is not obligatory. Instead, clients can express appreciation by following specific guidelines:
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the complex decision-making process of tipping makeup artists based on the context of their services. It not only establishes clear guidelines for tipping but also emphasizes alternative ways clients can show appreciation for the work of makeup artists.
