Brides, I need to make a final decision about my MUA and I am thoroughly confused! There are 2 makeup artists (MUAs) I could potentially go with for the wedding functions, but I don’t know which one to choose. They both have their pros and cons, and I’m sharing the details with you.
Candidate #1 - MAC MUA who did my roka makeup
Pros
- Have seen her work on myself (she did my roka makeup) & liked it
- Most people loved what she did to me on the roka - I’ve been complimented with many adjectives my whole life, but “hot” is one I hear only from the fiancé. On roka day, my sisters said she made me look hot! And I always believe my sisters :)
- I already know which things I have to tell her to not repeat (she put a red lipstick on me as my roka suit was half red, but that didn’t suit me because it ended up making me look not myself – so no loud or dark lip colours; also, another MAC MUA did the finishing touches by applying highlighter to my cheeks and forehead, but in the pictures it came out looking too shiny/oily – so highlighter is a big no-no!) The rest of it, I loved. She really opened up my eyes, and she kept the foundation very light and minimal (she said I didn’t need much since my skin was mostly clear).
- She’s very reasonable compared to other MUAs – INR 7,000 for makeup on wedding day (excluding hairstyling). This means that sangeet makeup will be even cheaper, and I can afford to pay for a trial as well (although I haven’t asked her about sangeet and trial charges yet)
- I love the makeup she does on herself (always a great way to gauge an MUAs personal sense of style)
- I feel a sense of comfort with her - because of the makeup she does on herself, because she’s done my makeup once before, and also because her middle name is “minimal”!
Cons
- Relatively inexperienced, because I think she’s just started out. I’m not sure how many weddings she’s done the makeup for.
- I will either have to arrange for a hairstylist myself, or she said she can get someone along. But I have no idea how good and experienced the hairstylist will be.
- While most people loved my roka makeup, some didn’t like it as much. They said the red lipstick was not a great choice at all and that I looked a shade fairer than I am (which I doubt, but ok maybe I think I am fairer than I actually am!) Honestly though, I don’t care too much about what a few people thought about my makeup, because you obviously can’t make everyone happy. Still, in the interest of full disclosure, I thought I should mention this point (and no, the fiancé was NOT one of the people who didn’t like the makeup)
Candidate #2 - b:blunt MUA who’s also been my hairstylist for last 1 year
Pros
- I’m assuming she is way more experienced.
- It’s b:blunt – so I’m sure my hairstyle will look awesome and suitable!
- I spoke to her at length about my schedule, and she’s keen on my keeping plenty of time at hand on both sangeet and wedding days to get ready. I like that, because she wants to do her job in a stress-free environment which I will also appreciate. And she’s willing to go back and forth on the day of and give me exactly what I will like. Basically, I felt a level of comfort with her.
- She will use MAC makeup.
Cons
- I have never had my makeup done by her, so no clue how she will be (anyone gotten their bridal makeup from b:blunt?)
- Expensive – INR 14,000 for wedding day, and INR 9,000 for sangeet (includes everything – makeup, draping, hairstyle, nail painting)
- She will do a trial, but it costs INR 4,200! I can think of SO many things to do with this amount – get my sangeet makeup done (by Candidate #1) or buy a Forever New dress, just to name a few!
So…which one do you think I should go for, and why?
Just a small tip, make sure the MUA have a permanent & reliable person for hair. It makes a huge difference on Sangeet, Reception & other events when your head is not covered. Have seen overall look of bride ruined even after amazing makeup, primarily because the hairstylist was cheap and not enough attention was paid.
PS: make sure you get few pictures from the designer on how the draping should be done for each dress. This is also a major part in getting ready.
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Thanks for the pointers Tarun! Will keep these in mind.
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How about makeup from the 1st person (since you know her work) and hairstyle from the 2nd, your 1st person doesn’t have a hairstylist na….is that possible or will be a bit of a kichadi??
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I considered that :) but yeah, will become a khichdi with too much coordination required.
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I agree with Tarun! It’s too much of a risk not having a hairstylist confirmed! So if MAC MUA can confirm a stylist and maybe you could take a trial with them then things would be clearer. Otherwise B:Blunt is THE place to go for Hair! And 14k for bridal is not so bad considering what freelance MUAs charge! You definitely should get a trial though! BTW, their site states 7k for bridal! Why double then? Also, why not Susan from Plum? She does a beautiful job no?
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I guess their website is outdated? Cos there was a poster in the salon that had 14k written on it. Is this the gk2 plum ur referring to? Hv u gotten makeup done from susan in the past?
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Nope. I live in gurgaon. I go to the Gurgaon Plum. Usha did my make up for the engagement! And I was happy and satisfied! I looked natural but she made my eyes look pretty (I have small eyes) and made my cheekbones look nice pretty peach and high(I am naturally pale)! So ya! Happy child syndrome!
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Instead of going for a trial , ask for previous pictures of other bridals they ve both done.. They always keep a few for reference.
The first one sounds good enuf , if only h airstyle is a concern then dont worry , as bridal hair are pretty simple and standard for the head is covered.
For sangeet u ll probably want hair open / straitened and that is simple too.
Get your own hairstylist from any other place who can do these two simplest things.. and you ll be just fine!
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I am also facing a similar problem. I am not comfortable paying Rs 2000+ for trials only!! :(
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MUA 1 was really good (I saw your pics - I personally loved the RED LIPSTICK too - its your wedding you are allowed to be jhintak)
The highlights are always an issue - i was looking like a disco light on my engagement courtesy these - ensure that you click a pic of yourself post makeup + highlight to ensure that the same does not happen.
For a hairstylist - i would recommend contacting a hairstylist separately. Hair Styling is an important aspect of bridal makeup and should be taken very seriously. Try contacting Deepak - he was in Madonna at Priya Vasant Vihar now works with b:blunt. Bridal Makeups follow the following format. You first get your hair done (the hair stylist fixes the mang tikka). Then the make up is done. So you can easily have a separate hair stylist with MUA 1.
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Have you put up your roka pics on this blog? I don’t remember seeing them but I haven’t gone through all your blog yet lol
I love your writing style. I wish I had found your blog earlier
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