Professional make-up for weddings, events and lessons
Professional make-up is booked for occasions: weddings, proms, parties, photoshoots and black-tie events. A make-up artist preps the skin, then builds a look to brief — from soft and natural to full glam — using professional products chosen to last through a long day and photograph well. Most also offer strip or individual lashes as part of the application.
Bridal make-up is the biggest part of the market and usually includes a trial a few weeks before the wedding to agree the look and test how it wears. Many artists are mobile and travel to the bride and bridal party on the morning, often working alongside a hairstylist. Lessons are a growing sideline too: an hour learning to do your own everyday or evening make-up with what is already in your bag.
A single application takes 45 minutes to an hour; bridal parties need a full morning. Arrive with clean, moisturised skin and photos of looks you like.
Also known as: make-up artist, bridal make-up, occasion make-up.
Prime
Verified listing
Merchant City, Glasgow
Spray tans, make-up and waxing for nights out, hens and weddings
Prime
Verified listing
Chelsea, London
Mobile spray tans, bridal make-up and waxing at home, Zones 1–3
Verified listing
Cardiff Bay, Cardiff
Bridal make-up and spray tans to Cardiff Bay hotels and venues
Occasion make-up usually costs £50 to £90. Bridal make-up with a trial costs £200 to £450 for the bride, with bridesmaids at £50 to £85 each, plus any travel or early-start supplement.
It is strongly recommended. The trial lets you agree the look, check the products suit your skin and see how it lasts. Book it four to eight weeks before the wedding, ideally on a day you can wear it out.
Six to twelve months for Saturdays between April and September. Weekday and winter weddings are easier to book at shorter notice.
