Here is why you would benefit more from hiring a makeup artist for your headshots…

You get a lot of compliments on your makeup on the daily, you don’t need a MUA. You’ve learned a lot from your influencers and YouTube… but please, hear me out on why you would benefit from hiring one for your headshots.

Scenario: You’re getting new headshots. The photographer (and maybe even your agent) suggests a makeup artist. You’re hesitant and say no, you can do your own makeup because you get a lot of compliments on your makeup daily. Awesome, you little beauty, you. You have the shoot, it goes well, you get your photos… and you don’t love them or the photographer has some retouching to do and possibly, your agent thinks it’s too much, too little, etc.

There may be some dry patches, or a shadow is too red, you went overboard with the bronzer, your makeup looks too light or too dark on camera, too matte, there’s redness from a pimple, flyaways, or heaven forbid you’re shiny! (And please note; I fully embrace being natural, if you follow me on IG you know I am not afraid to show myself without makeup or a filter, this is for headshots/audition purposes only). Headshot photography is very different from a selfie with a ringlight, obvi. Forgoing a makeup artist may actually end up costing you more in retouches than hiring a makeup artist to begin with, or your agent might think there is too much eye liner, not enough color on your lip, etc. and then, you have to re-shoot, which adds up for you.

Where is the first place you go to on set? No. Not crafty… you can get a coffee and mini Snickers later. The hair and makeup trailer! You go see them to style you before you shoot. The production has hired these artists for a reason, to bring their vision to life. Whether you get simply skincare, a no-makeup makeup look (my fave and probably most common style), looking glam, ill, SFX, you name it. There’s a whole makeup look and a vibe they need to achieve to tell the story. There is a reason makeup assistants send photos to department head for approval.

I know what it is to be in both the makeup chair and working on clients. It’s a collaborative effort and both demand respect for and from each other. I’m willing to bet a photographer is going to suggest a makeup artist because they know when they’re editing a MUA makes your life (and their lives) are easier in the retouching process if you go that route.

I LOOOOVE MAKEUP. Makeup is a mood. Makeup sets a tone. Makeup tells the world a story, who you are; in everyday life and especially on camera. With such advanced technology and definitely no filters or face tune on film and tv sets… a makeup artist is more essential than ever.

Do you research! You research photographers, directors, casting directors… do the same for your makeup artists. Look up different makeup artists, look at their portfolios, see how they work with skin tone and texture. You’re the one in control. You owe yourself the investment to find someone that suits you. Reach out to a MUA, see if you vibe. If you don’t vibe with them, don’t hire them. You’re in control in this scenario (not really on set when you’re starting out, trust me, I’ve cried more times than not, more on that later…) and you owe it to yourself. You move to LA? Atlanta. NoLa. They are competitive markets. Why make a large investment into headshots without the last looks? It’s like baking a cake without the eggs. It’ll come out alright, but is it gonna taste great? It’ll probably be dry or crumbly, I don’t know, I don’t bake, but I know it won’t turn out how you thought. I’ve learned a lot about headshots, both taking them and working with clients. Be specific and plan out your makeup looks based on your wardrobe, you owe it to yourself. Be specific with hiring an artist who will meet your specific needs.

MUA’s are hired for a purpose. They are there to take care of your image on camera. From arriving to set to last looks right before you shoot, the first and last people you see right before you shoot are hair and makeup. Why would you not make the same investment? A production hires one for you in a show, why would you not do the same for your headshots and your career?

And don’t worry, things will turn around. Be patient with yourself, with the industry, with your reps, and remember to forgive yourself if you aren’t exactly where you think you should be. We’re in a time that feels like there is zero gravity and we’re floating, at least I do. But we will get back to work soon. We will do it together and safely.

Happy New Year!

Xox,