Q. What is your background? Where did you learn to apply makeup?
A. I always had creative side from a very young age. I used to draw illustrations and create my own catalogue from my sketches. Although I initially went to college for chemistry, I wasn't happy so I went with my gut and turned back to the creative side with receiving my B.A. in Communications and Fashion Merchandising and then followed up with M.A. in Journalism. I had a very hard time transitioning into the corporate sector. So along the way I found a way to channel my creative juices into makeup which came about in natural way and before I knew it, people started paying me for this gift that appeared in my life out of nowhere. Since then, I began to study makeup from some of the top makeup artist in the game like Renny Vasquez, Keita Moore and Tiyana Robinson.
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Q. What types of products do you use? Are they good for photography?
A. I use pro and high end products in my kit; some you may be aware of and others you may not have heard of. There are a ton of lines now that are made by makeup artists for professional artists. To name a few I use NARS, MAC, MUFE, Tom Ford, Chanel, YSL, Marc Jacobs and Anastasia Beverly Hills.
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Q. Do you use airbrush makeup?
A. Yes! I can provide airbrush makeup. It has great coverage without feeling “heavy” on the skin. It does not “sweat off” or look cakey but it can be drying on the skin. I use the brand Kett Cosmetics for all of my airbrushing.
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Q. Do you do tattoo cover-ups?
A. Yes! I love doing cover-ups and I can do this by hand or using airbrush makeup. However, airbrush makeup is completely non-transferable and water proof. No worrying about the makeup rubbing off on your wedding dress.
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Q. How long will my makeup last?
A. The makeup will last all day (12-15 hours). The Airbrush makeup lasts up to 15 hours depending on the weather conditions. I have never had anyone complain about the lack of longevity so I know it will stand up in Virginia's humid weather. I have done many brides at 6am and their makeup is perfect until the end of their reception. Of course, you will have to touch up with blotting sheets and touch up your lips throughout the day.
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Q. What happens if I cry/sweat?
A. Don't worry, everything I use for weddings is water resistant or waterproof, from the foundation to the mascara. Simply dab your eyes or forehead with a tissue, and keep on looking gorgeous!
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Q. What if I’m not used to wearing makeup?
A. I always work with each client to ensure he or she looks their absolute best. If you are unsure about makeup, we will work together to create a look that enhances your best features and plays down the areas you may not be as happy with. I don’t want you to feel that we’ve transformed you into someone no one recognizes anymore – unless that's how you want to look!
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Q. Do you have experience with Ethnic/Acne/Mature skin types?
A. Absolutely!! I specialize in custom-blended makeup to match any skin tone no matter how dark or light. I LOVE working with the many different shades and tones of beauty! I also have a full range of professional skin care products that I use to prepare delicate, mature, sensitive or acne-prone skin before makeup application to achieve the very best results.
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Q. I am not sure what makeup look I want on my special day. Can you help?
A. Definitely!! If you are not sure what you are wanting I am here to help. I try my best to ask a variety of questions in order to get an idea of what you may want. Remember, it is your wedding day so if you aren't sure I will usually stick with something more natural. I can always start out that way and work our way to a more dramatic look.
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Q. Can you duplicate a makeup look from pictures in magazines?
A. My before and after photos on our website are a great place to start to get an idea of what you want. Remember, it is a little bit harder for me to see what is on the eyes in some pictures in magazines so it is best to have pictures that show the eyelids.
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Q. Why do I need a Professional Makeup Artist vs a free makeup artist or doing it myself?
A: Here are a few of the reasons why you should consider a Professional make-up artist for your wedding day. If any of these apply to you, then it's probably worth having a professional make-up artist.
-You are unsure what colors to use and how best to apply make-up for the photography.
-You want the make-up to last all day.
-You would be too nervous on the morning of the wedding to apply your own make-up.
-You want to be pampered on your wedding day.
-You want your wedding pictures to look flawless.
This is your wedding day and you want to look your absolute best. You have spent so much money on your photographer, dress, shoes, jewelry, and reception hall. Why would you want to skimp out on your face?
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Q. What size party can you accommodate?
A. I can do up to any size comfortably provided we have enough time. With bridal parties larger than three, I will collaborate with my preferred makeup artists to bring on a beauty glam squad to service you and your entire bridal party. The amount additional artists correlates with the size of your party and time available to get ready that day.
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Q. Do you also do wedding hair?
A. No, I don't but I have some professional bridal hairstylists I am readily able to share with you! Please let me know you are interested when you contact me.
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Q. Do you require a deposit/retainer?
A. Yes, I do require a deposit/retainer to hold your date. The retainer amount depends on the investment for the bridal experience you select and how far out your wedding date is. However, I have a couple of options to make it easy on you. Your date will not be held without a signed contract and retainer.
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Q. Do you do a trial run?
A. I do require doing a trial run before your big day. Doing a trial run will help insure that you are happy with your makeup look before the big day. You don't want to have to worry about that on the day of your wedding. Having your trial run behind you, you can sit back and relax on your wedding day knowing that you love the look that you chose.
Q. What is included in the trial run?
A. You can expect that your trial run/consultation will last 90-120 mins . First, I will revisit all the details of your wedding – colors, theme, etc. so I can be aware of any changes since our initial bridal complimentary phone call. I will look over any pictures that you have brought with you and also at my portfolio. Once you have decided, we will start with the makeup application and tweak anything we need to. I want you to be a 100% happy with your look and we will make that happen.
Q. What if I want to do a trial run to decide if I want to book your services?
A. Unfortunely, I do not conduct trials without a signed contract and retainer. Most people know just by looking at my work and past reviews they want to book me. I am so confident in my skills, I can almost guarantee you will love my application. If you are still unsure, I suggest you book a standard makeup appointment that way you can see if you are comfortable with my aesthetic without committing just yet.
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Q. When should I schedule a trial run for my wedding?
A. As your bridal beauty specialist, I will keep you on track for all your pre-wedding makeup events including the trial. Most brides like to come a month or two before but that is totally up to you. Most want to do it then because you are more certain of the look you are wanting and less likely to change your look or colors. On the other hand, I have others that want to come right when they book me.
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Q. Do you travel? Do you charge a travel fee?
A. For my brides, I know that on a stressful day it is much easier for someone to come to you so that you can enjoy and relax on your special day. I do not charge a travel fee for weddings if your location is within the Hampton Roads Area. Please inquire for details.
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Q. How far will you travel? What other travel-related expenses will I need to cover?
A. I will travel as far as you need me to. Depending on how far I have to travel there may be an additional travel charge, hotel stay and any food expenses for the day.
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Q. On my wedding day do I come to you, or do you travel to my venue (or location where I am getting ready)?
A. I will do whatever works best for you. Coming to you helps to reduce time and stress for that day and also helps things flow smoothly.
Q. Do you charge an on-location fee?
A. Yes, for standard makeup appointments, the on-location fee is $50 if just booking one service. You do have the option to come to our studio if your budget does not allow for me to come to you.
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Q. How will I touch-up my lips or face? Can I get those products from you?
A. I provide my brides with a bridal beauty kit. Included in the kits are blotting sheets and a full size tube of lipstick along with other goodies. Although I do not sell any products, I do provide a lip touch up kit for my standard makeup appointments.
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Q. Will I be your only event on the day of my wedding?
A. Yes, because I create luxury bridal experiences for my brides, I won't book another wedding on the same day as yours. I pride myself on catering to you hand and foot and want you to know you are my only focus on your special day!
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Q. Do you have a wedding day minimum?
A. No, there is no wedding too big or too small. I provide services for just the bride as well as a bridal party.
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Q. How do I book you for my wedding date?
A. I prefer to speak on the phone first to get all of the details of your wedding and what you are wanting for your special day. From there I will send you a contract of all the details that we discussed. Once I receive the completed contract and retainer you will be booked.
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Q. How soon should I book my makeup services?
A. I book weddings a year in advance so the sooner, the better!!
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Q. What methods of payments do you accept?
A. We accept Cash, CC or Paypal (3%fee will be added). If it is on the day of for any reason I accept CC or Cash once services have been rendered.
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Q. Is your pricing negotiable? Are there any discounts?
A. Nope ! When it comes to hiring a professional makeup artist for on-location or personal services, you definitely get what you pay for! When you hire me, you are hiring an experienced professional that comes provides an exceptional experience. The level of skill and expertise that you can expect is far superior to hiring your sister, other relative, friend or a cosmetic sales-person from the mall. I will however give you the best possible pricing and options that best suites the service you need.
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Q. I have more questions (or, I'm ready to book). How can I get in contact with you?
A. You can contact me via email (jaytee@ratedprettygirl.com), telephone (864-774-2227), or fill out this form.