If you've never worked with a professional makeup artist before or if you have but are still learning the ropes of the industry in general, it doesn't hurt to know some helpful tips to keep every makeup artist you work with happy and showcase you as the professional you are.
BOOKED GIGS
When you've been hired for a job, either through your agent or on your own via freelance modeling, and there is a makeup artist onset, it is a dream come true. That means less work on your end but there are still important things to keep in mind to ensure each experience with a makeup artist is a positive one.
Arrive With a Freshly Cleaned & Moisturized Face--That Means No Makeup!
I know this sounds like common sense but you'd be surprised by the stories I've heard from makeup artists who have worked with models that showed up without washing their face. That's the definition of gross.
So let's keep it simple: when you wake up the day of your shoot, wash your face and moisturize...that's it!
Don't apply concealer or your base/foundation. Fresh-faced is key because it gives the makeup artist a clean (no pun intended) canvas to work with.
There might be some instances where you may be required to arrive with your base/foundation on. This is normal and happens sometimes for a variety of reasons (saves time so the makeup artist doesn't have to figure out what shade to match, helps the makeup artist if she/he has several models to do, etc.).
Just because you're asked to arrive with your base/foundation doesn't mean the makeup artist doesn't know what he/she is doing or that the client that booked you isn't professional.
If you are instructed to come with your base/foundation on, don't do your eye makeup, put lip color or blush. Literally, just put your foundation on and set it with powder (if applicable) and that's it.
But if fresh-faced and no makeup is requested, then do that. Oh, and don't freak out if the makeup artist ends up removing your moisturizer and applying their own. That's normal, too. Arriving with a moisturized face is better than assuming they'll have their own and showing up with dry, flaky skin.
Bring Your Own Foundation Color (Optional)
It doesn't hurt to bring your own makeup items with you, including your foundation. Politely mention to the makeup artist that you have your foundation if they wish to use it. Make it an option--don't demand it, it's not that serious. If they use it, great, if not, no worries.
Follow Instructions & Stay Still
It's common for the makeup artist to instruct you while applying makeup (i.e. look up, look down, chin up, chin down). Don't question them, just do it. Simple. Oh, and common sense again, please hold still when your makeup is getting applied. Just sayin'.
Are you a frequent blinker? Do your eyes tear up easily? Tell the makeup artist beforehand so he/she knows what to expect. Chances are they've seen and dealt with it all before so they'll know how to proceed accordingly if you prep them with the basics.
Another important factor to mention is your skin type: dry, oily, combination, normal, acne prone? Don't know your skin type? That's something you definitely want to find out since you'll be exposing your complexion to a variety of elements when it comes to modeling.
First Time Wearing False Lashes? Spoiler Alert: It's Gonna Be Weird
The first time false lashes get applied, it's a new life experience, let me tell ya. Expect it to be weird and as if there is a weight sitting on your eyelids. Don't freak out--blink slowly a couple of times until you get used to the weight. After the first time, it does get easier.
FREELANCE GIGS
Are you working with a makeup artist for your own shoot that isn't through a booked gig? Then you'll more than likely be working directly with the makeup artist to create the final look(s) for your shoot.
The tips mentioned above should all still come into play but for this situation, it is also important to do the necessary steps prior to the gig itself.
Communication is vital so make sure you have sent the makeup artist reference images and/or mood boards with inspo photos so he/she knows exactly what you have in mind and can start coming up with ideas for you. While not mandatory, it doesn't hurt to include reference photos with models that have the same complexion/skin tone as you.
Doing multiple looks? Work with the makeup artist so that you shoot in the right order that makes the most sense when it comes to switching up the makeup. For example, will each change require the makeup artist to completely take off your makeup or is it as simple as wiping off a lip color and putting on a new one or building eye color on top of the existing look?
These are logistical things that should be worked out before the actual shoot to save time and avoid feeling rushed in the process.
As long as you work with your makeup artist ahead of time, the odds of any hiccups happening will decrease dramatically.
MALE MODELS
In most cases--not all--male models simply have to come to gigs with their faces washed and moisturized. Do you have your own foundation and other makeup items? You can certainly bring them but chances are, the makeup artist will have everything ready and will know exactly what to do.
Oh, and get used to tweezing. It's uncomfortable but that's the model life, baby!
DON'T TELL THEM HOW TO DO THEIR JOB
Unless it's obvious that the makeup artist working on your face has no clue what he/she is doing, you can trust that your face is in capable hands. The worst way to destroy the working relationship with your makeup artist is by being a know-it-all or micromanaging what he/she is doing and/or being critical about the final results.
If you're unhappy with the makeup for any reason, it is still important to be professional in giving feedback. Instead of complaining about how the eye liner looks and pouting like a child, ask the makeup artist if it's possible to tweak/fix it. Whatever feedback you have or if you request a change, be specific so the makeup artist will know what to do. This doesn't mean be condescending and treat them like they're dumb. The goal is to get on the same page so use your words wisely and they'll be more than happy to accommodate.
Now if you're being hired by a client, you need to keep things in perspective because, unlike a freelance opportunity where you hired the makeup artist, the playing field is different when you're on the client's time.
Are you unhappy with the makeup but the client is happy with it? Then guess what: you better suck it up and deliver the results they hired you for. The makeup artist was hired to do a job and so were you. It's not the end of the world. Vent about it after the gig, not on social media! #poorsport #careersuicide).
Keep respect at the forefront of all communications and treat makeup artists professionally (if they're the one acting unprofessional, that's an entirely different thing but for the purpose of this post, let's assume they're acting like they're supposed to).
Remember: makeup artists are a crucial part of the modeling career life cycle team and they work with you, not for you.
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