Frequently Asked Questions:

What comes with a makeup appointment?

I see my job as much more than simply slapping some makeup on you and rushing you out the door. My appointments are slightly longer than average because a few things are added. Every client receives a mini facial to really prep their skin before the makeup begins. This ensures the makeup lasts long and looks as flawless as possible. Makeup looks only as good as how well the skin is cared for! Also, every client gets false lashes of their choice and body glow on their chest, neck, decollate and shoulders for that VS Angel vibe. Lastly, any disposable tools we use during the appointment such as beauty blenders or powder puffs are offered to clients as a gift that the can use for touch ups throughout the day. For brides, a personalized touch up kit is always included in their service.

How long will my makeup last, really though?

I have had numerous clients report back to me that their makeup lasted them through the next day. I’ve also had clients report back that their makeup lasted through the next day after that.

…while I’ll never ever recommend anyone to sleep in their makeup, I have full faith that your makeup will last you the day! Especially for my bridal clients, I utilize an application method and combination of products that are meant to withstand long days, tears, heat and flash photography without breaking down.

Also, little habits like remembering not to touch your face throughout the day, eating/drinking mindfully and good skin maintenance all play a big role in longevity as well.

How does bridal booking work?

To book a bridal party, we’ll start with a chat to get acquainted, share your vision and ideas, as well as go over your preferences and details. From there, when you’re ready to book with us, a contract with all your day-of information written up and sent to you. There also is a booking deposit which cover’s your artist(s)’s travel fee. Once you submit both the signed contract and booking deposit, the date is booked and yours!

Can bridal contracts be changed?

Dates are set in stone, however certain timing, group size and location information can be switched up until 90 days before the wedding. If location changes drastically and there’s a significant increase in distance, there may be a change in the travel fee.

Are there minimums for bridal parties and travel groups?

Yes! I implement a minimum of 3 makeup services on weekdays if travel is involved, and a minimum of 5 services on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If your group does not fit this size requirement, the option to pay equivalent price is available and payment plans are an option!

Do you offer airbrush foundation?

I do not anymore simply because I find that traditional foundation works better for me and I get my best results working with it. Formulations have come such a long way these days that you can get the same (if not, better) result, coverage and longevity with traditional foundations.

When is payment collected and how?

Payment for standard appointments is always due on the day of your service and can be completed via cash, card, Venmo or Zelle. Painted by Stephanie LLC uses Square as a third party card processor for guaranteed security of your information.

Final payments for bridal parties are due 2 weeks before the wedding day and handled via Square. Invoices for bridal party payments are emailed a week before the due date and payments can be made online or in-person if the contracted client wishes to pay with cash.

What are your credentials?

I am fully licensed in cosmetology in the state of Michigan as an esthetician which professionally and legally allows me to work on your face and ensures that I’m educated in public health, sanitation, and codes of health regulation for businesses. I am also multi-certified as a makeup artist, I have been trained as a medical esthetician and worked under a medical director, and at the beginning of my career, I apprenticed as often as I could while still in high school. I also studied marketing and communications in university which comes in handy on the business back end!

What are your cancellation policies?

When booking, a credit card is required to be held on file. We try to be as lenient as possible with cancellations, so fees are only charged if you cancel under 24 hours from your appointment. The cancellation fee is 50% of the price of your cancelled service, as there is no guarantee that your time slot will be able to be filled with another client. However, for clients who no call-no show, you will be automatically charged the full price of your service. This agreement is defined in our online booking app and clients agree to it when they enter their credit card information at the time of booking.

Cancellation charges exist because it can be nearly impossible for your service provider to find a replacement in time the closer you get to your appointment day. Life happens, there’s no shame in it! This policy is put in place to protect service providers and respect their schedules as professionals, not as a form of punishment to clients.

Can I book a bridal trial before I book for my wedding?

I only offer bridal previews to my booked brides and it’s for a few reasons. First and mainly, it’s because previews aren’t meant to be auditions. I highly suggest booking a normal makeup appointment if you’re interested in trying out a makeup artist’s style for this reason. It’s more cost and time effective this way! Bridal previews are often much longer than the average makeup appointment and also are much more involved.

I also implement this rule because previews are best done 1-3 months before the wedding. This way, you’re set on the style that you like, changing trends won’t cause you to second guess what we’ve planned, and your hair and skin are most likely very ready for wedding day. It’s ideal to have this planning day when your hair color, brows, tan, etc look as consistent as possible to the way they’ll be on the big day!

And lastly, I do this to prevent the possibility of losing your date to another inquiring bride who submits her contract and deposit first. It happens more often than you’d think unfortunately, as dates are first come first serve.

How can I tell if a makeup artist is right for me and my wedding day?

If you’re curious about a MUA, I recommend checking out their pages and websites. Really look at the quality of their work in photos. Do their photos appear super edited and filtered? If you can’t see any pores or texture in the skin when you zoom in, this is a big indicator that their work may not look like that in real life. This is all good and okay- but try to find images of their work that look realistic!

I also recommend looking at the style of makeup they frequently do and checking that it’s consistent with your own preferred style. When you look on their page, is it easy to find pictures of makeup that you like and would want to wear? Are these images consistent with the bridal styles and inspiration that makes you excited? Can you find inspo pictures on this person’s page?

I also recommend looking into their credentials. Are they licensed/certified? Do they have reviews available? How long have they been doing this work? Are they sanitary in their practice? Are they respectful and professional in the way they speak with you as an inquiring client? These are all big indicators on the professionalism of a makeup artist that can make a difference on the morning of your big day.

How are travel fees calculated?

Travel fee’s start at $150 for any distance within 1 hour of driving from my physical location. Beyond 1 hour of driving, they increase $100 by the hour. If room and board is required for long distance travel, this is also taken into consideration.

How long have you been doing makeup?

I started apprenticing as a MUA when I was 15 for stage productions and have been doing makeup for nearly 15 years since! For the last 5 years it has been my full time occupation, and I’ve loved it the whole way through.