What Not to Do When Getting Your Makeup Done

young woman getting makeup done in studio — Artem Varnitsin / EyeEm / Getty Images

Whether you’re a beauty lover or not, getting your makeup done professionally is a treat. But it doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes we’re quick to blame the makeup artists when our look doesn’t turn out right, but logically, it can’t always be their fault.

To find out how to be better makeup clients, we decided to poll the pros, asking a group of experienced makeup artists exactly what they wish clients would and wouldn’t do when sitting in the makeup chair. What makes their job easier? What can ruin a good application?

If you plan on getting dolled up by a makeup artist anytime soon, scroll on to see what makeup artists want you to know before getting your makeup done.

01 of 16

Don't Get Waxed the Day Of

young woman getting waxed — Steve Mason / Getty Images

Thinking about getting your facial hair waxed? Make sure you do it in advance—and we don't mean the morning of your makeup appointment. “Do not get your brows waxed (or any facial waxing) the day you are getting your makeup done,” says makeup artist Mimi Tran, a Chanel brand representative. “Besides the area being sensitive and red, foundation has a hard time adhering to or sitting well on the waxed skin.”

02 of 16

Avoid Spray Tanning Your Face

Makeup artist applying bronzer — Vagengeym_Elena / Getty Images

It's safe to say a sunless tan and professional makeup application tend to go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to special occasions. That said, when getting your spray tan, ask to leave your face as-is. According to Tran, “Products like moisturizer or primer sometimes break down the chemicals that are supposed to deepen your skin." This could leave your face looking unevenly tanned, or not tan at all, which would be a waste of both the spray tan and makeup. Instead, let your makeup artist match your foundation to your bronzed body—no one will be able to tell the difference!

03 of 16

Keep Strongly Opinionated Friends At Home

friends putting on face mask in bathroom — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

We're all for friends coming for moral support, but sometimes they can do more harm than good. “Everybody has their own ideas of what they think would look good on you based on their own makeup experience, and it may not bring out your best features,” says Tran. “Instead, leave it to the professional.”

04 of 16

Trust the Process

Makeup artist contouring with concealer — Roy JAMES Shakespeare / Getty Images

Listen up—your makeup artist is likely to use techniques that you don't use on the daily, so even if you feel a little crazy during the process, trust that the pros know what they're doing. “The most important thing not to do when getting your makeup done by a professional is watching the process (unless you are there for a lesson),” says Sarah Torrento, a freelance makeup artist. “The entire look has to come together, and if you analyze the look before it is completed, chances are high that you won’t like it, and stress out during the process.” Getting your makeup done is a luxury that’s meant to be enjoyed, “so sit back, relax, and trust the artist you hired!” says Torrento. “He or she can always make the tweaks when the look is complete.”

05 of 16

Know There Are Different Meanings of a Smoky Eye

Makeup artist applying smoky eyeshadow — owngarden / Getty Images

A “smoky eye” is one of the most requested looks makeup artists get, but according to Torrento, “a smoky eye can mean a completely different thing to two different people.” Depending on how heavy a hand the artist uses or what color shadows she chooses to layer, the look could end up not at all like you expected. “Don’t assume the makeup artist knows exactly what you mean by a look,” she says.

06 of 16

Bring Inspiration Photos

young woman posing in mirror — Delmaine Donson / Getty Images

Instead of assuming your makeup artist will know exactly what you mean when you say you want that "half-moon cut crease" you saw on Instagram, come equipped with photos to show what you'd like the end result to resemble. “I really like when clients show inspiration photos,” hair and makeup stylist Ana Buitrago says. “You may not look like the person in the picture, but it will give the artist an idea of your preferences.”

07 of 16

Be Open to Suggestions

Makeup artist applying lipstick — PeopleImages / Getty Images

Makeup artists are professionals for a reason—chances are, they know a thing or two about what will look best on you. “Trust the artist to give you suggestions based on your features,” advises Buitrago. “We’re trained to know what will look good based on your features, and if you’re paying for a makeup artist, you might as well get that service.”

08 of 16

Focus On Your Eyes or Lips

woman laughing with bold eye shadow — CoffeeAndMilk / Getty Images

It's easy to fall in love with a bold lip, heavy contouring, and smoky eye, but you're better off sticking to one focal point and keeping the rest of your look minimal. “Play up one or the other, but not both,” says Carl Ray, resident makeup artist for The Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., and personal makeup artist for Michelle Obama.

Byrdie Tip

Pick a focus feature that you want the makeup artist to zero in on, whether that‘s eyes, skin, or lips to complement the rest of your look.

09 of 16

Don't Shy Away From Lashes

young woman with afro in bright lighting studio — Dahyembi Joi / 500px / Getty Images

You may feel that false lashes are too bold, but we're here to tell you otherwise. False lashes aren't a one-size-fits-all deal—there are different styles to suit different looks, even if you want to keep things on the subtler side. “Whether it’s a full strip or even just a few in the corner, wear lashes. The camera loves it,” says Ray. Plus, if you find it tricky to apply them yourself, getting your makeup done by a professional is the perfect opportunity to embrace false lashes without anxiety.

10 of 16

Keep Shimmer to a Minimum

Woman with shimmer eyeliner — Vagengeym_Elena

Shimmering finishes have been replacing the once sought-after matte alternative for a bit now, but that doesn't mean you should go for an all-over shimmer look. Remember: less is more! “Some shimmer on one area, like eyes or cheeks, looks great. Don’t put shimmer everywhere,” Ray advises.

11 of 16

Be Open-Minded

young person with hot pink accent makeup — CarlosDavid.org / Getty Images

“If you’re going to a makeup artist and want them to do your makeup, the most important thing is to be open to new trends,” says MAC senior artist Regan Rabanal. “If you have a certain way of doing your brows or your lips or contour, be open to a new shape because those are the things that change from season to season and are aligned with trends.” Here’s the thing: If you’re particular about keeping your features a certain way, you could “set yourself in a time capsule of that trend,” says Rabanal. “I usually have to work someone to get out of their habit. If you aren’t open, you will never let the magic of makeup affect you,” he adds.

12 of 16

Don't Expect Instagram Makeup

Makeup artist applying eyebrow makeup — fotostorm / Getty Images

There's no denying Instagram filters can make you look amazing, but they don't exactly translate to real life. "We get a lot of clients showing pictures they want of straightforward Instagram makeup, which means a strong, dramatic brow with a dark lip, with a contour and highlight, with a smoky eye—and it’s overkill,” says Rabanal. “It might look really beautiful on a picture that was run through a few different filters before it was posted, but is it going to look the same in person and more importantly, is it trendy all together? No,” he says.

13 of 16

Stay Close to Your Comfort Zone

stylish woman in no-makeup look — Dahyembi Joi / 500px / Getty Images

Being in the hands of a professional can make it tempting to try something totally new, but don't stray too far from your comfort zone. “A client will come with expectations of what they want, a makeup artist will do exactly what they want, and then the client will freak out because it’s outside of their comfort zone,” says MAC senior artist Tiffany Johnston. “My primary advice is don’t do something too outside your comfort zone.” If you’re going out and plan to have your photo taken, come into the session knowing that you can go a little bit outside the box. “But take baby steps,” says Johnston. “Otherwise, you’re going to look in the mirror and say Who is that?” This is especially true on your wedding day!

14 of 16

Speak Up

young woman with makeup portrait in the sunlight — Dahyembi Joi / 500px / Getty Images

If you aren't a fan of the final product—or have any concerns throughout the process—don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. “Makeup artists have been doing this long enough that you aren’t going to hurt their feelings. They want you to tell them what you don’t like. Be brass-tacks honest,” says Johnston.

15 of 16

Feel Free to Show Up With Makeup

androgynous person with yellow eye makeup — Campbell Addy / Getty Images

“I think clients think they should come with no makeup, and show up with nothing at all,” Johnston says. “If you do show up with your makeup, a makeup artist can remove it, but at least then they have a visual of how you’re comfortable.” Johnston says if a girl comes in and has on nothing but mascara and says, “I got really dressed up today,” that provides a clue as to her definition of “natural.” “My idea of natural is only two sets of lashes and a little bit of glitter, and her idea is ChapStick and a brow set,” Johnston says. “So I think it’s actually good to come with your makeup on.”

16 of 16

Expect What You Ask For

young women with lush makeup — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Your makeup artist is going to give you exactly what you ask for. If you ask them for your makeup look to appear natural, don't expect to walk out of your appointment in a full face of glam. The same goes for when you ask for a done-up look. “When you say, ‘Do whatever you want,’ be ready for them to do whatever they want,” Johnston advises. “Don’t say that and then afterward say you hate it. You probably should have told them what you wanted if that’s going to be the case,” she says.

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