FAQ:

How can I reserve The Makeup Culture for my Wedding or Event?

The booking process is simple. Click on the CONTACT link and send us your requested date, time frame and services requested. If we are able to accommodate your request, we will confirm the details with you directly. Once we confirm the booking details, a deposit and contract are required to book the date.

Who is the lead stylist/artist with The Makeup Culture?

The Makeup Culture was founded and is currently led by Stephanie Sevilla. Stephanie has been in the beauty industry for 20 years and has cultivated a special team of hair and makeup assistants for small group, on-location bookings. Unless expressly disclosed, Stephanie is the primary makeup artist and hair stylist for all bookings.

Are false eye lashes included?

YES! False eye lashes are the icing on the cake and included with every makeup service. We use temporary single-day-wear individual lashes in varied lengths to ensure the right amount of drama for your style and features.  All makeup sessions include false lash application.

How long do the false individual lashes last?

The lashes and glue we use are single-day-wear. While results can vary, they typically last until makeup removal. However, some clients comfortably extend the wear for another day beyond the initial application.

Do you use strip or individual lashes?

Ever seen a lash pop off at the corners or heard of someone losing a false lash strip? Think lashes sometimes look too harsh or overly fake? We have too! And its our mission to make sure a lash emergency doesn’t happen. EVER. For this reason we highly recommend individual lashes for natural looks, events lasting more than 4 hours, lightweight comfort or natural light scenarios. However, we consider ourselves lash artists and by request, we can create stunning dramatic lash effects with strips and even non-traditional textiles when a stylized lash effect is preferred.

What makeup brands does The Makeup Culture use?

A: We have an OBSESSION with beauty products and strive to stock the best brands available and remain cutting edge with our selection in performance, formulations and color range. By the time a product makes it into our kit, we have tested it for performance on ourselves and more than a few friends. Currently, our favorites beauty brands include Pat MacGrath Labs, Lawless, Ilia, Lila B., West Barn Co., Nars, Fenty, Makeup Forever, Il Makiage, Bobbi Brown, Temptu (airbrush), MAC, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tarte, Buxom, Hourglass, Cle De Peau, Laura Mercier, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Smashbox and Urban Decay. We add new products to our kits monthly as new items are released that meet our kit-worthy standards. Some of our performance standards include: versatility for sensitive/reactive skin types, comfort during wear, long lasting when appropriate, photo friendly for both studio and natural lighting, shade range within a product type, portability in our traveling kits.

Do you use waterproof makeup?

Yes, event makeup services include waterproof mascara and eyeliner, water resistant complexion makeup, eyeshadow and false lashes.

Is my lipstick long wear?

We stock many formulations of both long wear and highly pigmented cream lip color formulations. The choice is the client’s. We feel that more natural shades photograph better in creamy formulas that are high in pigmentation but not overly matte or dry looking. High impact shades like red or wine colors are best in long wear options. Similarly, glosses are sometimes too shiny in photographs and we opt for a low sheen, cream based version. We enjoy guiding the client to the right choice for their color and wearability preferences.

What is better for weddings: Airbrush vs. Traditional Makeup?

Currently, we prefer the traditional method of applying makeup on most clients for several reasons: Color range and formula innovation. Prestige makeup brands release new products every week and the creativity and options are overwhelmingly endless. Airbrush brands have not evolved at the same pace that traditional makeup formulas have as airbrush makeup remains a predominantly artist based medium not used by the average consumer.

What are the sanitary standards for makeup kits?

We use disposable applicators on all cream/liquid based products and never double dip. All makeup brushes are washed before and after every use.  Some staining occurs over time from waterproof formulas and this is normal and not an indicator of a contaminated brush. Makeup kits are detailed weekly, thoroughly wiped down and restocked, disposing of any broken or outdated products. Annually, we dispose of ALL liquid/cream based products that haven’t been used up in the course of the year.

I prefer to use my own makeup or hair products for my session. Can I bring my personal beauty bag?

Yes, we love discovering new and amazing products from our clients. If you have a preferred skincare, makeup or hair styling product, please bring it. On occasion, we may determine that a client’s personal beauty product for daily wear doesn’t meet performance standards for event or photo shoot wearability and with permission, will suggest a substitute or supplement from our kit for the best results possible.

I have a gluten sensitivity/allergy. Are your beauty products gluten free?

Most of our products are gluten free. The few cosmetics that have trace amounts of gluten are generally safe for those who are sensitive/allergic to gluten. The main cosmetic grade Gluten ingredient culprits are found in moisturizers for the body because of the larger surface area. If you have concern, always consult your doctor for testing to determine the level of reactiveness you have to Gluten and other ingredients before trying new beauty products.

How should I prep my skin for my makeup session?

Please arrive to your makeup appointment with freshly cleansed and hydrated skin when possible. If you have makeup on, we will remove it for you and apply moisturizer. For the best results, do a gentle exfoliating scrub or mask and be sure to apply your evening moisturizer the night before. Avoid using overly active products or treatments the day before your session, especially if it is new to your skin. Lastly, stay hydrated the week leading up to your big event. 

Should I wash my hair before my styling session?

Styles hold best on day-old-dirty hair. The trick to your best “dirty hair” experience is to properly wash and style it the day before with products. For those gals with unusually oily or baby fine hair, washing the day of is encouraged but must be thoroughly dry for long lasting style. Moisture in the hair folloicle is the primary deterrent for styling gorgeous locks that last. For blowout services, washing up to 30 minutes prior to the blow out is best. We recommend a double lather with your favorite shampoo to remove product buildup and using a lightweight conditioner for volume or extra deep conditioning for smoothing. 

Do I need hair extensions?

Does you hair hold curl well? Do you have thick hair? Is your hair long enough for the style you desire? If you answered “NO” to any of these questions, then temporary clip-in hair extensions might be the right addition for creating your hair vision. When bringing in your own set of extension to your styling session, be sure they are 100% human hair and take heat well. Please consult your stylist to plan for added styling time and to receive an updated quote for services.

What should I expect at a Bridal Trial Hair and Makeup session?

The trial is a mutual meet ‘n greet to set the tone for the wedding day experience in addition to designing the hair and makeup look for the wedding day. The hair and makeup team is closely and intimately involved behind the scenes as the bride and bridal party get ready for the main event. You should feel comfortable and confident with their personality and professionalism. The beginning portion of the session is a 15 minute consultation refining the beauty vision, overall wedding style, specific concerns and requests. Together we decide what look to try for the trial run through. During the trial, we work together to create the best look that incorporates personal style and individual features. At the end of the trial session, we take in and assess feedback for adjustments to make the day-of style feel perfect for each unique bride.

How far in advance do I need to book beauty services for my wedding day?

Though this can vary according to circumstances, on average we reserve wedding dates for our clients 6-12 months in advance. Typically, once they have secured the venue and event date, brides reach out to book their beauty team.

When should I schedule my trial hair and makeup session for my wedding day?

Ideally, the hair and makeup trial is scheduled about 2-3 months before the wedding day. This puts the trial closer to the season of your wedding day and informs beauty choices more accurately while also allowing time for planning and implementing wedding day prep before the actual wedding day. There is no limit to how soon you can book your trial session. In some circumstances, booking the trial the week of the wedding is necessary and we work with all our clients to create a timeline that best suits their needs.

Where does the Trial Hair and Makeup session take place and how long does it take?

We are an on-location beauty services team and come you. Travel fee may apply, depending on location. The trial session takes about 3 hours on average.

What happens if I don’t like my hair and makeup trial?

During the consultation we co-create a look that feels uniquely tailored to your features and beauty preferences. During the session, we frequently check in to for feedback and welcome requests for modifications. If at the end of the session, you feel that things need to be different, please let us know in and we will strive to make every possible accommodation to interpret your requests to satisfaction.

What is required to reserve my booking?

25% down and a signed contract reserves your on-location booking. This means you are our superstar client and we do not accept any other requests on your booking date.

What if I need to cancel my booking?

Please contact us with your unique scenario and we will do our best to work with you to come up with a winning scenario for all parties involved. Please note: the deposit in non-refundable and no refunds are given after the final payment has been made.

Can I add on services after I sign my contract?

We believe in providing an easy-going beauty experience for our clients. Planning and preparation is needed on our end to seamlessly accommodate larger groups and the best pros book up quickly so the sooner we determine your group size, the better we can prepare for your needs. However, if you want to add services to your group after the initial booking is confirmed, please let us know and we will accommodate the request whenever possible.

How many services can The Makeup Culture Team take care of in a day?

We are a small boutique team of hair and makeup professionals and can accommodate a group of up to 8 people. For groups larger than this, we local hair and makeup artists to join our team on a case by case basis.

What do I need to touch-up my event hair or makeup?

We strive to create looks that last and most of our styles hold up well through a full day of event wear. Hair: a flexible hold hair spray, comb and a handful of bobbi pins are convenient to have on hand. Makeup: Lip product of your choice is recommended. Oily skin types or bookings during warm months may prefer to carry blotting papers or translucent touch-up powder.

Are touch-ups provided on site after the initial services have been completed?

Our beauty teams exit after the services have been completed. Most touch-ups are minimal and can be managed within a few minutes individually by the client themselves.  Clients wishing to have a stylist or makeup artist remain on site for additional touch-ups may submit a request prior to the event date. Touch-up rates vary according to the location and amount of time requested.

How long do Bridal Party Hair and Makeup sessions take on the wedding day?

A detailed schedule will be created after the trial run through session with the bride to create the best timeline for each unique bridal party. Standard Hair sessions take about 30 minutes each. Standard Makeup sessions average 30 minutes each. Special circumstances like above average thick/long hair, hair extensions, acne cover-up, tattoo cover-up and intricately detailed looks may take more time and must be disclosed/approved prior to booking services.

When is the best time to schedule facial hair removal?

Facial waxing needs at least 2 days to recover for ideal makeup applications. Waxing removes not only unwanted hair but also baby hairs and surface dead skin creating a smooth skin texture that resists makeup from adhering uniformly. Facial hair removal methods like Threading or Tweezing are preferred over Waxing when done the day before makeup services.

Can I get spray tanning before my makeup session?

Yes, ideally the faux tan should set for 24-48 hours before a makeup session to allow the color to settle in and evenly tan the skin without disruption from makeup/skincare products. Send us a message for our preferred local spray tan experts.

What kind of on-location accommodations are needed for booking a beauty services team?

We love natural light near a window with access to a large tabletop with adequate surface space to spread out our kits, all next to an electrical outlet for our heat styling tools. BUT we invoke the “make it work” attitude in many unconventional spaces. If you think your location is less than ideal, feel free to reach out to see if accommodations can be made.

Thank you for taking time to read a little about us and our beauty services. Still have questions? Suggestions? Please send us a message on the CONTACT page and we will get in touch as soon as possible with a thoughtful response.