If you’ve ever had an event coming up and found yourself wondering whether it’s actually worth booking a professional Make Up Artist, you’re definitely not alone.
After all, you do your own makeup all the time. You know which foundation you like, you’ve probably got a drawer full of products already and, with enough time and a decent mirror, you can absolutely get yourself ready.
So why pay somebody else to do it?
The answer, for me, isn’t simply about having “better makeup”. It’s about how you look, feel and experience getting ready for a day that matters.
You should still look like you
I think one of the biggest worries people have about professional makeup is that they’re going to look in the mirror afterwards and not recognise themselves. Trust me, I've been there and it's actually one of the reasons I trained to be a Make Up Artist.
That isn’t what I want at all.
My favourite kind of makeup enhances what is already there. Beautiful skin, softly defined eyes, flattering colours and all those little finishing touches that make everything come together.
If you love natural makeup, you don’t suddenly need a full glam transformation just because you’ve booked a Make Up Artist. Equally, if you normally wear plenty of makeup and want something a little more special, we can absolutely turn things up.
There isn't one particular "look" that every client should leave with.
It needs to feel like you.
There’s a big difference between everyday makeup and event makeup
Your everyday makeup might look lovely when you leave the house at 9am, but special occasions tend to ask rather more of it.
There might be photographs, different lighting, a warm room, dancing, drinks, happy tears, hugs and a very long day ahead.
Professional makeup is applied with all of that in mind.
It’s not necessarily about applying more. Often it’s about applying products differently, choosing the right textures, layering them carefully and knowing where makeup needs a little extra longevity.
The aim is for your makeup to look beautiful in real life and in photographs, while still feeling comfortable on your skin.
Skin prep makes such a difference
One of my favourite parts of a makeup appointment actually happens before I pick up a makeup brush.
Skin prep.
Taking a little time to properly prepare the skin can completely change how makeup sits and wears.
During my appointments I incorporate skincare and relaxing facial techniques before beginning the makeup itself. I want the whole appointment to feel like a little bit of time out, rather than simply sitting down while somebody puts foundation on you.
And there is something rather lovely about being able to sit back and let someone else take care of everything for a change.
You don't have to worry about getting it "right"
We've all had those getting-ready moments.
One eye goes beautifully.
The other refuses to cooperate.
You attempt to fix the eyeliner and somehow make it worse. You decide you hate your foundation. You've changed lipstick three times. Your hair isn't doing what you want it to do and suddenly you're running twenty minutes late.
By the time you actually leave the house, getting ready has become the least enjoyable part of the evening.
Booking a professional Make Up Artist takes one job completely off your list.
You sit down.
I'll do the rest.
And you get access to my makeup kit…
One of the perks of having your makeup professionally done is getting to use beautiful products without having to buy them all yourself.
My professional kit contains products from brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Armani,YSL, Laura Mercier and e.l.f., amongst others, and I choose products based on your skin, colouring, preferences and the finish we're trying to achieve.
Because buying a £30 lipstick for one evening is one thing.
Buying the foundation, concealer, primer, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, liner, lashes, lip liner, lipstick, setting products and brushes needed to recreate an entire professional look is quite another!
Professional makeup isn't just for brides
Bridal makeup is obviously a huge part of professional makeup artistry, but you absolutely do not need to be getting married to book an appointment.
Birthdays, parties, proms, graduations, christenings, anniversaries, Christmas parties, date nights, days at the races, family celebrations, photoshoots…
Or simply because you're going somewhere lovely and fancy having your makeup done.
I actually think we should get better at allowing ourselves to do things simply because they make us feel good.
You don't need to wait for your wedding day.
So… is professional makeup actually worth it?
I may be slightly biased here!
But I genuinely think that for the occasions that matter to you, it is.
Not because you're incapable of doing your own makeup.
And certainly not because you need makeup to look beautiful.
It's because there's something special about sitting down, switching off for a while and watching everything come together.
You put your outfit on afterwards. Your hair is done. You look in the mirror and think…
Yes. I feel good.
That's the bit I love.
Looking for a Make Up Artist in Lincolnshire?
I'm Laura Donnelly, a professionally trained Make Up Artist based in Lincolnshire, specialising in beautiful, flattering makeup for special occasions and weddings.
Whether you want soft, natural makeup that simply makes you feel like the best version of yourself or something a little more glamorous, we'll create a look that feels right for you.
I offer mobile makeup appointments locally, and I'm also available for bridal bookings and weddings further afield across the UK and internationally.
If you've never had your makeup professionally done before, please don't feel nervous about booking. You don't need to know what products you like or arrive knowing exactly what makeup look you want. That's what I'm here for.
You can simply tell me how you'd like to feel when you look in the mirror.
And we can take it from there. 🤍