We’ve seen the hashtag #SCAMUA and the documentaries. Yet, we still wonder how to avoid being ripped off by individuals offering makeup services on Instagram. It’s a popular industry with booming demand, and many MUAs provide high-quality work at a reasonable price, and they deserve to be praised. ; this article will give you hot tips to look out for when booking your next makeup session.
1. Do Your Homework: Research the makeup artist thoroughly before making any commitments. Check their portfolio, read reviews from previous clients, and look for any red flags such as inconsistent work or unprofessional behaviour. For example, check if they have posted recently and if they have tagged the user in the photo. Stay calm if there is no tag; check the comments section, as the Client will most likely have commented. This provides valuable feedback and real-life experiences with the makeup artist’s services. Look for diversity in their social media pages; a skilled makeup artist can work with different skin tones, face shapes, and styles. Assess whether the makeup artist demonstrates diversity in their portfolio, catering to a range of clients and makeup needs.
2. Look for Authenticity: Genuine makeup artists often have a solid online presence beyond just Instagram. They may have a website, professional email address, and active engagement with their audience. Check if they have a TikTok page, as TikTok videos reach a mass audience and will most likely have active engagement in the comments section. Verify their credentials, certifications, and any affiliations they claim to have. Consider the engagement on their posts. Are people leaving positive comments or tagging friends? Also, do external research by looking for reviews or mentions of the makeup artist outside of Instagram, such as on Google or other social media platforms.
3. Communication is Key: Reach out to the makeup artist and ask questions about their services, pricing, and availability. Please pay attention to their responsiveness and professionalism. It might be a sign of trouble if they dodge your questions or exhibit poor communication skills. If they cannot respond within 24-48 hours, this is a potential red flag and could pose problems later. What is their best method of communication? Do they have a phone number? It’s also good to ask which location they are based in. Additionally, it’s good if a MUA clarifies their pricing structure, including any additional charges such as travel and the period they will cover.
4. Secure Payments: Be cautious when providing payment information. Reputable makeup artists typically have secure payment options and professional invoicing systems. Avoid those who insist on cash-only transactions or request full payment upfront without a contract or agreement. A good tip is always to pay 25% of the deposit to secure your booking, 25% seven days before the due date, and 50% when the work is completed. Avoid paying the total amount upfront, regardless of what they may say.
5. Contractual Agreements: Always ask for a written contract or agreement outlining the services provided, pricing, and other essential details. This will protect both parties and ensure everyone is on the same page. A contractual agreement helps establish clear expectations and protects both parties involved.
A few things to include on the contract;
- Full Name & Contact Information (Address, Phone Number and Email address) of both parties,
- Date, Time & Location
- Service to be provided (e.g. bridal makeup, editorial makeup),
- Pricing and Payment Terms, Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
- MUAs responsibilities – i.e. will they arrange their transport, arrive on time and maintain hygiene standards
- Client’s responsibilities – cleaning up, disclosing any allergies or sensitivities or even arriving on time for the appointment. If both responsibilities are not met, you may include a penalty fee to build trust.
6. Trust Your Instincts: Trust your gut if something feels off or too good to be true. Scammers often try to lure victims with unreasonable prices or promises of extraordinary results. Remember, quality work usually comes at a reasonable cost, so be wary of unrealistically cheap offers. Be sure to shop around and get a quote from other MUAs to know the market price. Follow their social media accounts and watch their stories; this usually provides more realistic insights into the MUA’s day to day.
7. Seek Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or trusted sources who have had positive experiences with makeup artists. Personal referrals can be a great way to find reliable and talented professionals. Please don’t be shy to DM clients and ask about their experience. Another great way is to read reviews online, don’t worry; Revifide has you covered. Revifide reviews provide equal, unbiased reviews, so you know you can trust customer feedback. Reading feedback on any business’s Instagram page can sometimes be biased, as they usually publish positive reviews.
