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Tip: Things to Look For In Your HMUA



Hair and Make Up has always been one of the can't-do-withouts in any event, whether it's DIY or professionally done. Depending on the person's personality and preference, HMU can be classified in two ways. For the practical & thrifty, it's easily one of the least important as it's simply vanity and beautification. On the other hand, for those who want to make the most of their event by being in their best and most beautiful self, it's one of the highest priority suppliers because what they look like would forever be immortalized in people's photos, videos and memories. It's a hit or miss, make or break kind of thing!


If you're planning to hire a HMUA for your event, just looking at their portfolios and photos of their previous clients are not enough. Too many things can affect the output of photos such as the lighting, the screen of your phones or computers, filters, and even editing tools. Also, makeup that looks good on one person does not necessarily mean it can suit anybody else. There are also certain makeup styles that might work better with your outfit, hair, accessories and theme. For something that seems as simple as HMUA, there are a number of things to peruse and consider, if you want to be as stress free and perfect as possible on the day, that is.


Bonus tip: Sometimes, your photographers can suggest a good HMUA. You can ask them first then check if you like the artist. They do so because they know which of their shots from their experience looked and matched best with their photography styles. There are certain makeup that really pops and looks glamorous on certain photography styles than others.


Here are the essential things to look out for:


1. Availability

Well, obviously. If the artist is unavailable for your date, you have to move on. It's always early bird catches the worm in booking for suppliers.


2. Packages & Pricing

Of course the most crucial is to check if they offer what you're expecting & looking for, if it fits your budget, if there's out-of-town fees or additional add-ons needed, etc.

a. Persons Covered - How many pax do you plan to glam up? Will you be shouldering any of your VIP guests or entourages' look? Does the groom need grooming?

b. Type - Are you going for airbrush? traditional? How many per type?

c. # of Looks - For weddings, usually it's 3 looks: Prep, Ceremony, Reception. Maybe you have other special arrangements or program in your reception that you want to have more looks on your day.

d. Touch Ups - Some do have restrictions on touch-ups, while others offer unlimited or as needed. This can be crucial if your event is for a whole day, as our makeup tend to naturally wear off due to moisture, humid, skin type, sweat, etc.


3. Number of Events Handled / Number of Teams per Day

Another important detail that's not usually emphasized is their event capacity or teams deployed per day. If you have a whole day event with change looks in between, a one-event-per-day team is more preferable as they will be with you for most of the day. If it's more than one event or more than one team (Team B, Team C, etc.), the "main" artist might not be with you the entire event. He/she may leave half-way and leave you with his/her apprentice. Or, you may be assigned with their back up teams with junior artists without the star HMUA. It depends on the person as this can also be unimportant if you're not bothered or sensitive with your HMUA.


4. Preferred Team & Duration

In relation to #3 above, if they have multiple teams, check if they allow to guarantee you with your preferred team such as indicating the name of their main "HMUA" in your contract so you can secure them. Also, check how long the team and your preferred HMUA can be with you during the day as some have restricted hours or the main HMUA may leave earlier.


5. Artist-to-Heads Ratio

If you plan to glam up a number of heads, check if the team has the right artist-to-heads ratio. We're talking about time constraint and management. Too few artists can cause delays in your timeline so it's not ideal to assume you can scrimp and save money by reducing the number of HMUA. You may be forced to move forward with your timeline without having all heads made up. Depending on the skill and speed of the artists, you can consult with them as to how many they can handle for a specific time. Also assess what they commit properly. You don't want your friends' look to seem rushed.


6. The "Hair" in HMUA

Most often overlooked, some HMUAs are only MUAs while they have tie-up partners for the hair. If it's not the same artist, it won't hurt to meet or get to know who will really be doing your hair too as our hairs can also make or break a look. After all, it's our crowning glory. You can also show some of your ideal hairdos and see if they can execute them.


7. Trial Session

Did I just mention photos are not enough? If you're the kind that do not want to risk what you would possibly look like during your event, a trial session is a must! More than just anticipating what you may look like, this is the chance to personally get to know your HMUA. Are they prompt, friendly and professional? Do they practice proper hygiene and sanitation? Are their products from trusted brands, clean and organized, suitable to your skin? For some good HMUAs, hairdo is also included for trial. Better check if it's inclusive in your package or you might have to pay a fee. Nonetheless, it's definitely worth it as a lot of questions can be answered in just one sitting.


8. Professional Assessment, Advice & Suggestions

Your HMUA's personality, attitude and work ethic are also important. If they behave in such a way that they simply follow whatever the client says without much input of their own, doubt a little. Truly excellent HMUAs know what's best for you. They might also disagree with your pegs if they see something better or more ideal for your event or your outfit. They should be able to give you professional advice, what you need to prepare the day before, what your ideal hair color may be, etc. Example: I wanted a loose hairdo with trailing loose hairs on my face for my beach wedding ceremony. The artist suggested we need to have a backup hairdo with a more refined look, as the beach might be windy and I would have to keep brushing my hair out my face the entire time. That's not a good sight to see. In the end, she was right. It was windy and I ended up with a more structured hairdo. Not what I initially wanted but at least I kept my hands off my face and maintained my poise the entire day. That's more important! Plus, I still looked fab anyway.


9. Client Feedback

Nothing like a good background check! This goes with any supplier. Professionalism goes above and beyond skills, especially for events. What good is a skilled HMUA if he/she's late that caused delays? Does not respond to your messages? Uncooperative with your other co-suppliers or coordinator? Things and information like these can only be verified by checking with their previous clients and co-suppliers who have worked with them.


10. Bonus: Makeup Removal

This may only be applicable if you have your HMUA stay until the end of the program, or if they are accommodated in the case of out-of-town events or destination weddings. Usually, we're happy but tired and exhausted from our event. Some HMUAs are gracious enough to also offer or include makeup removal service after your event. You just sit there like a queen (for the last time) while they remove a lot of hairpins, hair extensions, and stubborn makeup and liners off your face, which would have taken most of us some time especially in our tired state. (Or, we might be too tired and just leave removal for tomorrow, which is B-A-D for our skin!)



With these, you'll be guaranteed to have a FABulous day! Any other important details I've missed? Feel free to leave a comment and I'll include them in the article.


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