What It Really Takes to Show Up for a Client Makeup Appointment
When you see a makeup artist working, it looks effortless—brushes in motion, flawless skin, eyeshadow blended to perfection. But what you don’t see is everything that happens before that moment. Showing up for a client doesn’t just mean arriving at the chair. It means hours of preparation and organization long before the first brush touches the skin.
The Prep You Don’t See
Last night alone, I spent about an hour preparing nine individual touch-up bags for today’s wedding parties. Each bag was carefully packed with blotting papers, powder puffs, and the right lip color so every client could refresh their look later. After that, I spent another hour washing and disinfecting every single brush—because sanitation and professionalism are non-negotiable.
That’s two hours of work before I even walked out the door.
Setting Up for Success
Today, I’ll be doing nine services across three different locations. That means loading and unloading a heavy kit multiple times, making sure every product is accessible, and staying on schedule for a wedding timeline where minutes really matter. For each stop, I create a clean, organized setup so every client feels taken care of from the moment they sit down.
Communication Systems That Reduce Stress
The work I do isn’t just about brushes and products—it’s also about communication and planning. I’ve created a system to check in with my brides at key points leading up to the wedding:
100-day check-ins to remind them about the 90-day cutoff for any changes.
Prep guides with timelines for spray tanning, facials, and nails, so they feel confident about when to schedule each step.
Bridesmaid prep sheets they can forward to their bridal party, covering hair and skin care tips so everyone arrives ready.
I also provide curated Pinterest boards filled with inspiration. These aren’t generic collections—I’ve built them carefully with inclusivity in mind. You’ll find examples of women of every age, skin tone, eye color, hair texture, and face shape. Why? Because a style that looks stunning on someone else should be easy to picture on you. It also helps me ensure I understand exactly what you mean when you describe a “bun” or a “natural look,” since those phrases can mean a thousand different things.
This level of detail saves time, prevents miscommunication, and allows me to deliver results that match the vision you’ve been dreaming of.
Being Part of the Photos
At most weddings, by the time we’re wrapping up, the photographer has arrived and starts capturing the bride’s finishing touches. That means I’m often part of the story—whether I’m adjusting a curl, adding a final sweep of blush, or holding the lipstick for a touch-up shot.
Here’s the thing: those images will live forever. Imagine your wedding colors are bashful and blush (yes, Sweet Magnolias fans will get the reference)—and then there I am in neon green, standing out in the corner of your photos. Not the vibe. That’s why I take care to dress professionally and blend in with the moment.
Even when I’m not fully in the frame, my hands often are. So I make sure my nails look polished and presentable, because those little details matter. The goal is always to elevate the bride’s images, not distract from them.
More Than Makeup
When clients hire a professional artist, they aren’t just paying for “an hour of makeup.” They’re investing in everything that goes into that service:
Preparation: Sanitizing, packing, and planning.
Customization: Adjusting techniques for different faces, ages, and skin types.
Logistics: Travel, setup, and keeping multiple locations on time.
Professionalism: Creating a calm, confident environment on one of the most important days of someone’s life.
Presentation: Looking polished so that every photo and every detail reflects well on the wedding.
Guidance: Offering timelines, prep guides, and inspiration boards so the whole party is ready.
Why It Matters
A bride doesn’t just need her makeup done—she needs to feel reassured that her artist has thought of everything. From clean brushes to touch-up kits, from dressing appropriately to having camera-ready nails, from creating inclusive inspiration boards to sending prep guides, the hidden hours behind the scenes are what allow the final look to be stress-free and long-lasting.
Because in the end, showing up for a client isn’t just about artistry—it’s about trust, care, and the details no one sees but everyone feels.
✨ Call to Action: Ready for an on-location experience where every detail is taken care of? Book your appointment here https://www.makeupbynicolefae.com/weddings2
and let me handle the work behind the scenes so you can enjoy your day.