How to Find the Best Makeup Artist Near You
Hey beautiful, if you’re looking up MUAs in the UK, then you probably have a BIG event coming.
That’s exciting!
It’s a very important decision – choosing the right makeup artist can mean the difference between turning heads or spending the night stressing over smudged makeup. And even worse… It could turn what was supposed to be a perfect event into something you’d rather forget.
But you can avoid that, gorgeous.
Nanshy has been working alongside MUAs in the UK since 2012. We know exactly what makes a great makeup artist. And we’ve seen everything: From weddings, to proms, and special events (we’ve even participated in IMATS). And we’ll give you all the secrets… Take a look at our newsletter to learn more.
But if you’re on a rush, here’s the TLDR for you:
Popular MUAs in your city
Makeup artist in London
Kristina Gasperas is a globally renowned and award-winning bridal makeup artist who specialises in flawless bridal looks. She is a judge for The Wedding Industry Awards, having previously won the National Award for Bridal Makeup. Along with her K-Team, they travel to beautiful wedding destinations throughout the UK and Europe.
Makeup artist in Birmingham
If you’re in Birmingham, you should get in touch with Gemma. She’s an amazing MUA who’s made many people look stunning on TV and magazines. She has worked with famous companies like Sainsbury’s and the Now Magazine.
Makeup artist in Glasgow
Based in Glasgow, Jenny Workman is a top choice. She has worked with many brides since 2012 (the same year Nanshy was created!) Her work has also been recognized by the Scottish Wedding Awards and she has a great eye for detail.
Makeup artist in Manchester
Rachael Dutton is a talented hair & makeup artist in Manchester. She’s worked with famous people like Priscilla Presley and has over 12 years of experience. She even worked with brands like BOOHOO and Wella.
Makeup artist in Yorkshire
Julia Jeckell has been a MUA for two decades and won the Best Bridal Beauty award… Twice! She’s passionate about all things fashion and has great team skills. She also offers her services in Leeds & Harrogate.
Makeup artist in Belfast, Ireland
If you’re up in Northern Ireland, you should get in touch with Kerri Moore. She's been a makeup artist for over 10 years and uses cruelty-free brands with her clients. Kerri specializes in everything from bridal makeup to special occasions.
Makeup artist in Cambridge
Elly Jayne learned her craft at Cambridge Regional College and has worked at top events like the Laurence Olivier Awards & London Fashion Week. She also worked with MAC cosmetics, so she has great insider information to help you look your best!
But here’s the thing…
Before you schedule a call with your beauty expert, there are a few important things you should consider. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings.
What a Mobile Makeup Artist Does
A mobile MUA is… Well, mobile.
When you hire a traveling makeup artist, they come to you. Whether it’s your house, a hotel, or venue, traveling MUAs give you that nice convenience of enjoying a professional makeup experience wherever you are. It’s something you do at your own pace, in your own place. They also bring their own tools & products, meaning you won’t have to do a thing (except look beautiful).
And beautiful, this guide to makeup brush sets will help your MUA pick the right kit for your unique skin.
What a MUA doesn’t Do
Despite what many people think, mobile makeup artists don’t do your hair. While some MUAs may offer hair styling, their main focus is makeup artistry. If you’d like a complete beauty package, we recommend looking for a professional hair stylist that will work with your MUA.
Which brings us to the next points…
• Mobile Makeup Artist vs Hair Stylist
You don’t need a hair stylist to look your best, but if it’s a very important event like a friend’s wedding (or even your own wedding), then it’s a good idea to have both so you can look stunning.
• Makeup Artist vs Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists can give you a general range of services like haircuts & coloring, skincare treatments, or nail care. But if you’re only looking to glow up your makeup, then a specialized MUA is your choice.
• Makeup Artist vs Fashion Designer
If you’re going all out in your event, you should definitely look into a fashion designer too. They can create custom outfits that complement your makeup.
• Mobile Makeup Artist vs Esthetician
Estheticians specialize in skincare, so they come first. Ideally, you’d get in touch with an esthetician a few weeks before the event so you can prep your skin for the MUA techniques.
MUAs for Your Specific Event
So, what’s the event?
This is the most important question to ask yourself, beautiful. Each type of event has a completely different vibe & makeup techniques.
Wedding makeup artist.
Also known as “bridal,” wedding MUA’s are trained to create beautiful looks for brides on their special day. They know how to make sure your makeup lasts all day, so you can enjoy your special moments without worrying about touch ups.
Prom makeup artist.
Getting in touch with a MUA for your prom is easy because proms are usually shorter than weddings, so most beauty experts can fit you in for quick appointments. This also means that you can try new trends & styles since your makeup doesn’t have to last as long.
And if you want to make your brushes last longer, you should take a look at this article on the importance of cleaning your beauty picks.
Halloween makeup artist.
Halloween is the perfect opportunity to try out bold makeup. And since this is a yearly event, you can go with something new every year. Horror makeup isn’t something you see everyday, but it’s worth a try if you’d like to stand out with your costume.
Where to Find Your MUA
Finding makeup artists near you is easy. Nowadays, you have a ton of different platforms you can use. Other than social media or Google search, here’s a couple websites you might not have heard before.
• Yelp
The biggest one on this list. Yelp has a section for the best makeup artists in London that is worth a shot.
• StyleSeat
You can find hundreds of experienced MUAs in StyleSeat. This platform specializes in beauty services, so you can find other professionals like hair stylists or nail technicians.
• Booksy
If you’re in a rush for a big event, you should try out Booksy. It has a real-time booking feature, so you don’t have to keep going back and forth with appointments on sites like Yelp.
• Treatwell
If you’re on a budget, Treatwell is a great place since it lets you compare prices from different makeup artists and salons. So you can find something that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
And beautiful, if you still don’t find what you’re looking for on those websites, you can always try social media too. Use hashtags like #MakeupArtistNearMe, #BridalMakeupArtist, or #MUANearMe on Instagram or TikTok to discover talented MUAs in your city. And have you ever thought about becoming a MUA yourself? We have an article where we teach you everything you need to know about becoming a beauty expert.
You could also pay a visit to beauty stores in your area to get word of mouth recommendations. They’re often well connected with the local beauty community and give you contact information of MUAs who live near you.
How to Choose your Makeup Artist
So, now you know where to find them… But how do you actually pick a MUA?
1. Do Your Homework
You’re planning for a big event, so you definitely don’t want to skip this step!
There’s so many makeup artists out there, but not all are created equal. Nowadays, everyone with a cheap makeup brush, a free Canva account, and a ring light from Alibaba claims to be a professional. So beware.
2. Look for Authenticity
This step is very important.
Take a peek at their portfolio to see if you like their work. Here’s some questions to ask yourself:
• Do they have good reviews?
• Are they only posting heavily edited images?
• Do they have experience with different skin tones & types?
• Do they show before & after transformations or just final looks?
• Are they highlighting their own work, or does it look like stock photos?
Asking yourself these kinds of questions will help you spot whether the MUA is truly skilled or just hiding behind filters and fancy edits.
3. Book a Trial Before Deciding
Many cosmetic experts offer trial sessions so you can see how they work before the big day. This is also a great time to see if they’re a great fit, which leads us to the next point…
4. Get a Vibe Check
Communication is very important, especially when it comes to an occasion that requires a mobile MUA. So before you book an appointment, make sure there’s a good vibe between you two. Most importantly:
• Do they have high standards for hygiene?
If you see any red flags, just walk away. Don’t risk ruining an important occasion if they’re not actual professionals.
Nowadays, lots of professional artists use those electric makeup brush cleaners. Take a peek at this article on why these machines are worth it.
5. Ask About their Products
Ask them about what brands they use. Picking the right MUA is only one piece of the puzzle. Do they prefer foundation from high-end brands, or do they just pick the cheapest option they can find at the local drugstore?
6. Know Your Style
Tell them what type of makeup you’re going for. Do you want that no-makeup look or do you prefer a more elegant style? We also recommend you look up some pictures online to give your makeup artist a good idea of what you want.
7. Know Your Budget
If you’re hiring a beauty expert for prom or a wedding, then we’re talking about a once in a lifetime experience. But let’s be real, things can get expensive… Really expensive. Still, the pictures you’ll take at the event are pictures you’ll cherish for many years, so it’s worth setting aside a higher budget for the occasion.
8. Book Early… Like, Really Early
We’re talking at least 8 months early, if not a year.
Nothing’s worse than struggling to find a professional makeup artist at the last minute or, God forbid, booking with an amateur who doesn’t meet your standards. This can lead to unnecessary stress on what should be a flawless day, so plan ahead to secure the best MUA for your event.
Preparing for your Makeup Session
Beautiful, this is a big day for you, and you deserve to look & feel your best. So we recommend you begin prepping your skin 3 to 4 weeks before.
• Use SPF Daily
That’s right. Wear sunscreen even if it’s not sunny. UV rays can still damage your skin on cloudy days (or even indoors). So make sure you protect it!
• Avoid New Products
You might feel the need to try out new makeup, but it’s best to avoid it. What if you have an allergic reaction or it doesn’t blend well with your skin? It’s best not to risk it.
Stick to your normal skincare routine and use a gua sha or face roller tool. But make sure you know the difference between them to find out which one is best for your skin type.
• Avoid Netflix
By Netflix we mean avoid staying up late watching the latest season of your favorite show – get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is one of the main pillars of flawless skin, so you’ll want to prioritize it before the event.
Beauty Recap
Today, you’ve learned how to hire a makeup artist for your wedding or prom, where to find them, and what to look for in a MUA. It takes a bit of work, but choosing the right artist can mean the difference between a disappointing experience and an unforgettable day.
Got any questions, beautiful? DM us on social media and we’ll get you set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire someone to do your makeup?
This depends on the type of makeup and the artist’s experience. But prices typically go from £50 to £300 per hour.
How much should you spend on a makeup artist?
Since this is a special occasion, we recommend you separate a bigger budget to invest in the memories you’ll create.
How do I find the perfect makeup artist?
You can find them on the websites we listed in this article, like StyleSeat or Treatwell. But make sure you go through a couple different MUAs so you can find the best fit for you.
How do I choose a good makeup artist?
A great beauty expert will have lots of reviews and a strong portfolio showcasing their best work. Take a look at their social media to get a better sense of their style.
What if the MUA doesn’t show up?
This can be super stressful, and if you choose someone with great reviews it will virtually never happen. But if you want to be extra safe, you could have a backup artist who you can get in touch with at the last minute.
How to make makeup last longer?
You can also bring your own kit with you for some quick touch ups throughout the day (we have a special guide on this). But like we mentioned, your MUA will make sure you don’t have to worry about this.
