If you research the going rate in your area, you’ll see that there’s an average price makeup artists charge for basic services. You’ll also find, however, that there are some artists with more experience and a wider array of services who charge a little more.
Many professional makeup artists worry about making a smooth transition into higher prices so that their clients aren’t discouraged from booking them. Raising your prices as your experience increases shouldn’t be a reason to lose your clients!
How can you tell when you’re ready to increase?
You might consider raising your prices if:
- You’ve recently mastered a new skill or obtained an additional certification.
- You’ve gained a few years of experience and the going rate in your area has risen, but your prices are the same as when you first started working.
- You’ve worked several prestigious contracts and your client base has expanded significantly.
The key to raising your prices is to do so gradually and when it’s justified.
If you’ve only been working for a few months and you realize artists around you are suddenly charging more, evaluate why that could be:
- Do they have more years of experience?
- Did they recently graduate from another training program?
You want to take steps towards increased prices that benefit both you and your clientele. Offering something new makes clients feel like it’s worth it to pay a little extra!
Here are five tactics for increasing your professional makeup artistry prices in ways that offers your clients more for their money while also benefitting you. If you’re succeeding at your current level of professionalism and feel confident in the idea of moving forward, consider taking one of these steps.
1. Creating service packages
Especially in freelance makeup artistry, many beginners start out by establishing a set price per person. Depending on the service the client is looking for, they’ll pay a particular price. This works well, but once you’ve gained experience and learned effective time management in your applications, there are better ways to price that will benefit both you and your clients.
Consider creating fun pricing packages for clients who want more than one service at once, or for groups of clients so that friends can get their makeup done together. You’ll be able to charge more because more services are being rendered, and the clients will be willing to pay more because they’re getting more for their money.
Some popular makeup packages are:
- Makeup for entire bridal parties.
- Group makeup for birthday parties or “girls’ night out.”
- Packages that offer your regular beauty makeup application plus one of your additional skills (ex. airbrush makeup or hair styling).
- Packages that combine different beauty techniques for prom night or date night.
2. Completing additional training
Expanding your services and improving your techniques is one of the best reasons to raise your prices. When you learn new techniques or trends, clients will see that your skills are fresh and that you’re being proactive about bettering yourself as a professional.
They’ll also be excited about the idea of new services, new techniques, and new combination packages. The more you can offer clients, the more they’ll be willing to pay. For example, it’s more convenient for clients if you can offer makeup AND hair, rather than just beauty makeup.
Training to enhance your current skillset is also hugely beneficial. If you can further your skills by learning from some industry experts, you’ll be regarded as a more qualified professional and an increase in your base prices will be completely justified. Clients won’t mind paying a little more if they know about your training!
3. Using higher quality products
Investing in better quality makeup is worth it for both you and your clients. High quality makeup is easier to work with, looks better, and lasts longer. If you’re going to use higher quality products on your clients, however, then your services are worth a higher price.
Make sure that you invest in products based on quality and not price alone. Just because a product is the most expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best quality on the market. Do some research and get to know your brands. Choose products that give clients their money’s worth and charge accordingly.
4. Offer lessons
Makeup artists can do more for their clients than just make them look beautiful! Along with your beauty packages, offer to actually teach your clients how to apply their own makeup, and advise them about products.
The more they learn from you during your session together, the better they’ll feel about applying their own makeup. You’re helping them build confidence, learn new techniques, and improve their skills. What’s better than creating a fellow makeup lover? They’ll be willing to pay increased prices for the chance to look great and learn how to recreate that look again later.
5. On a case-by-case basis
If you’re not quite ready to raise your overall rates, you can still evaluate your prices according to the individual contract. Don’t hesitate to charge a little extra if clients need an extra commitment from you.
For example, contracts that require you to travel or clients who want to wear fake eyelashes but need you to supply them will understand that these details may be above and beyond your regular packages.
Charge what you’re worth
Pricing your services well is always worth it. Your clients will value getting professional makeup artistry for a fair price. Once you’ve built a client base and gained some industry experience, your clients will also understand when you raise your prices based on your ability to offer them better-than-ever services.
