Makeup artist pricing: 2026
What to charge as a MUA
Solo independent MUA pricing for May 2026. Heavy emphasis on the bridal + event vertical since that's where most MUAs earn their living. Travel surcharge guidance + booking lead times.
By service tier
Bridal trial (consultation + practice run)
60-90 min session 4-6 weeks before the wedding. Charge separately or bundle into the wedding-day fee; never free.
Bridal solo (wedding day)
60-90 min on the wedding day. Includes false-lash application + setting spray. Touch-up kit hand-off standard.
Bridal party (per person)
Per-member rate within a bridal package. Bridesmaids typically 30-45 min each. Discount 10-15% at 4+ members.
Event / special-occasion glam
Birthday parties, gala / red-carpet, anniversary dinners. 45-75 min session.
Headshot / corporate session
Professional photo prep. Often booked through the photographer. Lighting-aware makeup; lower-saturation than glam.
Photoshoot / editorial
Day-rate basis. Includes multiple looks + on-set touch-ups. Per-look pricing $150-300 if charging granularly.
Special FX / theatrical
Halloween, theater, film. Highly variable; cost driver is prosthetics/aging/wounds. Discount for repeat-show theatrical contracts.
Makeup lesson / 1-on-1 tutorial
90-min teaching session. Higher margin than service work but lower repeat-rate per client.
Travel surcharges
Per distance band
| Distance | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| 0–25 miles | $0 - $50 typical |
| 25–75 miles | $75 - $200 |
| Domestic destination (flight required) | $150 - $500 day rate + airfare + hotel |
| International destination | $500 - $1,500 / day + airfare + lodging |
Set up via Settings → Service area or per-zone travel zones. Destination travel-fee guarantees should be in writing + paid as a deposit before booking; airfare + hotel are billed at cost + 10% admin.
Bridal booking timeline
When brides book + when you should be saying yes
- 12+ months out: peak-season April-November. Don't lock yourself in a year+ ahead unless the deposit is firm + you trust the venue commitment.
- 6-12 months out: the sweet spot for confirming bridal-party bookings. Trial 4-6 weeks before the day.
- 2-3 months out: off-season brides + photoshoots + corporate events.
FAQ
- How much does a bridal MUA cost in 2026?
- Bridal solo (just the bride) runs $200-$450 for a 60-90 min full-glam application. Includes a 60-min trial 4-6 weeks before. Bridal party members typically run $125-$250 per person.
- What about destination weddings?
- Travel makeup artistry runs at standard rates + a travel fee. Domestic travel: $150-500 day rate above the per-head pricing. International: $500-1500/day + airfare + lodging. Most MUAs require a deposit + travel guarantee before booking.
- How early should brides book?
- Most MUAs are booked 6-12 months in advance for peak wedding season (April-November). Off-season weddings can book 2-3 months ahead. The trial happens 4-6 weeks before the wedding date.
- Should I charge for the trial?
- Yes: $100-$200 separate from the wedding-day fee. Some MUAs roll it into the package; if you do, your bridal-day price should reflect the trial time (60-90 min of session + 30 min of consultation). Either way: the trial is paid work, never free.