I'm a DIY bride... Do I need a MUA?

So let's face it... you are the type of person who wakes up in the morning, slap on some mascara and run out the door. You want to feel like yourself on your wedding day, or perhaps you are just getting married somewhere else that's way more serene than a venue you found in-state. Doing your own makeup for your wedding day doesn't seem like a crazy idea.

Here are 3 things to consider if you are a DIY girly.

1. Hire an artist that specializes in destination weddings. There are plenty of licensed artists in the area who are ecstatic to be a part of your big day. My suggestion here is to look at photos of their work, request any information that will make you feel at ease, and study their website to see if they address your concerns. It may still be a good idea to hire someone on site to help ease the stress, but make sure they are open to feedback and if they will be okay with using some of your own products. As a professional artist, I understand you might be more comfortable (and have it down to a science) with how you apply your eyeliner. Work with your artist rather than against them.

2. Set up a 1:1 makeup/hairstyling lesson with your favorite local artist. We know you love how you do your hair and makeup, and it can be nerve-wracking to have someone do it differently than your day-to-day. If you schedule a 1:1 lesson, you can choose what new techniques and products you’d like to use on your big day, you DIY QUEEN!

3. Skip the hired help! I know- it must be wild to read that on a cosmetologist’s blog. I bet you were expecting me to completely push on the “hire me, hire me!” narrative. I know first-hand that just because you don’t have a cosmetology license doesn’t mean you’re not good at how you do your makeup. There are tons of folks out there who study cosmetics as a hobby and love what they’ve learned so far. Here’s what I say to you if this resonates: It’s completely acceptable to do your own hair and makeup! My only advice if you take this route is to consider the flash photography, long wearing products (sweat/happy tears), and overall weather. Extreme temperatures and even humidity can affect your makeup and hair - it’s something the professionals excel at, so if you’re doing this on your own, put your professional cap on and consider all the elements.

Whether you choose to hire an artist on-site, schedule a lesson, or still try to do it yourself, I hope you find peace in your decision and have the most flawless day ever!

Peace, love, and lipstick,

Rosheen

How to choose a good Wedding Hair and Makeup artist!

Congratulations! You're engaged! Can we take a moment to "eek" together?! And you're now at the stage of considering makeup artists for your big day. Where do you start? What should you expect? I'm here to tell you what you need to know when picking your hair and makeup artist for your big day. 

1. Where do I start? 

Decide what your needs are! Are you having a destination wedding? What's the theme of the wedding? Do you have a certain style in mind? Is there a specific look you're going for? Or do you prefer to have the more natural elegant look? Do you have to have waterproof makeup? Is there a certain brand you're skin can't handle? Do you want someone who is licensed? Do you want to spend as little as possible? What kind of coverage do you want? Do you need touch ups? Is there multiple looks you'd like to do on the big day? These are all questions you should ask yourself before reaching out to a stylist for your wedding day. 

2. Start doing some research!

Ask around! If you have friends who recently got married, ask them who they hired and what they experienced. The best form of reviews are often from real people about real experiences. If that doesn't get you started in the right direction, you can always check out Yelp! Set your filters and start giving HMUA's calls to see how they are on the phone. Some people like to cross check their sources with wedding planning sites like TheKnot or Brides.com.  Read their reviews and see if they are genuine and hit some key points of what you want from your HMUA.

3. Ask questions!

Okay, so you have some consultations lined up to see who works best with you. What are you supposed to ask? Here are some questions you can ask your stylist during your consultation:

• What's your experience?
• How much time do you need per service?
• Are lashes included?
• Do you do airbrush makeup/does it make a difference?
• What brands of makeup do you use?
• How many ____ makeup styles have you done? (depending on specifics) 
• Do you also do the wedding party or do you bring a team onsite?
• How do you accept payment?
• What do you need to hold my wedding date for me?
• Do you offer a trial session?
• What does the trial entail?

You can ask anywhere between 0-100 questions, but the reality of it is, you have to feel comfortable with your hair and makeup artist. They are one of the rare people who apply products to your face directly and play with your hair after all. 

Choosing a hair and makeup artist can be a tedious task for your wedding day, and is often forgotten about until the end of the planning process. Make sure you book your stylist at the very least, 3-4 months prior to the wedding day. As the day grows nearer, the availability may be difficult to find, and pricing can significantly rise too! 

Did you have other questions you asked that I haven't listed? Help out other brides on the hunt by leaving your questions in the comment section. 

For availability and a consultation, contact me and we can chat!

Peace, Love, and Lipstick, 

Rosheen Ahmadi 

How did I get here?

I come from an Iranian family who loves the arts, but more importantly, believes success relies on years of education and commas in your salary. Except for my Mom. She never tried to project her career or hobbies on to me as an artist and cosmetologist.

It was the Spring Hair Show in San Jose of 2009. My mom, a long time cosmetologist and beauty fanatic, decided to take me with her to the show to have company as she learned some new techniques and restocked on products. I was chosen to win a Paul Mitchell straight blade on stage. I nervously walked up stage to grab my fancy new possession even though I didn't even know what it could do. The host asked me "What salon do you work at?" I awkwardly responded "I don't work at a salon". He then asked "Oh, what beauty school do you go to?" and I looked my mom in the eyes in the audience and said "I don't go to beauty school yet, but after coming here today and seeing what you all have learned to do and the skills you're willing to share with new people has inspired me. I'm signing up as soon as I can!" The crowd roared and my mom had a very proud grin on her face. 

I was in high school at the time (middle college, which is a really great program and I would highly suggest it for any teens) and signed up for a private beauty school in San Jose to start my career in the beauty industry. 

I worked in retail cosmetics for a couple of years as I learned what products were out there, and as soon as I got my license, started working as a cosmetologist at Benefit Cosmetics. I waxed eyebrows and other body parts, tanned people, tinted eyelashes, and learned how to thread faces while I was there. I can safely say my early jobs were such a huge influence on what I do today. 

As soon as I graduated college, I attempted my first office job in tech sales. I grew up in the bay area, so naturally I've always been super passionate about technology too - but I was so out of place. 

I am proud to say now, after 7.5 years of dabbling in my beauty career and getting side gigs, Beauty By Rosheen is taking off. I will be posting new photos on Instagram and posting tutorial videos on Facebook. I will be posting blogs and reviews of trendy products here! Most importantly, I will be dedicating 100% of my time for my clients and brides I'll be working with. 

I can't wait for this new step in my career and to take you all on my journey! Please don't hesitate to reach out in case you want to work on something together, or if you have any general questions, comment below! 

Peace, Love, and Lipstick

- Rosheen