Make Your First-Time Clients Comfortable

How do you make clients look great and still feel like themselves?

“I try and observe what they came in wearing and what they came in looking like. I ask them very specific questions about what they feel most comfortable in. For example, if they only wear powder, they may feel uncomfortable with a lot of foundation on. I try and take that into consideration when I am doing their makeup. I never want them to feel uncomfortable or unlike themselves.

One of the most important things to do is to take a step back and look at your client they way they are going to look at themselves in the mirror. Instead of looking at makeup as something you are just going to paste on them, try and look at their face and the makeup as a whole.”

What is your process like? How do you decide what look you are going to do?

“I will generally start with an idea, but you have to go with the flow. Sometimes things change as you go along and you have to be ok with that. There are no rules to applying makeup but you always want to work with intention. Don’t just do things because you think you are supposed to. Stop and think, ‘Why am I doing this? What is the end goal.’ It is definitely a balance between starting with very clear ideas and the being open to inspiration as you go.”

PRO TIPS:

Do you have any advice for people who are new to the business?

“It can be overwhelming when you start out on your own, and there are so many aspects of the business you could focus on. I think it’s really important to choose one or two things you really want to focus on and re-evaluate it every single month. Look back and see how those details affected your business and how (or if) it helped you grow.”

What tools do you use to help you run your business?

“StyleSeat has completely changed they way I run my business. It has created a way for me to connect with my clients, easily book them, and stay in contact with them. I really like the email communications tool as I can send updates to my clients – it is super helpful because it can be tedious to reach out to each client individually.”

There are two things I use to make new clients feel comfortable.

Be Specific

“If your client has never had their makeup done before, they may not be familiar with certain instructions you give them. I have asked clients to ‘look up’ as I apply eyeliner and instead of looking up with their eyes, they will tilt their entire head up toward the ceiling. The more specific I am, the less awkward confusion there is and the more comfortable my clients feel.”

Be Gentle

“Always touch them lightly with your finger before you go in with your brush. Your client’s eyes are usually closed, so try laying your pinky on their cheek or forehead so they are not startled when you begin applying the makeup.”

How long did it take for you to feel 100% confident about what you do?

“I still don’t feel that way. I don’t know if anyone ever does. You get to a point where you trust yourself, you know what decisions to make, and you feel like you have enough experience to create something great.

But, sometimes you do someone’s makeup and halfway through you are like, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing? When is this going to turn out right?’ I think the key is accepting that usually, things will not turn out as you planned, but there is always an opportunity for them to turn out even better than you expected.”