I used to model for a few years so i already knew what Christine and her team can do. I already had another makeup artist booked for my wedding since i knew her personally and she was cheaper. I ended up changing my mind and wanting airbrushing so i had to find a new makeup artist.
I decided to go with Christine Gardner. I emailed an inquiry through the makeup808.com website, but did not hear back after a few days. Since it was a few weeks before my wedding, i wanted to make sure i was able to get in contact with them. I know Lena Hanson, so i was able to find Christine's facebook from her. I sent her a message and she responded. I told her i wanted to do a tattoo cover up, airbrushing and also airbrushing for my 2 bridesmaids. She sent me a price list and i told her i wanted to book her. The communication was a bit slow as we only used facebook to communicate. She said she was going to send the contract numerous times, but i never received it in either my inbox or junk mailbox until a few days before my wedding.
I sent her my availability and asked her to let me know asap so that we could schedule a trial. I didn't hear back in a few days and i was getting nervous since i work 2 jobs and i had to schedule other appointments in between those times. We were able to come to an agreement for a trial the day BEFORE the wedding. I was nervous, but happy that we were both free. I know how busy she is.
I did ask her quite a bit questions during our facebook conversations and after telling me the parking was a flat fee of $55, the contract stated there will be a $5 tip fee for valet. That's fine, but i thought that was already included in the 55 flat fee. Also, in my first message i told her i wanted a tattoo cover up and i assumed it was included in the bridal makeup (since its included as a description) but, the tattoo cover up starts at $55.
The trial went great! she is very sweet and easy to talk to and she did my hair and makeup perfectly the first time. We did lighten the lips and blush a bit so i wouldn't look so brown (i had brown smokey eyes) on my wedding day.
Christine was early on my wedding day and i was so happy about that! She did my makeup and hair on my wedding day so perfectly! I couldn't have been happier with my makeup and hair!!!
She did come alone, so she did my 2 sisters while i was doing my first look. Their hair came out amazing, but the makeup was so-so. She added individual lashes to my sisters eyelashes and although they looked great on my younger sister, my older sister's one was off. One side had more than the other and the mascara was heavy on one side and okay on the other. It was very noticeable. We fixed it, but that was time taken away from taking pictures, etc. Also, for $100 a bridesmaid, i was hoping they would have a bit more makeup or looked more done up.
During my first look, the makeup on my back tattoo rubbed off onto my husband's tux and then rubbed off onto my dress! So after the photoshoot we had to rush back upstairs and try to get it out. Thankfully she had shout wipes, but i was mad since my dress costs $2,000 and i didn't even walk down the aisle yet. I also should have asked what kind of makeup she used for coverage. I should have bought dermablend and used their setting powder and it would not have rubbed off. Also, in the bathroom i could tell there were 2 different color skin tones from the cover up.
I also inquired how much it would cost to touch up my makeup after the first look session and she was going to charge $95! I decided not to do it.
I also did not receive the free touch up kit!
I was going to give 3 stars, but i only took off one star because she's super sweet and did an amazing job on my hair and makeup.
I think she is pricey. For me and my 2 bridesmaids along with a tattoo cover up ran us over $600. Luckily, I'm only getting married once!
P.S. I believe she is raising her prices for 2011. read more