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General FAQs

Good to know tips to and how to maximise your time in the chair...
  • What happens in a lesson?
For a personal makeup lesson I teach you how to do makeup on yourself. This can be one-to-one or for you plus a friend or two!  You can bring along your makeup bag if you have questions or would like some advice on your products/brushes. One-to-one's take 1hr for 1 look, while more time is needed if there are 2 or 3 of you.
In an artistry lesson I teach you how to do makeup on a model that you bring along. The techniques are different for working on someone else, and we go more in depth with them. I give 2hours for an artistry lesson so that we can cover more.

  • How long does makeup application take?
Regular makeup takes 45-60mins (not including Halloween/Themed looks)

  • How do I pay?
Cash or card is accepted. Vouchers are also available here.

  • Do I need to bring my own lashes?
Not at all, I supply a selection of false lashes.
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  • I'm not sure what look I want, what do I do?
No problem! You can take my Makeup Style Quiz to get a sense of how to describe your personal makeup style!
Bring along 2-3 pictures of makeup you like. Makeup is visual, and can be difficult to describe, so pictures give me a base idea of your style.​
The definition of a "smokey eye" or a "natural look" varies greatly from person to person. The perfect smokey eye for client A, could be too natural for client B, and too dramatic for client C!
​If there are any specific things you do or do not like, just let me know (e.g. winged liner, strong brows, glitter etc.) - the more info the better!

  • ​​I just want to try something new and different
​That's amazing, I love to get creative! Again, inspiration pictures are a great aid for me to get into your head and see just how different you're thinking. Give me a guideline of the direction you want to go, and your comfort boundaries, and I'll take it from there!

  • I know exactly what I want, is that ok?
If you have a specific picture of a look you want, that's perfect and we can absolutely work from that. Just keep in mind that eye shapes and face shapes change a how makeup looks on person to person. So I may need to make some small adjustments to suit your face.

  • I'll be wearing makeup during the day before my appointment, what do I do?
Please take the time to remove your makeup before arrival. As makeup removal will eat into your appointment time.

  • I will be cleansing my skin before my appointment, should I moisturise?
I recommend a light water-based moisturiser that completely sinks into the skin. Avoid applying heavy creams immediately before your appointment. Residues and oils left on the skin from heavier skincare products can affect the makeup during application, and can cause it to break down sooner. If in doubt, give it a skip and let me know - I will apply a light moisturiser first that will sink into the skin while I work on the eyes.

  • Will I have a say in the look after I have shown my pictures?
Of course! Once we have a base idea, I will get to work on creating the look. But I will check in with you to be sure you are happy. My goal is to make you feel confident in your makeup, so I'm always happy to make any changes!

Bridal FAQs

Queries about bridal makeup and the booking process...
  • My wedding is some time away, should I make a booking now?
It is best to book asap. I book on a first-come-first-serve basis, so weekends and popular seasons fill up quickly. Booking early and paying your deposit will secure your date.


  • What is the booking process?
Contact me with your wedding date, location and number of faces, so that I can check availability and provide you with a quote. 
If you are happy to book I take a 50% deposit. The remaining balance is paid on or before the date. (Cash only is accepted for any balance being paid on the wedding day).
I will then email you the bridal contract which will outline all of the details (timing, address, balance due etc) to sign digitally.
We can then look at booking you in for a trial at a time that suits you. I take my trials Mon-Thurs from my private studio in Ballincollig.


  • Why should I book a trial?
A trial is a test application of your bridal makeup. This is so we can nail down the exact style of the makeup as well as chosen products, before the day. This also gives us a chance to test how the makeup suits and lasts on your own skin. At the end of our trial I take reference pictures and make a list of all the products used so that it will be the same on the day, or if you wish to make any changes I can easily do so. All in all, knowing the look beforehand allows our application to run smoothly on the wedding day.


  • I have no idea what look I want! What should I do?
Images of makeup you like will give me a good idea of what you are thinking of, and the kind of style that appeals to you. Makeup can be very difficult to describe, and the idea of what a "smokey eye" looks like varies from person to person. Bring along your pictures/screenshots to your trial and we will create the perfect look for you!
*NEW* You can also try my handy Quiz to help you define your style


  • Will a false tan affect the makeup?
A false tan will affect the foundation chosen, as well as how colours will show against your skin (particularly bronzer, blush, highlight, lipliner, lipstick). For this reason you should try to wear your false tan for the same time you have your makeup trial.


  • Can I book a trial without making a booking beforehand?
Absolutely! If you want to test the waters before making a decision I totally understand. Contact me with your wedding date, location and number of faces, so that I can check availability and provide you with a quote. If you’re happy to schedule a trial we can book you in no problem. I take my trials Mon-Thurs from my private studio in Ballincollig.


  • Why does bridal makeup cost more than "regular" makeup?
I totally understand this question and can see where it comes from! Getting your makeup done is the same thing on a regular day as it is on your wedding day right? Actually, there is more involved for the artist with bridal work. For example, for a "regular" makeover, the client books in, arrives on the day, has their makeup done and heads off to their event. For a bride:
-  An enquiry is made, the artist provides information on pricing, the booking process and any other details necessary. There is usually questions from both ends, so there is more emailing back and forth that goes on, which takes time.
-  Trials often take up more time than a regular makeover as you are both figuring out, creating, and perfecting the right look. For example, I allot 90mins to be sure, but charge the same as a 60min appt.
-  When I take a booking, I take the time to put together a bridal contract. These are forwarded via Docusign, as digitally signing a contract is more convenient for brides - rather than printing, signing and either posting back or else scanning and emailing back. Docusign is a service that I pay for, specifically for bridal contracts.
-  Between the trial/booking and the wedding I am open to as much correspondence as the bride needs regarding details of the day, questions, tips etc.
-  The time taken to travel to the bride is charged for with a callout fee, however this often does not cover realistic appointment time lost, between time to pack up the kit, leaving early incase of traffic, fuel, unpacking the kit and cleaning brushes before another client can be taken.
-  The wedding makeup itself takes that bit more care for the artist as it must last all day, and these wedding pictures will be cherished forever.
-  Different products might be used, and are often bought by the artist specifically for bridal work. Again, because it needs to suit HD photography and last for a long day.
-  However, because of timing constraints this makeup must also be done quicker. A "regular" makeover appt with me is 1hr allowing a relaxed experience. For bridal makeup I have 45mins per face in order to make sure that the entire group is ready for when the photographer needs.
-  Therefore the makeup work itself is more intense, as it must be done faster but with more care. 
-  All the extra time and cost that goes into bridal work is compensated in a small increase in charge per face.
Every artist has a different process and charges differently, but I hope that this gives some insight into what goes on "behind the scenes" for bridal work, and allows you to understand where your money is going.

  • How important is a makeup artist for my wedding? Do I really need a professional?
A professional artist is advised because: 
1) Having someone apply your makeup will take one more thing of your agenda for the morning, and will put your mind at ease. 
2) Booking a professional gives you the peace of mind, knowing that the artist has the skills and proper practices, required for your bridal makeup. Though you might trust a friend, employing a professional does avoid any sticky situations that may arise. 
3) As the bride, you will be photographed all day by family, friends and a professional. These pictures will be looked back on for years to come.
4) It also gives you a period of time to sit down, relax, and maybe have a glass of bubbly, while you're being pampered!