Client Consultation and Setup Checklist for Makeup Artists

What a good one includes

• A pre-service sanitation audit that lists essential hygiene steps, including brush sterilization, hand sanitizing, and disposable applicator prep.
• A detailed skin assessment section to record the client's skin type, current sensitivities, and potential allergies to specific ingredients like latex or fragrance.
• A dedicated style consultation block where you can note the desired makeup look, coverage preferences, and the event's lighting conditions.
• An environmental checklist for your physical workspace, covering lighting requirements, chair height, and power outlet accessibility for hot tools.
• A post-service care and touch-up guide to hand to the client, detailing how to maintain the look throughout their event.
• A formal liability waiver and photo release signature section to protect your business and secure marketing rights for your portfolio.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to explicitly ask about allergies to adhesive glues or common cosmetic preservatives, which can lead to severe allergic reactions during a service.
• Relying on memory instead of physically ticking off sanitation steps in front of the client, which misses a key opportunity to build professional trust.
• Neglecting to assess the venue's natural and artificial lighting setup beforehand, resulting in makeup that looks completely different once the client steps outside.
• Skipping the written agreement on look boundaries, which often leads to scope creep or unpaid overtime when clients request sudden style changes mid-application.

Frequently asked questions