Makeup Discount Throw Down

I’m just going to get straight to the topic from the get-go on this week’s post: expecting a discount on prestige makeup products from a makeup artist. Not only is it rude, thinking you should get a discount disregards rules, doesn’t take into mind the makeup artist’s own needs, and screams entitlement.

This post is going to get real, so buckle down for a rant-fest about why you should never, ever expect a makeup artist to buy products for you with their discount.

First thing first: a makeup artist receives a pro discount only when they prove their legitimacy. This varies by brand, but generally to receive a pro-discount one must show proof of being licensed, a portfolio or website, and some sort of proof of business. Makeup artists receive a discount to help them grow and expand their business by utilizing the discount to invest in high-quality products. These discounts are also meant to build loyalty between makeup artists and brands. It is something a makeup artist works incredibly hard to get and it’s not meant to be used by those who are not in the business.

Hence why nobody is entitled to a pro-artist’s discount. They have put in the time, sweat, and tears to earn that discount. Don’t degrade their work by expecting them to buy products for you.

This is especially true because makeup artists can’t make a profit off of the brands you find in stores like Sephora and Ulta. Artists cannot resell these items, meaning they cannot make a profit from them or buy them at wholesale prices. If you do somehow convince a makeup artist to buy products for you, realize that they are going to expect you to pay the normal price they pay, plus tax, any credit card fees, and shipping. Don’t expect your artist to eat the extra costs if they do purchase something for you.

If you do find an artist who will purchase products for you, understand that they will most likely have to order the products, which means it will not be there the day of or day after you order it. If it’s not a brand like Avon, don’t expect your artist to automatically have the products or deliver them.

Another thing to keep in mind: brands have maximums set on how much an artist can order. This may be by dollar amount, item count, number of times they can order per period or a multitude of other restrictions. A makeup artist’s main goal when ordering products is to restock their inventory, so don’t expect them to drop their order list to get you the products you need. They may not be able to order you anything for six months depending on the brand’s rules.

When you even consider asking a makeup artist if they will order your products, keep all of these factors in mind. Ask them in a respectful, kind way and only if you are a loyal client. If you’ve hired your artist multiple times and have worked with them a lot, they are more likely to do a favor or two for you. Just keep in mind that you are not entitled to a discount and sometimes the artist doesn’t even get a discount! It’s hard work to establish pro discounts, which Jen has 200 of, so don’t expect an artist to put her product needs behind yours or possibly risk their discount to purchase products for you.

Oh, and P.S.

If any free samples come with an order a makeup artist placed for you, they get dibs! Sorry!