A GUIDE for MUAs: Commercial VS Bridal
- sabinamcivor
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

When I first stepped into this industry, I was completely clueless. blagging my way from job to job. I dabbled in everything: fashion, celebrity, brand gigs, TV, bridal, shoot production, creative direction... you name it. It didn’t take long to see the glaring differences between glamming up a bride and landing a commercial or fashion gig.
Of course, my journey wasn’t without error. So many unanswered questions, blindly feeling my way from one job to the next with so much guesswork and "faking it". But eventually, I figured out how to whip both sides of my business into shape. Working with brides is like owning a puppy; they need warmth, understanding, and all the attention. Meanwhile, commercial clients prefer their communication like their espresso—strong, direct, and without any fluff.
So, with this in mind, I’ve decided to pen a guide for Makeup Artists—whether you're a newb or a industry pro, now looking to work seamlessly between these two worlds.
I’ll fill you in on kit differences, product considerations, how to prep for each booking, how to behave on set versus in a bridal suite, and nailing your communication game. I explain how to conduct yourself in both settings, how to treat each environment like a separate business, and understanding the difference in rates and pricing your work. It's all bundled up in one straightforward, tell-all guide. This is the stuff nobody shares, the lessons you won’t find in textbooks. It’s an "on the job" guide, crafted by yours truly, a Makeup Artist with over 20 years in the business. Let me get you up to speed on how this industry really works!



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