FAQ’s

Makeup Application FAQ

Makeup application appointments are scheduled for 1 hour. It may take less time, but 1 hour would be allocated per person to ensure proper application with no rush.

It is ideal to arrive for a makeup application services with a clean face. If you can’t it is okay we have makeup remover wipes.
Inform your makeup artist before starting services of any skin issues or skin allergies.
If you have dry skin please apply plenty off moisturizer on your face especially in the evening before bedtime the week of your appointment. (It makes a big difference)
We provide all the makeup and tools needed for your makeup application. Clients are welcome to bring any makeup items they like or prefer our makeup artist to use.

Yes, lashes are included in all makeup application services.

Yes, we have a makeup artist that is trained in airbrush application. Airbrush services can be booked for Weddings only.

Traditional makeup application involves the use of brushes, sponges, and fingers to apply makeup products onto the skin. It typically provides a more natural, layered look. On the other hand, airbrush makeup uses a tool that sprays a fine mist of makeup onto the skin, resulting in a more flawless and long-lasting finish. The makeup is also more evenly distributed and can last longer due to the application process.

No, we do not book eyeshadow application only. Clients must book full-face makeup services.

We use a wide variety of products that work well on different skin types and they last all day! 

Products include: MAC, Laurie Mercier, Smashbox, L’Oréal, Maybelline, Urban Decay, Stila, Cover FX, Anastasia, Morphe, Estee Lauder, NYX, LA Girl, Graftobian, bareMinerals and more. 

If you have sensitive skin and / or you have any favorite products… just let our team know.

The Beautiful Life maintains a very high standard of cleanliness. Our makeup artist keep their hands, makeup products and brushes disinfected and sanitized in between each client. 

We uses disposable lash and lip wands for a one time use only on every client and NEVER reuses applicators. 

All powdered products are sprayed with 70% alcohol and wiped down. Our makeup artist are very careful to frequently sanitize or wash her hands in between each client.

The Beautiful Life maintains a very high standard of cleanliness. Our makeup artist keep their hands, makeup products and brushes disinfected and sanitized in between each client. 

We uses disposable lash and lip wands for a one time use only on every client and NEVER reuses applicators. 

All powdered products are sprayed with 70% alcohol and wiped down. Our makeup artist are very careful to frequently sanitize or wash her hands in between each client.

trial provides an opportunity to meet, discuss and try out a style or look you have in mind for special event.  Trial-runs are mostly booked for a wedding and/or Quinceanera’s however anyone can book a trial-run. 

You can prepare for your trial by gathering hair inspirations and pictures of yourself with makeup on as well as makeup inspiration photos. Visuals are very helpful for us to get an idea of what you like

Hairstyling FAQ

Hair Styling services are scheduled for 1 hour but often takes less time depending on the desired hair style. 1 hour is allocated per person to ensure proper application with no rush or hurry.

Arrive to all appointments with hair DRY.  If hair is wet upon arriving to an appointment and our hairstylist have to blow dry hair a fee will apply. Please wash hair within a 24 hour period before appointment. It is ideal to wash hair the night before.  If your hair curls better freshly washed or a little dirty follow your normally method to get best results.

The Beautiful Life only offers hairstyling services for weddings, onset production, and special events.  We DO NOT cute, color, perm or wash hair. Pretty much we are not a hair salon but a special events hairstyling company.

Our team of hairstylist are versed in many hair styles. Glam, boho, whimsical, beach waves, soft-curls, romantic and more.  Provide us with a picture and we will pair you with the perfect hairstylist for your special event.

No, we do not book eyeshadow application only. Clients must book full-face makeup services.

Production FAQ

No, We work with onset talent of all ages from young children to elderly age?

Yes our team is fully equipped with all necessary products and tools to handle your onset needs for makeup and hairstyling services.

Yes, our team will travel to multiple locations when working unset.  Additional fee’s will apply.

Photography FAQ

Allie shoots professional studio and outdoor headshots, branding photoshoots and senior pictures. I DO NOT shoot wedding photography, corporate events or real-estate homes. 

For professional headshots wear something you like and that fits well. Wear something you’re comfortable in and something that you feel is flattering. Headshots are about confidence and ill-fitting clothing that you are uncomfortable in will not allow you to look your best. It’s always recommended to wear solid prints, subtle textures, and nothing too bright.  However I say if your personality is bold, bright and beautiful go for it. Headshots is not just something to use for a profile pictures a way to express apart of yourself to the world. 

For branding shoots it’s all about capturing your personality and your brand.  It’s always important to wear proper fitting attire.  The client and Allie will discuss details of each clients branding needs to provide accurate recommendations for wardrobe.

One outfit photoshoot will last 30 minutes and two outfit photoshoot last 1 hour.  Branding photoshoots last for 3 hours (we do a lot in this timeframe).

One outfit photoshoot will last 30 minutes and two outfit photoshoot last 1 hour.  Branding photoshoots last for 3 hours (we do a lot in this timeframe).

2 weeks is our standard turnaround time for photoshoots and 3 weeks for branding photoshoots.  If additional time is needed Allie will let the client know what their specific turnaround time is for.

We do not print photos directly however every client has access to print photos from their online gallery with a 3rd party company.   All pictures are printed on luster paper and clients have a wide range of printing options.

Yes we retouch all our images for light blemishes, skin softening, color and lighting correction.  Please note we do not adjust your body shape or body size.

Booking FAQ

To book any services with The Beautiful Life a signed contract along with a 40% non-refundable retainer is required. Retainer fee’s are apart of the total cost of services and NOT in addition to cost. Services are not booked and not guaranteed until a signed contract has been received along with the retainer fee.  This applies to all services makeup application, hairstyling and photoshoots.

At this time we take payments via PayPal subject to a 3.50% processing fees. To avoid fees, use cash, checks and/or Venmo.  All payments are to be made prior to the date of services and for weddings payments are due 7 days before wedding date.  All clients have access to their own private client portal where payments can be made at their convenience.

In the event a client cancels services before the event, Client will lose the retainer fee and will be responsible to pay a cancellation fee of 15% of the total cost of services.

Cancellations made within 2 weeks of a big event are not subject to a refund.

Yes, A Holiday Service fee of 15% will be added to all services booked on major holiday or holiday weekend (i.e. New Years Eve, New Years Day, Valentines Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, etc).

Travel FAQ

Yes! The Beautiful Life is a traveling company.  Our studio is based in Bakersfield, Ca and our Beauty Squad travels through California and anywhere weddings and special event take us. 

Within Bakersfield: $20 per makeup artist/hairstylist.

All cities outside of Bakersfield Ca, travel fee based on the California mileage rate of $0.58 mileage and time $30 per hour per makeup artist and/or hairstylist.  Minimum services or 3-6 people required, depending on location. You can also take the option of paying the total of the minimum services of 3 people and we can come on location for 2 people.

Parking fees, Park Entrance fees, Tolls, etc (if applicable) are not included in service fees or travel fee.

As long as flights and lodging is covered, travel costs are usually minimal.  Location details required to confirm travel cost.

For weddings or special events less than 1 hour drive from Bakersfield, CA a minimum of 3 people for each service is required (can be only makeup, or only hair as well).

For locations 1 hour or more away from Bakersfield, CA, a minimum of 6 people for each service is required (can be only makeup, or only hair as well). You can also take the option of paying the total of the minimum services and we can come on location for less than 4-6 people.

Yes, A Holiday Service fee of 15% will be added to all services booked on major holiday or holiday weekend (i.e. New Years Eve, New Years Day, Valentines Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, etc).

Wedding Specific FAQ's

Weddings can be booked up to 18 months in advance, and no later than 3 months to ensure your date. However, if you are in a pinch, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Absolutely! The purpose of your trial is to tryout looks with the artist that will be assigned to you for your wedding day.  If for any reason we have to change your artist we will speak with you to provide details…this is rare!

A trial provides an opportunity to meet, discuss and try out a style or look you have in mind for your wedding day.  Though trial-runs are included in the pricing for brides automatically.  Additional family members can schedule a trial-run for an additional charge.

You can prepare your trial by gathering hair inspirations and pictures of yourself with makeup on as well as makeup inspiration photos. Visuals are very helpful for us to get an idea of what you like

We recommend scheduling your preview run for the month prior to your wedding. Best results are achieved when your hair is the same length/cut/style and your skin is a similar tone/texture/condition as to how it will be on your wedding day. Preview runs take place at our studio in Bakersfield, Thursday – Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Please take into consideration that we work weddings on the weekends, and therefore booking on a Saturday usually has less availability.

Most brides and their bridal party members wear robes as they are getting ready.  However if you are not wearing robes please have on a button up shirt to prevent messing up makeup or hair when it’s time to change into dresses/attire.

Local weddings in Bakersfield, CA we require a 3 person minimum per service (can be only makeup, or only hair as well).  During peak season our minimum requirement is non-negotiable. You can also take the option of paying the total of the minimum services and we can come on location for 2 people.

For weddings or special events within a 1 hour drive from Bakersfield, CA a minimum of 3 people for each service is required (can be only makeup, or only hair as well).

For locations over an hour from Bakersfield, CA, a minimum of 6 people for each service is required (can be only makeup, or only hair as well). You can also take the option of paying the total of the minimum services and we can come on location for less than 4-6 people.

Yes! Our team is available to come to a brides home on her wedding day for an additional fee.

The Beautiful Life follows the (Beauty Industry Standard) of 15% – 20% gratuity.  When planning a wedding or a special event a lot of work goes in to it and that does not fall short for our makeup artist, hairstylist, and other staff members.  From working with other vendors on timelines, location changes, add-on’s / removal of people booking services and so much more our team works hard behind the scenes to ensure everything is just right for your big event.  

No need to worry about searching for cash or Venmo usernames on a big day our gratuity is added to invoices so all you have to do is setback and get pampered and enjoy your day with family, friends and loves ones.