What to ask before a makeup appointment

Skin and prep, mentioned upfront

Dry patches, sun damage and sensitive skin all change how makeup should be applied and what should go on first. Mention any of that before the appointment starts, not partway through, so the artist can prep skin properly rather than covering a problem with more product.

A common complaint about makeup services generally is product applied too heavily over a skin issue rather than the issue being addressed first. Asking "what will you do about this patch of dry skin" before anything is applied is a fair, specific question, and a professional answer will be specific back.

Which products, and a patch test if it matters to you

If you have sensitive skin or a known reaction to a product type, ask which brands will be used and whether a small patch test is possible beforehand. Any salon confident in its own products should be able to answer this without hesitation.

What to bring

A reference photo of the look you want, and — if you have one — the specific product you are reacting badly to in the past, or the one you want matched. Vague requests ("something natural") produce vaguer results than a clear reference.

Booking with The MAC18 Unisex Salon

Ask any of the above before you book, and message for today's rate at the same time.