Kari Does Makeup: 10 Questions with Kari Shuler

Hair & Makeup Artist - Kari Shuler

Business: Kari Does Makeup
Location: Fort Worth, Texas TX
Experience: 13 Years
Profile: Kari Does Makeup
Website: karidoesmakeup.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hello! My name is Kari Shuler and I’m the makeup artist and business owner behind the scenes at Kari Does Makeup. My professional career began in 2008 but my love for makeup began years prior! I have my bachelors degree in Radio Tv Film from Texas Christian University where I first began doing makeup for student films.

I enrolled in a stage makeup class during my time at TCU and absolutely fell in love with artistry. That class fostered my passion for artistry and truly helped lay the foundation (no pun intended!) for my career.

Upon graduation, I decided to shift my focus to exclusively beauty and special occasion makeup and began working as the Lead Makeup Artist at HaloSalon and ColorLab and Halo Brides. After several years there, I took a position as the Lead Makeup Artist at The Fort Worth Blow Dry Bar and subsequently went out “on my own” in 2016 to establish myself an independent business owner at Phenix Salon Suites.

I offer bridal, special occasion, and portrait services as well as makeup bag makeovers and lessons. I absolutely love my job and working with a wide variety of clientele. I feel truly blessed to be able to play with makeup for a career!

2. What's your experience as a bridal hair & makeup artist? How many brides are in there in your portfolio?

I have been doing bridal and special occasion makeup since 2008 and have worked hundreds of weddings in my time as an artist. I wish I had kept better track at the beginning of my career because I truly don’t know how many brides I’ve worked with in the last thirteen years!

3. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

I offer bundled services where if a bride would like to retain my services for multiple sessions (engagement photos, bridal trial run, bridal portraits, bridal shower or dress fitting day, etc!), the individual sessions are priced slightly less.

4. Do you have a team of assistants or will you be the only artist that day? What will happen if you're sick or have an emergency on the wedding day?

I have three very trusted teammates that work alongside me for large parties. I am always the primary artist and will never overbook myself to accommodate more work than I can actually complete. I have found that several beauty companies like to offer availability but will scramble to find you an actual artist to provide services. I pride myself on never overbooking myself so every client gets the time and pampering they deserve with the artist they know and trust.

5. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

Anytime I leave my personal studio space there is a travel fee. All services rendered in-studio do not have any added fees whatsoever.

On-location parties and weddings will always have a travel fee based on mileage and the number of artists working to cover the time spent traveling away from the studio and also setting up and repacking.

6. Can the bride book a wedding makeup trial appointment and will you also do a trial before the wedding?

A bride is welcome to book as many sessions as they desire! I offer a discount on multiple session bookings.

7. What beauty products do you use and would you be open to the bride using her own make-up?

If a bride has a lip color they absolutely *love* I’m happy to see if it will work with the overall vibe and drama level of the day! Otherwise, I prefer to use all of my own professional makeup as it is designed to perform under “tough” circumstances (Texas heat and happy tears!) and endure so much longer than makeup that is ready available to the consumer.

8. How can you make the bride's wedding makeup last and look good in photos?

I love to build drama in layers, mixing creams and powders to help things last as long as possible! I also have a nearly bulletproof setting spray that my clients love! Several of them have sent me photos of themselves still looking gorgeous in their makeup THE NEXT DAY, although it’s never in my advice to sleep in your makeup!

A well trained artist knows to add a bit more makeup to the face in strategic places to help the client look more “alive and healthy” on camera. It’s so important to trust the professional as makeup truly registers much softer on-camera than it appears in person.

9. How long will makeup take on the day and how long will you be staying for on the day?

I work with the bride on making her schedule and seeing how much time there is to work with. That determines how many artists will be coming with me to assist. I usually finish right before the bride slips in her dress (photographers love a “lip application” photo on a wedding day!) and I am always available to stay longer if desired for an additional cost.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

Once the contract is signed and retainer is received, the client has 3 days to cancel and receive a full refund. After the three days, the retainer is non-refundable.