Written by Mimi Nikolova, a professional makeup artist and beauty educator based in Buffalo, NY.
Cost is usually the first question I get once someone decides they actually want a lesson instead of another tutorial video. The answer depends on whether you're coming alone or bringing friends.
A private makeup lesson runs $250 for a 1.5-hour session. That covers a full walkthrough built around your actual face, using your skin tone and features as the starting point. Bring your current makeup bag and brushes, and come with a clean face so we're starting from the same place you will be on your own every morning.
Group sessions work well for bridal showers, "Pamper Parties," or a girls' night that wants something more memorable than takeout and a movie. Group pricing depends on how many people are in the room, so I put together a custom quote once I know your group size. A session for three people looks different from one for eight, and the price reflects that.
The one-on-one rate never moves. Group sessions are where headcount matters, since that's what changes how long the session runs and how much attention each person gets. Before you decide between the two, think about what you actually want out of your time with me. Going solo means my attention never leaves your face and every question gets answered without rushing. Bring five friends to a bridal shower instead, and you're trading some of that individual focus for an afternoon the whole group remembers together.
If you're not sure yet what a lesson actually involves, I cover that in what to expect at your first lesson, including what it looks like for a total beginner in my beginner-focused guide. If you know your group size already, reach out and I'll put a quote together. If you're not sure yet whether one-on-one or a group session fits what you're after, that's a fair question to bring up when you check my availability, and I'm happy to help you figure out which one actually solves what you need.
Pricing above reflects rates at the time of publishing and is for general reference only. Rates can change. For current pricing, visit the menu on my services page.
