Written by Mimi Nikolova, a professional makeup artist and beauty educator based in Buffalo, NY.
You booked a lesson. Now what actually happens once you're sitting at the mirror? I get this question almost as often as the pricing one, so here's the real walkthrough.
Come with a clean face, no makeup on. Bring whatever you already own, your foundation, your eyeshadow palette, your brushes, even the half-used mascara you're not sure about. Half the point of a lesson is figuring out what in your current bag actually works for you and what's just taking up space.
We start by talking it through before either of us touches a brush. I want to know what "elevate your look" means to you specifically. Some people want to learn a five-minute everyday routine. Others want to finally understand contouring, or figure out why their eyeliner never looks even. I build the rest of the session around your actual answer instead of a fixed lesson plan.
From there we go product by product. I show you a technique, then hand you the brush and watch you try it on yourself. You'll mess up a line or blend unevenly at least once, and that's fine, that's the part video tutorials can't give you. I catch it in real time and show you the fix before it becomes a habit.
If something in your current bag isn't doing what you need, I'll tell you, and I'll tell you why. I don't sell products for commission, so any recommendation I make is about what actually works on your skin.
Plan on 1.5 hours for a one-on-one lesson. That's enough time to cover a full face without rushing through the last few steps, which is usually where the most useful details live.
Not sure if a private lesson or a group session fits better? I break down the difference in one-on-one vs. group makeup lessons, including the bridal shower option if you're planning for a crowd. If you're new to makeup entirely or just want to get better at your own routine, reach out and we'll get you on the calendar. For the full pricing breakdown on private and group sessions, see my makeup lessons pricing guide.
