Painted by Jess: 10 Questions with Jessica Inhofe

Hair & Makeup Artist - Jessica Inhofe

Business: Painted by Jess
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana IN
Experience: 7 Years
Profile: Painted by Jess
Website: www.paintedbyjessica.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi! My name is Jess, and I am a licensed airbrush makeup artist in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have been a makeup lover, ever since my first Dr. Pepper Lipsmackers, and I love nothing more than helping my clients feel beautiful and confident on their special days!

I studied cosmetology at the Aveda Fredric's Institute and graduated in 2013. After a year long salon apprenticeship and working as a hair and makeup artist, I discovered that hair was not my jam and decided to focus solely on makeup in 2015. Being able to make a living for my family while practicing my passion is a literal dream come true! While I do makeup for all types of events and shoots, I specialize in bridal makeup, because I genuinely love being a part of that excitement that is in the air on someone's wedding day. It just can't be found anywhere else, and I feel honored to be a part of that experience for my brides.

When I'm not painting faces, I like to do hand embroidery and other crafty-things! I also have a very full house with my son and husband but also brother in law, 3 cats, and 2 dogs. It might get a little messy sometimes, but it's also full of love!

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

I started out professionally doing both hair and makeup in 2014. Having always been more of a "makeup girl", I found that was where my real passion was and decided to focus solely on that. I have worked with all types of clients, for all types of events! Specifically speaking to bridal, I had 34 brides this past year in 2021 :)

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

I like to keep my service menu as simple as possible. All applications are $95 and include light skin prep, strip false lashes, and touch up kits. For bridal parties of 4 or more within Indianapolis, both a trial for the bride and travel on the day of is included!

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 do most weddings on my own and can take on a 10 person day solo (time permitting). I do have two separate assistants who I can reach out to if a large party and a tight timeline is a concern. I have never cancelled on a bride but if an extreme emergency were to arise, I thankfully have a wide network of beauty industry friends who I could reach out to find a replacement.

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

I offer travel for 3 or more applications at a flat rate of $35 which includes a 30 mile radius outside of Indianapolis (46227). When a bridal party of 4 or more full applications is booked, I do include that travel at no additional cost. Travel to locations more than 30 miles outside of 46227 require a minimum of five or more full applications and may incur an additional mileage fee.

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

Absolutely! I have two different options when it comes to trials, a standard and a full:

Standard trials are included for brides who book a party of 4 or more! These last about an hour and are great for the busy bride who just wants to nail down the look for the day of. These do not result in a complete application or include skip prep or lashes.

Full preview trials last an hour and a half and include both skin prep and lashes. I will take the extra time to ensure you leave with a complete, wearable look for the day ahead! If booked with a party of 4 or more, a standard trial is included but a full trial is still an option available for $20 upgrade to the party total.

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

I use Temptu professional airbrush makeup for all base makeup including eyeshadow. All Temptu products are Fragrance-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, oil-free, Vegan, & NOT tested on animals. The rest of my kit is comprised of makeup from my favorite brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills, Laura Mercier, Tarte, Mac, and others!

I am able to work with any makeup requested! I can however, only guarantee the lasting power of my own products.

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

Through my time in this industry, I have worked with all skin types, tones, and ages. The key to lasting makeup is a combination of quality products and the expertise to determine what is best for each individual in your chair. Knowing how to color correct dark spots and under eyes, what type of lashes to use, how to work with fine lines, dry skin, oily skin, etc. takes a lot of practice on all types of clients and cannot be achieved by simply watching tutorials.

The same applies in knowing how makeup will translate in photography. Achieving that balance of perfecting the skin without the makeup looking cakey or shiny in photos can be a fine line to walk. I want my brides to feel like their most elevated selves while still feeling that they still look like, well, themselves!

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

Full applications typically take 45 minutes or so. I do have assistants that I can check availability with if a tight timeline is a concern for a larger party. After I finish all applications, I will make sure everyone is good to go and take care of any minor touch ups that might be needed. I also give touch up kits with your specific lipcolor and oil blotting sheets to help out after I have left.

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

A non-refundable, $100 deposit of the party’s total is required to secure the wedding date. The remaining balance can be pre-paid or paid on the wedding day by the completion of services. If bridal party members are paying for themselves, I ask that they do so ahead of time so to the bride. This way, one single payment can be made from the client, to the artist and makes for the most seamless experience on the day of.