Wedding Blog
Once Mr. Eggplant and I were officially engaged in January, we worked diligently to secure all of our wedding vendors on our short timeline. We did a-heck-of-a-lot in one month. I found my dress and booked practically all of our vendors by the end of February. It was quite busy time for us! I must’ve disappeared off of the face of the earth for those thirty days.
One of the very first vendors I negotiated was my makeup artist. I knew exactly who I wanted to book after seeing her fabulous work in another wedding: Nam Vo (makeupnv.com). My trial with Nam was scheduled on a Friday evening before a dinner out with Mr. Eggplant and some friends. Originally, I wanted to ask for their opinion before I officially booked a makeup artist, but once Nam had finished applying my makeup, I was so pleased that I booked her on the spot! 
The trial was one hour long and during the session Nam was professional, friendly, and very skilled at her craft.
Before. This is the normal amount of makeup I wear on a daily basis.
After. (On the right, not the left. 
) Nam’s services made quite a difference! I loved how the makeup made my complexion look more alive and photographed so well. Goodbye greasy forehead!
Again, with a brighter flash and 6 hours after application. One of my favorite products Nam applied was Nars blush in a shade called “orgasm” (yes, orgasm). Apparently it’s one of the best selling colors around. I bought one for myself after the trial.
I need to take a class from her. I love the way she applies eyeshadow! She also applied airbrush makeup all over. Let me tell you, that stuff stays on forever! I had to wash my face three times to get it off. Well, at least I won’t need touch ups on wedding day!
Close-up of my eyeball. She used individual fake lashes and at least 3-4 different shades of eyeshadow colors.
For on-site services, the bride is $325 and bridesmaids are $85. She will travel to any primping location within 30 miles without additional travel fees. I admit, Nam isn’t cheap. But I needed an on-site makeup artist and after I compared her fees to quotes that I received from other on-site artists, I found that the bottom line ended up the same. Other vendors charged less for the bride but more for bridesmaids. I’d prefer to eat the cost than have my bridesmaids pay more out of their pockets.
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Wow! Your makeup looks amazing! I wish your makeup artist was in southern cali so I could use her!
do u know what the lip color u r using, i really like it!
I seriously do not understand why the bride would cost more (especially so much more) than everyone else. It truly seems like a scam. Someone please explain this to me.
I love that blush…I’m scooping that right up.
Kymberlie: I think it’s called “orgasm” by nars also 
Iris: The bride’s price includes airbrush makeup and eyelash application while the bridesmaids do not. Also, the artist spends twice as much time on the bride than on the other girls. Overpriced? Maybe. Scam? I doubt it. Anyway, the prices even out when comparing to other artists that charge equal prices for both.
Either way, if I’m paying premium for a photographer, I’d rather pay for a potential “scam” if I end up with good makeup than screw up by applying it myself.
You look beautiful. I’ve been using Nars orgasm blush for years now and love it. It really does look good on everyone, regardless of color of your complexion.
Love it. You look gorgeous!
Also, while Nam applies *all* the makeup for the bride, if the wedding party is large, some of the bridesmaids’ makeup will be applied by an assistant, which might be taken into account in the fees.
What type of foundation did she use to make your forehead nice and matte? Mine gets really shiny too!! Urrg!
i love orgasm! esp mixed with laguna, a nars bronzer.
how much is nam’s trial though? you’d have to factor than into the bride’s cost.
you look beautiful!! she is definitely very well-known and wouldn’t charge so much if she weren’t in demand. 
good make-up makes a huge difference in pictures so no worries. as long as it doesn’t break your bank, enjoy!
Thanks ml! I totally bought the nars bronzer/blush combo at sephora, but i haven’t had the chance to try it yet.
The trial is $100, which when added the the final cost, I admit is pricey. i guess good makeup artists charge a lot, just like good photographers & videographers. ah well, if you’re talented, people (like me) will always pay!
a: I think that the matte look was achieved with the airbrushing, because my face was without shine all night. Typically even with foundation, my makeup never prevents shine for that long.
Wow, huh.
Wow…your makeup looks beautiful. Not too overly done. Just a better version of yourself. Definately worth the price…
So pretty - I wish there was someone like that in NYC.
Well, I’ll have to agree to disagree that it’s worthwhile to pay someone to do makeup, but I will share something from a recent wedding that unfortunately got off on the wrong foot due to this very issue.
It’s only fair that if the bride insists on professionally applied makeup, it’s the bride’s treat, and it’s her responsibility to make sure it’s convenient (time, location, duration) for everyone. Otherwise, it should be completely optional for each lady, as this is a non-essential (compared to having a BM outfit).
Good luck!
you look so beautiful (even before makeup)! I wish she could travel to TEXAS, I hope I can find someone as good around here!
Miss Eggplant - did you bring pics to the trial?
really awesome job and definitely worth it.
my makeup was a disaster on my wedding day, and my moh truly saved the day. if i could go back in time, that’s definitely one area i would never skimp on!
you look FABULOUS!!! yay for norcal references.
You look fantastic! I wasn’t planning on hiring anyone for my wedding, but I think the results I see are totally worth it! Thanks for sharing!
You look amazing! This is one area I was definitely not skimping on either….
Whoo hoo! Thanks for the words, guys! It’s even more worth the $$ now. 
Iris, thanks for the input. I definitely would not want the girls to pay more than they need. They are ok with paying for makeup and I plan on covering the gratuity. Plus, I’ve purchased the BM dresses for them so they won’t have to worry about that expense. Yay!
Hmmm….well, sounds like someone is a LITTLE disgruntled about a PAST experience and needs to confront their friend rather than hate on Miss Eggplant’s choice to spend good money on a flawless face on one of the most important days of her life. Trust me, paying someone at the clinque counter for $20 for your wedding day is a gamble. Miss Eggplant, you look fabulous! Asian faces are hard to do, so I’m glad you found someone who knows how. 
yes asian faces are hard and it’s one of the most common vendor referral requests we get. now we have someone in sf we can refer them to!
jean: i did bring pics to the trial. i just picked out a few looks that i liked from magazines. Nam also told me to show up to the trial with my makeup as I would normally wear it.
thanks for posting this Miss Eggplant! Your make-up looks AWESOME!!!! I’ve been thinking about whether or not to get a trial from Nam because she’s so pricey and because she doesn’t do hair.
But now that I see how great your make-up turned out, I’m re-thinking. Esp. since you mentioned that you have oily skin - I have oily skin too!
Did she give you any referrals for hair? And do you happen to know if she has a separate team for that?
Not to worry, Kim. It wasn’t me; I just got to be the shoulder to cry on.
Jen: thank you! Nam is really good, however I hear she books up fast! I have normal/oily combination skin and the airbrush makeup does wonders.
She gave me a few referrals for hair, however a stylist from my salon recommended someone who was a lot less expensive so I’m going to schedule a trial with her first. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll try Nam’s referrals. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Kel! You look gorgeous! =) I love your eyeshadow and the eyelashes!
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Mrs. Eggplant, San Francisco
Age and Occupation: 28, Human Resources
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Associate Marketing Manager
Engagement Date: January 19, 2007
Wedding Date: October 20, 2007
Blogging Since: May 31, 2007
Venue: Ceremony at a cement and stained glass cathedral and reception at a boutique hotel ballroom
About Me: I'm a shopping junkie who lives to discover great deals and a craft addict that loves to scrapbook and knit. My profile picture was taken on the day I got engaged which is why my smile is so huge!
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