Makeup artist contract template: free in Word, or sign it online
Reviewed in October 2026
A makeup artist contract books a makeup artist for a wedding, shoot or event. It lists the people to be made up, the services, the start time, the travel fee, the deposit and the cancellation terms. It also covers allergies, trials and photos for the artist's portfolio.
Ten documents free, no card. Signed by the makeup artist and the client.
Example filled in with sample data
The full makeup artist contract
MAKEUP SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on [date] between [Artist name or business], with address at [address] (the "Artist"), and [Client name], with phone [phone] and email [email] (the "Client").
1. Event
The Artist will provide services for [event type] on [event date] at [location address].
2. Services
The Artist will provide: [service and number of people, for example bridal makeup with lashes for 1, makeup for 4 bridesmaids, touch-up kit]. Services ready by [time].
3. Start time and assistants
The Artist will arrive at [time] with [number] assistants. The Client will provide a table, a chair and natural light or good lighting near an outlet.
4. Trial
A trial will take place on [date] at [location] for [amount], [included in or added to] the total.
5. Fees
Total fee [amount], including a travel fee of [amount]. A non-refundable retainer of [amount] holds the date. The balance is due [on the event day before services begin or number days before].
6. Changes in the party
Each person added on the day costs [amount], subject to time. People removed after [date] are still charged.
7. Allergies and skin conditions
The Client will tell the Artist about allergies, sensitivities and skin conditions of each person by [date]. The Artist may decline a service that risks a reaction.
8. Hygiene
The Artist uses clean tools, disposable applicators where appropriate and products within their expiry date.
9. Delays
If the schedule is delayed by the Client's party for more than [minutes], waiting time costs [amount] per [30 minutes].
10. Cancellation
If the Client cancels, the retainer is kept. If the Client cancels within [number] days, [percentage] of the total is due. If the Artist cannot attend, the Artist will send a qualified replacement or refund all payments.
11. Photos
The Artist may photograph the finished looks and use them in its portfolio and social media, unless the Client opts out here: [ ].
12. Governing law and signature
This Agreement is governed by the laws of [state]. The parties agree to sign it electronically, with the same effect as a handwritten signature.
Artist
Name: ______________
Date: ______________
Client
Name: ______________
Date: ______________
What the template includes
Event, date and location
Services per person and ready time
Arrival time, assistants and workspace
Trial date and price
Total fee, travel fee and retainer
Adding or removing people
Allergies and skin conditions
Hygiene standards
Waiting time for delays
Cancellation, portfolio photos, governing law and electronic signature
What you fill in
Field
Example
Artist
Bella Ruiz Beauty
Client
Sarah Mitchell
Event
Wedding
Date
May 22, 2027
Services
Bridal makeup with lashes, 4 bridesmaids, 1 mother of the bride
Ready by
1:30 pm
Total
USD 1,150 including travel
Retainer
USD 300
How it gets signed
1Choose «Use this template», fill in the fields and review the full makeup artist contract.
2Send it by WhatsApp or email. The other party opens the link on their phone without an account.
3They tap the brown bar at the bottom that says «Sign as …» and draw their signature once.
4Everyone gets the signed PDF with its signature certificate. Anyone can check it at signsolu.com/verificar.
The signing screen tells each signer that signing means agreeing to sign electronically. It links to the electronic signature disclosure that the ESIGN Act asks for.
What you get once everyone signs
The signed PDF. The final makeup artist contract with every drawn signature in place.
The signature certificate. It lists each signer and the date and time of each signature.
A record you can check. The folio on the certificate opens the document history at signsolu.com/verificar.
Reminders. Turn them on and SignSolú reminds every signer who has not signed yet.
Your first ten documents are free and need no card.
What the law says
Licensing for makeup artists is set by each state, often through its cosmetology board.
Check what your state asks for and keep your license or exemption current. Clients may ask to see it.
The ESIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. 7001 gives an electronic signature the same legal effect as one on paper. A contract cannot be denied effect only because it was signed electronically.
Wedding day timing
Plan about 45 to 60 minutes per full face and more for the bride. Work backward from the ready time in clause 2.
Schedule the bride near the end so her makeup is freshest for photos. Leave fifteen minutes of buffer before the photographer arrives.
Share the schedule with the bridal party a week before. People who know their slot arrive on time and with a clean face.
Trials that save the day
A trial lets the client see the look and the artist test products on the skin. It catches allergies and color mismatches early.
Take photos at the trial in daylight. Attach them to the contract so the wedding look matches what was approved.
Getting the retainer paid
Send the contract with your invoice right after the inquiry. The client signs from their phone and pays the retainer the same day.
Until the retainer arrives, the date stays open. Say so in the quote to avoid two brides on one morning.
Common mistakes
No headcount deadline. Set a date after which removed people are still charged.
No allergy question. Ask in writing, as clause 7 does, and keep the answers.
No delay fee. Bridal parties run late. Clause 9 keeps waiting time fair.
Example of a bridal booking
A bride books an artist for herself, four bridesmaids and her mother. Everyone must be ready by 1:30 pm for photos.
The artist arrives at 8:00 am with one assistant. The total is USD 1,150 including travel, with a USD 300 retainer.
The trial happens six weeks before at the artist's studio. Photos from the trial are attached to the contract.
The bride signs from her phone the day she receives the quote.
Shoots and events beyond weddings
Photo shoots, proms and galas use the same contract. Change the event type and the ready time to match the call time.
For shoots, add the number of looks and the time for changes between them. Productions often need touch-ups during the day.
For editorial work, add credit wording in clause 11. Magazines and brands usually credit the makeup artist by name.
Send the contract the day the client confirms. A signed booking is what keeps your calendar honest.
Keep the signed contract and the allergy answers together. They are the first thing to check if a guest reacts to a product.
Repeat clients can sign a short renewal each season instead of a whole new contract.
