Q. What is your background and how did you become a make-up artist?
A. I grew up in a small Midwestern town in Ohio and was first exposed to make-up in my high school theatre program at the age of 15. From there I spent several formative years taking art classes, photography classes, stage makeup workshops, reading make-up books and basically devouring anything I could get my hands on (remember this was WAY before YouTube and instagram). Later I attended the University of Miami for photography and fine art studies as well as the Make-up Designory in Los Angeles, for journeyman make-up training in skincare, sanitation, color theory, beauty, character and special effects make-up. In 2020 I attended esthetics school in Miami, FL to offer specialized skincare and facials to my clients.
Q. What types of products do you use and why?
A. I use a little bit of everything. I spend massive amounts of time researching and investing in the latest beauty innovations as well as those that are tried and true. As any artist can attest this is a never-ending process. I choose much of what I use in my make-up kit based on the quality of the pigment and shade, the longevity of the product, and the integrity of the ingredients and production. Some of my favorite brands are; Anastasia Beverly Hills, Armani, Ben Nye, Beauty Blender, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Caudalie, Dermablend, Dermalogica, Dior, Face Atelier, Fresh, Graftobian, Guerlain, Kett Cosmetics, La Prairie, Laura Mercier, NARS, Make Up For Ever, Murad, MAC, Peter Thomas Roth, RCMA, Skin Illustrator, Stila, Sonia Roselli, Temptu, Too Faced, YSL, and so many more! I also love learning from my clients, so if you have a specific favorite feel free to recommend it or bring it to your appointment.
Q. Do you use airbrush makeup?
A. Yes. I use M.A.C and Temptu for foundation, with an Iwata compressor and gun. The airbrush make-up I use is extremely long lasting and clean with a buildable coverage. While I do love airbrush and it’s qualities and I feel it is not for everyone or necessary for every situation. With the technology available in today’s foundations you can still achieve a flawless “airbrushed” look without necessarily needing to be sprayed ☺ We can discuss both options during the trial so that you can make a decision that best suites your skin type and personal taste.
Q. Do you cover tattoos?
A.Yes. I cover tattoos, spider veins, stretch marks, age spots, birthmarks, scars, burns and other skin imperfections with a variety of products depending on the issue. For brides I prefer to use airbrush for tattoos so it is long wearing and doesn’t transfer. Please inquire about tattoo or scar cover-up in advance for any appointment, as it is an additional service and time allotment.
Q. How long will my makeup last?
A. In general most professional makeup applications will last all day (approximately 10-15 hours) depending on the climate and weather. For my Miami brides / clients I typically suggest a small touch-up kit, lip color, blotting paper, and pressed powder to ensure a consistent shine free look throughout the day.
Q. What happens if I cry or sweat?
A. In addition to using tried and true skin preparations and long wearing foundation, I also use waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow primers. Many of the concealers and finishing powders I use are also water resistant. The key to maintaining any great make-up is to make sure to have a tissue or blotting paper on hand, so you can dab and get back to the party!
Q. What if I’m not used to wearing make-up? Do you do natural make-up?
A. I always strive to make my clients feel like the A+ version of themselves. Whether it’s your wedding day, a big meeting, holiday party or red carpet event; my goal is to make you look and FEEL your very best. I work with you to create a look that works with your skin tone as well as your outfit, hairstyle, and event. I highly recommend every client comes with a few inspiration photos or Pinterest mood boards to help us both be on the same page. For first time clients or those who have never had their make-up professionally done, I try to work conservatively, in baby steps, making sure you feel comfortable with the overall look.
Q. Do you have experience with Ethnic/Acne/Mature skin types?
A. Of course! I pretty much always custom blend my makeup applications to match any and all skin tones. Living in a city as diverse as Miami, I love working with all ages, sexes, ethnicities and cultures. My kit also contains a full range of professional and high end skin care products that I use to prepare many skin types including: mature, sensitive or acne-prone skin before the makeup application to achieve superior results. In addition to this my years of experience have allowed me to be very well versed in all of the major eye shapes and eye shadow concerns such as, hooded or heavy lid, Asian with and without eye lid fold, almond, round, downturned or eye droop and everything in between. There are so many emotional and cultural nuances with make-up please let me know how I can best help you!
Q. Do you also do hair?
A. Yes, however I have a full team of beauty experts including hairstylists. Due to my schedule demands for brides, I usually do not style hair for weddings but would be happy to refer you to a talented hairstylist from my team. If you are interested in hairstyling to compliment your make-up appointment or photoshoot please feel free to contact me for details.
Q. How do I book my wedding or appointment date?
A. Simply email, call or text, with the date of your event, the time, location, and the number of people that require services. I will confirm with you, whether I’m available. For brides, after scheduling a trial a non-refundable retainer / deposit and signed contract are required in order to secure your wedding date. If you are booking a private appointment or inquiring about a photoshoot date please, email, text or call me to first check availability, I try my best to return all contact within 24 hours. Due to my schedule demands, I regret that I am not able to hold dates for clients without a booking deposit /retainer and / or contract and deal memo. Booking deposits / retainers are typically required to hold and confirm an appointment for services. Booking deposits / retainers are applied to the total balance due but are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (regardless of reason). Consideration of a refund for any booking deposit / retainer is at the sole discretion of the artist. Please note that due to my very high demand that all cancellations – with less than 60 days notice (see cancellation policies and procedures below) will result in forfeiture of the deposit as well as the full remaining balance becoming due and payable immediately at the time of cancellation.
Q: Do you offer make-up consultations or trial runs?
A: Yes. The process can last from to 2-3 hours and is $150 during weekdays and $200-300 on weekends and holidays. This is a service that is not included in the price for wedding day makeup on-location, and is available as my schedule permits. I offer complimentary phone consultations for destination brides who cannot physically be in the area until the day of the wedding. Many brides schedule a trial anywhere from a few months to a few weeks prior to their wedding. Please note that ALL bridal trials are a one-time service and are NOT refundable under any circumstance.
Q: What services do you offer?
A:
Please note I work with a team of dedicated and talented beauty artisans. This includes red carpet celebrity hairstylists, my amazing esthetician with over 25 years experience, and my world-renowned dermatologist in Coral Gables. All of your beauty needs and services can be expertly handled worry free.
Q: Do you do Hair Extensions?
A: Yes, my hairstyling team does. They can help you select and / or purchase temporary, color-matched clip-in extensions for either length or volume. Please note: a recent photo or in-person consultation is necessary before receiving hair extensions. All extensions used are quality 100% Human Hair.
Q: Do you travel to my location or do I have to come to you?
A: Yes, all wedding day and photoshoot services are performed on location unless specified otherwise. Trial runs and consultations are conducted from my home studio in Coconut Grove. I offer various pricing for private appointments both in studio and on location.
Q: Do you stay to do touch-ups on the bride until the bride is ready to walk down the aisle?
A: Depending on your contract, and the timing of your specific wedding day, you may want me to stay to do touch-ups right until you are ready to walk down the aisle. This is optional, and not really necessary unless you will be taking pictures outside, prior to the wedding. If this is the case, yes, I can stay from 1- 3 hours after everyone is finished with their hair and makeup, and touch-up the bride until she is ready to walk down the aisle. Please note an additional fee will apply.
Q: Can you accommodate large bridal parties?
A: Yes. Depending on your party size I may need to hire an additional hairstylist or make-up artist to come on-location with me. Specific deposit and travel conditions may apply to your contract and / or booking services when hiring additional team members.
Q: Is there a travel fee?
A: For locations more than 25 miles outside of Miami proper, a travel fee will be charged based on mileage, travel time and /or airfare. I try to keep my rates reasonable and would be happy to provide you with a quote prior to booking.
Q: What do you do in your spare time? (Yes, many people ask me!)
A: I shoot archery and pool; enjoy snuggling with my pet bunnies, gardening and I like adding to my false eyelash and make-up brush collection. I’m also obsessed with skincare and enjoy researching all of the latest treatments and procedures to offer to my clients.
Q: Can I bring someone with me to the consultation or appointment?
A: Currently due to COVID19 restrictions no additional guests may be present at the time of your trial or appointment. For all appointments unless absolutely necessary please do not bring children, pets, or additional people as it can sometimes be a lengthy process; it is best for all involved to be focused solely on you and your glamorous look. If you would like to bring additional people for your private appointment please contact me PRIOR me to discuss group lesson rates. Any guest attending the appointment not approved PRIOR by the artist will currently be asked to wait outside in order to follow COVID19 safety and sanitation protocols, any cancellation resulting in the artist’s needs to comply with these rules will result in a forfeiture of deposit / retainer and balance due immediately.
Q: Is your pricing negotiable or are there any discounts?
A: Not really, I do sometimes offer services for trade, so if you have something in mind please feel free to e-mail me ☺ When it comes to hiring a beauty expert for on-location, personal services, I truly believe you get what you pay for. When you hire me, you are hiring an experienced, fully educated and licensed professional, that comes to your location, and is an expert in skincare and make-up artistry. The level of skill and expertise that you can expect when hiring a professional make-up artist or hairstylist, is far superior to hiring your sister, your cousin, a questionable glam ap or a cosmetic sales-person from the mall.
For bridal clients a trial-run is highly recommended to ensure your wedding day makeup look is executed correctly and in a time efficient manner. For destination brides or brides choosing to opt out of a trial-run, please note that an additional fee may apply on the day of for any bridal make-up services that run overtime (more than 60 minutes) due to issues / decisions that could have been addressed in the trial-run. After scheduling a trial a non-refundable retainer / deposit and signed contract are required in order to secure your wedding date. If you are booking a private appointment or inquiring about a photoshoot date please, email, text or call me to first check availability, I try my best to return all contact within 24 hours.
For private appointments and clients a 50% non-refundable booking deposit / retainer is required to hold and confirm an appointment for services. Due to my schedule demands, I regret that I am unable to hold dates for clients without a booking deposit /retainer and / or contract and deal memo. Booking deposits / retainers are typically required to hold and confirm an appointment for services. Booking deposits / retainers are applied to the total balance due but are non-refundable in the event of cancellation, regardless of reason. Consideration of a refund for any booking deposit / retainer is at the sole discretion of the artist. Prior to your event / appointment day the artist will accept a cancellation for any individual service or all services with verbal confirmation and written notice sent via email, text or phone call. This must be received no less than 60 days prior to scheduled event for a refund minus non-refundable deposit /retainer fee. Cancellation with written notice via email, phone or text received less than 60 days of the scheduled event will result in no refund of any deposit / retainer and the full balance will be due payable immediately. Please note that any individual service cancellations such as attendants, guests, additional people / services opting out, arriving late etc. that are of no fault of the artists will result in forfeiture of deposit as needed to cover the appropriate canceled appointment fees / loss of business.
All returned checks will be subject to a minimum $40.00 NSF charge.
*All Alexis Renny recommended artists and hairstylists are top-notch professionals. In the event that myself or the particular artist or stylist is unavailable or otherwise unable to provide contracted services, Alexis Renny reserves the right to make appropriate substitutions
Client acknowledges and agrees that she or he and others receiving services must have clean (ie. no residual makeup, etc) skin prior to makeup application. Clean, dry (no flat- ironed and not wet) hair prior to hairstyling. Client acknowledges these requirements and agrees to prepare for make-up/hairstyling services accordingly. If person(s) receiving hair and/or make-up services is/are not properly prepared, thereby requiring the artist/stylist to spend time preparing the skin and/or hair, Client may be subject to overtime service fees of $50 per half hour. Client shall disclose the existence of any allergies, medications that may affect the application of makeup/hair products, or any other condition of any person receiving services. If Client fails to make such a disclosure, no refunds will be provided for work unable to be performed because of these conditions and the artist assumes no liability for adverse reactions due to client’s failure to disclose these conditions, symptoms allergies and /or sensitivities in advance.
For all on location services artist and stylists need ample space and light to set-up. Artist will travel with full hair and make-up kit plus lighting. If the artist is traveling to your location / hotel / home please have a space, table, countertop etc completely cleared off and clean with a chair, in advance and PRIOR to the artist’s arrival to ensure your appointment stays on schedule. Typically dining room tables, hotel room desks and kitchen countertops work best in terms of lighting and space. If you have any questions on set-up needs please don’t hesitate to ask PRIOR to the appointment day. Artists and stylists do not travel with tables or chairs to on location services so please make the necessary arrangements with your hotel, venue or prep location PRIOR to ensure your appointment(s) run smoothly and on time so you are not subject to overtime fees. Artist cannot and will not setup in bathrooms for sanitary reasons as per the Florida State Board of Cosmetology.
Valet / venue parking will be based on the rate given by the hotel or venue and charged directly to the client’s room or will be added to the total amount due. Due to the amount of gear each artist and stylist brings valet parking must be covered by the client unless prior arrangements have been made. In the event the client has not made sufficient parking arrangements and discussed this in advance with artist, client may be subject to overtime and / or travel and /or Uber / Lyft / drop-off fees for each artist to search for and secure appropriate on site parking or risk the possible cancellation of the on-site appointment altogether if the appropriate, safe, secure and onsite parking cannot be arranged and / or guaranteed. On-site parking is defined as parking on or within 350 feet of the premises where the services will be performed.
Alexis Renny is not responsible for services not completed or contract overtime fees due to delays caused by the Client. Client acknowledges and agrees that should he/she or anyone else receiving services not be prepared to receive services at the times agreed upon in the schedule, that the Client is subject to these fees and will be added to the final amount due.
All appointments or trials that are rescheduled by the Client with less than seven days notice are subject to a $50 re-scheduling fee in addition to the forfeiture of the retainer/ booking deposit and rescheduling is handled on a case-by-case basis subject to the artists’ availability.
Cleanliness and sanitary practices are part of our commitment to you. We reserve the right to refuse services if unsanitary conditions exist and/or contagious infections are present. Client understands and acknowledges that Artists will NOT provide services to individuals where any contagious infections such as pink eye (conjunctivitis) or cold sores/fever blisters are present and there shall be no refund of any deposit paid. Client acknowledges and agrees that verbal abuse or any other physical misconduct by the client(s) toward the Artist/Stylist is unacceptable by any person at the event and shall be grounds for the Artist/Stylist to cease services immediately. If the artist feels unsafe at any time this will be communicated directly to the Client responsible for the booking and the artist reserves the right to cancel services with no refund in the event that his or her safety is compromised. Client acknowledges that they will not be entitled to a refund for any work already performed and client may not review artist or stylist vendor poorly on social media or conduct any other form of online / social media blackmail or harassment in this event.
In the event of fire, accident, flood, act of God, or other causes beyond the parties’ control that prevent performance of the services, the parties release each other from the terms and obligations described here and from damages resulting from non-performance. In no event shall either party be liable for lost profits, sales, or any incidental, consequential, punitive or special damages arising from any breach of their booking agreement.
Timeliness and professionalism are our commitment to you. We understand that sometimes life, programs, shoots ect., do not run on schedule, and will give you a courtesy 15 minute waiting period at the start of the day for things such as late attendants / guests, traffic, housekeeping setup delays, etc. However, if the artist needs to wait longer than 15 minutes for an appointment, an overtime fee of $100 per hour for each artist/stylist will apply if services run beyond the booked / scheduled appointment time. Any last minute hair or make-up additions shall be charged on a case by case basis and at the artist’s discretion. Additions requested on the day of services / appointment are at the discretion of the artist/stylist and are not guaranteed.
Clients acknowledge and understand that the artist/stylist is only obligated to stay at the event / appointment while performing services. If the artist/stylist has completed all services before the scheduled end time, artist/stylist will wrap out gear and leave the event / end the appointment booking.
Travel rates are based on mileage, travel time, and demand (aka time spent in the car / plane / etc not working with clients). Additional highway or turnpike tolls will be billed as needed / depending on the route. Airfare, hotel and other travel expenses to be negotiated as needed.
If any provisions listed here require judicial interpretation, the judicial body interpreting or construing such provision shall not apply the assumption that the terms hereof shall be more strictly construed against one party because of the rule that an instrument must be construed more strictly against the party which itself or through its agents prepares the same; the parties hereby agreeing that all parties and their agents have participated in preparation of this Agreement equally. Subject headings are provided for organization and shall not be considered in any interpretation of this agreement. “She” as used in this agreement is interchangeable with the pronoun “he”.
If any provisions listed here, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid by any court, governmental agency or regulatory body, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereto hereby waive any provision of law that renders any provision hereof prohibitive or unenforceable in any respect.
These provisions and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, and each of the parties consents to the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court of Miami-Dade County, Florida for the purpose of any actions brought under or pursuant to these provisions or any agreements made between the two parties.