The Makeup Artist Contract Template That Covers Everything
Free download. Ready to customize. Built by a working bridal artist with 20+ years in the industry.
Every time I bent my contract, I got burned.
The bride who dropped from seven people to four — two weeks before the wedding.
The client who used a trial to get a look for an engagement shoot and never booked.
The booking where I had no late fee clause, and stood there for 45 minutes waiting while the clock ran out.
All of it was preventable. None of it required a confrontation. It just required the right contract — one with the clauses that actually matter.
The answer is almost always the same: they never made decisions in advance. They are reacting to everything instead of running something.
This is that contract.
Get the Free Contract Template
Fill in your details, customize your rates and policies, and send it to your next client.
It takes less than an hour to set up and will protect every booking after that.
WHAT'S INSIDE
Where are you right now?
Headcount Protection Clause
Locks in your minimum service count so a reduced bridal party doesn’t reduce your income
Cancellation Policy
Tiered by days-out with clear percentages you fill in
Rescheduling Policy
Separate from cancellation, so there’s no grey area
Trial Policy
Establishes the trial as a standalone paid service, not a free preview
Deposit and Payment Schedule
With exact due dates and accepted payment methods
Travel, Parking, and Location Fees
So travel costs are agreed upon before signing, not after
Late Client and Start Time Policy
With a grace period and late fee structure
Health, Allergy, and Skin Disclosure
Protects you legally if a client has an undisclosed reaction
Gratuity Clause
Removes the awkwardness on the wedding day
Force Majeure / Emergency Clause
Covers both parties if circumstances outside your control affect the event
Photography Permission
Opt-in or opt-out, clearly stated
Signature Block
Professional and complete
Team Services Addendum
For bookings where you bring additional artists
Photoshoot / Editorial Addendum
For non-bridal commercial work
THIS IS FOR YOU IF…
You are a makeup artist who has been burned by a client changing headcount, cancelling last minute, or disputing what was agreed to
You have a contract but you know it has gaps — and you keep meaning to fix it
You are just starting out and want to do this right from the beginning
You have been using a contract you copied from someone else without fully understanding what’s in it
You are tired of having uncomfortable conversations that a clear contract would have prevented
About April Nicole
I have been a working bridal makeup artist for over 20 years. I built FBA Cosmetics in 2005, took a 5-year break from the industry, and rebuilt my business from zero in a completely changed market. I hit six figures in three years — not because I had more talent than anyone else, but because I built the backend right.
I created The Simplified Stylist to teach beauty professionals the business side of this industry — the contracts, the systems, the pricing, the mindset. The things nobody teaches you in cosmetology school.
This contract template is the foundation. Everything else builds from here.
April Nicole, Founder, The Simplified Stylist