Cancun and Riviera Maya Hair and Makeup Artists for Destination Weddings

Are you looking for an outside vendor for your hair and makeup artist at your destination wedding in Mexico?

I’ve got you covered.

This list of amazing and talented local makeup artists in Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Tulum area will make you look like a superstar on your big day, and they’ve all been used and reviewed by over 6000+ past brides in various Mexico destination wedding Facebook groups.

If you’re considering hiring an outside vendor for your destination wedding, this post is for you. These talented local hair and makeup artists will make your day go (and your skin look!) as smooth as possible so you’re ready for your big day.

Outside vendors offer big value for often less of what it would cost to use the resort salon. There is no travel fee or accommodation fee to use them – they will travel all across Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum and more!

Let’s take a deeper look!

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Why can’t I just use the resort hair and makeup?

You absolutely can! There is no one saying you can’t, and it can definitely add an added expense with the outside vendor fee ($100-$1000 at some resorts – more on this later!), and don’t let this post influence you, either!

But if there’s anything I’ve learned in my 7+ years of helping future destination wedding brides, is to KNOW YOUR OPTIONS when it comes to booking and using vendors! Plus, the services you want (for example, airbrush) may not be offered by your resort salon.

I didn’t use an outside vendor, and it was honestly kind of a nightmare. However, this is all resort dependent. The thing about in-house makeup artists and hairstylists is that you don’t know who you’re getting, what their experience is, or what kind of work they do.

I wanted a natural look, with soft neutral tones and what did I get? Blue and white eyeshadow. Yikes. I paid $300 USD for my mom and I to have our makeup done, just to end up doing our makeup ourselves. I have ZERO talent when it comes to makeup and I just wore eyeliner and mascara. 😂

I would’ve been better hiring an outside vendor, and it would’ve cost just about the same!

My experience is just one, but there are many “horror stories” of brides using in-house stylists.

I don’t want this to scare you, and it’s definitely true that the more popular wedding resorts have stylists that have perfected their work and brides have been very happy. But if makeup is something that is important to you, I would recommend hiring an outside makeup artist and hair stylist.

It doesn’t hurt to take a look and explore your options.

When should I book my hair and makeup artist for my Destination Wedding?

I always recommend booking your vendors as soon as you have your date booked. Destination weddings are starting to become increasingly popular again since the pandemic started. There is no sense in waiting until the last minute to secure a makeup artist; if you find someone you like, book them while they’re available to avoid disappointment!

You will be required to pay a deposit, usually either by credit card or wire transfer to secure your date.

You’ll be back and forth communicating with your hair and makeup artist to go over details, what styles you’re considering, and they may even ask for a list of events and offer advice on what may or may not work well. Because of this communication (and being in a different country) it’s important to start the planning process early!

Outside Hair and Makeup Artists for Destination Weddings in Cancun

These local outside hair and makeup vendors will travel through Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum! These artists come highly recommended and you can find their reviews and photos online through social media, past bride reviews in Facebook groups, Wedding Wire, and their websites.

These outside hair and makeup artists will come directly to your resort, and to your room (unless if you rent a bridal suite, if your resort offers it). You’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing morning of getting pampered with your girls. And a word of advice, make sure you eat and drink something!

Note: These hair and makeup vendors are not necessarily preferred vendors and may be subject to an outside vendor fee. Please check with your destination wedding coordinator!

Things to know about booking outside vendors for your destination wedding

It’s important to remember that you must tell your wedding coordinator if you are bringing in an outside vendor. This is because there are fees associated with bringing a vendor in to work on property. These vendor fees can range from $100 to upwards of $1000 at some resorts, so it’s important to ask your wedding coordinator early in the planning stages to find out what costs are associated with an outside vendor.

It definitely adds up, but it’s easier to plan for it if you know about it!

Many resorts have a preferred vendor list, which means there is a list of vendors they regularly work with. There is no outside vendor fee (or minimal fee) compared to other vendors when using a preferred vendor.

Your chosen vendor may also have options for you to get around the vendor fee. For example, VO Evolution has a makeup bus that will come to you!

You do have another option if you’re trying to get around the outside vendor fee, and that’s to rent a hotel room or AirBnB. There are loads of them in Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and many more! Yes, some of these are a minimum two-night stay, but that could still, in some instances, still be less than that the vendor fee would be.

This is an extreme example of what past brides have done, and it seems like a headache to get to and from and coordinate, but if you’re looking to save some money this is definitely a viable option!

Do I need a hair and makeup trial for my destination wedding?

It’s important to have an idea of what you want your hairstyle and makeup to look like on your wedding day. Many brides opt to have a trial run prior to their wedding, and will use that hair and makeup look for a pre-planned event like a welcome party or rehearsal dinner.

I believe that if you are specific with what you want, and you are nervous about the outcome, then a trial would help to ease your mind. It’ll also help you decide if you want any changes prior to your wedding day.

This is the one day where you will probably be the most stressed over how you look. Brides who have done a makeup trial have said it’s worth every penny.

It will be an added cost to have the vendor come on-site (since you will likely have to pay the vendor fee again – ask your wedding coordinator!) plus the fee to have your hair and makeup done.

If you are doing a site visit, you can also schedule your trial then!

If you can’t swing a trial, don’t stress. Plenty of brides don’t have a trial done. But in either case, bring lots of photos and make sure you communicate well with your stylist beforehand to ensure you’re all on the same page!

Do I have to tip my hair and makeup artist?

Tipping goes a long way, and there are lots of opinions on what is recommended when it comes to tipping. That’s why I compiled the ultimate guide to tipping at destination weddings, plus a handy printable for you!

If your hair and makeup vendor is a team, my opinion is to tip the captain so they can distribute the tips amongst their team. Tipping your hair and makeup artist can range from $100 to 20% of the total bill – which again, is subjective and totally up to you. It also depends on the quality of the work and how many people are in your bridal party – is it just you getting it done, or a bridal party of 10 women? Those are things to consider!

Don’t feel pressured into tipping and work with what’s in your budget. Tipping is very subjective, but I’m a firm believer that if you have great service and are happy with the results, it’s a kind gesture to tip. Plus, word of mouth and reviews are also worth their weight in gold (social media, Google reviews, Wedding Wire, Facebook groups, those sorts of things!).

Show your support for local vendors!

With the rising cost of outside vendor fees over the past few years, many vendors have lowered their prices to combat the additional fees.

These local hair and makeup artists in the Cancun area are well-versed in supplying brides with quality hair and makeup styles that will last in the humidity and environment and have hundreds, if not thousands, of past reviews!

Can I bring a hair and makeup artist from home for my destination wedding?

I say this with caution: yes you can. I completely understand that hiring someone you don’t know can be scary when it comes to doing your hair and makeup for one of the biggest days of your life!

Another thing brides don’t always think of is all of the costs associated with bringing someone from home. You’re responsible for their flights, transportation, accommodations, any meal plans if it’s not all-inclusive, etc. Some resorts require a 3-night minimum stay to get around the vendor fee. This can all be discussed with your wedding coordinator to see what requirements there are.

For some brides, that can be worth it to bring someone from home that you know. But those costs can add up and can cause you to sacrifice other areas of your budget if you aren’t prepared.

Plus, there are tons of amazing local vendors to pick from. Save yourself the headache and hire someone local instead!

A word of caution: It is technically not legal for someone outside of Mexico to perform work at your wedding. This is more relevant to photographers, where customs has seized photography equipment if they believe they are there to photograph a wedding, but just be aware of the risks! I only know of a handful of brides who have run into issues with customs (again, with photography) but it’s good to know, just in case you are considering bringing in someone from home.

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Cancun and Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Hair and Makeup Artists

Why can’t I just use the resort hair and makeup?

When should I book my hair and makeup artist for my Destination Wedding?

Outside Hair and Makeup Artists for Destination Weddings in Cancun

BeSo Brides

Backstage Hair & Makeup

VO Evolution – Natacha Bitsch

Beauty Bus by VO Evolution

ST Makeup Artistry – Sara Tamargo

Styling Trio

MVP Hair and Makeup

Emilia Cortez Makeup

Alex Corbanezi

Salty Beauty

Zoe Elizabeth

Sandy Mendez

Angie Velasquez

Team MVP