Studio Rent: If you rent a space for your business, this cost is deductible.

Home Office: If you work from home, you may qualify for a deduction based on the square footage of your office space.

Insurance: Business liability insurance, equipment insurance, and any other relevant policies.

Business Licensing: Fees for any local or state business licenses required to operate legally.

Legal and Professional Fees: Costs for consultations with accountants, lawyers, or business coaches.

Makeup Brushes: Any brushes or tools used for makeup application.

Cosmetic Products: Foundations, powders, eyeshadows, lipsticks, etc. used for clients.

Hair Styling Tools: Blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons, etc., if you also offer hairstyling services.

Beauty Equipment: Mirrors, lighting, facial steamers, etc. used in your practice.

Furniture: Items like chairs, tables, mirrors, etc. used in your studio or during client appointments.

Mileage: Deduct miles driven to and from client appointments, studio, events, or locations where you conduct business.

Travel Costs: Airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, meals, and other expenses for destination weddings or events.

Parking and Tolls: Fees paid for parking or tolls when traveling for business purposes.

Website Development & Maintenance: Cost for building or maintaining your website or blog.

Social Media Advertising: Costs associated with promoting your services via Facebook, Instagram, or Google Ads.

Business Cards & Print Marketing: Cost of printing cards, brochures, flyers, etc., to promote your business.

Photography: Professional photos of your work for your website, social media, or portfolio.

Classes & Workshops: Fees for attending makeup courses, styling workshops, or any other relevant industry training.

Books & Magazines: Subscriptions to beauty magazines or purchasing beauty books related to your business.

Certifications: Fees for any certifications you earn in makeup, hair styling, or related skills.

Office Supplies: Pens, paper, planners, and other supplies for managing your business.

Accounting Software: Programs like QuickBooks, or other tools you use for invoicing, scheduling, and keeping track of your business finances.

Scheduling Software: If you use tools like Acuity Scheduling or Booksy for client bookings.

Storage Solutions: Organizers or cases used to store your makeup and tools.

Client Gifts: Any small gifts or thank-you items given to clients can be deducted.

Client Meals: If you meet clients for business over a meal, a portion of the meal can be deducted.

Traveling with Clients: If you travel with clients for events, travel-related costs could be deducted.

Phone Bill: A portion of your phone bill is deductible if you use it for business calls, texts, or emails.

Internet Service: The part of your internet service that is used for your business is also deductible.

Depreciation on Large Equipment: If you purchase large equipment like cameras, or professional lighting that will last more than one year, you can deduct a portion of its cost each year.

Health Insurance: If you’re self-employed, you may be able to deduct your health insurance premiums, including dental and vision, for yourself and your family.

Wellness Programs: If you participate in programs that promote your health and are related to the business (i.e., relaxation techniques to deal with stress from work), those costs may be deductible.

Bank Fees: Any fees associated with your business bank account or business credit card.

Subscriptions: Costs for beauty or industry-related subscription services, like online platforms that teach new techniques or provide beauty industry trends.

Uniforms: If you wear specific clothing for your job (like a branded shirt), it may be deductible.

Make taxes even easier with our printable Beauty Artist Tax Cheat Sheet!

Important Note: Always consult a tax professional to ensure you are correctly documenting and claiming your deductions, as tax laws and rules can change. Keep all receipts, track your mileage, and stay organized to maximize your deductions!

The post 11 Must Know Tax Write-Offs For Beauty Artists appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Becoming a destination hair and makeup artist has been one of the most exciting parts of my freelance journey. I have felt incredibly lucky to be part of my clients’ weddings abroad while experiencing a new country and culture. I have now done multiple weddings in Italy, Greece, Mexico and the US including Wyoming, California, Colorado, Tennessee and New York.

Pricing a destination wedding has been a learning experience that once intimidated me. However, since I now have done a good amount of destination weddings and events, I feel comfortable pricing them out.

Lodging and Airfare

It is standard for the client to pay for your lodging and airfare. I typically like to book my own airfare as I’m particular about my flights. At the time of booking, I do some research on flights and include the estimated amount in my proposal. I sometimes upgrade my flight to business class but I don’t expect my clients to pay for business, just an economy or economy plus seat. In regards to lodging, it is ideal for the client to either provide a room at their resort or hotel starting the night before I begin working until the morning after the last event. I always like to arrive a full day in advance just in case there are any unexpected delays. I don’t travel at night in cities I’m not familiar with as a safety precaution so I always prefer to be on the move during the day. On a personal note, I usually extend my trip a few days before and after so that I can tour and experience the city I’m in. Brides and wedding planners can usually provide a list of nearby lodging they recommend for guests and vendors if you are not staying at the same resort. A great tip is to have the Bride and/or wedding planner send you the wedding page with all the details related to the wedding and location.

Meals and Transportation

It is customary to include a stipend for meals and transportation based on a real figure for that particular location. I usually ask the bride or wedding planner if it’s best to rent a car or take car service, and I research rates and include these in my proposal. Some resorts and locations are much more expensive than others so it is important to do your research. On one of my destination weddings, we stayed inside a private resort that included all meals and transportation paid for by the bride on the days we worked. This is the ideal scenario and you can require it.

Extra Expenses

All expenses for your trip are tax deductible since it’s a work related trip, but if you are eating at fancy restaurants, taking tours and other personal expenses, you can expect to cover these on your own. In addition, if you are traveling for a longer period of time to vacation, you can expect to cover these expenses on your own.

Pricing Your Actual Services

For destination weddings, you can expect to be providing more services and longer hours so the Bride feels like she’s getting her money’s worth by paying for your trip. This might include staying on site for touch ups, providing a second or third look, and providing services for the bridal party. With this in mind, it’s best to provide a daily rate up front that includes all the services above. You do not want to nickel and dime a bride for extras on a destination wedding. Be sure to include these into a daily rate that is beyond your usual charges. One of my destination weddings had me doing touch ups till very late at night. However I had worked out a generous daily rate and felt compensated enough for the work I did. 

Negotiating Your Rates 

Although destination weddings are incredibly exciting, they take a lot of time and energy…from booking flights to researching details and packing your kit. Make sure you really want to do the wedding and work with the wedding planner and/or bride! Otherwise, you will not enjoy the experience because of the amount of work. Traveling with your kit is stressful since you want to make sure you have everything you need, especially in remote and unfamiliar areas where you cannot quickly shop for replacements if something gets lost. With this in mind, a bride may want to negotiate your rates or get a service for free or discounted (like the rehearsal dinner hair and makeup). Again, if you really want the opportunity, be open to negotiation and know that the entire trip is a tax deduction and a step towards more destination work opportunities. 

Let me know your thoughts and share your experience with destination weddings! 

Xo,
Ana B.

Invest in your artistry by booking a class with MAB Academy! Learn from pro artists as they demo looks or upgrade your investment to include hands-on practice.

The post How To Price A Destination Wedding appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Our followers have asked Ana so many questions regarding her botox procedures she’s shared on her Instagram. So this month we went straight to the source, her doctor! Dr. Maia, a Harvard fellowship-trained, award-winning and board-certified plastic surgeon with an impressive list of accolades that distinguish her as one of the top plastic surgeons in the DC. She specializes in facial rejuvenation and breast and body procedures.

Dr. Maia is known for her artistic skills and natural-looking results. She is highly regarded by her patients and impressive pictures of patients who underwent procedures can be seen on her website. Read on for our question and answer with the most popular questions from our followers.

Why is botox a good idea and when should I start?

Botox has been used as an anti-wrinkle treatment since 1987. It’s a wonderful treatment when performed by a trained injector.  Whether in your late 20s or 60s, you may benefit from BOTOX and/or fillers to get the smooth, youthful look you want. We have a lot of patients in their mid-twenties who get Botox as a preventative measure to avoid getting fine lines and wrinkles. I often perform baby Botox (tiny doses) for first time patients to avoid the frozen look.  

What is the difference between botox and fillers?

Botox is primarily used to treat dynamic wrinkles, meaning those wrinkles that are caused by your facial expressions. We will most commonly inject Botox to treat those frown lines, forehead line and around the eyes to address “crow’s feet”. While Botox affect the muscles, fillers increase volume and fill lines and folds.

Fillers are injectable gels that help to improve volume loss and deep wrinkles. They are also used to add volume to enhance, augment or reshape facial features. They can be used in most areas of the face like the temples, the nasolabial folds (around the mouth), the lips, the tear trough area (under eye filler), in the cheekbones, jowls, and neck. If you are looking for a refreshed look it’s common to have both treatments done at the same time.

How often do you need to get Botox to maintain results?

Botox typically lasts anywhere from 3-4 months.

When is the latest someone should get botox or filler done before a big event?

Botox can take up to 2 weeks to show final results, so if you have an important event planned, you’ll want to schedule your injections no sooner than 2 weeks in advance.

With injectable fillers, although you may see noticeable results just after your injections, many patients experience some bruising and swelling. It’s best to schedule your filler appointment 2 to 3 weeks before a big event.

What are other common procedures brides do before their wedding day?

There are many procedures with a fast recovery or no recovery to help make you look your best for your big day. In addition to Botox and fillers, chemical peels, microneedling, radiofrequency, lasers and medical grade skincare are great treatments to achieve beautiful skin. At Maia Plastic Surgery, we offer the latest invasive and non-invasive technologies. For brides and their families and friends, we offer a treatment plan that can start a few months before the wedding.

Brides are also interested in breast and body enhancements procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction. For noninvasive body treatments, we offer Emsculpt which is a powerful treatment to sculpt the body (30% fat reduction and a 25% increase in muscle mass).

What popular procedures are mother’s of the bride considering before their daughter’s wedding?

Many procedures can be done to rejuvenate the skin and reverse the signs of aging. A surgical facelift or liquid facelift (with fillers) can be performed a few months before the wedding.

What are some potential side effects? 

The most common side effects of dermal fillers tend to occur around the injection site and usually clear within 7 to 14 days, and they are: redness, swelling and bruising.

If someone isn’t quite ready for Botox or fillers, what are some other options you offer women to enhance their natural beauty?

You can improve skin health with the medical grade skincare and cosmetic treatments like lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, skin tightening, collagen induction therapy.

A consultation would be ideal, so we can evaluate your skin and determine the best treatments to achieve your goals. 

As a gift to our followers, Dr. Maja has given these exclusive discounts for services and products! Click here to book services and buy skincare products.

• $100 OFF BOTOX (min of 40 units) CODE: ANAB Valid for May and June
• Filler: $200 OFF on the second syringe – CODE: ANAB Valid for May and June
• Emsculpt: MAY AND JUNE SPECIAL $1600 OFF Regular price: $4800 price after discount $3200
• Skincare products 20% OFF CODE: ANA20

Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram!

The post Botox 101 with Dr. Maia appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Is makeup your hidden passion but you don’t know where or how to get started? Are you wanting to make the leap into the beauty industry, but have no professional experience? I definitely remember my aspiring artist days so I can totally relate! I’ve put together five ways you can become a Pro Makeup Artist, starting with the one that lead me to a career in makeup.

1. WORK FOR A MAKEUP BRAND

I was lucky enough to get a job for MAC Cosmetics at the mall without having any prior training in makeup. Before applying, I had watched many tutorials on YouTube and had gained decent skills by practicing on myself and friends. I also had some retail and customer service experience which helped me sell myself during my interviews.

Pros: I received makeup training while getting paid! I was able to build my makeup kit using my employee discount, became excellent at customer service and learned how to do makeup on all types of skin tones and learn specific skills, like foundation matching and  false lash application.

Cons: Retail is tough for moms! Working weekends is a must when you work at a cosmetics counter or store, and sometimes you don’t get home until 10 PM! I didn’t have a lot of flexibility with my schedule so after one year of working as a retail makeup artist, I left to pursue a freelance career (which was the best decision of my life!).

2. GO TO A MAKEUP SCHOOL

A makeup school will provide hands on training and teach you fundamentals of color matching and makeup application. Depending on the school, you can learn more in depth on specific areas of the makeup industry such as special FX, editorial makeup and bridal.

Pros: Schools provide a basic kit, connections to other aspiring artists and industry pros, and in person training where you can ask questions and receive immediate feedback from instructors.

Cons: Most makeup schools will have a set schedule and require a significant monetary investment.

3. TAKE AN ONLINE MAKEUP COURSE

Online schools are very convenient for people who work a full time job, are busy parents and really need to learn at their own pace and time.

Pros: You can complete courses on your own schedule and the tuition is more affordable than traditional schools. A kit and brushes are often included in tuition.

Cons: Even though online courses offer tutors who review your work, you are missing the in-person feedback from actual instructors and clients.

4. SELF TEACH

With the incredible amount of free tutorials given by professional and celebrity artists through YouTube and social media, you can learn and practice on your own without ever attending a formal school.  There is no one stopping you from practicing on your friends and family, and working for free while you build your portfolio and experience.

Pros: Your education is free, and if you prove you are talented, persistent and dedicated to your craft, you will eventually begin to get paid work.

Cons: You are competing with artists who have formal training and experience. Certain types of clients will only work with artists that have completed formal training and have extensive professional portfolios, for example corporate and commercial clients.

5. INTERN FOR A PRO MAKEUP ARTIST

Assisting or working under a pro makeup artist is the best type of learning you will ever experience because it is real life! You’ll get to learn how the artist applies product on their clients first hand and see how the artist handles client interactions, which is a huge part of the job!

Pros: You get to witness real time interaction and artistry. You can possibly gain clients and work eventually through your connections.

Cons: You will get paid little to nothing until you are able to provide value to the artist or clients.

There you have it! Five ways to get your foot in the beauty door…all you need to do is start knocking! Every artist starts their journey as a beginner…you CAN achieve your makeup artistry dreams one step at a time!  

We are currently putting together an intensive three day makeup training program for beginners and aspiring artists in the DMV area! If you are interested in attending, send us an email at info@makeupbyanab.com and you will be the first to know when our program launches!

Love,

Ana B

The post How to Become a Professional Makeup Artist appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.