Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept Cash, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Cash App, and PayPal by special request.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN FOR COVID-19?
We wear face masks and hands are sanitized between every client. We sanitize all products between clients.
Brushes are cleaned or replaced between every client. Disposable applicators are used with products such as mascara and lip products.
HOW DO I BOOK SERVICES WITH PORTIA LEA BEAUTY EXPERT?
Services are booked on a “first come, first reserved” basis and up to one year in advance. For all wedding day & special event services, I require a signed service contract agreement, along with a 50% of the overall balance total as a non-refundable retainer. The final balance total is due (14) days prior to your wedding or event date. Please note that your date is not secured with Portia Lea Beauty Expert until I have received and approved your signed served contract agreement and 50% retainer, even if you have had a trial preview appointment.
MY FAMILY AND/OR BRIDAL PARTY IS PAYING FOR THEIR SERVICES; ARE THEY ABLE TO MAKE SEPARATE PAYMENTS?
No. Please have all family and/or bridal party members make their payments to the responsible party, which is typically the person signing the service contract agreement. And, that person or responsible party will submit the payment(s) to PORTIA LEA BEAUTY EXPERT.
IS GRATUITY INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICING?
No, gratuity is not included in our pricing, but always sincerely appreciated!
DO YOU OFFER TRIAL PREVIEW SESSIONS AND HOW DO I SCHEDULE THE APPOINTMENT?
Yes, I do offer Trial Preview Sessions at our studio location and by appointment only. All Trial Preview Sessions are a paid service, require a separate service contract agreement and billed separately from wedding day services. This appointment is scheduled and paid in advance. The Trial Preview Session includes a thorough consultation in which we will discuss your overall vision for your big day, and your look of inspiration. The appointment typically lasts 2-2.5 hours for hair AND makeup and 1-1.5 hours for hair OR makeup. This appointment may also be scheduled on the same day as your Engagement Portrait Session, Bridal Portrait Session, Bridal Shower, Final Dress Fitting, or on the date of another special event. Weekends are typically booked for weddings. There are rare occasions when we can accommodate a Friday or Sunday appointment request at our home studio, however, most appointments are scheduled during the week, Mon – Thursday, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm. It never hurts to ask, as I will do my best to accommodate all appointment requests.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW THE EXACT # OF PEOPLE WHO WILL NEED HAIR AND/OR MAKEUP SERVICES ON MY WEDDING DAY?
Because I book my time and our supplies based on the information provided within your signed service contract agreement, I recommend that you secure as many “for sure” services as possible. If another event is booked that day, I potentially may not have the time available to add additional services on the day of your event.
DO YOU OFFER "BRIDE ONLY" PACKAGES?
Yes, there is a BRIDE ONLY Package. Please email for inquiries.
DOES YOU STAY FOR TOUCH UP SERVICES?
Upon completion of all contracted services and at the end of your contracted service time, I will provide any last minute hair and/or makeup touch ups that may be needed. If additional time is requested, there will be a fee of $45 per hour day of service. I will have lip touch up kits available for purchase, upon request.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Event cancellations may be made up to 30 days before the event date, without incurring any extra charges. Any and all retainers made to reserve the date are non-refundable and non-transferrable. In the event you decide to cancel your event within 29 days or less of the event date, 100% of the total cost of services within your service contract agreement is due upon notice of cancellation. This clause applies to the event cancellation in its entirety, and not individual services listed within the service contract agreement.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY TRIAL APPOINTMENT?
-2 to 3 of your favourite hairstyle/ makeup images. Highly recommend looking at inspiration photos with you hair type, hair texture and color, the same applies with makeup pictures. If you have dark hair (Do NOT look at lighter e.g. blondes hair images if you do not have blonde hair because it will not turn out the same).
-Wedding dress pictures.
- Veil/ hair extensions/ accessories.
-Your own products IF you have sensitive skin or simply prefer your own.
-Please wash your hair the night before, do not add any products to your hair. We prefer clean, fully dry hair and will use products to add texture.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE EACH SERVICE?
I typically dedicate (1) hour per service, for the BRIDE or main attendant, however, there is no specific timing window for perfecting the bride’s wedding day look. (That equates to approximately (1) hr. for hair, (1) hr. for makeup, or (2) hrs. for hair and makeup.) The bride’s services are typically more intricate, detailed, and most times require a broader timing window. For the bridal party and other attendants, as a general guideline, we dedicate 30 – 45 minutes max, per service. For the bridal party & other attendants, we expect that the choice of hairstyle and/or makeup look is chosen with the 30 – 45 minute timing window in mind. (I'm happy to make a hairstyle and/or makeup recommendation if needed)
HOW DO I REACH YOU?
Email communication is my primary mode of communication. It is important that I have record of all correspondence with each client. Although email is our preferred method of communication, you are always welcome to call with any important questions you may have. Simply email me at portialeabeautyexpert@gmail.com, and request a 10-minute Complimentary Phone Consultation.