School Formal Makeup
Gold Coast and Brisbane
ABOUT US
School Formal Makeup
Your formal is one of the first times you get to be properly dressed up, and you will be looking at the photographs for years. It is worth getting right.
I am Jessica, a makeup artist and hair stylist with more than 25 years of experience, and I come to you. School formals, senior formals, graduations, debutante balls and awards nights, across the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
School formal dance makeup
Makeup that still looks like you
The thing I hear most from formal clients is that they are worried about looking like somebody else, or about their makeup being too heavy.
That is not how I work. We talk about what you like before I start, I show you as we go, and we adjust anything you are not sure about. You should recognise yourself in the mirror at the end, just polished.
If you want something more dramatic, I can absolutely do that too. Smoky eyes, a bold lip, full glamour. It is your night and there is no wrong answer.
Getting ready with your friends
Most formal bookings are a group of friends getting ready together, and it is one of my favourite parts of the job. The music goes on and it becomes part of the night rather than an appointment.
I price per person and the rate comes down the more of you there are, so getting ready as a group is better value for everyone. For larger groups I bring a second artist so nobody is waiting around and you all leave on time.
Looking after younger skin
Teenage skin needs a different approach. It can be more sensitive, more prone to breaking out, and it does not always suit the heavier products that work beautifully on older skin.
I use products I know are gentle, I work with the skin you have on the day rather than trying to cover everything, and I am careful about what goes near sensitive areas..
Makeup that photographs well
Formals are photographed constantly, and flash photography is unforgiving. Makeup that looks perfect in the mirror can look flat or ghostly in a photo if the wrong products are used.
This is where experience matters. I have spent years doing makeup for television and commercial shoots, where the camera sees everything, and I apply exactly the same thinking to a formal. You will look as good in the photographs as you do in person.
School Formal Makeup Pricing
Makeup or hair, priced per person.
| Number of people | Monday to Thursday | Friday to Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $180 | $200 |
| 2 people | $170 each | $180 each |
| 3 people | $160 each | $170 each |
| 4 people | $150 each | $160 each |
| 5 people | $140 each | $150 each |
| 6 or more | $130 each | $140 each |
For larger groups
For larger groups requiring makeup or really early events , when additional makeup artists are required.
Prices are based on the number of customers per artist.
Makeup or hair, priced per person.
| Number of people | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 6 people (3 people per artist) | $170 each |
| 7 people (4 people for me, 3 for 2nd artist) | $160 each |
| 8 people (4 people for me, 4 for 2nd artist) | $150 each |
Hair and makeup together: $230 to $280 per person, depending on the length and texture of your hair.
Blow dry: $50 to $130, again depending on hair length and texture.
Travel is charged separately by distance. Full details are on my price list.
Where I travel to
I am based at Jacobs Well, which sits between the Gold Coast and Brisbane and puts most of South East Queensland comfortably within reach.
I regularly work across the Gold Coast, from Coomera and Hope Island through Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and north through Brisbane, Redland Bay and Cleveland. I also travel to Mount Tamborine, the Scenic Rim and into Northern New South Wales.
Travel starts at $10 for bookings under 15km and is charged by distance from there. If you are further afield, ask me and I will let you know.
Portfolio
Recent Formal looks
Google reviews
What my clients say
Jessica did my daughter’s hair and makeup for her formal, creating a special look for her. Jessica is skillful, knowledgeable, kind and fun. Thank you Jess!
Nicole Van Hout
November 2025
Jessica did an amazing job of my niece’s formal hair and makeup. My niece had very definite ideas and Jessica worked with her to create exactly what she wanted. Definitely a 5 star rating!
Monique Wilson
November 2025
Jessica has done the hair and make up for both my daughters formals, 2 years apart. My second daughter had her semi make up done elsewhere and was not happy so we went back to Jessica for her formal. So easy and convenient as she comes to you. Both looked beautiful and were happy with the results
Paul and Nicole Dennis
February 2025
FAQs
Questions I get asked about formals
How early should we book?
Formal season on the Gold Coast runs from around August through to November, and those weekends go quickly. If you know your date, book as soon as you can. Groups especially, because they take longer and I can only fit so many in a day.
Do you come to us?
Yes. I come to wherever you are getting ready, so there is no rushing across town before you have even started your night.
Can our whole group get ready together?
Absolutely, and it works out cheaper per person. For bigger groups I bring a second artist so everyone is finished at the same time.
How long does each person take?
Roughly 30 to 45 minutes each, depending on whether you are having hair as well as makeup. I will work out a schedule with you beforehand so you know exactly when to be ready.
What if I have sensitive skin or breakouts?
Just tell me beforehand. I work with the skin you have on the day and I use products I know are gentle. If you have specific allergies or you are using prescription skin treatments, let me know when you book so I can plan for it.
Will my makeup last all night?
Yes. Everything I use is chosen to hold up through a long night, dancing included. I can also give you a few things to take with you for touch ups if you would like.
Book your formal
Send me your date, where you will be getting ready and how many of you there are, and I will come back with availability and a quote. Get in early for formal season.