[CatsMeow]

Hey there - I'm currently training as a MUA through a makeup academy and I was wondering if I could have your thoughts on the following...

Even though I'm still training, should I charge product cost to those friends and family requesting me to do their makeups for events?

In these circumstances I haven't offered my services, my friends have asked me if I could do their makeups. I'm sure it's not entirely a mooch situation as these people are my closest friends and are trying to help me out with 'practising'. However, I am using high-end quality products (MUFE), so it obviously costs me per application, especially in foundation, powder and primer (all MUFE HD).

So what do I do? When I'm certified (at the end of the year), I will definitely charge family and friends product cost, so I'm not out of pocket. But I don't know whether I can muster the courage to say, 'happy to do it, but I'm going to have to charge $20 to cover the cost of my product because it's expensive', because I'm still technically training.

I wouldn't charge family and friends if I approached them to practice a particular look or use for portfolio. But I think I would like to charge product cost if they approach me for particular event. My mum is a hairdresser and she has advised me to charge, eventhough I'm still training, because she thinks I shouldn't be out of pocket and not charging cheapens my craft.

ARGH!

HELP!

So far I've only done 2 applications for free, and that was a good 2 months ago. I've been politely ignoring hints of requests of late because I'm still sorting out my policy! LOL

What do you think???