Makeup artist invoice template
A worked example for makeup artists in the health, beauty and wellbeing category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A makeup artist invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Makeup artists typically allow 14 days to pay and take a 30% deposit. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example makeup artist invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 14 day terms and a 30% deposit already received. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
D. Kaur
Makeup artist
7 Station Road
Leeds
LS6 2AB
Bill to
Mrs J. Okonkwo
14 Elm Road
Reading
RG2 8QT
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 15 October 2026
- Terms
- 14 days
- Reference
- Makeup artist work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal makeup, including trial, Saturday 24 October, Ashford Barn | 1 bride | £260.00 | 20% | £260.00 |
| Bridesmaid and mother of the bride makeup | 3 people | £75.00 | 20% | £225.00 |
| Early start before 7 am | 1 fixed | £40.00 | 20% | £40.00 |
| Travel, 42 miles return | 42 miles | £0.50 | 20% | £21.00 |
- Subtotal
- £546.00
- VAT at 20%
- £109.20
- Total
- £655.20
- Less deposit received (30%)
- -£196.56
- Balance due
- £458.64
Typical rates for makeup artists
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £40 to £90 |
| Typical day rate | £300 to £650 |
| Payment terms | 14 days |
| Deposit | 30% up front |
| VAT flat rate sector | Hairdressing or other beauty treatment services (13%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do makeup artists usually invoice?
Makeup artists invoice bridal work per face with the trial included or listed separately, take a deposit of around 30% on booking that secures the date, and require the balance a week or two before the wedding. Editorial, commercial and film work is invoiced by the day to the production company or agency on 30 day terms with the production name on the invoice. Early starts and travel are separate lines.
Makeup artists in this example give the customer 14 days to pay, after a 30% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £40 to £90. A full day is typically £300 to £650.
What should a makeup artist put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, makeup artists should:
- Put the wedding date and venue on the invoice and make the balance due before the day.
- Price per person and list each (bride, bridesmaids, mothers) with the service.
- Charge early starts and travel as separate lines with the basis stated.
- For production work, quote the job name and the agency booking reference, and list kit fees if charged.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do makeup artists charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, these services are standard rated at 20% because they are not medical care supplied by a registered health professional.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for makeup artists is usually “Hairdressing or other beauty treatment services” at 13% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How much do makeup artists charge for weddings?
- Bridal makeup with a trial is £180 to £350 in 2026, with bridesmaids and mothers at £60 to £90 each. Early start fees of £30 to £60 apply before 7 am and travel is charged per mile. Editorial and commercial day rates run £300 to £650 plus kit fee.
- Should a makeup artist take a deposit?
- Yes, 25% to 50% on booking, non-refundable, because the date is reserved and other work is turned away. Put it on its own invoice and credit it on the final. The balance is due 7 to 14 days before the wedding so nothing is collected on the morning.
- Do makeup artists charge VAT?
- Only once registered, above £90,000 turnover, which few individual artists reach. Once registered, bridal and commercial work are standard rated at 20%. The flat rate sector for beauty treatments is 13%.
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Cite this page: “Makeup artist invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/makeup-artist