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Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your makeup and hair styling can come with a lot of questions, whether you're getting married in Hong Kong, hosting a gala dinner, flying Ka Lam and her team overseas for a destination wedding, or booking on-site styling for a corporate event. Below are the questions clients ask most often. If you don't see your question here, reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
BOOKING & TRIALS · SERVICES · WEDDINGS (Local & Destination) · PRICING · MAKEUP CLASSES · GENERAL
- 01We recommend booking 9 to 12 months ahead, especially for weddings during peak season (October to December and around Lunar New Year). Popular wedding dates fill up quickly, and Ka Lam personally handles a limited number of weddings each month to ensure quality and availability on the day. For destination weddings or overseas bookings, we suggest reaching out 9 to 12 months in advance to allow time for travel planning.
- 02Yes, a trial is strongly recommended and included in most of our bridal packages. The trial allows us to understand your skin type, preferences, gown, venue lighting, and the overall mood you want for your wedding day. It's also the best opportunity for open communication between you and your makeup artist, so there are no surprises on the big day.
- 03Kalamakeup is based in Central, Hong Kong (Room 101, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham Street), and is available to book for bridal makeup and hair styling both at our studio and on-location across Hong Kong. [Book a free consultation] to check availability for your date.
- 04You can book a free consultation or trial directly through our contact page, by phone, or by email. We'll ask about your event date, location, and the look you have in mind, then confirm availability and next steps. Many overseas clients book their trial via video call before flying to Hong Kong, with an in-person trial scheduled closer to the wedding date.
- 05During the trial, Ka Lam or a senior member of her team will discuss your vision, skin concerns, and event details, then create a full makeup and hair look based on what you share. You're welcome to bring photos of looks you like, your gown or a swatch, and any reference inspiration. The trial usually takes 2-2.5 hours.
- 06Our makeup is applied using long-wear techniques and setting methods designed to hold through a full day of celebration, including emotional moments, warm venues, and hours of dancing. For destination weddings in particularly hot or humid climates, we adjust our product choices and setting techniques specifically for the conditions at your venue.
- 07Yes. The trial exists so we can adjust before the actual event. If anything doesn't feel right, whether it's the eye makeup intensity, hair style, or overall tone, we'll refine it together until you're confident in the look.
- 08For destination weddings in Italy and across Europe, we recommend booking 9 to 12 months in advance to secure your date, arrange travel logistics, and schedule a trial before departure. Earlier booking is encouraged for peak season (May to October).
- 09Yes. Ka Lam and her team regularly travel for destination weddings and overseas fashion or bridal bookings. We coordinate travel, accommodation, and on-location logistics as part of the planning process so you can focus on your wedding.
- 10Yes. For destination weddings, we can cover multiple events across your trip — welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, the ceremony, and reception — as part of one coordinated booking. Let us know your full event schedule when requesting your quote so we can plan accordingly.
- 11Travel costs — flights, accommodation, and ground transport for the makeup and hair team — are included as a separate line item on top of your chosen bridal package, and are confirmed upfront in your full itemised quote once we know your wedding location and group size. There are no hidden travel fees.
- 12Yes. Depending on your wedding size, Ka Lam can travel solo or bring additional team members from her 50-person studio team to cover larger bridal parties, multi-day itineraries, or additional events such as welcome dinners and after-parties.
- 13There's no strict minimum, but destination wedding pricing includes travel costs on top of your bridal package, so overseas bookings typically make the most sense for full bridal party services (bride plus bridesmaids and family) rather than a single person. Reach out with your group size and we'll advise on the most cost-effective package.
- 14We select products and setting techniques based on your specific venue's climate — for example, more oil-controlling, long-wear formulas for humid destinations like Bali or Thailand, versus hydration-focused products for drier climates like Italy in summer. This is part of what we plan for during your consultation once we know your location.
- 15Destination wedding pricing includes the service package plus travel costs such as flights, accommodation, and ground transportation for the makeup and hair team. We provide a full, itemised quote once we know your wedding location and number of people requiring services, so there are no surprises.
- 16For destination weddings, we recommend booking at least 9 to 12 months in advance. This gives enough time to plan travel, confirm flights and accommodation, and schedule a trial, either in person during a visit to Hong Kong or via video consultation.
- 17For most international destinations, we build in an arrival day before the wedding to allow for jet lag recovery, time zone adjustment, and a final on-location check before your big day. This is factored into your custom quote and travel schedule.
- 18Yes, a deposit is required to secure your booking date, with the balance due closer to your event. Full details on cancellation and rescheduling are outlined in our booking terms, which we'll share with you when you confirm your date. [See full booking terms.]
- 19Ka Lam and her team build buffer time into every destination trip specifically to account for travel disruptions. We stay in close contact with you and your wedding planner in the lead-up to your date, and always have contingency plans in place so a delay doesn't put your timeline at risk.
- 20Yes. Many of our international clients start with a video consultation to discuss their vision, skin tone, and event details. We then schedule an in-person trial once you arrive in Hong Kong, or coordinate the full look remotely if travel timing doesn't allow for an in-person session beforehand.
- 21International clients should reach out as early as possible with their wedding date and location, since travel scheduling requires more lead time than local bookings. We're happy to communicate by email or video call across time zones, and we provide clear package and travel cost breakdowns upfront so you can plan your budget with confidence.
- 22Pricing depends on the package you choose, including the number of looks, whether hair styling is included, and whether the service is for one person or a full bridal party. We offer different packages to suit different wedding styles, from a single application to multiple looks and changes throughout the day. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your wedding plans.
- 23Yes. Many of our bridal clients book additional services for bridesmaids, mothers, and other members of the wedding party. Let us know your group size when you reach out and we'll recommend the right package.
- 24Yes, a holiday surcharge may apply for weddings booked on public holidays or peak wedding dates. This will always be communicated clearly in your quote before you confirm booking, with no hidden fees.
- 25Wedding day makeup and hair styling typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours per look, depending on complexity. Multi-look packages, which include a change of makeup or hairstyle partway through the day (for example, between ceremony and reception), will take additional time. We'll confirm a full timeline with you in advance so everything runs smoothly on the day.
- 26We work with a professional-grade kit of internationally recognised makeup brands, chosen for their longevity, skin-friendly formulas and camera performance. If you have sensitive skin, known allergies, or specific product concerns, let us know before your trial so we can select suitable products and do a patch test if needed.
- 27Yes, this is one of our most popular class requests. We can tailor a one-on-one class specifically around bridal looks — everyday-to-glam techniques, long-wear application, and tips for doing your own touch-ups on the day — ideal if you want to do your own wedding morning makeup or prepare for pre-wedding events.
- 28We offer one-on-one and group makeup classes, taught in English or Cantonese, from our Central studio. Classes run across a 2-session syllabus, covering everyday natural looks through to evening glamour, tailored to your face shape and skin type.
- 29Pricing depends on whether you choose a one-on-one or group class, and the number of sessions. Contact us with your preference and we'll send you a full breakdown.
- 30We provide professional products and tools to use during the class itself. For hands-on practice you can take home, we'll advise on recommended products to purchase separately, tailored to your skin type and the looks we cover.
- 31Yes. Our classes are designed for all levels, including complete beginners. We start with the basics — skin prep, tools and everyday application — before building up to more advanced techniques.
- 32Yes, classes are available in English and Cantonese depending on your preference.
- 33Yes. Ka Lam and her team teach classes in Cantonese and English and can switch languages as needed during the session.
- 34One-on-one classes are fully personalised to your face and goals. Group classes (including mother-daughter and friend groups) cover the same core techniques in a shared, social setting — a popular option for birthdays and girls' gatherings.
- 35Classes are held at our KALAMAKEUP studio in Central, Hong Kong (Room 101, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham Street).
- 36Yes, we regularly host mother-daughter classes and group sessions for friends. Get in touch with your group size and preferred date and we'll arrange it.
- 37Our classes are taught in person at our Central, Hong Kong studio for the most hands-on learning experience. If you're based overseas and interested in a class during a Hong Kong visit, get in touch and we'll help you plan a session around your trip.
- 38Yes. Ka Lam has provided makeup and hair styling for international celebrities and public figures, including Nicole Scherzinger, Lily James, Ricky Martin and the Backstreet Boys, alongside fashion clients like Van Cleef & Arpels and Chanel. She's Hong Kong's go-to for red carpet, press and camera-ready looks.
- 39Yes. Ka Lam leads a team of up to 50 stylists for on-site hair and makeup at corporate events across Hong Kong, Macau and China, for groups from 20 to over 100 people — including executives, models and all attendees.
- 40Our studio is located at Room 101, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong. We also offer on-site makeup and hair styling at your venue, hotel, or home, which is the most common choice for weddings and events.
- 41We provide professional makeup and hair styling for weddings, bridal parties, gala dinners, corporate events, fashion shows, editorial and fashion shoots, TV commercials, red carpet events, and private celebrations. We also offer one-on-one and group makeup classes for those who want to learn techniques for themselves.
- 42Yes, all of our packages include both professional makeup and hair styling. Our team is trained to coordinate hairstyles with your makeup look, your outfit, and the formality of your event.
- 43Yes. We regularly work with clients attending gala dinners, award ceremonies, and black-tie corporate functions in Hong Kong. We create polished, photo-ready looks designed to hold up under event lighting and last through a full evening.
- 44Yes. Ka Lam leads a team of up to 50 stylists for larger productions, providing on-site hair and makeup across Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China for groups ranging from 20 to over 100 guests. This includes executives, models, and event attendees, with seamless coordination so everyone is ready on schedule.
- 45Yes. We have extensive experience with fashion shows, editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, and TV commercials, having worked with brands including Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, La Perla and WWD. We understand the pace and precision required for production schedules.
- 46Ka Lam has 22 years of artistry experience, having trained in Hong Kong, London, and New York, and has served over 800 brides along with celebrity and fashion clients featured in Tatler, ELLE, and Marie Claire. Her core team has worked together for over 15 years, which means consistent quality and a smooth, well-coordinated experience for every client.
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