Scheduling apps can be a game changer for makeup artists. But how do you choose the right booking app for your business?

In this blog, we’re breaking down five of the best booking apps for makeup artists, so you know exactly what to look for — and which one’s best for you!

5 Best Booking Apps for Makeup Artist Business

The Best Booking Apps for Makeup Artists — and How to Choose the Right One for You

When it comes to finding the best booking app for your makeup business, there are a few pieces you’ll want to consider, such as pricing, features, customer service, and user reviews.

Booking apps for makeup artists. Let’s get into it! 😉

Vagaro

Vagaro is definitely built for more larger-scale operations, so they have a few extra bells and whistles.

While all the tools they offer might not be necessary for your makeup business, here’s a quick look at their best features.

What are Vagaro’s top features for makeup artists?

• Payroll and Clock In/Clock Out Capabilities: If you’re a larger makeup business with multiple employees to manage, the ability to keep track of hours worked can be a huge bonus.
• Website Builder: Similar to Schedulicity’s booking page, Vagaro gives businesses the option to build their own booking website with templates. (Keep in mind: This feature costs an additional $10/month.)
• Yelp, Instagram, and Facebook Integrations: Like Schedulicity, you can connect your booking page to your social pages as well.

How much does Vagaro cost?

Vagaro’s pricing structure starts out at $30/month for a solo provider business.

From there, the monthly price goes up for each additional provider you add to your account.

• Two providers: $40/month.
• Three providers: $50/month.

Up and up until you hit seven or more providers for $90/month. 

Note*:* Depending on the features you need, you may be looking at additional monthly charges.

According to Vagaro’s website, there are additional charges for add-ons, such as Text Marketing for $20/month or $10/month to be listed in the Vagaro Marketplace*.*

What are Vagaro’s reviews like?

Vagaro has a 4.7/5 overall rating on Capterra. 

While their overall rating is fairly high, they received a 1/5 for rescheduling options and a 4.1/5 for their client booking portal. 

Setmore

Setmore is a scheduling app for makeup artists that aims to help “grow your brand” and give you the tools to “highlight what makes your business special.”

It allows users to easily create and manage schedules and accept online bookings.

What are Setmore’s top features for makeup artists?

• Social Media Marketing: Like Schedulicity, Setmore integrates with Instagram, Facebook, and website platforms.
• Business Integrations: Setmore also gives you the option to integrate with other popular business platforms, including CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot.
• Automatic Confirmations and Email Reminders: Get class notifications automatically sent to both your staff and your clients, so everyone stays in the know. (However, email marketing isn’t built into the software. You have to integrate with Mailchimp or Constant Contact.)

How much does Setmore cost?

Setmore offers three different subscriptions, depending on the features you need and the size of your studio.

The plans range from $5/month per user to $12/month per user.  

Note*: These pricing options are based on Setmore’s annual subscription at a discounted rate. You’ll want to connect with Setmore directly to learn more about their monthly subscription rate.*

What are Setmore’s reviews like?

With praise for “ease of use” for both businesses and clients, Setmore has a 4.6/5 overall score on Capterra.

Some downsides mentioned by actual Setmore users include:

• No unique booking link to share with clients.
• The app occasionally crashes.
• Client text reminders failing to be sent.

However, they come through with a 4.7/5 for customer support.

Goldie (formerly Appointfix)

Goldie, formerly known as Appointfix, is a popular booking app among makeup artists, stylists, and salons.

What are Goldie’s top features for makeup artists?

• Automated Reminders and Notifications: Goldie sends automated reminders and notifications to clients about their upcoming appointments, helping to [reduce no-shows.
• Calendar Sync: Goldie can sync with popular calendar systems like Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.
• Marketing Tools: Goldie includes built-in marketing tools to help businesses promote their services. This includes email and SMS marketing campaigns, special promotions, and discount management to attract and retain clients.

How much does Goldie cost?

Goldie offers a tiered pricing structure, so if you’re just getting started in the makeup business, or you’ve been building your business for years, you can find a plan that works for you. 👇

• Free Plan: Basic features such as appointment scheduling (limited to 20 appointments per month) and limited client management.
• Pro Plan: The Pro Plan is $19/month, and includes more advanced features like automated reminders and online payments.
• Professional Plan: Approximately $39/month, the Pro Plus Plan offers full access to all features, including advanced client management, priority support, and additional customization options.

What are Goldie’s reviews like?

Earning multiple great reviews for saving time and reducing no-shows, Goldie has a 4.8/5 overall score on Capterra.

Some downsides mentioned by actual Goldie/Appointfix users include:

• No way to add photos to booking site (to display work).
• Providers/business owners don’t get notified when a client books online.
• Inability to include pictures with service offerings.

They come through with a 4.8/5 for customer support.

Acuity

Since Acuity is a part of SquareSpace, it’s a good booking app option for makeup artists who already use SquareSpace to manage their business site — because you can keep all of your business needs in one place.

Acuity is also well-known for their [integrations with other business-related software such as Quickbooks and Mailchimp. 

What are Acuity’s best features for makeup artists?

• Scheduling Tools: Share your calendar via Instagram, Facebook, email, or your business website.
• Integrations: Integrate with several handy softwares, such as Zapier, Google Analytics, and QuickBooks.
• Deal/Promotions: Like Schedulicity, you can offer packages, memberships, and gift certificates.

How much does Acuity cost?

With the option to save up to 20% by paying annually, Acuity has three different pricing tiers:

• Emerging: $16/month for a solo provider and one location.
• Growing: $27/month for up to six providers or six locations.
• Powerhouse: $49/month for up to thirty six providers or locations.

What are Acuity’s reviews like?

Acuity has a 4.8/5 rating on Capterra but only a 3.8/5 when it comes to credit card processing.

While their overall rating is fairly high, they fall shorter in certain categories, like payment processing and appointment reminders. 

Pro Tip*: Be sure to visit their* full reviews page to learn more about what people love and don’t love about Acuity.

GlossGenius

GlossGenius is designed specifically for beauty professionals who want their booking process to feel as high-end as their makeup artistry. It is a mobile-first platform, meaning you can run your entire business directly from your smartphone.

What are GlossGenius’s top features for makeup artists?

• Premium Booking Websites: GlossGenius is famous for its gorgeous, visual-heavy booking sites. For an MUA, this acts as a mini-portfolio that looks professional and "on-brand" the moment a client clicks.

• Integrated Forms and Waivers: Essential for bridal or SFX artists, this feature allows you to automatically send intake forms or liability waivers to clients as soon as they book (available on the Gold plan).

• Marketing Templates: The app provides built-in social media and email templates, making it easy to announce holiday promos or "last-minute opening" alerts to your client list.

How much does GlossGenius cost?

GlossGenius keeps its pricing straightforward with no hidden "per-transaction" fees:

• Standard Plan: $24/month for the essentials, including the custom website and unlimited text/email reminders.

• Gold Plan: $48/month, which unlocks advanced features like custom forms, waitlists, and automated review requests.

• Platinum Plan: $148/month for large teams needing unlimited staff accounts and advanced analytics.

What are GlossGenius’s reviews like?

GlossGenius holds a stellar 4.8/5 overall rating on Capterra.

Artists frequently praise the "all-in-one" feel of the app and its flat 2.6% payment processing rate, which is one of the lowest in the industry.

Some downsides mentioned by actual GlossGenius users include:

• Limited flexibility to customize the website's layout beyond the provided templates.

• The platform is mobile-heavy, so the desktop version has fewer features.

• Customer support is mostly text and email-based, which may be slow for urgent issues.

However, it consistently earns a 5/5 for its "cool factor" and ease of use.

Bonus: How to Choose the Best Booking App for Your Makeup Artist Business

Finding the perfect booking app for your makeup business takes a little time and research.

But… There are ways to help simplify your search. 

As you’re browsing around, ask yourself the following questions:

• What features do I need? Payment processing, email marketing, text reminders?
• Does the platform integrate with my other tools, like Instagram or my business website?
• Is the scheduling software simple to use for me and my clients?
• Do they have a customer support team that’s actually human?
• Do they have a mobile app for me and my clients?
• How much does it cost? Is there a free trial?

Knowing what you need in scheduling software — and your budget — will help you narrow down the right option for your business.