Alright, let’s be real—high-pressure events are pretty much part of the job. Whether you’re doing makeup for a fashion show, a wedding, or a last-minute photoshoot, there are those moments when everything feels like it’s spiraling and you just wanna grab a coffee and hide under the table (okay, maybe that’s just me). But trust me, it’s totally possible to stay cool, calm, and collected, even when chaos is knocking at your door. Here’s how:
1. Prepare Like a Boss
Listen, the best way to handle the stress of high-pressure events is to show up super prepared. You know those little last-minute freakouts when you realize you forgot your favorite eyeshadow palette or the right brushes? Yeah, not fun. So, make sure you’re packing everything you’ll need before the event. Create a checklist—don’t skip this step. It’s like packing for a vacation, but less sunscreen and more concealer.
Always have a backup kit (for those days when you know something’s gonna break or go missing).
2. Breathe, Girl, Breathe
Okay, this one sounds cliché, but take a breath and just chill for a sec. When you feel that panic rising, just pause. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for a beat, and breathe out. You’d be amazed at how quickly your mind starts to clear when you take a moment to do this. The chaos around you isn’t gonna disappear, but you’ll handle it with way more confidence if you’re not hyperventilating. Plus, it helps with your focus.
When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to close your eyes and breathe, even for just 30 seconds. Trust me, it works.
3. Keep That Poker Face
This one’s HUGE. Even if things are totally falling apart behind the scenes, you’ve gotta keep your face professional. The client or model doesn’t need to know you’re about to lose it over a mascara wand that just fell on the floor again. If they see you’re calm, they’ll feel calm.
Think of your face like a mask. No stress, no drama. Fake it till you make it, babe!
4. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
The thing about high-pressure events is that something will go wrong. Someone’s going to run late, you’ll get a random makeup request that’s 100% outside of your comfort zone, or a product might go rogue. Here’s the thing—it happens. A lot. Instead of freaking out, roll with it. Make a quick decision, and move on. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a loop of overthinking.
If something isn’t working, fix it and move on. Don’t let it drag you down.
5. Have a Go-To Quick Fix
Sometimes, stuff goes down so quickly, and you’ve got to pivot. That’s when having a quick fix or two can be a game-changer. Maybe you’ve got a “signature” lip look that takes 5 minutes but always looks amazing, or a foundation technique that you can do blindfolded (seriously, we all have our go-to hacks).
Have a few super-fast looks or techniques ready to go. If a client’s running late or you have to hustle, knowing exactly what you can whip up quickly will save you.
6. Prioritize Your Time Like a Pro
There’s always that one moment where time seems to slow down, and you feel like you’re juggling ten different things at once. That’s when time management becomes crucial. Break down the tasks ahead of you, and prioritize based on time and importance. You’ve got to keep your eye on the clock and stay one step ahead.
If you’ve got 5 clients in a row, schedule each one in your head before you even start. That way, when you’re in the thick of it, you’re not panicking about time.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
You don’t have to do everything yourself! It’s totally okay to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s asking an assistant to prep the station, getting someone to grab you an extra mirror, or just bouncing a quick question off a colleague—you’ve got a team for a reason.
Don’t be shy about reaching out if you need an extra hand. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s smart!
8. Turn Stress Into Energy
Instead of letting stress drain you, use it to fuel your performance. Sometimes, a little bit of adrenaline is just what you need to get into that perfect flow. Instead of thinking “Oh no, I’m so stressed,” flip the script and say “Alright, let’s crush this!” Channel that anxiety into motivation and focus.
Think of stress as your secret weapon. Channel it into speed and focus, and you’ll come out on top.
9. Remember Why You’re Here
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the moment and forget why you even started. Whether you’re making people feel beautiful on their wedding day or working backstage at a huge event, remember you love what you do. That’s why you’re so good at it. Keeping that in mind will help you stay grounded when everything’s going a little nuts.
Take a second to remind yourself that you’re a total pro, and you’ve totally got this.
10. Learn from Every Experience
No matter how chaotic an event might be, there’s always something to learn. Whether it’s a new technique, a faster way to work under pressure, or just getting better at staying calm, each experience helps you grow.
After the event, take a moment to reflect. What went well? What could you improve? Use that knowledge to crush the next one.
There you go—next time you’re heading into a high-pressure event, you’ll be ready to stay calm, cool, and seriously professional. It’s all about being prepared, staying grounded, and remembering that you’re in charge of the situation. You’ve got this, girl. Now go show ‘em how it’s done!
