The verdict for makeup artists: HoneyBook is solid software, but at $39/month it costs $1,570 over 3 years. Nexa does most of what HoneyBook does for $279 once. For solo makeup artists and small teams, Nexa is the better deal.
Nexa: $279. Once. You keep $1,291. And you own it — no more "we're updating our pricing" emails.
| Feature | HoneyBook | Nexa |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduling | ✗ | ✓ |
| CRM | ✗ | ✓ |
| Time Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Full Accounting | ✗ | ✓ (SIMPL) |
| Task Management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Price | $39/mo | $279 once or 3 × $99 |
| 3-Year Total | $1,570 | $279 |
| You own it? | No — stop paying, lose access | Yes — forever |
HoneyBook plus whatever else you're paying for:
Email yourself this comparison?
The math doesn't lie.
Makeup Artists deal with unique challenges that generic software was not built for: Managing bridal party bookings with multiple people on one contract. Travel fees and kit fees complicating pricing. HoneyBook taking a cut of payments on top of monthly fee. Seasonal boom around prom and wedding season, dead in winter. HoneyBook charges $39/month on top of these daily realities. The median makeup artist earns $35,000/year — $468/year in software subscriptions is a significant percentage of that income, paid every year, forever.
Nexa is $279 once. Invoicing, scheduling, CRM, time tracking, accounting — all connected, built for makeup artists. You own it like you own your Professional brush set (MAC, Sigma, Morphe).
You've got a bridal party of 6 tomorrow — bride, maid of honor, and four bridesmaids. The bride changed the start time twice and added a bridesmaid last week. Your contract says $150/face but the new bridesmaid wants a 'simpler look' and is asking for a discount. You need to adjust the invoice, confirm the travel fee, and coordinate arrival time — all while doing a corporate headshot session today. HoneyBook charges $39/month and takes a payment processing fee on the $1,050 bridal package.
Real makeup artists near you who run their business on Nexa — book directly, no platform fee. Are you a makeup artist? Post your business and get found in your area — $2.99 one-time. Or browse every makeup artist on Nexa →
For solo makeup artists and small teams, yes. invoicing, scheduling, CRM, time tracking, task management, and full accounting — all for $279 once. HoneyBook may be better if you have a large team (10+) or need enterprise-specific features.
HoneyBook has features like Beautiful proposals and contracts and Client portal that some businesses rely on. For most solo makeup artists, these aren't dealbreakers.
At $39/month, Nexa pays for itself in 7.2 months. After that: $468 saved every year.
Yes. Nexa is $279 as a one-time payment, or 3 payments of $99 ($297 total). Either way it's a one-time purchase — no subscription, no recurring fees ever.
Own your tools. Stop renting your software.
Get Nexa — $279 Once