Skip to Main Content

What Is a Makeup Artist and How to Become One

Makeup Artist

What Do Makeup Artists Do?

Makeup Artists are beauty specialists who apply cosmetics for their clients. They highlight their clients’ best features for special occasions like weddings, fashion shoots, or television and movies appearances. They can be self-employed or work for a boutique or brand in a department store. They are skilled in applying makeup to hide blemishes, contour faces, and create artwork using their model’s face as a blank canvas.

How Do You Become a Makeup Artist?

To become a professional Makeup Artist, you must become certified or licensed in your state. As an aspiring Makeup Artist, you can attend beauty school to learn tips and techniques, and follow a direct path to gaining their cosmetology license in their state. You may also learn on the job in a boutique or department store, or apprentice with a professional in the fashion world.

What Are The Top Makeup Artist Schools?

You can find top makeup schools across the country. Schools in Los Angeles and New York City focus on fashion and film makeup, like the Cinema Makeup School or the AOFM Makeup School in New York. Schools tied to cosmetics, like M.A.C., are located in beauty colleges. Accredited schools that offer cosmetology courses in each state will provide the requirements needed for licenses. Jobs for Makeup Artists are open in many states.

What Are The Job Requirements of a Makeup Artist?

To be qualified as a Makeup Artist, you should be certified to work as a cosmetologist or beautician in your state and must be organized and professional. It is also an important requirement that you have experience in applying and perfecting makeup on a variety of skin tones and types. You also must have excellent communication skills to work with multiple clients and the patience and stamina to stand on their feet for long periods of time while applying their craft.

Makeup Artist Job Description Sample

With this Makeup Artist job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Makeup Artist role.

Job Summary

Our company is looking for a Makeup Artist to join our creative team. Our ideal candidate is creative and familiar with a variety of application techniques. You must have a current state cosmetology license before you start working with us. In this position, you interact closely with clients, so you need strong interpersonal skills. You also communicate with other beauty professionals working on site, such as hairstylists and beauticians. Sales and customer service experience is a plus, as you may promote additional services and products to clients.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Create original looks for clients
  • Drive sales of makeup products
  • Help clients find the right products for their skin and style
  • Promote your services to maintain a roster of clients

Requirements and Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • A valid makeup artist license
  • Strong multitasking abilities
  • Experience in cosmetology or retail sales
  • A portfolio of previous makeup looks and styling jobs
  • Knowledge of makeup products and trends