Career as a Makeup Artist

Updated On: 16-Feb-2023

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A makeup artist is an artist whose medium is the human body, applying makeup and prosthetics for theatrical, television, filmmaking, fashion, magazines, and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry.

In today's world, people have become more conscious about their looks. Everybody wants to look good and attractive, either a common man or a film star or model. With the boom in the entertainment and fashion industry, the demand for good looks has raised as never before and with this, the demand for makeup artists has also come up.

The job of a makeup artist is to make up the client and gives the required look. They make the bride look beautiful and different on her special day, they give the film/television star the look they required for the role they are playing, they make up the model to match the clothes or any other product they are modeling for, etc.

Job responsibilities of a Makeup artist:

Meeting with the client to know the requirements
Do the research and design the makeup, which suits best to the skin
Prepare the skin for the required makeup if the makeup is special and required lots of cosmetics that may affect the skin
Stay update with the latest in makeup industry
Takes the notes and photos of any special makeup that takes lots of effort and may need to do again
Always available at the set to redo the makeup
Removing the makeup after the job done

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A degree/diploma/short-term course in cosmetology or beauty care or makeup can help you in gaining knowledge and hone your skills.The aspirants can follow the following path to pursue this career:

Get your degree/diploma/certificate in cosmetology or beauty care or makeup

Join as an assistant to a reputed makeup artist to gain experience and practical knowledge

After gaining some experience you can find a job or can start your work as a freelancer

One must have the following skills to pursue this career:

1. Should have a passion for this profession

2. Should have good colour perception

3. Good communication skills

4. Should be detail oriented

5. Knowledge of different skin types

6. Knowledge of different makeup ingredients available

7. Knowledge of which makeup ingredient suites which skin best and which can cause a problem

8. Knowledge of different makeup application techniques

9. Should have the patience to work long hours and handle difficult clients

If you are passionate about color, and cosmetic products, and love to experiment with the looks then this will be a perfect career option for you.There are no fixed working hours for this job. You may need to work for long hours, late-night at and on weekends too. You may need to travel to another location like for film shooting in another city or for the location of the event or photoshoot in any other location.The pay of a makeup artist varies, depending on the industry he/she is working, skills and experience. Like if you are working at a salon or spa you might earn less compared to working with film/television stars or models. If you are doing a job then you may get a fixed salary and if you are a freelancer, then it's up to the contract you have with your client. In the film/television industry, normally get paid on daily basis.There are plenty of job opportunities in this field, but to become successful required lots of hard work and patience. They can get jobs in the entertainment industry, fashion industry, spa, salons, bridal boutiques, magazines, modeling agencies, and more.

You can choose to work as a freelancer too, but it's possible only after having some experience and if you gain some popularity through your work.

Pros

Meeting with new people

Travelling to new places

Fame and high earning

Cons

Long work hours

Need time and efforts to make a reputation

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