How do I become a makeup artist?

Jan 2, 2013

Erica H.

So my aunt gave me the idea of taking cosmetology classes outside if school or this summer to get a certificate or something and be a makeup artist as a side job for when I go to college. (i probably could do makeup for my friends or girls in my college during that time)

do you know what steps to take to be able to become a makeup artist?

Jan 2, 2013

Chelcey S.

Well I'm in school right now for cosmetology the coarse I'm taking is 1500 hours and u have to do hair and all to to get your cosmetology license I know that the hours you need to have is different in each state an they have schools that are different 

Jan 3, 2013

Dreama M.

Esthetics will help you become a make up artist 

Jan 3, 2013

Gabriela R.

Look for a make up class thats how i became a make up artist

Jan 3, 2013

Gabriela R.

But one that will give you a certificate

Jan 3, 2013

Ave M.

If you're going to spend money to get the proper licensing you should really ask yourself if a few questions.
1. Is it something you will love.
2. Will you give it your all? Will you move to a different city away from family and friends to better your career?
4. Is it something you can see yourself doing for a long time?

If its just something you are going to do on the side and then go to school for something else I wouldn't spend the money.

Jan 3, 2013

Erica H.

thanks so much guys! I love makeup but I definitely don't want to ONLY do makeup. so if I take a class that will give me a certificate, it's not the same as getting a license right?

Jan 3, 2013

Becca M.

You don't need a license to practice makeup! All you need is talent & a good starter kit (to use on your clients)
You can freelance & take your dream from there. It's as easy as it sounds, you just have to think beyond just schooling.  

Jan 3, 2013

Erica H.

thanks!! do you recommend any starter kits if I actually decide to do this? I'm not big on sharing my eyeshadow because I have sensitive skin so I would probably have to invest in products and brushes if "clients" don't have anything 

Jan 3, 2013

Becca M.

Yes, BH Cosmetics is good for buy makeup in bulk..as Costal Scents!
But you just want to build your own kit, that's the best way. So you get the products you like & are comfortable using.
Buy whole kits gets expensive & some of the products aren't that great.

I have yet to find a whole kit I would purchase myself.
:/ 

Jan 3, 2013

Erica H.

ohh ok! I have a the coastal 88 ultra shimmer palette. I like them more than BH. what other type of palettes or items are popular among makeup artists? 

Jan 3, 2013

Becca M.

They but a lot of build it yourself MAC pallets, because of the quality!
It's all your preference :)
High end products aren't always top choice, but quality is most recommended!

There are a lot of how to become a makeup artist videos on YouTube!
Makeupgeek has one that is very informing.

Good luck, Doll!
:D

Jan 4, 2013

Erica H.

thanks so much Becca <3!

Jan 5, 2013

Breanna C.

I'm an esthetician and all we did was read a chapter in on basic makeup in school. it was a very teeny intro for makeup. a makeup school or youtube does wonders! i actually just posted a video on going to school or being self taught! http://youtu.be/G1rHWAVdrss
however! check with your state because i live in florida and had to get my esthetics license before I was able to charge as a freelance makeup artist. :) i then went to joe blasco makeup artist training center. but the makeup school part is optional.:)

Jan 5, 2013

Erica H.

thanks Breanna! i just checked and apparently my state requires thousand hours of classes and a license..... well there goes that haha! I prefer being an esthetician because I heard that cosmetologists focus mainly in hair? 

Jan 5, 2013

Breanna C.

Yes cosmos learn mostly hair and then touch on nails and skin. If you take esthetics it's much much shorter than Cosmo school usually and is just really in depth with skin:)

Jan 6, 2013

Erica H.

do you have to go to school for that or are there usually classes for people who just wanna have fun with makeup? I've been trying to look this up but cosmetology keeps coming up instead

Jan 6, 2013

Amy W.

Vocational schools usually offer cosmetology as a high school trait where you can also get a job at a hair salon as a junior or senior. You could also take side classes but that might be expensive. You should also go to beauty school after you graduate to get your makeup license.

Jan 7, 2013

Emily H.

Cosmetology school is about 1500 hours and varies by state, that will take you about a year to go full time. Then you need to pass state board. That is so you can work in a salon. If your want to do makeup and styling, depending on your state, you need different things. If you want help getting your own freelance business started and starting a profitable side business, check out www.moneymakingmakeupartist.com. Get on the email list, for free resources. There is a great deal on the January workshop right now that starts next week. The next one will be in March, but if you are on the email list, you will get email updates if there are any good deals.

Jan 7, 2013

Lèvres rouges M.

If you want to do it for the fun of it you can learn so many things on your own. Watch videos, practice, get your own beauty textbooks, etc. trust me. It's either in your hand or not. And I'm sure you will do great. Start off with a few foundation and mix as you go. Get a palette or two from BH cosmetics. Buy different colored lipliners, eyeliners, blushes. You don't have to start off with everything brand name. The most important thing to invest in is brushes:) start doin makeup and booking photographers to start a small portfolio and put it out there that its what you do now:)

Jan 7, 2013

Erica H.

thanks guys so much!!! I've heard that brushes make or break you. which ones are the best? I currently own sigma ones but someone told me Mac ones are better? I'm not sure. however I am lacking good eyeshadow brushes so I'm willing to try new things out. 

Jan 7, 2013

Pixie T.

THANK YOU Breanna!! In so glad someone said exactly what you did. There is so much mis-information on this subject. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people say "oh, you don't need a license to be a makeup artist". The truth is- the law varies from state to state. Many states require you to be licensed by the state in order to be a freelance makeup artist (and to charge for your services). 

Jan 7, 2013

Mary B.

Good luck!!!!

Jan 7, 2013

Ana liza P.

I'm sure people have said this but definitely begin to build your kit - focus first and foremost on your skin products (i.e. primers, HD foundations, blush, bronzer, etc.), and then build up slowly from there. Your lips & eye products can definitely start out as a mixture of easier brands to get and then slowly build into your high end brands. My favorite brands all time are: Makeup Forever, MAC, Urban Decay, NARS, and Smashbox.

Then another very helpful thing is to find a mentor. Even if you're in classes it helps to have someone who is actively in the industry who may even allow you to assist them. There's so much you can learn "on the job" that you won't learn in a classroom.

All the Best!

Jan 7, 2013

Amy T.

I work freelance without certification or having taken any classes. Just takes a little ingenuity, creativity, and perseverance. I do weddings mostly. Make my own hours