To Get My License or Not?

Apr 22, 2012

Jordan T.

This I am really struggling with. Everything I have learned has been from youtube videos and all of you lovelies! (which I think is a great tool) and I have been asking every makeup artist I come across the same thing. Should I get my cosmetology license? or my esthetic? or neither? I want to get into special effects and movie makeup. But right now to start out I want to do beauty, I would love to go as far as runway shows! I feel as though knowledge wise, I'm prepared. Every chance I get to practice on someone I do. What I'm focusing now is starting my kit. I do know about color theory and sanitation. I don't feel like paying 10k to learn about hair and nails which are not my passion. I would however not mind getting my esthetician license but again, not the field I'm looking for. I would rather save my money for college in special effects for which I don't know much about and love... Will I always be asked on jobs if I have my license? Help!

Apr 22, 2012

Yasmin K.

To me going to school to learn the basics of skin, theory, sanitation are things you may or may not learn on your own. If hair is not your passion then go for the esthetician license because even if you think you know color theory and sanitation most likely you don't know enough. PLUS keep in mind SOME companies do not give pro discounts if you don't have a professional license. Makeup companies on the other hand don't necessarily look at pro licenses so do your homework.

The choice is up to you. To become a professional MUA who works on runways, movies and the like you'll need to get your foot in the door as an apprentice - which means you don't need to go to school for it. 

Apr 22, 2012

Jordan T.

That is a really good point I never even though about the discounts. I know it could only benefit investing school. I am looking at it from a money standpoint mostly. Very helpful! Thank you :)

Apr 22, 2012

Mindy R.

I have my esthetician's license and I'm so glad I went for that instead of the cosmo license. I haven't ever been big into hair but I've always had a passion for skincare and makeup so school was so much fun. I couldn't imagine doing anything else, so I say go for it!

May 5, 2012

Lauren C.

Please heed Jordan L's advice!

I too teach makeup artistry classes, and most of my students are former cosmetology or esthetician school students.

Regarding the discounts, I have discounts with almost every company out there...mac, makeup forever, nars, inglot, lorac, laura mercier, stila, smashbox, cinema secrets, shu, becca, temptu, etc etc etc. I don't have my license, and none of them required a license.

Don't waste your time and money on a school like that. As Jordan said, go to an FX school if anything. If not, then your best bet is to jump right into the industry. The 1-2 years you would have wasted in school would have been well spent gaining real industry experience and learning from your own mistakes. Most of the best and famous makeup artists out there don't have a license....food for thought.

May 6, 2012

Jordan T.

All so helpful!!! I really do think I'm just going to dive right in! Thank you all so much :)

May 8, 2012

Anne M.

I think if your focus is makeup going to a cosmetology school would be a waste. Most people dont do there research and they go to a cosmetology school throw away 12k and end up only studying a week of makeup and the rest hair. So if you do want to id say go to a makeup school :) i felt for a while i didnt need to get licensed but i went to Ruby makeup academy for there opening and realized it would help theres a lot of techniques that i picked up in just being there 2 hours. Im self taught and have been freelancing for a year but i think ima try makeup school plus its easier to get pro cards >.< so i think its a good idea. NOT NECESSARY THOUGH

May 23, 2012

Anita S.

You should look into QC Makeup Academy. 

May 23, 2012

Toshira A.

I was a big believer in "you don't need a license" when I first began freelancing but I now I will be attending school to receive an esthetician license so I can eventually do more. 

May 23, 2012

Toshira A.

I was a big believer in "you don't need a license" when I first began freelancing but I now I will be attending school to receive an esthetician license so I can eventually do more.