Non-Licensed MUA?

Dec 4, 2012

Margaret H.

Was wondering how that works exactly if I wanted to start doing "jobs"? I have a one year old and I'm not ready to go to school right now and I've heard from so many people that going to Cosmo school is a waste of time for makeup because they mainly just go over hair(which I'm not at all interested in). So any input please???

Thanks !

Dec 4, 2012

Lana Y.

You definitely don't need to go to A Cosmetology school, but I would recommend a makeup school. I thought I knew a lot when it came to beauty, but I learned sooo many new things in school. It broadens your knowledge on how products work, understanding face shapes & how to apply makeup accordingly, how to be hygienic when working with clients, etc. I think there's always room to learn more about your career. Even nowadays I still take makeup courses whenever I see something interesting. MAC always has classes going on. You have to be a Pro member, though. Do some research on schools & courses nearby! 

Dec 4, 2012

Felisha F.

I have mixed feelings about makeup school! Some people may agree and some may not.. But I really feel like makeup is about talent, when I was in school I found that I already had my own techniques, and developed my own personal preferences that worked just as well if not better then what I was being used. I also learned ALOT online and from other people.. Makeup school didnt teach me much that I didn't already know, it's defiantly helped with skin care and product knowledge, but in the end it came down to my creativity and what I was capable of! GossMakeupArtist on youtube has some incredibly knowledgeable videos.. Take advantage of the web! And practice, practice, practice!

Dec 4, 2012

Nadine S.

When i signed up for makeup school it was not as intensive and was somewhat disappointed. I had saved money and was still a student at college. Not to mention my teacher was a former MAC makeup artist but she was not teaching me what I wanted. I completed the course and did some free shoots to get pictures and started advertising. I got many jobs after that. I recommend maybe taking in home private lessons but ask for a package for 2 or 3 weeks and this way you can do it home. 

Dec 4, 2012

Margaret H.

Thanks so much guys! I'm going to start looking into classes around me. Are they usually expensive? 

Dec 4, 2012

Nadine S.

It depends where u r I paid 1500 which was a lot for me plus I did not get the best kit so just be careful where u look

Dec 4, 2012

Caitlin M.

I would try to find a program that is relatively fast but will still give you a degree/license. Really the main part of being licensed is just to say you know what you're doing. It looks good to have it. So I would get it just to have it. You will learn some things, but not everything. Things change so much in the industry it would be ridiculous for anyone to expect everyone to have a license for every process and service on the market. We would all be broke from going to program after program! (that being said if you do get the chance for a free class or seminar, etc. then by all means take it!! I think its very important to always keep learning) If you can't get to school right away I would at least look up some articles or tutorials on the hygiene aspects of makeup. That is the most important thing you would be taught in a makeup school. From day one until our last days my teacher would do a check and ask all our models collectively if they saw us sanitize our hands before touching their faces lol. It probably is common sense but it really is the most important thing. I currently do not have any license for strictly beauty makeup and I wish that I had it. I regret not getting one because I feel I don't look as qualified as others, although I've been messing with makeup since age 10 and got basic courses in my special effects program. So that's why I recommend it. You don't HAVE to have it, though some clients may want to see one.

The short answer: get a license when you can, but its not required. And just always remember to be hygienic and professional :)