Self-taught MUAs?

Oct 22, 2012

Asya T.

If you are a self taught make up artist (no school/training) how did you build your clientele and get yourself out there? How did you make yourself marketable? What makes you different from other artist? Also how did you get your first gigs?


This is for pretty much any MUA, how do you prepare for a gig? What are your essentials that you must take on a gig? How do you deal with different skin types and tones on a job? (foundation colors, etc) what do you use to satisfy all types of tones?


One more thing, what was your first gig? How did you handle it? What did you do to prepare for your very FIRST gig? Share your experiences!


Thanks dolls!

Oct 23, 2012

Alma M.

I started 16 years ago and basically read and did my research on my own,I didn't have YouTube or other stuff to answer any questions.IM fascinated and passionate about makeup so I would buy every foundation colors and face creams just practice and study skin types.I would have friends over with different issues they had with their skin and figure out what was best.I just luv to buy any product to try out and share my info.I also got my first gig with an actress just because I mention what I did and showed her pics then she asked if I would do hers,it was a great feeling.just take chances and make it known what you do. Understand so many people want to be MUA because when I started their wasn't really anyone interested in being an artist a plus for me but now it seems to be something everyone wants next to being a DJ lol.any how just be you and discover your talent and study everything about makeup and. faces.

Oct 23, 2012

Lauren D.

I am actually very new to the pro MUA scene. I am currently 18 years old and in my first semester of college, so I feel very lucky to be started in such a career of high esteem. I've been teaching myself since the middle of my senior year of high school, and I got my job working with Bare Escentuals in May, which has put me into the MUA scene as of recently, plus it helps that my assistant manager is a professional MUA himself, so he knows many people and has been giving me opportunities to gain some business. I'm working my first professional event in the beginning of November and I am promoting my name in order to work my way through college!

Since I work as a public makeup artist in a boutique, I'm pretty well versed in cleanliness and organization already. My must-haves are mascara wands, spray bottles with alcohol and water, HAND SANITIZER, and plastic spatulas (they can easily be cleaned with alcohol and reused). I use bareMinerals foundation as I am comfortable with the shade range since I use it for work on a regular basis, and I have the Matte formula in my kit since it photographs very well. Face primer and setting spray are musts for my kit as well.