Makeup Artisits - Tell me your experience!

Oct 23, 2013

Cami F.

Hi everyone! I am in high school and I am seriously looking into beauty school and cosmetology. I definitely want to focus on make up and not hair/nails. Can you tell me what it was like through beauty school? How hard is it to find jobs? Do you work for an agency? How is the pay?
I really, really appreciate it. This is helping me make my decision much easier.

Oct 25, 2013

Antonia S.

Hey girly! I'm in the same position as you.
Let me just tell you I've always been interested in just makeup as well, but after touring some cosmetology schools I've opened up to hair and nails. I think they (especially hair) is a great skill to have because you will almost be guaranteed to make more money and it makes you a lot more versatile to clients. I don't know a woman who would rather book two seperate people to do hair and makeup if it's just a night out or a date.
There are a few schools out there that have job placement and career help once you graduate. I think that's something you should really for into when touring and choosing schools.
Lastly, I've seen pay range all over the place. It really depends on where you work, the size of your clientele, your ability to network, and your skill level.
I've seen the average for MAC artist range from $11-19 an hour (someone please correct me if I'm wrong!!). A lot of freelancers I see charge $55 for a full face including lashes I was told by a MAC artist a lot of skilled freelancers will book a wedding and charge nearly $150 for the bride and $60-75 per bridesmaid. It really all depends on you.
While I'm not in the cosmetology school yet, these are all things I've learned researching and asking around because I had the exact same questions you did!

Oct 26, 2013

Leila W.

I have been a cosmetologist and salon owner for over 25 years. I think you are eliminating a lot of income potential just focusing on makeup. Everyone needs haircuts. I do a lot of makeup touch ups on my clients after their hair services, and often sell makeup when I give this value-added service. I would hate to rely on makeup alone. Hair is a recurring income stream. Get good at it and prebook your clients for their next visit in 4 to 6 weeks, you will have a clientele in no time. 

Nov 3, 2013

Jennifer S.

Hi Cami! I live in Florida, and to be a licensed Make Up Artist, you need to have a cosmetology license. I ended up going to Aveda Institute for my education, but it was mostly focused on hair. Now I'm like you, I'm more into makeup than anything else. My advice would be going to a school like Joe Blasco, where its focus is solely on makeup and special effects. But if you are in a state which requires you to do the whole cosmetology thing, I say build up a portfolio with models (you can use your friends and family) doing different makeup looks. I'm currently building my portfolio up, and while its a lot of work, its a whole lot of fun. Hope I helped a little bit!