Wanting to be a Makeup Artist

Jul 10, 2012

Amber C.

Hello everyone:),
My name is Amber and I'm thinking about becoming a makeup artist after I have graduated. Every day I come on here and learn more but I would really like to know what the industry is all about and what are some good ways that I can get myself out there already? I love makeup I never get tired of watching videos on YouTube and I do someones makeup whenever some one is willing for me to do so and it would just be great if anyone could give me any insite about becoming and being a makeup artist.
Any sort of insite or tips is completely helpful!
Thank you guys so much:)
 <3-Amber-

Jul 11, 2012

Andrea F.

I second this! 

Jul 11, 2012

James C.

Make up artistry is a tough business, but if you put in the time and effort it can be worth it. Its reccomended you get a qualification,, research the local schools who offer make up and try and get assistant placements with someone in industry. What are a of make up you want to go into will dictate the type of course you take or who you contact. Is it mainly fashion your interested in with a tie in to bridal? Or a more broad spectrum media career working in film and television?

I am a little skeptical of the youtube video thing, I tend to avoid most of the videos on there. Sticking to the brand based videos for information.  

Jul 11, 2012

Amber C.

I'm deffiently more interested in the fashion area and I'll be sure to check out their videos first also there are no actual make up schools in my area but there are plenty of cosmotology schools would that still be good to get into?

Thank you both so much for responding to my article!:)

Jul 13, 2012

Hayley M.

Hey Amber! I've started my makeup career in the last year. I went to a media makeup school where I live. It was only a month long, but it covered all the basics I needed to launch my career. Cosmetology school can be long and expensive, especially if you're not that interested in cutting and dying hair. Most cosmetology schools spend very little time on makeup in comparison. If you don't or can't receive training, I'd recommend buying books. You can purchase textbooks from most of the larger makeup schools in the country on Amazon (I'd recommend MUD's book). You can learn about sanitation (VERY IMPORTANT!), technique, face shapes, and professionalism from these books. I read them all the time to gain a new understanding of what I've already been taught.

As far as starting out, I'm definitely more interested in fashion and film than I am in weddings, but working weddings every weekend allows me to do some jobs for free that will lead to more production based jobs. If you live in city that doesn't have a large market for fashion, I'd suggest focusing on weddings and then spending time promoting yourself every other day of the week. People are always getting married, but there are only so many fashion shows. Eventually you can stop doing weddings and focus on your bigger goals. Working at a makeup counter is also great. Some stores don't require makeup experience. It's great because you get to practice on many different types of people with a distinct set of products. Building your kit can be very overwhelming and expensive without someone telling you what you need to have. Sorry I wrote so much, I've just learned so much in the last year that I wanted to share.

Jul 13, 2012

Rachael O.

Hi amber, not too sure where you're from but have you ever heard of Marvel beauty school? They offer makeup, hairstyling, or esthetics? Ive applied to go there also for hairstyling :)

Jul 13, 2012

Denise F.

HI Amber!! Try Aveda Institutes if you have one in your area. I'm attending there and will be graduating next month. I love it and they gave me alot of insight into the beauty industry that I will continue to use as a MUA. Good Luck to you!! 

Jul 14, 2012

Amber C.

Thank you all for replying! All of ya'll have given me plenty to think about and thank you all for the options you have given me. I wouldn't mind doing weddings; I just live in such a small town right now but I'll have to work on that. I do not live close to a Marvel Beauty School but all the same it looked very interesting and as for the Aveda Institue I'm close to one and I'm looking into it. Hows the makeup aspect of the cosmotology program though?

Jul 15, 2012

Kristina S.

I just graduated Cosmetology School yesterday =) and they do not do much with make up other than the basics.... Like Hayley said if you're just interested in Make up I would not go that route cause most schools are around a year long program and VERY expensive... I like her book comment or videos from the brand...

Jul 16, 2012

Denise F.

I am actually in the Esthesiology program at AI, I don't know how the makeup aspect is in the cos program. But, in the Esthi program we do discuss makeup and learn different techniques but the course isn't fully make up based

Jul 16, 2012

Amber C.

hmmmm I've found this school called Ogle in my area AI is a little bit more expensive than Ogle and I'm not sure if I can afford AI :(
Ogle does offer both the Cosmotology and Esthesiology programs and I'm really trying to decide which one I should take:/

Jul 17, 2012

Denise F.

I would do the Esthesiology program, even though it deals with facials and waxings...you will also learn ALOT about beauty and skincare which will help you in the long run when you focus on makeup. It's a great opportunity, I would look into it...or look into just doing a makeup program elsewhere if the Esthi program isn't what you are looking for.
I hope this helps!! :)

Jul 17, 2012

Rosie D.

Denise is right~ if i were to do it over, i def would have gone the Esthetician way. If you are interested in high fashion & working in NYC or LA backstage then it may be a good idea to learn both hair & makeup--hence the cosmetology route, but if you are just loving makeup--stick to Esthetics...in the long run you would be able create a better clientele & guarantee work if you want to own your own biz...but if you are wanting more the fashion world then you should learn both... hope that helps:)

Jul 18, 2012

Amber C.

Thank you all; I honestly don't mind doing hair I enjoy that too just makeup is my priority so I may just have to end up taking both eventually:)

Jul 18, 2012

Faith H.

I am on the same page with you! My life dream is to do makeup in high fashion shows in NYC and LA. I hope that dream comes true and I am determined.. 

Jul 19, 2012

Amber C.

I hope all goes well for you Faith!:)

Jul 19, 2012

Faith H.

Thanks doll(:

Jul 21, 2012

Denise F.

Sorry to respond so late, but good luck to you Amber and hope you find a school right for you and everything! Good luck to everyone as well :) have a good one!

Jul 21, 2012

Amber C.

Thank you Denise!:)

Oct 23, 2012

Stephanie M.

Hi Amber, you can also check out an online course on makeup it's called QC Academy and you can work on it at your own pace. I have graduated from Esthetics school and have my license, I have also enrolled in Cosmetolgy to get my license in hair too. I am very competitive and in the long run I want to do film, editorial and so on and the more I have under my belt then I know would help me out in getting jobs.