certified makeup artists please read!

Nov 5, 2011

rachael h.

I'm looking into getting my cosmetology license at a cosmetology school and get a job doing makeup, but I also looked into just makeup classes where you get a certificate in whatever course you take (makeup artistry, pro-makeup, costume makeup, bridal are the options at the place in my area). I suppose my ultimate goal is to be employed doing makeup steadily for some sort of business (a studio, salon, makeup outlet, anything really, haven't yet decided exactly what) and also freelance as well.


So my question to you guys is...
1.) exactly what training/certification do you have for your job?
2.) What are the benefits of a COSMETOLOGY LICENSE in being a makeup artist?
3.) What are the benefits of JUST getting certified in various makeup courses?

Sorry if this is a confusing post, or the questions don't make sense, I'm just SO confused, and the lady who runs the cosmetology school gave me different advice than the makeup artist course instructor (both in favor and persuading me to their school) so I feel like I didn't get any clear answers

And I know at many places you don't need formal certification but I want as much training and education as I can get as I want to be as as successful as possible

Thanks!!

Nov 5, 2011

Arianna R.

hi Rachael I definitively should look into schools in your area and do tours that's what I did before I made final decisions! Go to as many as possible even if it means taking the bus to get there. I've learned that for most prestigious schools you gotta travel!
To answer your first question for certain jobs have different criteria and it can vary from place to place I would totally encourage you to look and ask questions at places like makeup counters,sephora,MAC Ulta. From my experiance some places want you to be certified other places don't.
for your second question, say your already a certified MUA, and you have a cosmo license you can fill your time by working at a hair salon, or say you have a client who wants hair and makeup done in one sitting, then YOU can do both! Another benefit is your schedule you can make it to fit your lifestyle.
for your third question certain schools will offer different workshops for different things hair design,special effects, bridal. the advantage to this is you might be applying for a job and have been certified to do special efx makeup and that's what the job calls for so you get it because you have experience. the more classes and certificates you obtain the more it will benefit you, think of it like a triple threat you can do hair, makeup and style someone, hired! lol
I hope this helped a little! ")

Nov 5, 2011

rachael h.

Thanks, both of you helped with your info! At this moment, I want to do both, but I'm giving myself until January until I enroll, just so I don't rush into anything. I guess now my plan is to find good makeup classes, turns out the one I looked at had reviews and had been called a "scam", so time to keep looking!

Nov 6, 2011

Arianna R.

Yikes! Yeah I've been fooled by places and they end up being scams orjust ripping you off and not showing you what they promised. Honestly if your knowledgeable in your field you'll do great! Its pricey but totally worth it if your passionate! Good luck girlie!!

Nov 6, 2011

YukikoAiko N.

If you want to be specifically make-up and skin care I'd go with Esthetician classes over Cosmetology. Most community/technical colleges offer esthetics I believe.

Nov 7, 2011

Angel M.

ANSWERS:
1.) Depending on the job, what you'll need to ascetain the job is the ability to do the job...whatever the job may be. Your ability can be proven with a portfolio, a resume, a reference, pervious experience, in an interview, etc. it really depends on the gig/job/assignment.
2.) Check the state regulations for where you live. Example in NY makeup artist are not regulated by the state where as in FL you must be a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist to practice makeup artisry. There are loop holes, but you must be awear of your state rules first before you can learn how to tip toe around them.
3.) I am a firm supporter in all forms of education. I have been in the business for over ten years and I never miss an opportunity to take a class or attend a workshop and/or siminar any chance I get. Continued education is essential in this career since it is continually evolving and the tricks and trends are constantly changing as well has media, photography, and film so it is best to stay current with it.

With that said, I will say cosmetology is a good asset in the makeup field since most people need hair with makeup. I will say if you are going to cosmetology school to learn about makeup you will not learn much at all. In most schools they dedicate like 20 hours out of 1000 hours to makeup. You will need to exit and then get continued training else where. This same point can be made about esthetician schools since I've worked at both. When deciding simply ask to see the course outline and figure out which school is offering you the most information you feel is essential to you in this current moment. You can always go back for the rest at a later date. But choose the school who is giving you the most help in starting your career today. I hope that help and good luck in your future!!!