Becoming a MUA

Apr 28, 2014

Mya A.

When becoming a makeup artist what are the first necessary steps? How much should you charge? etc.

Apr 28, 2014

Tara C.

Decide what clientele you are aiming for then begin building your kit first and foremost,advertise yourself as a mua to gain clientele, and when it comes to pricing I believe you should base that off of your skill level in makeup application... Hope I could help 😘✌️

Apr 28, 2014

Emily W.

I'm not a professional yet, but after researching this for months (I'm finishing my degree currently) this is my advice.

The first steps before taking any paying clients would be to build your kit and establish a portfolio. If you don't have any examples of your work (on other people, not just yourself), it will be very difficult to find clients.

Make sure your knowledge is current and thorough. Know the various techniques that people will need and ask for, know how to be sanitary while you work, and have product knowledge. Understand what different skin types/issues need.

Have an understanding of business. Be capable of managing your own books, your marketing, and your scheduling. Be prepared for taxes every year, and make sure your business license is up to date. Check with your state and find out if you need a license to practice makeup (some states require a cosmetology license).

Lastly, have people skills. Be friendly, courteous, and accommodating. Have a sense of humor, but always be professional. Makeup, like many other jobs in the service industry, is dependent on customer service. Word of mouth is the best advertising you can have, and you always want your clients to have positive experiences.

Apr 28, 2014

Caitlin M.

Emily is spot on. My only further advice is to stress the importance of being sanitary. You always want to sanitize all tools, brushes, etc. Use disposable mascara and lip gloss wands and don't double dip. You can't sanitize those products properly so you have to keep them untouched. Lipstick is fine to apply out of the tube or with a lip brush but you have to use a sanitizing wipe before using it on another client (beauty so clean make sanitizing wipes and sprays you can spritz your palettes with and whatnot.) That and always sanitize your hands too. The other thing isn't necessary but it can come in handy. If you're able to, get your makeup kit insured. If it gets lost or stolen you will be able to replace all of it or at least get a good head start on replacing products.

Apr 29, 2014

Mya A.

Thanks ladies the information provided was so helpful.