Makeup Artist

Beautify clients through makeup.


National Salary
$18,000 – $102,000
Data from U.S. Department of Labor


What do Makeup Artists do?

When you, as a skilled Makeup Artist, work your magic on a person, every side becomes their good side. From the smoky-eyed Models in photo shoots to the stay-at-home mom taking a day off with her girlfriends, everyone finds herself in need of your artistic skills at some point. You know your stuff right down to the latest liquid eyeliner tricks and that chartreuse color palette that’s all the rage when you’re a great Makeup Artist.

Consider yourself one of the great artistic masters. Your makeup applicators and powder puffs are your brushes, and a vast array of shimmery, colored powders comprises your paint. The client, of course, is your canvas, when you’re a Makeup Artist.

The places you work in are as varied as the lipstick colors in your case. They range from salons, where you style high-profile clients and prep eager girls for prom, to the sets of TV shows and horror movies. One day, you spend your time prepping a celebrity for a magazine cover shoot, and the next, you’re putting the finishing touches on a truly terrifying cast of zombies.

Few other jobs give you the creative freedom of a Makeup Artist, or the chance to spend so much time doing what you love. No need to file paperwork or set up your next gig. The clients come to you, and you spend the day working your magic.


Should I be a Makeup Artist?

You should have a high school degree or higher and share these traits:
  • Reliable: You can always be counted on to do a good job.
  • Calm Under Pressure: You keep your cool when dealing with highly stressful situations.
  • Trustworthy: You are known for your personal integrity and honesty.

  • Also known as: Body Make-Up Artist, Commercial Makeup Artist, Make-Up Artist, Nail Artist, Personal Makeup Artist

    How to become a Makeup Artist

    Most Makeup Artists have a Certificate or no higher education and get on-the-job training. Think about earning a Certificate or Associate’s degree to increase your competitiveness in the field.
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