Makeup Artists: Breaking into the Makeup Industry

For makeup lovers, nothing seems like a better job than playing with makeup for a living. In the beauty industry, staying up on the latest makeup trends is just part of the job. But how do you break into the industry? The good news is that there is a continuous demand for aspiring makeup artists, and with the talent and the motivation, getting your foot in the door is easy and actually fun. If you have ever given thought to doing makeup as a side job, read through this for a complete breakdown of what steps you need to take.

Certifications: Beauty school, yay or nay?

If it's strictly certification you're looking for, beauty school may not be a requirement. Many women earn a lucrative living by working as freelance makeup artists. However, business regulations vary by state so you have to check into your state's branch of the Better Business Bureau to see if your area requires you to have a license or other certification. Most places will require an aesthetician's license if you plan to work in a salon, but if you plan to work freelance then you definitely need to check into your local laws.

As for beauty schools, did you know that there are actually online beauty schools that will provide you with the same certification as physical schools? If there are no beauty schools in your area, you may want to look into signing up for the Elite Online Makeup Artistry program.

Is Online Certification Legitimate?

So, you may be wondering whether or not an online makeup course will give you what you need to be a makeup artist. Well, if certification is all you're after then the answer is "yes." However, if you're looking to really hone your makeup artistry skills and learn the best procedures then you make want to go to a school in person. In person, you will be able to receive real, one on one support from a mentor and receive instant feedback and practical advice for future improvements.

What Goes in a Starter Kit?

Beauty supplies can be expensive, and if you're looking to freelance then you need a range of colors for every skin tone and occasion. The good news is that there are a lot of brands, like MAC Pro, that offer discounts on starter kits for makeup artists. Investing in one of these kits is a great way to save money when you're just starting out. Test the waters; see which supplies you use the most and which you could stand to lose. This will save you money when you go to buy replacements! A word of advice: buying things in palette form will save you a ton of space and lots of frustration. Palettes keep your supplies in one convenient location and give you a way to hold your supplies while you work.

There is a ton of information floating around about how to get into the beauty industry. It's not hard, but in order to be successful you need to be ambitious, professional and of course, talented! Remember to work and hard to hone your skills, and you'll be far ahead of the game.

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