Choosing a Name for Your Makeup Business - QC Makeup Academy

So you’ve decided to start a makeup artistry business. Congratulations! Starting any business can be a scary endeavor… but it’s also a very rewarding and exciting one! It might not seem like it, but choosing a name for your business might be one of the most difficult parts of getting it off the ground.

Today, we’re going to talk about some of the do’s and don’ts of choosing the perfect name for your makeup business. Let’s get into it!

What’s in a Name?

Well… a lot, actually. Whether you like it or not, your business name will be the first impression you give to your potential clients. You’ll want to choose a name that—at best—makes the client relate with your brand or—at worst—peaks the client’s interest enough to want to know more about it.

Developing your Brand

Before you choose a business name, you need to have established your brand values. You’ll want to pick a name that fits in with your brand image. For instance, a business that stands for classical elegance and beauty will be named completely differently than a business whose focus is on eclectic makeup & style. Once you have a general description of your brand’s core values, you’ll be better equipped to make a short list of possible names.

professional makeup artist researching possible names for her makeup business

Making a Short List

There are countless sources from which you can draw inspiration for a business name. Once you have an idea of the message you want to convey, you can then start looking for words, phrases or names that convey that message. Consider looking into:

  • Proper names
  • (Simple!) word games
  • Words in other languages
  • Synonyms
  • ClichĂ©s or popular phrases
  • Names from books, mythology or other works of fiction
  • Use your imagination!

Don’t limit yourself here. Be as creative as you want and write down every contender for your business name. You’ll probably find it’ll take about 10-20 names before starting to think outside the box and come up with some real winners.

Once your first list is done, go through it and eliminate the names you don’t like so much… then order the ones you DO like from favorite to least favorite.

Rules of Naming

Once you have your ordered short list (which in the end might not be very short, but that’s okay) you’ll want to run each naming possibility through the gauntlet to make sure it follows the rules of naming your business.

Make it Legal

If nothing else, make sure the business name isn’t already taken. The last thing you want is to end up in a court battle over trademark infringement. So take the time to thoroughly check and make sure your business name doesn’t step on anyone’s toes.
Note: You’ll probably have to eliminate a lot of your contenders based solely on this step. It sucks, I know, but trust me… it’s better to be safe than sorry!

trademark your makeup business name to protect it

Keep It Simple

Many business owners try to be ultra-clever with their business name. Unfortunately, this most often backfires and leaves clients wondering what in the world the business name means. Let’s put it this way: if you have to explain or apologize about your name to clients, you chose poorly.

While you want your business name to convey your core values, you also want something that people will understand, or at the very least won’t question.

For instance, say you chose to call your studio “Aphrodite Makeup & Hair”. Aphrodite was among the most beautiful figures in Greek Mythology, and that’s how you want your clients to feel when you work on them. Now, possibly not everyone will know the background of Aphrodite… but those who don’t know this won’t be confused by the name: it sounds good and unassuming on its own.

Keeping with names steeped in Greek Mythology, say you named your studio “Kronos and Rheia”. These were the names of Hera’s parents. Hera is the wife of Zeus, and the most beautiful of all the immortals in mythology. The concept is the same… but the name is much more complicated. Perhaps one out of 100 people will “get” the reference… and those who don’t might not even know that “Kronos and Rheia” is a makeup & hair studio!

Make sure the name works FOR you, not AGAINST you.

Pro Tip: Consider the spelling. If your business name contains words that are commonly misspelled, or unusual words that have a difficult spelling, consider how that will affect your customers if they try to find you online. Try to choose a name that people will be able to spell after hearing it.

makeup student researching and testing out makeup artist business names and logos

Keep it Short

A business name should not be a sentence. It needs to be short and snappy. Think about the top brand names out there today. Are any of them more than two words long? Maybe one out of a hundred? There’s a reason for that. Consumers have a very short attention span: they might remember a word… but they won’t bother trying to remember a phrase, especially if it’s a business name!

If you choose to shorten your business name by turning it into an acronym, make sure it’s 2-3 letters, max.

Make it Internet Friendly

By now, your list of potential business names is probably much shorter than when you just started out. Next, you’ll want to make sure that the business name can be registered online.

Ideally, your website will be “www.YourBusinessName.com”.

If you can’t get your exact name:

Say www.AphroditeMakeup.com is already taken… but www.AphroditeMakeupStudio.com is available.

Well, sure you can move forward and build your site on the second address. Just consider that you’ll forever be in an online competition for visitors with that first website. You’ll have to put a lot more time and energy into your online strategy, to make sure you stand apart from the competition that has the same name.

While sometimes you’ll have to concede and register a website that isn’t your *exact* business name… just consider the side effects of doing so. If you have other top contenders on your list where you CAN register that very website… that might be a safer choice.

get a simple domain for your online makeup website

If the .com is unavailable:

When looking into registering a website, you might find that “.com” is taken, but “.info” or “.ca” or “.au” or some other extension is available. Again, you can choose to go down this road, but make it an informed decision.

Customers will typically look for a “.com” first. If you don’t own it, some customers might inadvertently end up on someone else’s website.

Testing your Business Name

Once you’ve chosen your business name, you’ll want to run it through the ringer!

First, make sure your business name won’t be listed with other less desirable brands or products. If someone searches you on Google, the last thing you want is to be listed in the middle of a bunch of plumbing supplies, or in between news stories covering terrorist activities!

A lot of innocent businesses that were named “ISIS” decided to rebrand in recent years, as you can imagine. Though you can’t predict the future, you can at least make sure you don’t walk into that type of situation due to poor research.

Next, test your business name with a small sample of potential customers. Ask them what they think of the name: does it interest them? Confuse them?

Would they give the business a chance, based on that name? An impartial and honest reviewer might uncover some issues that you’ve overlooked.

Do Your Best!

Hopefully this guide will help you pick the best business name you can while avoiding some common pitfalls. A final word of advice, just be sure that you choose a business name that you like!

Now that you have a catchy makeup business name, learn how to land your first client!

Author Mireille Pitre

More posts by Mireille Pitre

Join the discussion 45 Comments

  • Monique says:

    It was difficult coming up with something that i liked.I did not want to sound too cliche.I am still searching and would love to hear your suggestions as well.

  • Asma ahmad says:

    I am having a very hard time
    Coming up with a name for my makeup bussiness.

  • Olubusola Ogunbekun says:

    Hello everyone, my name is Busola, from Nigeria. I intend starting up a little makeup business, but I’m having a hard time choosing names. A lot of names have come up, but still finding it difficult and I have even started, gradually getting jobs, but I know having a name is really important, as it makes one stand out from the rest. Would love to see your suggestions, hopefully they can help. Thanks

  • Uzoamaka says:

    Am also finding it difficult to get a name for my business please i need your suggestions

  • Rose says:

    Pls my name is rose. I am finding it difficult to get a name for my make up business. Is really hard right now because d printer is on Neck but don’t really know what to do . thanks

  • Alexandra says:

    Great read! I’m about to do Assignment 7 in section 1 and found this pretty helpful! The tip about the ‘.com’ is very true, being in competition with a brand that has a similar name may not be the best thing, definitely made me rethink a potential name!

    • Katie Deck says:

      Hi Alexandra,
      We’re glad you enjoyed the article and found it so useful! It’s difficult choosing a name for your business, but once you find one that suits you you’re good to go! Good luck on your assignments – what are you enjoying most about the course?

      The QC Team

  • Anita Zacheaus says:

    Hello, please these have been giving me headache, try giving my self a name for a month nw, but yet it don’t come out well . I work as a personal assistant for a makeup artists but nw,I when to get a name and start my now makeup business. Please I need your help in these. Thanks

    • Mireille Pitre says:

      Hi Anita! Do you have a short list of names you’re considering for your business? What type of makeup services are you planning on offering?

  • Nicole Harris says:

    I am struggling to find a business name I like! MY name is Nicole middle name Rose. I am setting up a makeup artistry business. Any Suggestions?

    • Mireille Pitre says:

      Hey Nicole!
      Do you have a short list of names that you like? What about names of other makeup businesses that you like – perhaps there is a common theme among them that you could replicate? Also, are you going to specialize in a particular area of makeup artistry?

      • Tomisin Tomilola says:

        am into makeup… my names are Tomisin, Tomilola . so I want you to choose a name for my business.

    • Cate says:

      Gold Dust Women
      Nicole-Rose Makeup Co
      Flawless Faces
      Fierce Faces

  • Sadiq Abiola Halima says:

    Hi, been struggling to find a name for my makeup artistry business, my name is Abiola. Any suggestions please?

    • Katie Deck says:

      Hi there!

      Your makeup business will represent your career and goals, so you want to think carefully when deciding on a name! Remember to keep it clear so your customers know what type of service you provide, and choose a name that describes you best. Using your own name or something meaningful to you is a great place to start! 🙂

  • Noelle Ann says:

    hi my name is Noelle and my last name is Tumacas which means in english (escape) what will be my possible business name as make up artist?

    • Katie Deck says:

      Hi Noelle!

      Your makeup artist business name really depends on how you want your brand to look and represent you. If you can come up with a play on words or include your name, you’ll be able to create a unique business name that sets you apart. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with something simple as well! A clear name is always best so your customers know exactly what you can do for them.

      Picking a business name takes a lot of thought and deliberation – ultimately it’s what describes you best! 🙂

  • Loveth Daniel-Anonye says:

    Am a makeup artist. Pls choose a name for my business love_ signature or glambylove. Any other catchy name.

    • Katie Deck says:

      Hi there!

      Thanks for your comment 🙂 The names you’ve chosen for your makeup business both sound great! It’s up to you in the end to decide how you want to present your brand, and that decision will be the determining factor in choosing your business name. We recommend choosing a name that reflects both your personality and the makeup services you offer 🙂

  • Helena says:

    My name is Helena most friends call me Leena. I want start a makeup Business but finding it hard to come up with a name any help for me. I think your article is beautiful.

  • Mistura says:

    hi, I must say this article was really helpful but sadly i am still having issues choosing a name for my business. i do makeup and nails too. i would love to use my name but also am thinking using just my name wont be enough cos i would like to add words that relate to beauty, i dont know if that would be fine.
    pls, ur reply would really be of help. Thanks.

    • Katie Deck says:

      Hi Mistura! Thanks for your comment 🙂

      Using your own name is always a great starting point when choosing a business name – it will make your makeup business recognizable and unique. Think about using an alliteration or other wordplay to create a name that flows off the tongue, such as “Mistura Makeup & Nails”. Ultimately, you want to choose a name that tells people what you offer and shows off your creativity!

  • Cisca Esi Banks says:

    please my name is Cisca Esi Banks,I want to start a makeup business but finding it difficult to come up with a name any help for me please ?I think your article is beautiful. Thanks

  • Rinki says:

    Hye…. I’m a makeup artist I started my new makeover plzz suggest a best name

  • oyindamola kafayat foladara says:

    please im a make up artist my name is oyindamola please help me create a unique name for my makeup line thanks

  • Esther says:

    Hello, I want to start my makeup business but am finding it difficult to come up with a name any help for me please ?I love your article.

  • Elizabeth says:

    Hi there,
    Great article! I want to start a makeup business and was thinking of using my own name. My name is Elizabeth Jane, so Elizabeth Jane Makeup however, I’m worried my business will only cater to the older clients. What is your opinion? Is it too long also? Lastly, if I was to go include spray tanning and eye lashe extensions etc in my business, should I think of a new name? Thank you for your help x

  • raineyg says:

    My name is Raineyg,m having problem selecting a name,I want smt unique,simple n lovable pls suggestions

  • Wafa khan says:

    I am opening a make up studio for bridal make up and have a small section to sell bags, shoes, makeup , accessories

    What name can you suggest

  • keji says:

    hi.. am starting my business… I do makeup and gele , pedicure and manicure, nails, fixing of lashes, and Bead.. thou am combining the name of my children to b “Le Faize” but don’t really know how to go about it… should it be beauty palace or beauty world? Pls reply asap

  • Danethia Campbell says:

    Hi my name is Danethia, I am having a hard time coming up with a name for my business. The products i will be selling is lipstick.

  • Bhawna says:

    My name is bhawna I want name suggestion for my new business as make-up artist.i will start as freelancer.

  • Philip Sandra says:

    my name is Sandra,im finding it difficult to create a name for my makeup business… pls help me

  • Kaffy says:

    I need a business name , I am into make up

  • Madhurima Mondal says:

    My name is Madhurima…n m finding it difficult to create a name for my makeup studio…plz help

  • Thanks for providing such a best blog ever.

  • peter says:

    nice post

  • Gemma Mannering says:

    I wish I had read this before I names my business. Don’t get me wrong I love my business name but it’s popular (not round my area) but I wish i had chosen something mor unique. It’s Gemma Louise makeup artist but because it’s popular I’ve had to add an (S) onto usernames on social media due to mine already being taken which is annoying but I do still get work but maybe I would get more if it was more unique. Such great pointers in this blog, I really hope it helps some of you

  • Jordan Garcia says:

    I suppose you don’t really think about the “WHY” behind picking a good business name. Even more so, you have to think about having an online presence that you an also use your business name for i.e. an instagram handle, a twitter handle, etc. I really liked the emphasis on keeping it short as possible without losing the meaning behind it. It’s so true, it’s going to be associated with YOU, and you want your brand to be reflective of your values and relatable to future clients. It’s really making me think about all the small details that go into picking a name. I tried tossing around a few ideas of my own with some peers, and the ones I really liked, I had to explain. This told me that I needed to move onto the next one lol.

    I really enjoyed reading this article. Thank you for sharing!

    • Sarah-Lynn Seguin says:

      That’s EXCELLENT insight, Jordan, thank you for sharing! Naming your business can SEEM like a simple concept, but then when the time actually comes, it can quickly become a bit more complicated of a process. There are definitely key elements that need to factor into such a decision – since, as you mentioned, the name of your makeup business will forever be associated with YOU and your BRAND. You want to make sure you pick the right name that best represents you. We’re glad that you found this article so helpful. Thanks for commenting! 🙂

      All the best,
      The QC Team

  • Agnes says:

    Need a unique name for my makeup business

    • Sarah-Lynn Seguin says:

      Hi Agnes,

      Thanks for taking the time to read our article. That’s very exciting that you’re in the process of coming up with a name for your makeup business! Have you decided on any ideas yet? Coming up with the perfect name can sometimes feel a bit difficult, so it’s important to remember that it’s okay to take your time. With patience, the right name will come to you! 🙂

      All the best,
      The QC Team

  • SHWETHA KALAKAPPA BADAWADGI says:

    Hi this is swetha , finding difficult to chose name for my new make up business . can u guys help us out

    • Sloane Seguin says:

      Hi Shwetha,

      Thanks so much for leaving such a thoughtful comment. While we can’t necessarily tell you what name to pick for your makeup business, we CAN give you some helpful tips to point you in the right direction:

      •Your business name is important for two reasons: branding and marketing. A good name will help you build a strong brand that clients can easily remember. Plus, it’ll make marketing your makeup business a whole lot easier, too! So, when trying to pick a name for your business, remember to keep your brand and target clientele in mind.
      •Try to come up with something that’s catchy, unique, and relevant to the type of makeup/beauty services you offer.
      •Don’t be afraid to play around with a name generator online, such as this one offered by Shopify: https://www.shopify.ca/tools/business-name-generator
      •Once you find a business name you like, make sure you check to see that no OTHER business is already using that name. If no one else is already using the business name, get it legally registered right away. That way, you own the rights to it!

      We hope this helps! 🙂

      All the best,
      The QC Team

Leave a Reply