These days, there are more aspiring makeup artists in the beauty industry than ever before. With the convenience of social media and online shopping, most people can begin trying to make a name for themselves without ever having to leave the house. But if you’re wondering how to become a makeup artist, then you need to know something very important:
A passion for makeup will not be enough to get your foot in the door.
A genuine love of the craft is essential, yes. But this alone won’t allow you to launch an actual career in the field – at least not very successfully, anyway. Think about it: if loving making were all it took to become a makeup artist, everyone and their grandmother would be working in this industry.
The fact is, there are additional skills you’ll absolutely need to have if you want this endeavor to be sustainable for the long-run. In order to best set yourself up for prosperity, we’ve compiled a list of the most important Do’s and Don’ts to follow throughout your journey.
Let’s check them out!
DO: Learn from a Real Makeup Expert
I don’t mean learning makeup from a YouTube influencer. This is not the same as a reputable makeup education. While plenty of online MUAs know their stuff, there are also just as many who don’t. Their technique might be incorrect. They may be very good at applying certain types of makeup to their own faces, they might also have no idea how to work on the face of another.
You, as an aspiring makeup artist, could unknowingly be picking up all the wrong habits.
The best and most effective way to learn proper technique, theory, and application is to train with a real-working industry professional. So, enroll in a course! Receiving a legitimate makeup education will mean that you’ll also earn an actual certification once you graduate. This is guaranteed to look great on your resume and increase your chances of booking clients in the future.
DON’T: Skimp on Business Training
If you truly want a life-long career as an MUA, then business training is a must. Perhaps you dream of being an entrepreneur and starting your very own business. Maybe your aspiration is to work at a makeup counter, or represent a major brand, or join a salon team. How can you do your best work if you have no idea what goes on behind the scenes?
For instance, do you know how to do the following:
- Conduct a client consultation?
- Market and promote yourself, both online and in-person?
- Define your target market?
- Build a solid brand for yourself and your business?
- Put together a strong portfolio?
- Develop your own website?
- Research into your various competition?
- Maintain a professional demeanor at all times?
- Write air-tight contracts?
If you’ve answered “no” to any of these questions, then business training will be your best friend!
DO: Get as Much Experience as You Can
In the beginning, it may be difficult to find jobs with brand new clients. This is simply because you need to build your resume and portfolio first. Luckily, there are tons of ways you can do that!
In addition to practicing on yourself, find friends and family who would be willing to be your model. Try to find people of different ages and genders, who have different skin types and skin tones. It’s essential that you learn how to properly apply makeup on more than one type of face.
Styled photoshoots and collaborations are another awesome option, too. Not only will you be refining your skills; you’ll also be actively building your network and potentially getting some really great material for your portfolio!
Lastly, never forget the value of continued learning. Even after you obtain a certification, there will always be more courses you can take, so you can add to your qualifications and discover new areas of the industry. The more training you get, the better you’re going to look in the eyes of potential clients!
DON’T: Have a Bad Attitude
In the beauty industry, a lousy attitude is one of the quickest ways to tank your career before it’s even started. Go into things with an open mind. Be willing to accept constructive criticism, always treat your clients with respect, embrace the fact that you’ll always have room to grow, and never assume that this job is an easy one.
If you’re perpetually radiating negativity, the people around you will notice. That will be the reputation you establish for yourself. Ask yourself: would YOU want to work with someone like that?
Remember, you’re doing this because you love it! Yes, being a makeup artist is challenging… but it’s also meant to be a lot of fun. So, enjoy the ride!
DO: Invest in Your Makeup Products
To become a makeup artist, you’ll need to build a professional makeup kit to use when working with clients. While this won’t always come cheap, trust us: it’s worth the investment. Remember: you can build it as you grow. There’s no need for you to have absolutely everything right off the bat.
Start by creating a list of the must-have products you want in your makeup kit. Then research online and see what sort of prices you can buy them for. While certain products are worth the extra pennies, there are also plenty of cosmetics and tools that you can get for a lower price.
Want a seriously useful tip? There are tons of drugstore brands that are just as good as their expensive counterparts. For even more budget-friendly suggestions, check out this helpful article.
DON’T: Go into Anything Unprepared
This is just good life advice in general. But if you’re wondering how to become a makeup artist and find true success, this might be the most important lesson in this list!
The more information you have, and the more legwork you put in, the better off you’ll be when the time comes to put things into action. For instance, make sure you do TONS of research before enrolling in any makeup courses. Ensure that the school in question is:
- Properly accredited
- Has positive reviews
- Offers content-rich courses with plenty of hands-on training
- Employs tutors who actually work within the industry
The same thing can be said about your professional makeup kit. Never invest in a product until you’ve read up on it, know its ingredients, and trust that it’ll be valuable to you.
Lastly, but just as importantly: always be as prepared as possible for any consultations and appointments you have with clients. Have all of your tools ready to go, and compile any and every question you’d like to ask them. As the professional, it’s your job to know what you’re doing. The last thing you want to do is give your client the impression that they’re working with an amateur.
If you’re serious about becoming a makeup artist, you have to be ready and willing to put in the work. Success doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right mindset and a strong work ethic, trust that success WILL find its way to you and your makeup business!
