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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a makeup artist. Feel free to use our makeup artist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a makeup artist.

 

Who is a Makeup Artist?

Undoubtedly, makeup has become an integral part of human endeavor these days. Whether it’s acting, musical performance, social events, or other forms of entertainment, individuals often apply various types of makeup. Some even apply makeup to enhance or polish their beauty and appearance. Hence, the growing belief among individuals that looking good is great business has made the position of makeup enticing and appealing. Nowadays, freelance and corporation-based makeup artists form a part of the business and employment world. In this article, the meaning of a makeup artist will be discussed; the job description will be analyzed, essential skills for makeup artists will be provided, and the major qualifications for a career in makeup will be highlighted. Also to be discussed are tips on how to start a career in makeup, the salary structure, and employers of makeup artists respectively.

 

An individual that utilizes various principles, processes, and techniques of applying cosmetics to create and enhance the beauty in others is called a makeup artist. Makeup artists are essential workers in the cosmetic and beauty industry. They strive to enhance the client’s appearance and bring out magnificent features and color; he or she uses cosmetics to hide or smooth flaws. A makeup artist also liaises with filmmakers, photographers, theater artists, and television personnel to create special effects and imaginative characters. They are beauty practitioners that offer their skills and abilities to celebrities, individuals, and prosthetic designers. Their scope includes enhancing facial aesthetics, creating custom looks, and working with movie stars on films. The human body is the medium of operation for a makeup artist; however, the face is the canvas for makeup artists.

Furthermore, these professionals are adept to use several makeup compounds for concealing, altering, and tilting the client’s look to enhance beauty. They transform an individual’s look to make him or her aesthetically good. In movies, theaters, or films, these experts transform, improve, and produce makeovers on the faces of actors and performers to produce the desired look based on the role. Sometimes, a model, actor, presenter, or performer might need a certain look that matches or suits the role, the makeup artist is responsible for ensuring that the hairstyle and makeup are in sync with the role. They also ensure that individuals have the best look to appear in front of an audience or camera. A makeup artist works contrasting hours; it can be long and unsocial. Some makeup artists work weekends and shifts. Similarly, some makeup artists work in photo studios, outdoor shooting locations, or dressing rooms. A makeup artist can also travel to different locations based on the needs of the client or employer and might have to relocate temporarily if needed.

Relatively, these professionals consider several factors when working to achieve the desired look; these include skin complexion, lighting, equipment and materials, hair colors, cosmetic products, and other factors. Most makeup artists are trained in specialist beauty and cosmetic schools while others attend apprenticeship programs and receive training on the job. To succeed in the role, makeup artists develop excellent knowledge of color and skin types to know the best color that fits a particular client. He or she masters the strategies and techniques for applying makeup and has outstanding knowledge of cosmetics.

A makeup artist uses different tools, and equipment to produce outstanding facial looks for clients. Most times, they use a cosmetic palette and makeup set comprising brushes, powder, and other materials. Though most makeup artists work independently, some work as part of a team in a firm or beauty salon. Newly hired makeup artists often work under strict supervision; an experienced or senior makeup artist guides, directs, trains, and monitors them. A makeup artist might have different responsibilities depending on where and who they work for.

Makeup Artist Job Description

Below are the makeup artist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a makeup artist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a makeup artist include the following:

• Improve a client or customer’s facial look and aesthetics.
• Liaise with customers or clients to create customized looks according to their needs.
• Clean and remove makeup after use on television, theater, or movie set.
• Work with performers on movies to create the desired look that suits the role.
• Consider lighting and ensure colors match when applying makeup.
• Choose and use the right material and color for the right skin or client.
• Design FX prosthetics according to special effects requirements.
• Collaborate with other professionals including set designers, costume designers, and stylists to produce the desired look accurately.
• Develop knowledge and proficiency in design styles and color palettes.
• Stay abreast of trends and development in the beauty or cosmetic industry.
• Adopt and use magazines and models to determine various makeup styles.
• Determine the exact features of a character or role by liaising with the director.
• Possess and utilize different cosmetic and makeup toolkits.
• Determine a customer’s skincare routine.
• Perform all tasks and duties in accordance with industry-specified health and safety protocols.
• Complete work on time and ensure time management always.
• Read scripts to ascertain the materials and look required, budget implications, and identify areas where research is required.
• Develop ideas for design, hairstyles, and makeup.
• Ensure consistency and continuity by liaising with the design and makeup team to get the desired effect and look.
• Maintain, treat, and fit prosthetics, hairpieces, and wigs where applicable.
• Draft budgets and purchase or order necessary equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Update a portfolio of personal and professional work by taking notes and pictures of completed makeup.
• Determine and understand the visual and technical requirements for makeup.
• Ensure the makeup kits, tools, and applicators are cleaned and stored properly.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work environment always.
• Perform other duties as required.

 

Qualifications

The beauty and cosmetic industry are one of the most burgeoning sectors in the 21^st century. Makeup artists have exciting albeit challenging work schedules. They use makeup to produce satisfactory, pleasant, and outstanding looks on clients. A makeup artist passes through skill acquisition in various training centers and institutes to master the art of makeup; some are trained after hiring. Amongst the prerequisites for makeup are practical abilities, creative flair, updated knowledge of trends in fashion and beauty, and passion for beauty. An individual must present the following to be hired as a makeup artist;

• Education: Although creative and practical skills are more emphasized for makeup artists, education or academic qualification is a bonus. Moreover, most employers have begun to formalize the hiring process for makeup artists. Thus, a minimum of a high school diploma is recommended to fulfill the educational requirement for the position of a makeup artist. A diploma or HND in cosmetics or makeup artistry is an added advantage. The HND provides skills and training for employment and freelance work for makeup artists. An individual can also obtain a two-year foundation degree in the sector in a college or university. Preferably, aspiring makeup artists should undertake a three-year undergraduate degree in makeup, fashion, and cosmetology.
• Makeup artist experience requirements: Most employers require a minimum of one year of experience in a relevant sector. To gain experience in makeup, an individual can work backstage in a drama production or enroll in an apprenticeship in a beauty shop or salon. Importantly, work experience for makeup artists encompasses paid and unpaid work including volunteer work and internships. Shadowing an experienced or senior makeup artist is another work experience that can suffice. Shadowing enables the individual to learn the basics of the career, develop a network, and create a portfolio. All these and more make the individual a better candidate during recruitment.

 

Essential Skills

Models, actors, and performers use makeup to portray a character or event or promote aesthetics. Some use their facial expression and appearance to pass messages to an audience. A makeup artist uses cosmetic products and special techniques to change a client’s facial outlook and make a good impression. They need some skills to understand color preparation and mixture, makeup styles, skin types, skincare, cosmetic products, and other components of makeup. Below are the basic skills for makeup artists;

• Creativity: A makeup artist must be creative to thrive in the industry. Arguably, creativity is among the top skills for professionals in the beauty and makeup sector. A makeup artist uses creativity to create outstanding facial masterpieces from scratch. Also, these professionals use creativity to visualize different makeup that suits a role or character.
• Knowledge of makeup products and techniques: Makeup artists utilize different products while working. Adequate knowledge of cosmetic products and beauty accessories is essential for success in makeup artistry. He or she must know the appropriate procedure to use when applying makeup, the right products to use on a particular skin, the appropriate brush to use, and how to combine colors.
• Communication and interpersonal skills: Communication is an essential skill to have in makeup artistry. To understand what a client needs, the makeup artist must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. These skills are also needed to build good relationships with customers and other professionals.
• Ability to work under pressure: Makeup artists must develop the ability to work under pressure. They should stay calm under pressure always and find urgent solutions to problems.

 

How to Become a Makeup Artist

A makeup artist experiments with makeup and stays abreast of trends and development in beauty. Makeup artists use cosmetics and collaborate with other professionals to transform a client’s facial and other looks for theater productions, movies, and commercials. Thus, to become a makeup artist, an individual should follow the steps below;

• Complete high school and higher national diploma: Though not mandatory, complete a high school diploma to begin a career as a makeup artist. Also, pursue a higher national diploma to gain additional skills and expertise in the field.
• Get training: Next, enroll in a traineeship in a relevant firm or enterprise to acclimatize to the needs and demands of the sector.
• Gain relevant work experience: Experience is crucial for a makeup artist.  Employers prefer candidates with at least one year of experience in makeup. You can gain experience through an apprenticeship, volunteerism, or an internship. An individual can work with an experienced makeup artist in a film set or theater production. They can also accrue relevant work experience in a beauty salon.
• Develop or create a makeup portfolio: During an internship or apprenticeship, build a network of contacts in the industry and develop a portfolio. After every makeup job, take photos and document them in a digital and analog portfolio. Additionally, include a brief summary of your work and describe each look. This portfolio can be presented during interviews or job applications.
• Start a makeup firm or apply for jobs: Depending on your career aspirations and goals, apply for advertised makeup artist roles. If you prefer private practice, use your portfolio to create a makeup firm and promote it on different platforms.

 

Where to Work as a Makeup Artist

Several companies, firms, enterprises, corporations, and institutions employ makeup artists. A makeup artist can also be hired to work in a film or movie set, theater production, or television. They also work with models and other personnel in the fashion industry. Others find work in a spa or salon. Similarly, makeup artists are hired by portrait photographers, commercial photographers, fashion photographers, and network and independent television. Makeup artists are also hired for bridal makeup or makeover during weddings. Some makeup artists work for cosmetic firms, designers, hairdressers, and advertising firms. Others work for haute couture and retail outlet fashion shows. A makeup artist can also work with patients recovering from surgeries or injuries/accidents.

 

Makeup Artist Salary Scale

A makeup artist earns an average salary of $79,521 per year according to estimates. The average hourly salary is estimated to be $41. However, salary differs according to location and experience among others. While an entry-level makeup artist earns an estimated wage of $56,000, a senior makeup artist makes an approximated $111,000 per annum. The employers of a makeup artist also determine how much a makeup artist makes monthly, hourly, or yearly. In the United Kingdom, an experienced makeup artist earns an approximated £170 to £320 per hour. They mostly work for ten hours. In contrast, an entry-level or junior makeup artist earns an estimated £45 to £150 per hour respectively. In relation, a lead makeup artist in a commercial or fashion show can make up to £450 per hour.

Fashion and Beauty

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