Certified makeup artist are professionals who have completed an accredited training program. Licensing requirements vary by state.

Preparing for this career begins by enrolling in every available art class during high school, such as drawing and painting, especially those dealing with special effects makeup such as rubber prosthetics or glue. Doing so will build the necessary skills to create special makeup effects with these mediums.

Education and Training

Becoming certified as a makeup artist provides professional-level training that can elevate your skills. Furthermore, certification showcases to potential clients and employers that you have a solid knowledge base to draw upon.

Vocational schools provide the ideal way to gain certification, offering opportunities for networking between students and instructors and comprehensive instruction in your chosen field. Many opt for this route because they believe it provides access to the highest education available.

Some schools also provide specialty makeup courses to meet specific career aspirations and goals, for instance, bridal, film and editorial makeup courses.

Numerous well-known makeup brands, such as MAC and Bobbi Brown, provide brand-specific certificates. These programs offer comprehensive training in their products and techniques for artists who prefer working with those brands; some certifications may also charge an exam and certification fee.

Experience

Becoming a certified makeup artist requires more than an affinity for beauty; it requires proper training from experienced professionals and plenty of hands-on experience. Your coursework at an online program or cosmetology school should include practical work on different skin types and tones to perfect your skills.

Makeup artists can gain experience working at cosmetic counters in drugstores and department stores. Doing this can give them insight into their products and interact with customers who require assistance. At the same time, it provides an ideal way to build a portfolio that will help them find clients later in their professional careers.

State laws often mandate makeup artists complete a certain number of training hours to receive their license to practice makeup artistry in that state, with minimum requirements varying by state; some programs have minimum training requirements of 650 hours, while others may impose as many as 1,000 training hours as a prerequisite for participation.

Networking

Makeup artists typically find work through networking and applying to salons or agencies for jobs. This method allows them to hone their craft at their own pace while building up clients who will provide additional work as they progress.

Attending industry events is another effective way to meet people and expand your network. Follow makeup artist groups or beauty-related pages on social media for information about local events. In contrast, some makeup brands even offer brand-specific certifications to further your expertise with specific products or techniques.

Licensing

Some states mandate that makeup artists be licensed to work at salons, spas and barber shops. Achieving such a license typically involves graduating from an accredited cosmetology/esthetics school and fulfilling apprenticeship hours before passing state board examinations.

Makeup artists seeking work outside these environments typically don’t require a license; however, to qualify for advanced positions with higher pay rates, they may still require training hours and state board exams.

When considering a career as a certified makeup artist, it is vital to research the most suitable online Makeup Artist Certification Programs for your specialisation. Look for programs with flexible learning platforms so you can study at your own pace while meeting other obligations. Verifying whether it includes a hard copy certificate will show clients and employers that you have completed a formal educational program and are certified to provide professional makeup services.

Whether you raided your mom’s makeup bag, daydreamed about turning faces into masterpieces or have spent years honing your craft, becoming a professional Makeup Artist is an exciting career choice. But how exactly do you make it happen? Do you need a license to work in the industry? The answer varies from state to state, with each having its own set of rules and regulations. But it’s important to know the ins and outs of licensure before making any major decisions about your career aspirations.