The makeup artist is a professional who makes makeup to provide beauty and improve a person’s look. They are trained professionals who can be found performing at makeup counters at spas, salons and fairs, as well as performing at special events like concerts and television shows. A professional makeup artist makes makeup on a daily basis. There are many makeup artists who have been performing this task for many years and are able to provide their customers with high quality services.
Some makeup artists specialize in one specific area such as wedding hair, tanning, make up for the face, and cosmetics for the body. Others specialize in an area of expertise, such as bridal parties. Bridal parties typically require makeup artists to apply makeup for the bride, the maid of honor, the flower girl, and other members of the wedding party. Those individuals responsible for selecting wedding and other special events makeup artist may be responsible for selecting the product knowledge of the artist, as well as the product application knowledge.
When hiring a makeup artist, it is important to choose someone who can provide quality service because each clientele’s needs are unique. Some makeup artists are licensed professionals who perform solely on their own; while other makeup artists are professionals who perform makeup jobs for clients in salons, spas, and other makeup artist facilities. There are many aspects to the job of a professional makeup artist including product knowledge, product application knowledge, customer service skills, customer interaction skills, ability to follow directions, and their type of business. One’s product knowledge can vary depending on what the artist does.
Some makeup artists only do house makeup artistry while others do salon makeup artistry. Salon makeup artists provide full face makeup artistry and also do manicures, pedicures, and special event makeup artistry. Hair stylists, makeup artists, skin care experts, and massage therapists all fall into this category. All makeup artists must have an intense interest in the products they are applying, which often includes testing samples prior to applying to ensure the product is proper for the client’s skin and hair type. The makeup artist should know how to apply makeup in differing lighting conditions such as indoors or outdoors. They must know how to conceal and highlight clients’ features and how to make shadows and liners complement the client’s natural coloring and shade of facial features.
Professional salon makeup artistry employs a diverse range of personnel including hairstylists, manicurists, estheticians, makeup artists, barbers, makeup consultants, masseurs, technicians, and cleaners. Many makeup artists work as freelance stylists or cosmetologists. Some cosmetology schools offer the educational training needed to be a professional makeup artist. Cosmetology schools are accredited by the Department of Education. The cosmetology industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.
Cosmetology schools often require students to undergo internship training that lasts a few weeks at the school. Internships are the best way for an aspiring makeup artist to get their first big break. A few salon owners hire makeup artists on a part-time basis to handle their special events and meet with their clients. Salon owners hire makeup artists, hair stylists, manicurists, and estheticians to handle their daily routine.
If you want to pursue a career path that allows you to work in several fields simultaneously, then becoming a cosmetologist may be the right choice for you. Cosmetology license requirements vary from state to state. You will also want to take additional courses and training to become licensed as an esthetician, hairstylist, or makeup artist. You can find out more about your state’s requirements for cosmetologists licensing by contacting your local Board of Cosmetology Examiners (BBCE). You can also find out what other cosmetology license requirements you need to have in your specific state by contacting the BBCE.
Cosmetology school costs vary greatly depending on what your specific needs are. Private vocational schools may be a good investment for those who are interested in becoming makeup artists, but prefer to start out in another field. For example, cosmetology schools that offer a range of classes such as spa techniques and facial styling will cost less than a traditional school. Most states require cosmetologists to take an approved exam and pass a test in order to be certified.