What Does it Take to Be a Makeup Artist?
Makeup Artist Definition Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Life As a Makeup Artist
- Assess performers’ skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
- Advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts.
- Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers’ appearances.
- Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
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Things a Makeup Artist Should Know How to Do
Makeup Artists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Makeup Artist Jobs
- Prosthetic Makeup Designer
- Body Make-Up Artist
- Commercial Makeup Artist
- Special Effects Designer
- Hair and Makeup Designer
Makeup Artist Employment Estimates
There were about 4,800 jobs for Makeup Artist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Makeup Artist by 2026. There will be an estimated 600 positions for Makeup Artist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Makeup Artist are North Carolina, Nevada, and District of Columbia. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Indiana, or California. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Makeup Artists Salary
Makeup Artists make between $22,460 and $130,710 a year.

Makeup Artists who work in District of Columbia, Tennessee, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Makeup Artists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
California | $79,820 |
District of Columbia | $84,320 |
Florida | $63,950 |
Georgia | $58,100 |
Hawaii | $47,720 |
Louisiana | $35,720 |
Nevada | $37,340 |
New York | $77,030 |
Tennessee | $88,090 |
Texas | $42,550 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Makeup Artists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Makeup Artists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Appointment scheduling software
- Blogging software
- Client databases
Becoming a Makeup Artist
What education or degrees do I need to become a Makeup Artist?

What work experience do I need to become a Makeup Artist?

Who Employs Makeup Artists?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Makeup Artist may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Tiffany Bumgardner via Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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