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A make-up artist is professionally trained and specializes in the application of make-up. There are various career opportunities for those trained in make-up artistry, ranging from assisting a bride on her special day to theatrical make-up application on-set for actors/actresses. The world of make-up has grown exponentially, with celebrity-inspired make-up trends dictating its popularity in today’s culture; there has never been a more exciting time to begin your career within this exhilarating industry.

The types of employment for a make-up artist can range from working on a premium brand make-up counter in either a department store or stand-alone store, to working in television as a permanent make-up artist.

Due to the nature of the role, it is important that make-up artists are aware of the health and safety procedures, as well as hygienic requirements, before embarking on a role in this industry. The Beauty Academy offer a wide range of treatments to assist you in launching into this chosen career. 

Personal attributes for this specific career path include a tactful manner, considerable patience and possessing good time-management skills whilst adhering to pressured deadlines.  The ability to work calmly under pressure is essential, as you may be working to a strict deadline during a particular make-up job.  For example, if you are completing the make-up of a client who is appearing on live television, there is a deadline as to when your client’s make-up must be complete to the required standard.

You will also need to have good interpersonal skills and be able to communicate in a range of environments, as the majority of your work will be one-on-one situations in various locations. Being able to come up with creative ideas, use initiative and ensure these ideas are refined with an excellent attention to detail are skills you will develop as you train in make-up, and our courses are designed to bring out your creative side. 

You will develop all the appropriate technical skills for this career route during your training, covering the basics of hygiene in the workplace, health and safety factors, contraindications, as well as the creative techniques involved in make-up application, working to an industry-required standard.

If you are considering gaining employment within the industry, or looking to eventually open your own premises, it may be in your interest to achieve a Level 2 qualification, however if you are looking to work on a make-up counter, our Complete Make-Up diploma or Academy Level 2 in Make Up (with BABTAC units) courses are advised. 

The working life of a make-up artist is diverse, and many within this exciting industry thrive on the excitement of their career, each client and brief is different and allows you to be creative, meet and work with different people all the time. If you are looking to gain employment as a make-up artist, there are lots of opportunities available to you, with the appropriate certification/qualifications.

Working days for make-up artists can be long, for instance, if you are working on a film set, you may be required to stay until filming ends to re-apply make-up on actors/actresses.  However, if you are looking to gain employment on a make-up counter, you will be given shift work/structured hours of work, and your role may have more of a sales focus than a freelance make-up artist. This role is extremely customer-facing and you will be applying and advising clients on make-up throughout your shift.

You will also need to ensure you maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the industry, as trends in make-up are constantly evolving. To possess this knowledge will keep you relevant and in-demand within the industry, and clients will expect you to know and practice the latest trends as part of make-up application. 

Once you have acquired enough experience in the industry, there is the opportunity to specialize in the sector of make-up that most interests you. There is no definitive progression route, and how you naturally evolve in the industry will correlate with your strengths and personal interests.   

You may specialize within or develop your skills with advanced training to include; 

  • Bridal/special occasion make-up   
  • Make-up concession counter assistant
  • Make-up concession counter account manager
  • Working on film sets 
  • Working on television sets e.g. wounds and special effects for hospital dramas 
  • Live music make-up artist 
  • Photographic/editorial shoots for publications 
  • Television/advertisement make-up   
  • Theatrical make-up 
  • Working for an agency

Book your training…

It is important that if you are looking to work as a make-up artist in employment, you hold the required certificates and/or qualifications to ensure you have the appropriate skills and knowledge to be considered for these positions. You will need to be working to an appropriate level of practice, including hygiene standards and health and safety factors to avoid incidents within the workplace.

Your training with The Beauty Academy will cover this vital information, along with the required practical skills to assist you in achieving your chosen career within this exciting industry.

(required if you are looking to gain employment on a make-up counter)

(Level 3 in Education & Training required if you are looking to progress onto coaching or teaching others within make up such as a make up tutor.)

  • Established 1990: the Original Private Beauty Training School

    I have done a few courses with The Beauty Academy. I’m a successful Beauty Therapist now. I run my own business. Thank You ?

    Klaudia Traubert

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  • Established 1990: the Original Private Beauty Training School

    I have done a few courses at the Cambridge and London venues and loved all of them. Staff is very friendly and professional at the same time which makes it easy to learn the theory and also the techniques. Teachers pay attention to each student and gives honest advises and support. I highly recommend The Beauty Academy for everyone.

    Ernesta Davailyte

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  • Established 1990: the Original Private Beauty Training School

    Brilliant course. Tutor Leanne was so helpful and friendly and made me feel totally at ease. I was nervous as I have never done any beauty training before and she put me at ease straight away. Brilliant service and I will one hundred percent be using again. Thank you very much!!

    Ellie Hood

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Our expert team of tutors based across our 10 Training Schools are all qualified to the highest levels, still practising in the industry keeping their skills up to date and with years of industry experience to share with their students. All tutors are friendly and welcoming, making you feel totally at ease whether attending for your very first course or your VTCT qualification assessment days.