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A make-up artist is professionally trained and specializes in the application of make-up. 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 the ability to work calmly under pressure is essential, particularly as there may be people overseeing your make-up application abilities when working on a counter. 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, with a range of different types of people.

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 looking to work on a make-up counter, our Professional Make-Up course is advised. It may also be in your interest to obtain a VTCT Level 2 Cosmetic Make Up or Academy Level 2 in Make Up (with BABTAC units), depending on your chosen career path.

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. 

If you are looking to gain employment on a make-up counter, you will be given shift work/structured hours of work (varies depending on the brand/store), 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 customers will expect you to know and practice the latest trends as part of make-up application. 

Once you have obtained experience as a make-up artist working on a concession counter, either in a department store or in a stand-alone store, you have the opportunity to progress onto a higher role within the industry.

These can range from progressing onto an accounts manager for a make-up brand, or even the brand-manager.

You may also wish to work as a freelance make-up artist outside of your employment, such as doing freelance bridal or special occasion make-up jobs at the weekends, to generate further income and build up your make-up portfolio.

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);

  • 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

    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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  • Established 1990: the Original Private Beauty Training School

    I made a last minute decision to attend the ‘dry manicure and gel polish’ course and so glad I did! The tutor (Donnamarie) was so passionate and inspiring that she gave me the confidence I needed. Everything was well explained and the group was small enough get the best out of the day.

    Gemma Hacker

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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.