Makeup Artist FAQs | Training, Career Options, & Salary

A day in the life of the makeup professional can vary wildly based on what specialty you work in, but there are a few standards that apply across the board.

Prepare Your Tools

You must invest in high-quality tools and cosmetic products. You need to take care of those materials and keep them organized. Think about the cosmetics jobs you have lined up for the day and organize your tool kit for the gig or your work station accordingly. Be sure that your brushes and supplies have been properly cleaned and sanitized for the safety of your clients—something that is legally required in most places to begin with.

Consult with the Client

Every client has different needs, and every makeup job is totally customized. The artist should always consult with the client about their challenges, preferences and, of course, skin allergies. Whether working in traditional makeup or in the arts, your work generally begins with the client consultation. If you do wedding makeup, the client is the bride; but if you do theatrical makeup, the director may be your client. When you reach a full understanding of what the client wants, the services can then begin. This time can also be used to get to know your client on a more personal level, because building a personal relationship with your clients leads to customer retention and referrals!

Apply the Makeup

Before putting a drop of makeup on a client’s face, you need to ensure the skin is fully cleansed. After this,you may apply primers, foundations, concealers, powders, blushes, eyeshadows, eyeliners, lip liners, lipsticks and a number of other cosmetic products specific to the client’s requests.. The goal is for every client to leave feeling beautiful, comfortable, and confident in their makeup look.

Ask for Referrals

If you are working in a salon setting, remember that makeup services aren’t usually quite as frequent as haircuts for most people, so it’s tough to get them to book the next appointment before they pay and leave. When the appointment is complete, every makeup artist should tell the client about the various services they offer and offer suggestions for other events that could use great makeup that the client may not have thought of. Also let them know about any upcoming and inform them of any referral discounts you offer if they send friends and family to you for makeovers. Certified makeup experts should remind their happy, loyal customers that they love referral business so you can continue to grow your clientele!

If you are working in performing arts or in fashion, make sure you have maintained positive relationships with everyone involved, from those in charge to those whose positions may seem largely unrelated to your job. You never know who might be moving onto a new gig that needs an excellent makeup artist, and making a good impression could result in any team member bringing up your name.