Makeup Artist Tips 101, my longest blog yet, but necessary!

Hello everyone, I just wanted to give you some great information about being a makeup artist and anyone that has an interest in becoming one. First things first:
1. Do you love makeup?
2. Do you get compliments on your makeup?
3. Have you done some one's makeup for a special occasion(example-wedding, prom, etc...)
4. Have you worked as a beauty advisor with a cosmetic company selling makeup and doing makeup on customers?
5. You want to know if you have to go to a makeup school to become a makeup artist

If you answered, yes to the following questions above then, I am going to go through what is known as MAKEUP ARTIST TIPS 101.

To start off, I am going share how I got started as a makeup artist myself.
I began as a makeup artist in 1994 as a beauty advisor for Merle Norman cosmetic company. I received training through them and did my home work on everything that included skin care to makeup techniques. I was even lucky enough to go to some conventions that Merle Norman provided to the shop owners and the employees. I had a great mentor that had been in the business for more than 20 years.

I learned a lot in the 10 year span time that I worked for Merle Norman. First, you need to know that skin care is important and comes first in order for your makeup to look its very best.  You must wash your face daily, use a SPF, and moisturize to avoid future lines and wrinkles. Working in this industry, remember you are a representation of what you are selling (example, your skills as an artist, makeup application, etc). Know what you are putting on your face and others (the ingredients, what they do and the benefits). Realize that the face is your canvas, protect it, love it and care for it.

Never be afraid of color or something new in the way of techniques . Know that not all products are created equal. Some products may have fragrance in them and oil like mineral oil that can cause your clients to break out. So, before starting any makeup makeover, question your client about any skin allergies or sensitivities that they may have. Also, know that some may be allergic to dyes in makeup. You will thank me later and have a satisfied, healthy client. Always maintain all sanitary procedures like using disposable applicators(sponges, mascara wands-never double dip these, lip wands/brushes, etc).  Purchase a spray brush cleaner to clean your brushes with when working on clients and also use a antibacterial cleaner(not over the counter) specifically for your powders and lipsticks of which you can purchase through a professional makeup artist company like MAKEUP MANIA  called BEAUTY SO CLEAN. Your clients will see and know that you are putting their health first.

To get repeat business, keep a notebook with your clients names, things they like, something about them that will help you remember who they are(example: maybe their hair color or their job, their hobbies). Do a follow up , calling them to see how they are doing and let them know about any new products and techniques that you want to share with them. This will guarantee another appointment with your client and a chance to increase your profits.

The best makeup artists are and have been self-taught. You can go and take classes to improve your skills and learn about many other techniques and new products if you would like, but it is not necessary. A makeup artist has a great eye for detail, lines, color, and balance. Any great artist, must have a vision and mind that guides their artistic hands to create the desired look without apprehension. Of course, I always ask and question my clients what they want in a look and show them how to recreate the look at home. Most say,  they would love to have you there in the morning to do their makeup and I agree, I would be there if they could afford to do it! LOL.

The great thing about makeup is that you can take off, reapply it, and try many colors. No one needs to be upset enough that it would make them cry, but they do and they have. I have seen it and the only thing I can say is that the communication factor is very important. If they do not tell you what they want then you must second guess their desired look. If you are put in that position, it is always best to go very light and very natural. That way, they will more pleased with the results especially if they never wear makeup on daily basis.

Some may call themselves a makeup artists when they do a friends makeup, applies makeup on themselves, or on a family member. That is not a makeup artist. A makeup artist is an artist that creates their own look on another, using their own vision as to what their canvas will become and will look like. Anyone can put on a glob of makeup, but it takes a steady hand to draw a picture, balancing the look with precise and beauty. Even the best artists can have a flop or two in their day and experience a critical critic.

As long as the artist and client see the vision and are in agreement then it should not matter who likes it. Being a freelance makeup artist has its benefits and sometimes it doesn't. A freelance makeup artist works very hard to get clients. Sometimes it may be through word of mouth, or as a referral, and maybe through other connections like family or friends. Be up front about your fees from the start, take in consideration your time, effort, and traveling arrangements. Your time is very valuable and avoid those that are wishy washy about your fees. Always charge for trials and consultations.

  Making connections is very important! Meeting other makeup artists is important and they can share possible job listings with you. Have a portfolio(pictures) of your work from the past and from your current jobs. Get your clients to sign a release , giving you permission to use them in photographs for possible future jobs. Include head shots, full body shots, any shots that can showcase your work.

Reward your clients/customers with a gift for possible future referrals. Thanking them for their business and telling others about you. In the end, this could really help to increase your profits.  I hope you find this information helpful in your quest as a future makeup artist. It has been a long journey for me as this marks my 19th year since starting in the makeup/beauty business. I succeeded as a beauty advisor and had customers that followed me to other store locations while working at Merle Norman.

Freelancing is different and difficult at times depending on your location and the competition of which you need to separate yourself from the others and really shine in a special way that makes you different. Always make your clients feel special, show them what they can do to play up their best features, and share information about products/colors that you know they will like.

Being a makeup artist can be fun, adventurous, and a great way to make lifelong friends.

 Invest in a good kit that will contain a good selection of:

 foundations, powders(varying in color and shades) blushes, a foundation primer for those clients with lines and wrinkles, a fragrance-free cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, eye makeup remover, concealers, tweezers, scissors, good quality makeup brushes, disposable applicators/sponges, palettes filled with eye shadows/lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners, eye shadow base, eyeliners in pencils and in liquids/pens, brow products/liners, glitters if needed, bronzers/highlighters, mascaras in regular and in waterproof, and false eyelashes with glue and last but not least makeup setting sprays.


If you are still with me reading this extremely long blog, I thank you for your time and you must really be interested in becoming a makeup artist! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me and leave a message. I will certainly answer questions and comments. I hope you found this helpful and informative to your needs. As always, never give up on any DREAM you may have, just know it will take some work to get there and you can do it!

Much love and hugs to you all,

Joy