21
Feb
08

How to become a Make-up Artist

mac-painterly.jpg

They are three types of make-up artists (MUA): 

  •   the one that is born with natural skills and is good at performing any aspect of the art of makeup (let’s call him “Gifted”)        
  •  the one that has some skills and has a passion for the art of makeup (let’s call him “Passionate”)       
  • the one that really does not have any skills but is more passionate about this art than Gifted or Passionate  (let’s call him “Ambitious”) 

Whether your name is Ambitious, Gifted or Passionate or just a combination of these three, you can be a successful makeup artist and gain knowledge in the world of beauty just by following a few guidelines.

Note: I do not portray myself as a “master”, but I can tell you that the following advice helped me a lot in my career… 

  1. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! Whether you have skills or not, practice as much as you can. Do makeup on your friends, sisters etc.
  2. Go to your local makeup counter and be that annoying customer that no MUA wants to have! That means ask questions; have them show you how to use products etc. But please purchase at least 1 item when you leave (and do not return it the following week ;) …)
  3. Read makeup books, magazines, blogs etc. Check my list under BOOKS
  4. Try to get a part time job even if it’s just on weekends. Sephora for example is a great place to work at if you are a beginner. Try also to apply at any makeup lines in the mall. If you are not successful, keep trying. If they ask you the key question: “Do you have any makeup experience?” Answer: YES you do and you are willing to take brushes now and prove it (make sure you practice home because some managers will take you on the word and have you do an application)
  5. If you know a MUA that freelances, offer to be her/his assistant at no cost. That’s the best mentoring you can get.
  6. If you feel like you want to go to school to actually learn more, try to find the best makeup schools in your area. I do not recommend these 2 days seminars as you will not learn as much as if you go to a MUA and just ask him/her questions.  If you need a list of good makeup schools, tell me what region you live in and I will tell you which one to look at.
  7. Last but not least, have the right tools and make sure you test and buy as much makeup as you can, that’s the best way to learn about colors…

 Tiff, let me know if you have more questions in regards to this…   

 

Les 3 types de maquilleurs

  • Celui qui est né avec un atout naturel et arrive à bien reproduire n’importe quel aspect de l’art du maquillage (appelons le « le doué »)
  • Celui qui a quelques aptitudes et a une passion pour l’art du maquillage (appelons le « le passionné)
  • Celui qui n’a pas vraiment des aptitudes mais est beaucoup passionné par cet art que le doué ou le passionné (appelons le « l’ambitieux »)

Si tu t’appelles l’Ambitieux, le doué, le passionné ou que ton nom est une combinaison de ces trois, tu peux être un maquilleur bien établi et acquérir un savoir sur le monde de la beauté en suivant simplement ces quelques directives.

Nota Bene : Je ne me considère pas  comme « une experte », mais je peux vous dire que les conseils suivants m’ont beaucoup aidé au cours de ma carrière…

  1. PRATIQUE, PRATIQUE ET PRATIQUE!!! Que tu aies des aptitudes ou non, il faut pratiquer autant que possible. Fais le maquillage de tes amis, sœurs, etc…

 

  1. Va au comptoir de maquillage le plus proche et sois ce client chiant qu’aucun maquilleur n’aimerait avoir ! En d’autres mots, pose des questions ; demande-leur de te montrer comment utiliser les produits etc. Mais s’il te plaît, achète au moins un article avant de partir (et ne le rends pas la semaine prochaine ;)….

 

  1. Lis des livres sur le maquillage, des magazines, des blogs etc. Jette un coup d’œil à ma liste sous la catégorie BOOKS

 

  1. Essaie d’obtenir un travail à mi-temps même si c’est juste les week-ends. Par exemple, Sephora est un endroit idéal pour travailler si tu es un débutant. Essaie aussi de faire une demande à n’importe quelles lignes de maquillage au centre commercial. Si tu n’as pas de succès, essaie toujours. Si on te demande la question-clé : « As-tu de l’expérience dans le maquillage ? » Réponds : OUI, j’en ai et que tu es même prêt à prendre des pinceaux sur le champ et le prouver (assures-toi de pratiquer à la maison car certains managers te croiront sur parole et te demanderont de faire une application.

 

 

  1. Si tu connais un maquilleur qui fait du freelance, offre tes services en tant que son assistant (e) gratuitement. C’est le meilleur mentoring que tu peux recevoir.

 

  1. Si tu as envie d’aller à l’école pour en apprendre plus, essaie de trouver les meilleurs écoles de maquillages dans la zone où tu vis. Je ne conseille pas ces séminaires de 2 jours où tu n’apprendras pas autant que si tu allais voir un maquilleur et juste lui poser des questions. Si tu as besoin d’une liste de bonnes écoles de maquillages, dis-moi la région où tu vis et je te dirigerai vers une école

 

  1. Et finalement, aie les bons outils et assures-toi de tester et d’acheter autant de maquillage que tu peux, car c’est la meilleure façon d’apprendre les couleurs….

 

Tiff, tiens moi au courant si tu as d’autres questions à ce sujet.


40 Responses to “How to become a Make-up Artist”


  1. Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7:30 pm

    Hey Eva,
    I totally agree with this post. I am licensed and at the stage in my artistry where I think I need a part-time job doing makeup so that I can keep my skill up. I also want to be completely comfortable applying makeup on others. We so need to talk offline. Any who great blog great posts as always
    See you Saturday !!

  2. 3 julia
    Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    I really love makeup and wanted to find a way to make money at it with out spending tons of money on some school. I found this DVD that teaches you everything you need to know about beauty makeup, since that is where most artist make most of their money. It’s really great, comes with a whole package of stuff and is sooo cheap. They even teach you about the business end of it.
    http://www.eventmakeupartist.com
    -Julia Krane

  3. 4 Dee
    Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Hi, I am looking in to MUA school and am not sure where I should look. I like In Glen Burnie, MD

    Thanks

  4. 5 eVaDiVa
    Monday, May 5, 2008 at 5:30 pm

    Hello Dee,

    I am not sure how far Glen Burnie is from Von Lee school of Makeup, but I can assure you that it is the best school in the MD/DC/VA area. Try also Chesapeake School of Esthetics in Arnold, MD. It can be closer to you…

  5. 6 Bridget
    Monday, May 12, 2008 at 2:28 pm

    Hi Eva I live in the boston area. Can you guide me to the best school in my area?

    Thanks.
    Bridget

  6. 7 eVaDiVa
    Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 2:43 pm

    Hi Bridget,

    I had a co-worker at MAC who used to live in Massachusetts. She told me she went to Alicia Makeup Academy Inc. in North Andover. I am not sur ehow close it is to Boston but you may want to check them out…

    XoXo
    eVaDiVa

  7. 8 Catherine
    Monday, May 19, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    Hey! I am thinking about going to the Chesapeake school of Esthetics but Im moving a few weeks after I would become board certified, will that transfer to a different state?!? this may be a stupid question! lol..and also do I have to take another test to become board certified even after I complete the class?! help!!!

  8. 9 eVaDiVa
    Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:41 am

    Hello Catherine,

    Usually, when you are certified in one state, your certification is good for you to practice in that state if you work for certain makeup retailers. If you work for yourself, it should be ok if you go to another state. However, you may have to apply for one in the state you will live in if you are planning on opening a business etc. You should contact your local State board of Cosmetologists and find out the rules and regulations.
    Also, if you complete the class, you should be able to get your license through the school. You usually do not have to take a test (unless it’s a class test at the makeup school). Your makeup school is the one that usually applies for your license by certifying that you indeed took makeup classes and that you are qualified.
    Check this link it may be helpful: http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/faq/state_req.php

    XoXo

    eVaDiVa

  9. Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    Hey! Great article! Thanks for going through the trouble to write it. Aspiring makeup artists such as myself appreciate good advice from people who have been in the business and know what they’re talking about!

    I live in Sacramento, but I could definitely travel or take up schooling abroad. I would like to go to a school that will make a future employer say “WOW!” when they look at my resime, if you know what I mean. Do you have any advice for schools that are renown for the makeup/cosmetology industry that will really look impressive to future employers?

    Another thing, if I wanted to become an assistant to a MUA to learn a few things, how would I go about finding one and asking them? How can I find an experienced one who really knows a lot about what they’re talking about?

    Thank you very much!

  10. 11 Magen
    Monday, June 30, 2008 at 6:59 pm

    Hi Eva
    I’m an aspiring make up artist. I have taken several make up courses. I went to hollywood few years ago to jls make up artist course. I would not recomend it to anyone looking for a good make up school. I felt like she stole my money.She was on her cell phone 3/4 of the time! It was just a huge waste for me =(. David Nichlos is an amazing make up artist based out of boston. I have taken 2 of his classes. I have worked for Lancome for just over 3 years now and I am dying to move on. I would really like to get in to theater. I have not had any experience at it and I would really like to take a course on theatrical make up course and really get into the business. Any suggestions for me? I am 28yrs old I feel I am getting to old. I would just really love to get myself out there asap. I also have my own bussiness cards I try give them out as much as possible. Any other promotion ideas????

  11. 12 miisha
    Friday, July 4, 2008 at 2:48 am

    Hi Eva,
    I live on the south side of Chicago. Can you please tell about a good school. am also interested in your listing of books to aid in the learning process.

  12. 13 burstmedia
    Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 8:34 am

    Eva: I live in Andover, MA. I looked up Alicia Makeup Academy and could not find a website or phone number. Do you know if they still exist? Thanks!

  13. 14 cowens100
    Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 7:12 pm

    Thank you so much for this article, I stumbled across it a the PERFECT time. I live right outside of NYC and while there are soo many schools in the area, I have no idea how to weed out the good from the not so good. Any suggestions? Thanks

  14. 15 Lauren
    Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 11:12 pm

    i am currently working at Sephora and want to further my make up techniques and was wondering what school you would recommend in the North Shore of Boston. I also heard of Alicia Academy Inc in North Andover and was curious about hearing more about it if you have any info or advice.. thank you !

  15. 16 Crystal Rollo
    Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 7:45 pm

    Hi I am very interested in becoming a make-up artist and need to find the best school to attend in the Washington Metropolitan Area, meaning Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Please email the info to me at maganda766@yahoo.com. Thank you!!

  16. 17 Julïta LaPerla
    Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 1:14 am

    Great Article. I would like to know which school is best in Canada.. I do not mind which province as I am willing to move out. Thanks

  17. 18 Hey
    Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Hi I am very interested in becoming a make-up artist and need to find the best school to attend in the Washington, DC.

    Could you please help me in my search? I’m not finding many quality programs.

    Thanks,
    genesisofme@yahoo.com

  18. 19 Suheli
    Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Thank you for this posting I am aspiring to become a makeup artist and while I live in NYC I am not finding that many schools I dont have 10,000 to spend at makeup designery and Im considering attending Christina Valmy have you heard good things about that school? And also can you recconend other schools. Thanks!!!

  19. 20 Elizabeth
    Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 12:32 am

    Thanks for the post. I am also looking for a career in being a makeup artist as well. I live in NYC. Can you please recommend me some great schools. Thank you!!! xoxo Liz

  20. 21 Elizabeth
    Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 1:17 am

    I JUST FOUND A PROGRAM FROM HEX PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY MAKEUP CLASSES HERE IN N.Y. THEIR CLASSES ARE STARTING IN FEB 2008. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THEM? I DON’T KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT THE BUSINESS BUT I KNOW I’M VERY VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKEUP & IT’S MY DREAM CAREER. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME OUT WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE. THANKYOU!!!

    LIZ
    FROM NYC

  21. 22 isi
    Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    im in dallas texas. any particular school/training around here that you recommend? thanks.

  22. 23 Bella
    Friday, December 26, 2008 at 8:56 pm

    Hey! Awesome blog I just stumbled upon it and am now in love :)

    I currently live in Toronto Canada and have no prior training in make up other than my own application. I’m looking for the world renowned school. I want to go to the best there is. I would love to get into film and photography make up but would like a solid base of every aspect which would lead to a killer portfolio :) . I am willing to travel anywhere.

    So lets have it. whats the best school?? :)

    Nicolebellavance@hotmail.com

  23. 24 Jamie
    Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 10:21 pm

    What do you think the best school in LA is?

  24. 25 Jen
    Monday, January 12, 2009 at 11:23 am

    I am looking for a MUA school. I was wondering if you could help me pick a good one in my area. I live in Amesbury, MA.

  25. 26 Britt
    Friday, January 16, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    Hi,

    I am wondering if you could give me a couple good tips on makeup schools in or around San Diego???? Anything would help so much! Thank you! :)

    Brittney

  26. 27 mandy
    Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Any schools around the Rhode Island, Massachusetts areas? There are cosmetology schools but nothing just focusing in Makeup. Please help as i have done much research and am getting frustrated at this point :(

  27. Monday, January 19, 2009 at 3:01 am

    I’m from Southern California. Are there any good places to go to for seminars or and legitimate make-up schools around here?

    Any help would be amazing, thank you!

  28. 29 Kacie
    Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 2:12 am

    i live in Las Vegas/ Henderson, Nevada. Are there any seminars or makeup schools that would be good for me to go to?

    My dad lives in Las Vegas my mom lives in Henderson haha, hence the Las Vegas/Henderson haha.

    Anyways, thanks.

  29. 30 candae
    Friday, February 6, 2009 at 10:34 am

    Hello,

    Do you have any suggestion on a good school in Columbus, Ohio area?

    Thanks

  30. 31 tk
    Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 3:45 am

    Hi Eva!,

    Do you know of any good schools in the Chicagoland area?

    Thanks!

  31. 32 Tamuel
    Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 9:57 pm

    ::::Guidelines To Picking The Best Schools for Becoming A Professional Make-up Artist::::

    I really want to become a professional make up artist in Hollywood.

    i was thinking bout going to school for nursing, but then i realized i love doing make up and i can make money while doing it. so I want to go to beauty school to become a professional make-up artist. i want a school that can give me a good foundation. I have been constantly searching for the perfect beauty school. Trying to Making sure they are accredited and professional and one where i can get a cosmetology license . But when i look online i see thousand of schools availible with many different cirriculums but i wanna know which school provides their students with an impressive variety of skills. one that can teach me air-brushing and more… And a school that is well known and will look impressive on my resume. Or is there a series of College Courses you could recommend. Do you have any schools mind ? I just want something beyond the normal experience of a basic beauty school.

    I want to work with celebrities, models, photographers, etc… Or just exciting people who are willing to take the ordinary outside of the box and challenge my creativity. i also wanted to know is it a hard as the say it is to move up & is it a steady income that you can depend on and support a family with?

    so any information you have about the industry would really help!

    P.S. i live in Lakewood Ca, sorrounding areas hollywood,los angeles, orange county,& riverside. but wiling to drive 1 hour 1/2 max. ill travel the distance to get the right education! ;-)

    Thank You!
    Tamu3L

  32. Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 12:13 am

    i live in salt lake city, and i consider myself talented, but i would like further education and a “certificate”. i have been looking online but there is alot to choose from. i have looked into the online courses for hollywood expressions. is this a good option? if not what do you recommend?

  33. 34 Stacey
    Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:34 am

    I live in a rural area of Northeast PA. There are no schools remotely close to me so I have been searching for a good online one. I found this site. http://www.nomausa.com/NOMAcademy.html

    Can you give me your opinion of it?

  34. Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 1:52 pm

    im all 3. :]

    i want to go to MUschool this year.
    i live in NY, and i want to
    go to the best, most respectable school
    in NYC. id love it if u can email me
    and give me a list of schools i can
    check out. expensive and non expensive
    are fine. i just want a great school i
    can put on my resume that people can look
    at and go “wow u went to this school? thats
    a really good school, im impressed.” please
    help me. google didnt help much. :]

  35. 36 kelly b
    Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    Hi i love makeup ilove doing makeup on myself and others,I’m not a makeup artist but i would love to be one,i live in Dartmouth Mass and im having a hard time finding a makeup school thats near by.I’m willing to drive but where its not a hour away,ijust need a littel help,I watche all of makeup by tiffany D on you tube,and also pixiwoo,they are all great if anyone could give me a hand to get this started that would be great> xoxoxo

  36. 37 Noureen
    Monday, April 27, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    First of all thanks for offereing to help. I am looking info beauty shcool in the Houston TX area and was wondering if you knew of any good ones. Thanks in advance for your help.

  37. 38 Raquel
    Friday, June 12, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    hey thanks for the advice, i live in phoenix/scottsdale arizona. Know of any good make-up schools around here?

  38. 39 natalie
    Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    Hi, I live in southern California and would like to know if you recommend any schools in my area.Ive been doing freelance makeup and really don’t like it and would prefer to be a full time makeup artist and do some freelance events on the side.
    Thanks!

  39. Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 6:34 pm

    I was wondering if there are any schools in Washington state that have make-up programs? All I can find are cosmetology schools which are all about hair and nails. Help please! I want to do this so bad but I would love to have more training. Thanks!


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