Make-up is one of the skills taught within a cosmetology or esthetics program. Although states do not issue a license for make-up, many salons, spas and even retail stores require their make-up artist employees to have an esthetics or cosmetology license. Once you have obtained one of these licenses, you then can choose to specialize in make-up. You will find a number of advanced courses and specialty training programs devoted to this field.
What you'll learn
The make-up portion of an esthetics or cosmetology program generally covers: color theory; facial shapes and features; cosmetic products and application how-to's; client consultation strategies; customer service; infection control and sanitation; basic make-up applications; and specialty make-up, including bridal, theatrical and camouflage techniques.
Where you'll work
Talented make-up artists have many exciting career opportunities. You can work as a make-up specialist in a salon, spa, skin care center, department store or boutique; as a bridal make-up artist; in the worlds of commercial photography, film, television, theatre or fashion; or as a camouflage make-up specialist in doctors' offices or hospitals.
A typical day
Although department stores and salons are very different environments, doing make-up at one would not be so different from doing make-up at the other. When you get to work, you'll either have appointments or be called upon as clients, or shoppers, need you. In either case, the customer may want new make-up because she has a new look or hair color, or she may be attending a special event later on. Every face has its issues you'll need to address, whether it's a teen's breakouts, a middle-ager's fine lines or an older woman's dark spots.
As you do each face, you'll explain why you're choosing the product and how it enhances the person's features or handles a skin problem. When customers like how they look, you'll suggest they purchase the products you're using. Sometimes a client or shopper just stops in quickly to purchase a product she uses regularly. She doesn't want you to apply the product or offer a long explanation. When you're pleasant and learn to pick up on cues about her mission and schedule, the customer will return again and again.
Whether you've applied the make-up or simply sold a product, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your professional knowledge has given that woman the tools to feel truly beautiful. How many people can say they make that kind of magic?
