Want To Become A Makeup Artist? Here Are My Top 5 Tips

Before I get into what it takes to be a makeup artist I want to give you a little back story. I’m self-taught with 10+ years of experience and have worked predominantly in the wedding industry for the last 7 years.

What does it mean to be a self-taught makeup artist? I didn’t go to a makeup academy like MUD (Make-Up Designory). I was drawn to makeup artists like Kevin Aucoin, Scott Barnes, and Bobby Brown, just to name a few. I read all the books I could get my hands on and started practicing on family and friends while building a makeup kit. This took a year and was before YouTube took off or beauty influencers were popular on social media, so it was challenging to find tutorials and free lessons back then!

Luckily, there’s a lot more information out there today, but sometimes too much info can be overwhelming, so I’ve compiled a quick list of my top 5 steps to becoming a makeup artist.

Step One
Learn color theory and how to use a color wheel. Everything is based on your understanding of color: you’ll learn what shades go best with blue eyes vs. brown eyes and which lip colors pair best with those eyeshadows. Plus, understanding the color wheel is the secret to reducing redness and dark circles for a flawless, clear complexion.

Step Two
Learn no-makeup makeup and daytime makeup. This is so important. There’s a subtlety to making a face look fresh and bright, but still natural. If you have the fundamentals down you’ll be able to build up to evening and more dramatic looks.

Step Three
Sharpen your critical eye and accept constructive criticism. If you can truly take this in, you’re gonna be able to perfect your skills. You have to see your mistakes before you can fix them.

Step Four
Find a makeup artist in your area to assist under. Even if it’s low pay or an unpaid internship. I know this sounds crazy but this is going to give you an opportunity to get real-life experience without having to pay for school. If you find an artist who is trustworthy and ethical they’re going to help you grow. The mentoring relationship can be so vital, remember Step 3.

Step Five
It’s fun, but it’s also a business. Set up an LLC, think about websites, business names, and organize a portfolio of your work. Even taking a business class at a community college can help you learn how to get clients, how to price your services, and how to manage your finances, topics you can’t ignore if you want to be a full-time makeup artist.

Questions? I’d love to answer them! You can always reach me for more insider info at frances@beautybyblythe.com