Makeup Artist Career Information

You have to have a good eye for colors. You need to be very observant of your client's personality, the way they carry themselves, the outfit they are going to wear, etc. It's your responsibility to make your client look sophisticated by enhancing their natural beauty.

It's not as easy as it sounds - just dabbing a little bit of powder, lipsticks and mascara. It takes lot of hard work and time to get the right look. You have to plan your work before hand to finish off early.

As a makeup artist, you might have to deal with abusive clients and even people who cheat on payments or don't pay at all. You'll have to put up with your client's tantrums. Be ready to cancel that dinner if your client wants you at the studio for a late night shoot.

As a makeup artist, you have to face criticism head on. You should maintain the consistency of the work and keep up the standards of your skills. A good understanding of the bone structure, skin complexion, situation in case of films, dress sense are considered utmost important here. As a makeup artist, your work should highlight the strengths of the face rather than hide it behind the makeup mask. As a makeup artist, you got to make them look glamorous and sophisticated.

There are different types of makeup like the special effect makeup for films, glamour for ramp and fashion, bridal and simple everyday makeup. Each has its own unique requirements.

To start work as a makeup artist is an expensive proposition. As a makeup artist, you might have to spend lakhs on good quality beauty kits. You have to invest in the latest beauty equipment's, cosmetics and accessories, which are quite expensive.

There is no career path or hierarchy in this field. As a makeup artist, you have to slog your way up the ladder. You have to keep improvising on your skills and not compromise with the quality you provide the clients. You have build up your own network as most of the assignments are procured through word-of-mouth

Job Opportunities

Makeup artists are celebrities in the fashion world. The toil is worth the package and recognition you get at the end of the day.

As a makeup artist, you could start as an assistant or apprentice to a reputed makeup artist. You could work in a beauty parlor, thereat or be a TV makeup artist.

As a makeup artist, you could also conduct workshops, seminars and lectures on grooming. If you are interested in writing then you could contribute beauty articles to magazines, newspapers and websites on beauty and personal grooming.

With considerable expertise you could work as independent consultants or with companies like Lakme, Revlon, etc.

Career Prospects

The industry at the moment has reached a saturation point with a recession in the economy. But there is no dearth of jobs for the deserving.

There are many openings in small towns and cities with more and more people realizing the importance of personal grooming. With increasing demand for cosmetics and grooming, the industry has a good growth prospect.