Make-up artist
Help people express themselves or get into character through make-up and hairstyling.
About the job
A day in the life – Make-up artist
What it's like
Think you can create beautiful bridal make-up? Perhaps full-glam is more your forte? Or maybe you're a bit of an expert in every style of make-up!
In this role, you'll apply people's make-up and style their hair. It's your job to create the look that the person needs or wants to achieve, depending on what they've got planned.
As a make-up artist, you'll work with all different types of people. Some of your clients will be appearing in films, TV programmes or photo shoots. Others may be starring in concerts, plays or fashion shows. You'll also do make-up for brides, or someone who just wants to look gorgeous for a special night out!
One day, you may create a natural look for someone that's playing a role on TV. The next, you could do a full face of clown make-up for a person who's starring in a variety show. You might also apply special effects or prosthetics, such as false noses or bald caps.
Many make-up artists are freelance, which means they're self-employed. But lots of people also have full-time roles with salons or production companies. You'll either work by yourself, as an assistant to a senior colleague or as part of a large hair and make-up design team.
Make-up artists regularly collaborate with production teams, costume designers, camera or lighting crews and performers.
Your tasks might include:
researching and designing make-up and hairstyles
working to production designers' notes and instructions
tidying and styling hair or using special effects make-up to completely change a person's look
taking notes and photos you can use to keep someone's look consistent throughout filming
waiting on set to re-do make-up and hair – you may also remove make-up after the performance
keeping wigs and hairpieces in good condition
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) – explore the organisation that sets standards in the hair and beauty industries
Screen Skills – learn more about working as a make-up artist in film and television
Get Into Theatre – discover what theatre-based make-up artists do
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Make-up artist'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
-
Beauty consultant -
Beauty therapist -
Body piercer -
Image consultant -
Nail technician -
Tattooist
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
-
Tourism and hospitality -
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking initiative
- self esteem
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- empathising
- creative
- verbal communication
- networking
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-
Art and Design
-
Performance Arts
-
Skills for Work: Beauty
There are many different routes you can take to become a make-up artist.
Technically, you don't need any formal qualifications to do the job. Many people teach themselves through online tutorials or masterclasses. They then build a portfolio and start working with clients.
But having qualifications is a big advantage if you want to work in high-end salons, the creative industries, beauty brands or fashion.
Let's explore all the ways into this career.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job. Useful subjects include:
Make-Up Artistry: TV, Film and Theatre
Fashion Make-Up
Make-Up Artistry
Use the My World of Work course search to find opportunities at college.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Work
You could start out as a trainee or assistant to a make-up team. Some people find casual work doing make-up and hair for extras who appear in TV crowd scenes.
Make-up artists can also build valuable experience by working in cosmetic sales. In this environment, you'll be able to develop a portfolio that demonstrates your skills.
Use the My World of Work job search to find entry-level make-up artist vacancies.
Volunteering with theatres, charities or amateur dramatics societies can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a make-up artist. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You can learn about the industry by shadowing an established make-up artist or photographic stylist.
You'll need a portfolio of your best work – you can use this to show off your skills to employers.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Make-up artist'
