How to Become a Successful Makeup Artist
Success to some makeup artists means working in a certain medium, such as television or fashion, while for others it means being able to make a full-time living doing what they love. No matter what your definition of success is as a makeup artist, you can do several key things to reach your goals. You can succeed no matter what city you live in or what makeup style you specialize in.
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Instructions
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Learn how to safely apply makeup. Even if you're talented with applying makeup, if you end up infecting your clients, you won't earn a good reputation. Use disposable lip and mascara applicators, never blend makeup with your bare fingers, clean makeup brushes regularly and use hand sanitizer between each client.
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Practice in as many different ways as possible. This means making up people of different skin tones, textures and for different purposes, such as theater, runway fashion, television and photography. Corrective and special effects makeup are specialties you can consider practicing as well.
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Volunteer your services as a makeup artist to break into avenues such as theater, television and fashion. For instance, if there is a community theater near you, ask to do the makeup in exchange for a credit in its playbill. If your public access station is running a charity telethon, ask to provide makeup services for those appearing on camera.
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Read as many books about makeup application as possible to learn the unique techniques used by other artists. Adapt the techniques to suit your own style, and practice to perfect any new techniques you develop. Internet video sites, such as YouTube, are also helpful for learning new techniques and getting professional product recommendations.
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Keep current on seasonal color and style trends, as well as new techniques and makeup artistry tools. Subscribe to publications just for makeup artists, join Internet message boards and forums for professionals and attend makeup product conventions to see what the current trends are.
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Update your portfolio regularly, whether it is a physical book or based online. Your portfolio should showcase the variety of makeup applications you've mastered and feature your best work. As your skills improve, replace your featured photos.
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Network to meet other makeup artists and gain referrals. Be friendly and always keep business cards on hand.
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Buy your makeup and tools directly from the boutiques and websites of your preferred brands. Many boutiques and websites have buying programs for makeup artists. Programs typically offer a 25 percent to 40 percent discount. Many professional beauty supply stores offer professional discounts as well.
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Use the best quality products and tools you can afford. When it comes to makeup, quality does not always mean expensive. Test different products and ask fellow makeup artists for their brand recommendations. Use makeup that lasts, has color payoff, and that is versatile, or able to be used for many different applications.
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Tips & Warnings
Present yourself well whenever you're in public. You don't need to wear full makeup all the time, but you should look put together.
References
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