Makeup artist guides

Careers, training, kits and technique, from the instructors at Online Makeup Academy.

Everything we've written for people becoming makeup artists, in one place. Start with the career basics, compare schools and certificates, build your kit, then learn how to price your work and get booked.

Becoming a makeup artist
Licenses and schools
Your pro kit
Technique
Special effects
Getting booked
Advice from working artists

Start here: becoming a makeup artist

What the job is, the routes in, and what it pays.

How to become a makeup artistThe steps, the training options and what your first year looks like.
How to become a makeup artist onlineThe online route, from your first course to your first paying client.
Why become a makeup artist?Five reasons, and an honest look at whether it's worth it.
Types of makeup artistsBridal, editorial, film and TV, retail and more: which path fits you.
Starting while you work full timeA realistic plan for building a makeup career on evenings and weekends.
How much makeup artists makePay by role and by work model, from salon counter to freelance.

Licenses, certificates and schools

What the law asks for, and how to choose your training.

Do you need a license to be a makeup artist?The rules, state by state.
Which makeup certificate is best?Certificates, diplomas and licenses compared.
Best makeup schools in the USIn-person and online makeup schools compared.
Best cosmetology schools in the USIf you want hair, skin and nails as well as makeup.
How long cosmetology school takes, and what it costsHours, months and tuition.
Do online makeup courses work?An honest answer.
How long an online makeup course takesTypical timelines, part time and full time.
Practicing on clients when your course is onlineHow to find models and get hands-on experience.
How to succeed in an online makeup courseTen tips from our instructors.
How to pay for makeup schoolSeven realistic ways to fund your training.

Your pro kit

What to buy, in what order, and how to pay less for it.

Must-have items for a pro makeup kitThe checklist.
How to build a professional makeup artist kitWhat to buy first, and budgets for each stage.
Makeup brushes for your kitThe brushes a working artist actually uses.
Affordable brands for your pro kitBudget brands that hold up on clients.
Pro discount cardsBrand pro programs and what they offer.
How to get a pro card approvedApplying for MAC Pro and other programs.

Technique

Step-by-step skills and the habits behind clean, fast work.

How to apply eyeshadow step by stepFrom everyday looks to glam.
Airbrush vs traditional makeupHow to choose, and when to use each.
How to improve your makeup skillsA pro artist's guide to getting better, faster.
How to apply makeup fasterSpeed and efficiency for busy days.
Makeup hygiene and sanitationThe pro artist's checklist.

Special effects, body and face painting

For film, TV, stage and events.

How to become a special effects makeup artistSkills, training and first jobs in SFX.
SFX tips for beginners from Justin RaleighAdvice from Justin Raleigh of Fractured FX.
Easy Halloween makeup looksMasterclass with Krystle Feher: 30-minute looks to full-body designs.
Body painting and airbrushingMasterclass with Krystle Feher on body painting as a business.
Face painting masterclassKrystle Feher on face painting for parties, fairs and festivals.

Advice from working film and TV artists

How artists behind well-known films and shows built their careers.

Stephen ProutySpecial effects makeup for film.
Pamela GoldammerSFX makeup, from Harry Potter to Game of Thrones.
Sean GendersCreature and makeup effects.
Dave ElseySFX makeup on The Wolfman.
Richard RedlefsenMakeup effects on Bombshell.
Burton LeBlancFilm and TV makeup on The Handmaid's Tale.
Jessica PadillaTips from film and TV sets.
Erin AyanianCelebrity and film makeup careers.

Getting booked and getting paid

Pricing, portfolio, marketing and finding work.

How much to charge as a makeup artistWhat services cost and how to set your rates.
How to build a portfolio that books clientsWhat to shoot and how to show it.
Makeup artist resumeA free template and examples.
Makeup artist websiteThe best builders and what to include.
30+ websites where makeup artists get bookedWhere to list yourself.
Choosing and applying to a makeup agencyA checklist before you sign.
Branding and marketing for makeup artistsBuild a brand clients remember.
How to start a makeup businessBranding, marketing and the business basics.
Where to find makeup artist jobsA playbook for finding paid work.
How to work with makeup clientsFrom the first message to the final touch-up.
How to become a bridal makeup artistSteps, trials and wedding pricing.

Ready for structured training?

Our guides are free. If you'd like step-by-step lessons, an instructor's video feedback on every assignment and a professional kit shipped to your door, these are the two programs most of our students choose.