What Is a Makeup Artist?

From the wildly popular television show, Face-Off, to the demands put on movie producers by audiences for more realistic characters, the world of makeup artistry couldn’t be trendier than it is today. Yet, as long as the theater, movies, and television have existed, artists have applied stage makeup and/or prosthetics to actors and actresses to transform their characters and captivate audiences. How would people relate to the characters in the movie, Avatar if not for the brilliant use of makeup and prosthetics? Or, why would the blood and gore in the movie Carrie, turn audiences’ stomachs? Ensuring that the makeup looks convincing on a character in a film or movie or even on a model on the runway is difficult, and becoming a makeup artist is no easy task. But, for those individuals with passion and creative talent, a career as a makeup artist can be very rewarding.

There are a number of different techniques used by makeup artists, including fashion makeup used to paint the faces of supermodels for magazine photoshoots as well as on the runway. Special effects makeup (or fantasy makeup) uses plaster castings, prosthetics, and makeup to transform men into monsters. Airbrushing techniques give a higher depth of detail to the makeup without the heavy buildup found with greasepaint. High definition makeup uses light reflectors and minerals to give the skin a flawless look, and bridal makeup, which is now all the rage in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the US, are also techniques practiced by makeup artists. And, while each technique is considered a ‘makeup,’ artists must be equipped to apply makeup in different ways, depending on the event. For example, theater makeup artists must apply makeup that can be visible from a long distance since the audience is often far away from the performers on stage.

Professional artists in their own right, makeup artists apply a variety of mediums to the skin (not only the face) to transform, mutate, revamp, or enhance the appearance of a person or persons. They must have attention to detail, even the very fine details like wrinkles and blemishes, they must be patient, as applying makeup can take hours, they must understand the various types of makeup, application techniques, the anatomy of the face and body, and understand what is needed to meet each client’s needs, sometimes on deadline. They must know about the various types of brushes and how to hold them, how to apply loose powder, how to clean their brushes and other application tools, what enhances each individual’s face, how to deal with makeup application in different lighting situations, and how to make someone beautiful or grotesque. And, while applying makeup to a professional model is very different than applying makeup on a character in a film, the techniques learned through an educational program cannot be overlooked.

Makeup Artist Education, Training, & Certification Requirements

A formal education is not necessary to succeed in the field of makeup artistry, but if you’re serious about becoming a makeup artist, attending school is an option you should pursue. There are many different programs, both in the US and in Europe, and depending on what specific field – makeup for supermodels, or makeup for the theater – there are schools that can set you on your way. But what makes up a good school? There are a number of things to consider, including coursework, costs to attend, staff and faculty reputation, etc. It’s also worth thinking about what kind of skills you wish to graduate with; creating the next great character on the backlots of Hollywood, or creating a smoky eye and red lips for supermodels in Paris? The school’s programs; if they specialize in one or two makeup techniques, or generalize in many, will be one of the first things to consider when researching various makeup schools.

Each state has different requirements to become a makeup artist. Some states offer a separate license so an individual can only specialize in one field. Other states require cosmetology certification to practice as a makeup artist. Still, other states don’t regulate makeup artistry at all, so it’s imperative to research the state’s requirements prior to choosing a program.

Makeup artists can receive training through a cosmetology associate degree program found in many technical schools and community colleges. Programs typically run about 1500 to 2000 hours, and usually take anywhere from one to two years to complete. Cosmetology students learn a broad range of beauty techniques, from hair and makeup to skincare; all of which help aspiring makeup artists learn their craft. In most cosmetology programs, students will also learn sanitation, state regulations, and business skills. More concise programs are also available through beauty schools.

Makeup artists who want to work in film or theater may consider earning a bachelor’s degree in theater. Most programs incorporate makeup into the curriculum. Some programs even offer concentrations in makeup application. Students are trained in basic makeup application, corrective makeup, and special effects makeup. Many private school programs also offer courses in prosthetics, color theory, airbrushing, waxes and gels, forms, effects for baldness and for artificial blood, etc. No doubt, professional-level makeup artist programs save time and effort trying to learn everything by trial and error, and many offer internship opportunities at local or school theaters to gain experience and make connections.