How to become a makeup artist UK and start your business

If you’re an eyeshadow expert or a contour connoisseur, becoming a makeup artist could be a great career choice.

Our step-by-step guide will help you get going, from getting qualified to finding clients as a freelance makeup artist.

What does a makeup artist do?

A makeup artist is a specialist in cosmetics, who uses artistic skill and makeup products to enhance someone’s natural features or to change how they look.

Makeup artists are often employed to do makeup for weddings and other special events – as well as for modelling shoots, theatre productions, film, and TV shows.

Makeup artists who work on films and other productions may use special makeup techniques to radically change an actor’s appearance, for example, making them look much older than they are or like they’ve been in a fight.

Although you may be able to find an employed role in the industry, it’s common to work on a self-employed basis as a freelance makeup artist.

How to become a makeup artist – a 5 step guide

Most makeup artists are self-employed and it takes skill, dedication, and time to build up a client base and get regular work. So we’ve done our best to put together a comprehensive guide on how to get started in this exciting and creative career.

1. What qualifications do you need to become a makeup artist?

There are so many makeup schools in the UK that it’s hard to pinpoint the best ones. When you’re comparing makeup schools, look carefully at the courses they offer, any accreditations they have, and the facilities available.

Also ask about the success of previous graduates. If you know anyone who already works in the industry, ask for their recommendations.

London offers the UK’s biggest selection of makeup schools and beauty academies. Some of the best makeup schools in London include the Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM), the Delamar Academy, the London School of Beauty and Makeup (LSBM) and the Glauca Rossi School of Makeup.

There are several different types of makeup artist qualifications available.

Makeup artist degree courses

You don’t need a degree to become a makeup artist, but some people do choose university courses. There are plenty of options, including:

Hair and Make-up for Fashion BA at London College of Fashion
Makeup for Media and Performance BA at Arts University Bournemouth

Makeup artist certificates and diplomas

There are plenty of recognised makeup artist qualifications outside of university. These are available all over the country, so compare your options and choose a course carefully.

Some popular makeup artist qualifications include:

BTEC Level 3 Diploma
VTCT Level 3 Diploma
ITEC Level 3 Diploma
City and Guilds technical certificates and diplomas
Makeup Standards Authority (MASA) Diploma

These courses are offered by colleges, creative arts schools, and beauty academies.

You can also do more specific courses, for example a special effects makeup course or a media makeup course. To hone your skills further, consider masterclasses in particular techniques like bridal makeup or contouring. These are offered by local salons, beauty schools, and makeup brands.

Makeup artist apprenticeships

An apprenticeship gives you the chance to study for a qualification while gaining on-the-job experience with an employer. You’ll be paid a wage for your work, and you’ll be given time off to study.

Apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers, so you’re usually not expected to have industry experience or relevant qualifications when you start.

Since being a makeup artist involves a lot of practice, an apprenticeship is a good way to learn. The National Careers Service says that possible makeup artist apprenticeships include beauty therapy or hairdressing apprenticeships, which give you practical experience that you can take into makeup artist work.

You can find out more about makeup artistry apprenticeships and search for an apprenticeship at the government website.

2. Do makeup artists need a business plan?

Makeup artists can take on a wide range of jobs, so it may help you to specialise in one area. Do you enjoy making brides feel beautiful, or are you more interested in special effects? Is there a gap in your local market that you might be able to fill?

Writing a business plan will help you establish this, as well as identify any potential obstacles to getting your business up and running. You’ll also get a better view of the profits you need to make to be successful.

We have tools you can use to make sure you’re making the most of your earnings:

3. Do makeup artists need to register their business?

Yes, they do! This will involve registering as self-employed with HMRC if you’re a sole trader, or setting up a limited company. Read about the differences between sole traders and limited companies.

4. What insurance do makeup artists need?

It’s important to get the right makeup artist insurance for your business. It helps protect you against accidents and other mishaps. A makeup artist insurance policy can include:

public liability insurance (in case someone gets injured or their property gets damaged as a result of your business, for example if you drop a tub of product that stains a client’s carpet)
professional indemnity insurance (in case you give bad advice that causes losses for your client)
tool cover (in case your specialist equipment gets lost, damaged, or stolen)
employers’ liability insurance (if you grow your business and hire staff, this cover will be a legal requirement)

5. How do makeup artists find clients?

For makeup artists just starting out, making sure you get enough work is probably the biggest challenge. You’ll likely have built an initial portfolio as part of your makeup artist qualification, but you’ll want to prove to new clients that you’re able tackle anything the industry throws at you.

You could try becoming a resident makeup artist at a hair and beauty salon, advertising your bridal makeup skills at wedding shows, or working as an assistant to a more experienced makeup artist to build up your network.

Once you’ve got a few client jobs under your belt and shown off your skills, things should get easier as more people find you via word-of-mouth recommendations.

How much does a makeup artist make?

According to talent.com, the average makeup artist salary in the UK is £22,880 (based on 336 salaries).

The National Careers Service says the average makeup artist salary is variable, but both of these websites refer to employed roles.

As a freelance makeup artist, you’ll set your own rates and the money you make will depend on factors like the type of makeup artist you are, your location, and your experience.

It’s best to research how much makeup artists are charging in the sector and location you’d like to work in, then set your rates from there.

Have you set up a makeup artist business? Let us know how you’re getting on in the comments – we’d love to hear your tips for budding makeup artists.

Do you have any tips for budding makeup artists? Let us know in the comments below.

More small business guides and resources:

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How to become a makeup artist — a 5-step guide