GUEST BLOG: How to Become a Professional Makeup Artist by Heather Physioc of Beauty Schools Directory

If you are reading the blog of the lovely and talented Miss Niki, you probably have a passion for fashion and beauty. Nothing excites you more than newly released beautiful palettes of shadow, or testing stunning new shades of lip color. You live for that moment when you finish an all-new makeup design and it leaves you breathless. Have you ever thought about taking the creativity and technique you experience in your passion for makeup to the next level and turning it into a career as a makeup artist?

The makeup artist job description calls for a professional to use traditional and modern cosmetic techniques and products to create composed, seamless looks on the face or body that communicate the message you want to communicate. The message you communicate with bridal makeup is vastly different from the feeling you want to convey when you do stage makeup for an imaginative character in a play at the local theater. Though most MUAs specialize in a particular area, a true professional’s training allows them to do makeup from one end of the spectrum to the other.

There are so many job opportunities for makeup artists to consider. I already mentioned bridal makeup and stage makeup. To name some others, there is also special effects makeup for film, makeup for photographers and fashion shows, makeup for senior/headshot/engagement photos, makeup product development and testing, event makeup, and so much more. 

Most states do not currently require official licensing to be a professional makeup artist, however attending makeup schools or cosmetology schools can be the difference between you and the other candidates for the biggest makeup jobs – freelance or permanent. When you think long and hard about your career in the long-term, really consider what will set you apart from the others. Oftentimes, it’s the body of work you have in your MUA portfolio, and the education and training you have to back it up. The people who are hiring for makeup work want to know that they’re getting the most for their money in skills, technique, knowledge and creativity. 

For those of you who love makeup beyond just trying something new with your eye shadow once in a while, maybe you dream of being the next Bobbi Brown or Scott Patric. For those of you who live, breathe, sleep and dream makeup, maybe it’s time to consider the next step and turn makeup into a career you love to wake up to, that inspires you every day, and that constantly challenges you to expand your skills and creativity. If that’s you, take the next step to becoming a makeup artist so you never look back and wonder what might have been.

Heather Physioc is the Website Manager for Beauty Schools Directory, a site that matches aspiring cosmetology students with the school of their dreams. Contact Heather or Beauty Schools Directory or talk to her on Twitter @BSDiva for all your cosmetology education, licensing and career needs.


Working with Heather has been amazing!  She started the ball rolling and contacting me about writing a guest blog for Beauty Schools Directory (check out the article here) and she graciously returned the favor by writing this informative article.  Heather - Thank you so very much for this wonderful opportunity!

 I hope that this article finds you all well and helps you all with your future.  

Have you or do you plan on going to makeup school?  
What do you do to express your passion for cosmetology?