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MAKEUP ARTISTC E R T I F I C A T I O N S , D I P L O M A S , & L I C E N S E S
CONTENTS
1. Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and Licenses
2. So What Exactly Is a Makeup Artist?
3. What Makes a Good Makeup Artist?
4. Makeup Artists vs. Cosmetologists vs. Estheticians
7. What is a Makeup Certification?
8. How is a Makeup Certification Different from a Diploma?
10. What is a Makeup Artist License?
12. Resources and/or Tips for Researching Local Regulations
13. What it All Means
About QC Makeup Academy
Contact Us
MAKEUP ARTIST CERTIFICATIONS, DIPLOMAS, AND LICENSESSo you want to jump headfirst into becoming a makeup artist, congratulations!
What’s next? Do you need a makeup diploma, or a certificate? How about a makeup artistry license? Is there such a thing? These questions are probably swirling around in your head, and the answers aren’t always black and white.
A search around the web brings up dozens of results that use confusing terms and advertise articles, videos, and courses that claim to make you the ultimate makeup artist. Sorting through all the clutter is no easy task, but nothing is worse than spending thousands of dollars to get training and a license just to find out that it was unnecessary.
It will take more than just a couple hours on Google to find out what’s actually required to become a makeup artist in your area, but here’s a quick guide to get you started. We’ll walk you through figuring out what career you want in the beauty industry as well as if you need a certificate, diploma, or license to start your dream career.
1Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and Licenses
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A MAKEUP ARTIST? Becoming a makeup artist means learning to use the face (and/or
body) as a canvas and being paid to do it. Whether it’s enhancing
the eyes on a bride’s face or applying scars on a movie star’s
body, being a makeup artist is a lot of work. But don’t let that
deter you! The effort pays off when you see all your creativity
and hard work come to life. If you’re passionate about makeup
and want a career that has many different paths, makeup artistry
might be right for you.
2Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MAKEUP ARTIST?Besides having a talent for blending eyeshadow and sculpting the perfect cheekbones, there are some other skills that you’ll need to be successful.
Personality / attitudeYou can be the best airbrush artist in the business, but you won’t have a lot of job offers if you aren’t pleasant to work with. Making your clients’ experiences more enjoyable will go a long way.
NetworkingThe fastest way to get more clients is through referrals. You never know if that person sitting in your chair can connect you to a studio, a celebrity, or even a steady gig.
FlexibilityThere are so many different career paths you can take, but you have to be ready and willing. Having a flexible time schedule and a willingness to travel will open many doors for you.
DedicationAs soon as you decide that makeup is more than a hobby, you have to swing into high gear. Working in the makeup industry takes a lot of effort and commitment, especially when you’re mastering new skills.
KnowledgeMany clients will turn to you for help with product and service recommendations. Making sure you’re in the know for all the latest tips and trends will help you give honest and informative answers.
3Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
MAKEUP ARTISTS VS. COSMETOLOGISTS VS. ESTHETICIANS
Many people mistake makeup artists, cosmetologists, and estheticians as professionals who do the same job. Although there are definitely overlaps, especially since all three learn about makeup, they are very different careers with their own training requirements and areas of specialization.
MAKEUP ARTISTS COSMETOLOGISTS ESTHETICIANS
What do they do?
Continued...
Makeup artists use cosmetics to superficially alter someone’s face or body—usually to enhance the client’s beauty. Sometimes prosthetics/props are used, especially in special effects makeup.
Cosmetologists share skills with makeup artists, but they also offer services beyond makeup. These skills include skincare, nail care, and hair styling.
Estheticians often go beyond the superficial application of products. They specialize in advanced services including skin treatments, laser hair removal, and even permanent makeup (which makeup artists do not offer).
4Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and Licenses
How are they different?
While attending beauty school may give aspiring artists a leg up, it isn’t always necessary.
Makeup certification courses will teach basic makeup techniques along with more expert techniques such as special effects makeup or editorial makeup. These courses can be done in-class or online.
A license may or may not be necessary depending local regulations.
Most cosmetology programs focus their training on hairdressing over makeup artistry. They will also teach hygiene, scalp care, makeup, skincare, and cosmetic chemistry.
Aspiring cosmetologists are required to attend a cosmetology program through a brick-and-mortar school that’s accredited by the local cosmetology board. They then have to become licensed to practice their work. Cosmetology school usually takes a year or two to finish.
Because they deal with much more technical procedures (like microdermabrasion) and must learn to use specialized equipment (such as tattooing machines), esthetician training programs are much longer and expensive compared to the other two careers.
Aspiring estheticians are required to attend an accredited esthetician training program through a brick and mortar school. They then have to become licensed to practice their craft. Accredited programs typically take a minimum of a year of full-time studies to finish.
Makeup artists specialize in makeup application. A well-rounded MUA will have knowledge of all areas of makeup.
They have a wide range of employment opportunities.
Cosmetologists have broader training compared to makeup artists. They are trained in nail care, hair styling and more.
They often hold steady jobs in salons.
Estheticians have the widest range in skills with different techniques and equipment, so they need more formal training than makeup artists and cosmetologists.
They often hold steady jobs in salons or spas.
MAKEUP ARTISTS COSMETOLOGISTS ESTHETICIANS
What kind of education do they need?
Continued...
5Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and Licenses
Where can they work?
Freelance, salons, theatre, television and movie sets, fashion, weddings, editorial and more!
Salons, spas, weddings, independent practices
Salons, spas, weddings, independent practices
Although makeup theory and application is studied in both cosmetology and esthetics programs, it is definitely not the focus of those programs. In fact, these programs cover a wide range of other services, so they’ll usually provide only a brief and basic overview on makeup application. Many licensed cosmetologists and estheticians will often look into specialized makeup training if they want to build their knowledge and offer makeup services to their clients.
MAKEUP ARTISTS COSMETOLOGISTS ESTHETICIANS
These are just some of the differences between the three
careers. If you’d like to get more in-depth information on
training costs and job types, check out this article on
Makeup Artists vs. Cosmetologists and Estheticians.
6Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
WHAT IS A MAKEUP CERTIFICATION?If you attend a reputable makeup school, you’ll obtain a certificate of completion that proves you are competent in makeup artistry. A makeup certification will show clients and potential employers that you’ve gone to school to learn all the theory and have the practical knowledge to boot. A makeup certification will show that,
1. You’ve been evaluated and critiqued by an industry expert
2. You have a strong knowledge of current makeup techniques
3. You understand the hygiene and safety guidelines that will keep clients out of harm’s way
7Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
HOW IS A MAKEUP CERTIFICATION DIFFERENT FROM A DIPLOMA?You’ve probably heard the terms “makeup certification” and “makeup diploma” used in the same situations. While these two phrases are often used interchangeably, most people mean to say “makeup certificate” when they talk about “makeup diplomas” because a certificate is by far the most commonly used and required in the industry. There is a big difference between a makeup certification and a makeup diploma. The one you’ll need depends on what you want to do with your career.
You can choose to get a “diploma in makeup application”, but most times you’ll likely end up in a cosmetology or esthetician program. These two professions NEED formal schooling at colleges or beauty schools approved by local licensing boards. Through college programs, you will be able to earn a diploma, and they will likely prepare you for the licensing exams so you can practice your trade right away.
So what are the differences between a
certificate and a diploma?
?
8Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
• Makeup Artistry Career
• Shorter learning and
training period
• Programs take between
4 months and 1 year
(part-time)
• High flexibility – take the
courses you need
• Online training options
available
• More affordable
• Formal training
• Learn theory, technique
development, practical
application
• Opportunity to build portfolio
• Overlapping job
opportunities: Self-
employment, working in
salons
• Cosmetologists and makeup
artists can work in the
entertainment industry for
similar wages depending on
the type of production.
• Highly structured learning
and training period (dictated
by the school)
• Programs take between 1
and 3 years (part time or full
time)
• Multiple compulsory courses
within a program
• Require a High School
diploma or GED for
admission
• Higher tuition fees
Makeup Certification Similarities
Cosmetology or Esthetics Diploma
Since there isn’t a specific amount of makeup training to become a makeup artist in every state or province, some regions won’t require you to be licensed. But what about those that do?
9Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
WHAT IS A MAKEUP ARTIST LICENSE?Cosmetologists and estheticians must have valid licenses to work in their state or province, but it may not be necessary for professional makeup artists depending on where they’re located. Rules and regulations change from one region to another, so what might be the standard for your best friend in the next state may not be the case for you.
Depending on regulations, you may only be able to do makeup application at a salon if you’re a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician, and might not require any type of license if you offer freelance makeup services. So, it’s important to do some homework to figure out what kind of training or license you need.
Interestingly enough, in almost every region, you DON’T need a license if you are working behind a makeup counter. It makes sense once you think about the real purpose behind the job. The primary job of a MAC or Sephora employee is to sell a product, not to apply makeup (though you get to do this too!)
NOTE: In some areas, a cosmetology license is required even if you want to exclusively offer makeup services. Make sure to do your research to know exactly what the rules are!
10Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
How do I get a license?Each region has its own individual licensing board. In order to apply for a license (if you need one), you must demonstrate that you have proper training in safety, sanitation, technique, etc. This is usually done through a licensing exam.
Typically you’ll need to have completed a form of education, along with a set amount of application and practice hours before you can take the exam. The number of practice hours depends on if you’re attending a formal school program or doing an apprenticeship.
• Keep in mind that some states don’t allow you to test for a license if you’ve only completed an apprenticeship and no formal schooling. Again, you should do your research if you’re aiming for a license!
• The licensing exam is usually a mix of theory (written test) and application (hands-on test). These are standard parts of a beauty school curriculum, so you’ll be well prepared to tackle this exam after you get your diploma.
Passing your exam is not the end of the road. You have to maintain licensure by following licensing rules and renewing your license about every two years. You have to pay a small fee for license renewals, but the price is worth it, because it means you can continue to work legally.
11Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and [email protected]
RESOURCES AND/OR TIPS FOR RESEARCHING LOCAL REGULATIONSDon’t waste your money on a diploma or license if you don’t have to. Do some thorough research—not just simply checking a Wikipedia page to find your facts.
• Look up your state or provincial employment regulations to figure out what you’ll need to be a practicing makeup artist. Local regulations can be a difficult read, but getting the facts straight from an official source is your best bet.
• If you’re thinking about working at a specific salon or beauty counter, you’ve probably looked into their job requirements. Don’t be afraid of giving their hiring managers a call or talking to their current employees to figure out what you need to apply for a specific position.
• If you choose to attend a college for your makeup training, you’ll likely be studying to be a cosmetologist or esthetician anyways and will need a license. If you choose to specialize in makeup artistry, they’ll still be a valuable resource with reliable information on licensing. Oftentimes, your school will even help you prep for the licensing exams.
12Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and Licenses
WHAT IT ALL MEANSGetting started in the makeup industry takes time. Depending on what you want to do, you’ll need different types and levels of training.
Cosmetologists and estheticians learn a wide range of skills focusing on many areas of beauty such as skin and hair in formal school environments (colleges). While they both receive some formal makeup training, the amount of time spent on makeup alone isn’t much.
But what if all you want to do is learn makeup artistry? If you’re passionate about makeup, another option outside of a diploma-earning program, is a makeup artistry certification program.
Completing a makeup artistry certification will take you up to a year (part-time), while completing a cosmetology or esthetics diploma program can take up to three! If you’re looking for a fast way to break into the makeup industry without sacrificing theory,
technique, and practical training, a makeup artistry certification might be right for you.
Completing a makeup artistry certification is often the quickest, least expensive and most flexible way to get a jumpstart on your career. You will get a more specialized level of education in makeup than in cosmetology and esthetician programs, because makeup certification courses emphasize makeup application training.
Whether you get a certificate or a diploma, sometimes you’ll need to get a license too to practice your craft. Make sure you study up on your region’s licensing requirements for practicing makeup artists when you’re deciding on the kind of job that you want.
No matter which option you choose, choosing makeup artistry will lead to a rich and rewarding career.
13Makeup Artist Certifications, Diplomas, and Licenses
ENROLL ONLINE TODAY AND TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP TO AN EXCITING CAREER!
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ABOUT QC MAKEUP ACADEMYQC Makeup Academy, a division of QC Career School, offers distance education training in makeup artistry all over the world. Upon completion of a QC makeup artistry course, students will receive a certification that
proves their competency in makeup artistry. Our goal is to offer the highest quality training possible!
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A+ Rating with the BBBQC is proud to hold the highest possible consumer satisfaction rating (A+) with the Better Business Bureau. Join the thousands of students who have taken a QC program and gone on to launch a rewarding and successful career!
21-Day Full Refund GuaranteeOnce you receive your course materials, you’ll have a full three weeks (21 days) to review your course. If you decide that the course does not match your needs, simply return the materials to the school, unused, and your fees will be immediately refunded! Click here to learn more
CONTACT USWWW.QCMAKEUPACADEMY.COM
EMAIL: [email protected]
US & Canada: 1-800-267-1829
United Kingdom: 0800 066 4734
Australia: 1800 358 931
New Zealand: 0800 451 979
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