Being a makeup artist is more than just applying cosmetics.
You have to continuously learn that the makeup industry evolves rapidly with new trends, techniques, and products. A makeup artist must constantly update their skills through workshops, courses, and staying abreast of industry developments. It’s also a physically demanding job requiring long hours, often on your feet, often in poorly lit environments. Not to mention carrying the heavy kit around!

Understanding client psychology is crucial.
A makeup artist must navigate diverse personalities, preferences, and expectations. Good communication skills and empathy are essential for client satisfaction. As makeup artists, we often face unpredictable situations, such as last-minute changes or unexpected client requests. Adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are invaluable in such scenarios.

You need to build a strong network.
This is vital for success. Makeup artists must cultivate relationships with clients, photographers, models, and other industry professionals. With this collaboration and career advancement. On top of the networking, you also need to be an entrepreneur, managing finances, marketing, and client bookings. Business acumen is essential for sustaining a successful career in the competitive beauty industry.

Eleasha Yarde

You’ll need to work holidays and early mornings.
Holidays are popular for weddings and special events, meaning makeup artists may have bookings during these times. Brides and their bridal parties often require makeup services early in the morning to accommodate wedding schedules, but they have booked you a year in advance for your services. Being prepared for early morning appointments such as wedding bookings involves careful planning and organisation with the bride and bridal party. As makeup artists, it is essential to be organised and ready, even down to making sure you have enough petrol in your car to attend the wedding in the morning on time and your kit is ready to go. While working holidays and early mornings may require sacrifice and flexibility, it’s often an integral part of a freelance makeup artist’s career, offering opportunities for growth, client satisfaction, and financial stability.

You’ll get some wild jobs.
All my experience from the above helped me in February when I was a part of the MOBO Award makeup team. I got to create beautiful makeup looks on celebrities and work with other makeup artists and hairstylists from the industry who I have never worked with before, which was a fantastic experience. The pressure of working backstage can be overwhelming, but you need to stay cool and calm and listen to directions from stylist who have brought their client through for makeup and hair. I needed to work quickly and professionally and keep my hygiene standards high. Working at the MOBO Award has been life-changing, and it was a wonderful experience (even if it was 15 hours doing makeup!)

OM Makeup Artistry & Beauty is run by Eleasha Yarde. You can find out more about her at www.ommnb.co.uk or on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok

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