Starting a professional makeup application (pro MUA) business can be an exciting and rewarding venture! Whether you're passionate about beauty or looking to turn your hobby into a career, setting up a business requires careful planning and investment in the right tools. This blog post will guide you through the essential items you need and provide some tips on how to get started, what to charge, and the potential earnings of a makeup artist.
How Do I Start Myself as a Makeup Artist?
To begin your journey as a makeup artist, you should first focus on building your skills and knowledge. Here are the steps to get started:
- Education and Training: Enroll in a reputable makeup school or take online courses to learn the basics of makeup application, skin care, and different makeup techniques.
- Practice: Practice your skills on friends, family, or yourself. Building a portfolio showcasing your work can help attract potential clients.
- Certification: Although not mandatory, getting certified can enhance your credibility. Some states don't require a license in order to begin your professional makeup application career. However, word-of-mouth will be your best marketing advantage, and the better you make your clients feel, the more business you will inevitably have. Look for certification programs that are recognized in the beauty industry.
- Networking: Join beauty communities, attend industry events, and connect with other professionals. Networking can lead to collaborations and job opportunities.
- Social Media Presence: Create profiles on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase your work. Regularly posting high-quality content can attract a following and potential clients.
How to Start Up a Makeup Artist Business?
Starting a makeup artist business involves more than just your skills; it requires proper tools and organization. Here's a list of essential items to consider:
- Makeup Kit: Invest in a comprehensive makeup kit with high-quality products. Your kit should include a variety of foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and brushes. The MONSTINA Large Capacity Makeup Case is perfect for organizing and transporting your makeup products. It's lightweight, durable, and has plenty of compartments to organize your kit.
- Disposable Applicators: For hygiene purposes, use disposable applicators. A Disposable Makeup Applicators Kit ensures you have everything you need, including triangle puffs, mixing palettes, mascara wands, lip brushes, and powder puffs. Disposable tools are a necessity for makeup application to eyes and lips to ensure a safe and healthy makeup application.
- Director's Chair: Comfort for both you and your clients is crucial. The EVER ADVANCED 30.7" Seat Height Directors Chair is ideal for makeup artists. It's tall, sturdy, and comes with a side table for convenience.
- Lighting: Good lighting is essential for applying makeup accurately. A High Power Rechargeable Clip Fill Light provides adjustable lighting modes, making it suitable for various settings. Additionally, the NEEWER Ring Light 18inch Kit offers professional LED lighting with a stand and phone holder, perfect for makeup artists.
- Gloves: Maintain hygiene with Pink Disposable Gloves. These latex-free gloves are perfect for estheticians and makeup artists.
- Skin Care Products: Offering skincare before makeup application can enhance results. The SkinSmart Facial Cleanser for Acne is a great option to target bacteria and prepare the skin. This spray can be used before and after makeup application to minimize bacteria without leaving a white cast or oil behind. This is especially important for clients who break out from their makeup mixing with sweat, to reduce acne flare ups after the makeup application. This is important as your skill are also judged by your ability to maintain the skin's health and integrity even after the makeup is washed off.
- Travel Bottles: Keep your liquid products organized and spill-free with BENECREAT 10 Pack Small Travel Squeeze Bottles. You can also store and label powder products in these bottles, to make your kit lighter and more compact.
- Eye Drops: Ensure your clients' eyes look fresh with Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops, ideal for soothing and hydrating the eyes. These individually packaged eye drops will help your clients' eyes sparkle for photos, while being health-conscious.
- Hand Sanitizer: Keep your hands clean with PURELL SINGLES Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel. These single-use packets are convenient for on-the-go sanitation.
How Much Should a Beginner Makeup Artist Charge?
Setting your rates as a beginner makeup artist can be challenging. It's essential to consider factors like your location, the complexity of the service, and your level of experience. Here's a general guideline:
- Hourly Rate: Beginners can start with an hourly rate of $25 to $50. This can vary based on the demand and the competition in your area.
- Per Service: For specific services like bridal makeup, you can charge between $100 to $400. Special event makeup can range from $100 on the low end, to $1,000 on the high end for ultra-luxury services with application of lashes, body oil and shimmer, and event touch ups included.
It's a good idea to research local competitors to see what they charge and adjust your prices accordingly. As you gain more experience and build a portfolio, you can gradually increase your rates.
Do Makeup Artists Make a Lot of Money?The earning potential for makeup artists varies widely based on several factors, including experience, location, and clientele. Here are some insights:
- Freelance Makeup Artists: Freelancers can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on their client base and the number of bookings they secure. The earning potential increases with the artist's ability to travel.
- Celebrity Makeup Artists: Those who work with celebrities or high-profile clients can earn significantly more, sometimes exceeding six figures annually.
- Bridal Makeup Artists: Specializing in bridal makeup can be lucrative, especially during the wedding season. Rates for bridal makeup are generally higher, and booking multiple weddings can lead to substantial earnings.
Overall, while starting out may involve lower earnings, with dedication, skill improvement, and effective marketing, makeup artists have the potential to make a comfortable and even lucrative income.
Final Thoughts
Starting a professional makeup application business requires a combination of skill, the right tools, and strategic planning. By investing in high-quality products like the MONSTINA Makeup Case, NEEWER Ring Light, and EVER ADVANCED Directors Chair, you set yourself up for success. Remember to continually hone your skills, build your portfolio, and stay updated with industry trends. With perseverance and passion, your makeup artist business can flourish and become a rewarding career.
Happy beautifying!
With Love,
Eliza Rose ♡
I hope you enjoyed this post ♡ Although this post is not sponsored, the links included are affiliate links, and I do make a very small commission on each purchase at no extra cost to you. However, know that I would never share with you a product that I do not use and completely adore.
