How to Become a Make-Up Artist

If you’re interested in make-up and wigs, if you watch a film and note the kind of eye-shadow worn by a certain actress or admire a particular natural–effect lipstick, then the world of make-up is probably for you! But how can you develop your interest into a real job? And how can you make money doing what you love most in the world? Here’s how to become a make-up artist!

Make-Up Artist: How to Get Into This Profession

Let’s be clear: there’s no easy route into this career. You’ll have to study and learn all the basics of make-up. There are various academies or specialist schools that offer make-up courses for the cinema, photography and fashion, or training as a make-up artist. This last course is probably the most comprehensive; it involves 600 hours of lessons, and at the end of the year you get a certificate qualifying you to work in Italy and abroad.

Of course, this is not all you need to become an expert make-up artist. It provides you with the basics, but you’ll always need to update your skills by following fashion and the latest trends. The make-up sector is constantly changing and evolving, just like the world of fashion. To be successful in this job, you need to be right up to date.

Once you’ve finished your academic training, you’ll have to work your way up the ladder, perhaps by shadowing a professional make-up artist who’s willing to teach you and to pass on her knowledge and expertise.

A word of advice! Take a photo of all your make-up creations (especially the best ones). They can all go into your personal folder, which will help you get work in the future, and which you can present to any companies wanting to hire a professional make-up artist.