Make-Up Artistry

What is Make-Up Artistry?

Make-Up Artistry is the art of applying make-up or prosthetics to a human body for entertainment or to otherwise enhance a person’s appearance. Make-Up artists work in all aspects of the entertainment and events industries from theatre to television and film, fashion, and special events.

What courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:

• Introduction to Make-Up Artistry – the study of the basics of Make-Up and Make-Up artistry through comprehensive training and extensive practical experience.
• Make-Up Artistry – the study of all aspects of professional Make-Up Artistry in the entertainment industry.
• Fashion & Photographic Make-Up Artistry – a course on Make-Up techniques and practices for the Fashion and Photographic fields.
• Airbrush Make-Up Course – comprehensive training and experience in Airbrush Make-Up application.
• Special Effects Make-Up Artistry – a study of Special Effects Make-Up and the use of special items and equipment.
• Make-Up Masterclass – a study of skincare and preparation, colour correction and concealing techniques, foundation selection and application and so much more.
• Bridal Make-Up – this course covers the business of weddings and consultations as well as classic bridal make-up styles and methods.
• Advanced Creative Course – a practical course for advanced make-up artist skills and creativity, especially for those interested in Avant-Garde or theatrical make-up.
• Beauty Make-Up Artistry – a study of day and evening make-up looks with natural enhancements. This course covers iconic looks and current trends.

Studying Make-Up Artistry in college

Make-Up Artistry courses cover a wide array of types of make-up and make-up looks that are used in many industries. Depending on the course you choose there will be a lot of practical work on perfecting everything from daytime and nighttime looks to colour photographs and character make-up looks for the entertainment and production industries. Courses may take place over a few weeks or can be more intensive over a year or two.

Assessments are mostly practical and take place continuously throughout the course as you build on your skills. You will also be working on your portfolio as you complete each look. There are theory work and assignments that you will need to complete.

Career options

Make-Up Artistry is a highly professional occupation where you may work with high-profile clients, so it is important to build up your reputation and maintain a polite and professional attitude to all of your clients.

You must be able to work to a brief and within an allotted timeframe, so good timekeeping skills are essential to get ahead in the industry.

Professional and well-established make-up artists may serve as experts on panels and write books or have their blogs on the subject of make-up application. They can also serve as columnists and editors for beauty and style magazines. A make-up artist needs to have a broad range of common skills but can specialize in many different types of make-up and application techniques including special effects, prosthetics, theatrical make-up, and High Fashion.

Related jobs include:

• Make-Up Artist
• Fashion Make-Up Artist
• Make-up Consultant
• Product Representative
• Special-effects Make-up Artist
• Theatre Make-up Artist
• TV & Film Make-up Artist
• Wedding & Events Make-up Artist

Further study

An undergraduate Make-Up Artistry degree is often the first step to go onto further postgraduate study involving specialization in particular fields and areas of Make-Up or you may be interested in studying a business course and look into starting your own business or consultancy.

FAQ

Are there any particular qualities you need to study Make-Up Artistry?

Knowledge of make-up and a passion for the products that allow you to keep up with the latest trends and fashion is a great place to start. Candidates should be artistic and creative, and you should be able to work well with your hands.

You should also be a people person with good attention to detail; you should also be tactful and friendly because you will be holding another person's face in your hands who wants the look to go well as well and may be nervous or unsure.

As you will be working with clients and following briefs, you must have excellent listening skills and a strong ability to communicate.

Are there any tips to get started in the make-up industry while I’m still completing my certifications?

1. Start networking and offering your services for free to any volunteers. Let your friends and family know that you are interested in make-up and show off your talents in blogs or on social media.
2. Contact your local schools or theatres and see if they require workshops on make-up artistry or help in the theatre department with make-up for productions.
3. Reach out to retirement homes or hospitals and see if there is any interest in spending a day doing make-up on the residents or patients.
4. Practice anywhere and everywhere that you can!

Where can I study Make-Up Artistry?

Explore your options here

Did You Know?

• Cochineal is a red dye made of ground-up beetles that was used to color the lips and nails of ancient Incan and Aztec civilizations.
• Cleopatra was said to have soaked the sails of her ship in perfume so that everyone could smell her arrival.
• The term "cosmetic" is derived from the Greek word "kosmos," which means "of this world or worldly."
• Wrinkles, freckles, sunspots, skin flakes, and blemishes were considered unfavorable by the ancient Romans. They used swan fat or donkey milk to soften wrinkles, and snail ashes to treat sores and freckles.
• When waterproof mascara first appeared in the beauty industry in 1938, it was made of 50% turpentine.