Let’s face it: the beauty industry is fierce. With new trends popping up every second and countless artists showcasing jaw-dropping work, sometimes standing out as a makeup artist can feel as tricky as creating the perfect winged liner on a squirmy client. But don’t worry—if you’re ready to set yourself apart, we’ve got the tea.
Here’s how to make sure clients and colleagues remember you for all the right reasons.
1. Never Stop Learning (Seriously)
Sure, we are a makeup school, so of course we will always push for more education, but hear us out. Makeup trends are like exes—they come and go, and sometimes they circle back unexpectedly whether we want them to or not. One minute everyone’s obsessed with dewy skin, and the next it’s all about matte finishes and bold eye looks. If you’re still stuck on techniques and trends you learned more than 6 months ago, it’s time to freshen up your skills.
Not only are trends constantly fluctuating, but products, techniques, and the latest business strategies are constantly being introduced and its crucial to keep up if you want to stay inline with the industry pros.
Continuing education isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your ticket to staying relevant. Whether you’re refreshing the basics, taking advanced courses, attending workshops, or even practicing new techniques at home, investing in your education is KEY to a successful career.
2. Master the Art of Professionalism
No matter how stunning your makeup skills are, if you roll into a gig late, unprepared, or with a messy kit, clients won’t book you again. Here’s how to get it right:
• Be on time. Fashionably late is cute for parties, not for work—and yes that includes those unpaid gigs as well!
• Keep your kit clean. No one wants last week’s lipstick germs on their face. Ew. Enough said.
• Communicate like a pro. Texting “u good w 2pm?” isn’t going to get you your dream career. Be professional, easy to reach, respectful, and THOROUGH in your communication. Your clients/colleagues should never feel like they have to work for your attention!
When you carry yourself like a polished pro, you not only attract clients, but you also build respect among peers in the industry.
3. Be your client’s hype person
Here’s the thing: being a makeup artist isn’t just about what you do with brushes. It’s about how you make people feel. Every client wants to leave your chair feeling like a super model—confident, glowing, and ready to take on the day.
So, compliment them! Gas them up! Tell them how amazing they look. Your energy is contagious, and when clients feel great about themselves, they’ll rave about you to everyone they know. And yes, word-of-mouth marketing still reigns supreme.
4. Brand Yourself and NETWORK. We can’t stress this enough.
You can be the best artist in the world, but if no one knows who you are, it doesn’t matter. Get your name out there by:
• Posting your work consistently on your website and social media—hello, Instagram and TikTok. Trust me, after those rough few hours of no TikTok, everyone will be graciously spending time on the app—take advantage of it!
• Engaging with your followers by replying to comments and DMs.
• Collaborating and supporting other creatives. Let’s help each other out and hype each other up! Not only other MUAs, but expand your network with photographers, stylists, and models as well!
Your vibe attracts your tribe, so make sure your branding reflects who you are as an artist.
5. Stay Humble, Hustle Hard
Even if you’ve mastered the art, there’s always room to grow. Stay humble, ask for feedback, and never stop pushing yourself.
The key to standing out as a makeup artist is to be more than just good—you have to be someone clients WANT to be around. Keep learning, stay professional, and always bring your best self to the table (or vanity). Before you know it, you’ll be the artist everyone’s talking about—and not just because of your killer skills.
