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Mastering your Craft: Do You Need A License to Be A Makeup Artist In 2023?

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In this Article
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Learn what steps to take and the importance and how you can make your dream come true.

Have you been obsessed with makeup and beauty products since your childhood? Always dreamt of making a career in the makeup artist industry? If yes, it is time to convert your passion into a profession.

Makeup artistry has been a trending career choice in recent times. The worth of the global cosmetics market was USD 380.2 billion in the year 2021. It is anticipated to reach USD 465.0 billion by the end of 2026. That speaks about the rapid growth of the beauty industry.

A job as a licensed makeup artist is an option if you wish to join the booming beauty business. You may be curious if a license is necessary for makeup artistry because you’ve chosen to pursue a career in this field. The following post will provide you with detailed insights into whether a license is required for makeup artists or not.

Types Of Makeup Artist Jobs That Requires Licenses

Not all makeup artists require a makeup license. Whether there is a need for a license or not will completely depend on the actual makeup application and artist type you want to become.

For instance, to become an independent makeup artist and work for the fashion and television industry, you do not require any license. A license for a makeup artist is also not necessary if you wish to work in a position that primarily involves promoting and selling cosmetic items.

It is because your core job is to sell cosmetic products and does not have much to do with applying makeup. However, there are certain makeup artist jobs that demand a legit license. Here are some of the job types that require a license. Let’s take a look!

Spa And Salon Makeup Artistry

You may need a makeup artist license if you are willing to be a part of a licensed and reputed salon. The renowned spa and salons consist of a team of professional estheticians, cosmologists, and various other industry professionals.

So, to work along with such expert individuals, a makeup counter license is a must. Working in the spa and salons will provide you with an opportunity to leverage your unique and professional makeup application and artistry skills and help brands expand their clientele.

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Educator

When you have a special inclination towards teaching and are passionate about makeup artistry, you can actually combine both. Wondering how it is possible?

Well, the answer is to become a beauty educator. A lot of women are looking for makeup artistry and continuing education classes and for opportunities to learn from pro makeup artists. If you are one, you can take up the role of a beauty educator and start taking makeup classes and conducting workshops.

However, being a beauty educator is one of the jobs where a license for a makeup artist is essential. It may not be mandatory. Yet obtaining a license will make you appear competent in the field of teaching and technical skills and make it simpler for you to gain the confidence of your customers.

Apart from makeup artist type, the location where you want to work is another important factor that determines whether you need a license to apply for a makeup artist program professionally or not.

For instance, when you want to take up the profession of a makeup artist in states like Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina, you definitely need a makeup artistry license. On the other hand, you will not require a practice makeup artistry license when working in Massachusetts, Indiana, and Texas.

Difference Between Makeup, Cosmetology or Esthetician License

When discussing the need for a license for makeup artists, it is vital to explore the difference between the licenses of popular cosmetologist licenses and makeup career paths. In both the treatment and cosmetics industries, cosmetology, makeup, and esthetics are in high demand. The main difference between cosmetology, esthetics, and makeup licenses is the procedures and treatments they allow you to perform. Let’s dive into the individual licensing requirements of the professionals making a career in these sectors.

Makeup License

makeup artist is a lucrative profession with ample growth opportunities. The average salary of a licensed makeup artist is nearly $120.89 per hour. Earning a makeup artist license will make you capable of performing various makeup services for individuals in different forms.

At certain salons, makeup artists require getting an esthetician license. For someone to operate as a professional makeup artist, many states do not require any sort of licensure. But there are states that make licenses a mandate.

On the other hand, there are states in which only completing some schooling or getting training is sufficient to become a certified makeup artist professional. Furthermore, there is no licensing need to work in the retail, fashion, or entertainment sectors.

Cosmetology License

Cosmetology licenses are for individuals who not only want to excel in hair and skin care but also in nail care only makeup. Cosmetologists specialize in coloring, styling, and cutting hair. Also, they concentrate on nail and skin care processes too, cosmetics, and skincare.

In order to earn a cosmetology license, you will have to get more formal educational training in comparison to makeup artistry. The comprehensive cosmetology programs will teach you everything from makeup to skin, hair, and nail care.

Esthetics License

An esthetics license is for individuals who want to make a career as estheticians or skin care specialists. Obtaining this license will enable you to perform waxing, chemical peels, facial, and different makeup applications. It is the state in which you want to work that determines whether a license is essential or not. Many makeup artists require obtaining an esthetics license to work in professional salons and spas.

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When Is A License Required for a professional makeup artist?

It’s time to develop an understanding of when a makeup license is necessary now that you have a fundamental understanding of the various licenses. Are you considering if you need a license to practice makeup artistry? The simple answer is ‘no.’

A license is not required in order to work as a makeup artist professionally. But, as was previously said, the licensing required differs depending on the states you operate in and the kind of position you hold. Louisiana is a state that offers licenses for professional makeup artists.

Other states do not have any clear regulations relating to the licensing requirements for makeup artists. There are also some states that make it compulsory for individuals to get an esthetics or cosmetology license, even when they are willing to become makeup artists.  

According to the Board of Cosmetology, estheticians and cosmetologists require meeting certain licensing requirements. These professionals usually practice haircare and skincare but do not function as makeup artists.

In general, working in a professional salon and spa will require you to get a makeup artistry license. When it comes to working as freelance independent makeup artist as a freelancer, you won’t need a license.

The majority of states lack any explicit laws governing independent contractors, which explains why. Because of this, working as a professional freelance makeup artist in the film and television industries is still viable without a license. Moreover, you won’t require a license to work in a salon as a freelance sales consultant and sell cosmetics.

In order to gain more clarity about makeup artist licenses, you must consider taking a look at the individual licensing to apply for the makeup artist programs and the requirements of different countries.

Steps To Become A Licensed Makeup Artist

Want to become a licensed makeup artist? Every state has its unique licensing requirements, therefore it’s important to grasp the best course of action in that specific situation. Make sure to gain insights into the standards before applying for a license. However, irrespective of the state board the place you live in, here are the basic steps for applying to apply makeup professionally that you need to follow.

  • Understand the specific makeup artistry license requirements of the state you live in. Is it mandatory to become a licensed makeup artist? In case a makeup license is essential, is it needed for cosmetology, esthetics, or makeup artistry?

  • Once you are clear with the license requirements, you must start looking for the right makeup artistry school. Make sure to find a makeup school that specializes in the program you are willing to take up.

  • Next, you need to enroll in the school and complete the specific makeup artistry program.

  • You may have to complete the apprenticeship and get practical experience in the makeup industry.

  • Passing the test to qualify for the exam is the only requirement after the training is complete.

  • On qualifying for the exam, you will be eligible to apply for the makeup artist license. After application, you will receive the license within a few days.

  • Do not forget to renew your makeup artist license as per the specific norms of your state. You can further take up makeup artist certification to broaden your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Are You Ready To Become A Licensed Makeup Artist?

The cosmetics market is expanding quickly. Joining the industry might thus give you a lot of opportunities to boost your career. Is a license required to work as a professional makeup artist? is one of the main questions that most people have. Depends on your career and schooling path choice.

The state in which you now reside and the kind of employment you’re interested in will determine this. You do not require a license if your ultimate goal is to work independently as a freelance makeup artist. But, If you are interested to work in a saloon or a spa then you must have a license.

Obtaining a license to apply for and apply makeup professionally isn’t very difficult. All you need to do is find the right makeup school to complete the makeup artist training, complete the course, take the test, and get the license. Want to get trained and become a licensed & certified makeup artist? If that’s the case, Vizio Makeup Academy is just the perfect option educational makeup program for you.

Obtaining a license to apply for makeup professionally isn’t very difficult. All you need to do is find the right makeup school to complete the makeup artist training, complete the course, take the test, and get the license. Want to get trained and become a licensed & certified makeup artist? If that’s the case, Vizio Makeup Academy is just the perfect option for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you need qualifications to be a makeup artist. Depending on the country in which you live, there may be specific requirements or regulations that you need to meet in order to become a professional makeup artist.

Yes, anyone can learn to do makeup. With practice and dedication, anyone can become a skilled makeup artist.

Yes, anyone can become a self-taught makeup artist with the right mindset and determination. The best way to become a self-taught makeup artist is to start by studying the basics of makeup application, from products to techniques and even tools of the trade.

Anastasia Andreani
Anastasia Andreani
For over 10 years, Anastasia Andreani has been dedicated to providing individuals with the tools they need to look and feel their best. From her esthetics license and certifications from renowned organizations, plus a business degree in hand - she imparts helpful makeup wisdom, enabling everyone to reach their full potential!