Job Roles in the Makeup Industry
Theatre
The theatre!! A source of entertainment, fun and sorrow, depending on what show you have seen. From Elphaba to Hamlet these characters are always brought to life with the aid of a makeup artist. Transforming the actor's appearance to help them portray a variety of characters, is an art form within itself. To pursue a career in this area you must show a great level of skills and knowledge not only in makeup but also in wigs and postiches. There is usually one person in the production who is named as lead/head makeup artist and their position will be permanent. They will then have a team that is made up of freelancers and they will follow their brief and work with the cast. Working in the theatre does mean working unsociable hours as most shows are in the evenings. Work as a freelancer will be irregular as most companies only offer short-term contracts.
Make-up designer
In pre-production the makeup designer would first read the script taking notes of the key characters and what they would look like, they would then put a team together and assign the characters and ensemble cast to do. They would all produce the first set of design plans; the makeup designer will then go over these plans with the rest of the production at the production meeting and discuss with the director what their vision is. Before making final plans, the makeup designer would talk to the wardrobe department, and lighting department, and make any adjustments to the makeup that may need to be done. They would then put together an invoice for all the tools, products, and equipment they will need and submit this to the producer. They will set up the work rooms making sure to follow health and safety guidelines and making sure that they have everything they need. The makeup designer will then run a trial for the makeup to see how it looks on stage and make any adjustments that the director and producer may want. For the production, the makeup designer will put together call sheets and scene sheets for the team. On show night the makeup designer will oversee all the makeup looks and check them before they go on stage. When the show is over, they will make sure to pack up the makeup rooms and make sure everything is cleaned.
Trainee make-up artist
A trainee makeup would first read the script and would be doing the ensemble cast. Coming up design plan to submit to the makeup designer. They will mostly follow the instructions of the makeup designer and communicate with the rest of the team throughout. On show nights they will apply the makeup they have been asked to do and help where needed. They will also have to keep good time management throughout and make sure that they are meeting the deadlines that the makeup designer is setting. Postproduction they will help clean up the makeup rooms and make sure they are clean and ready to use for the next production.
TV and Film
What is a TV and Film Makeup Artist?
The theatrical makeup looks that performers in feature films and television programmes wear are created and applied by film makeup artists. Depending on the production and character, the complexity and style of design will change, but skilled makeup artists may create a broad range of appearances for different genres and eras. (Class,2021)
Even though you might not realise it, every movie and TV show you watch depends heavily on the cosmetics and hairstyles. Though prosthetics, ageing, and wigs may give the impression that talented makeup artists are solely needed to alter an actor's appearance, the makeup department is essential to every production, regardless of how simple the cosmetics look may be.
Becoming a makeup artist could be the best career choice for you if you enjoy the enchantment of movies and think you're good with cosmetics. We'll be talking about what you need to know in this article to start breaking into the business and getting gigs on movie sets. (Filmd, 2022)
Roles
Key makeup artists – they act as the head makeup artists, oversee all the designs, and work on all the lead actors. They work closely with the director and costume designer to create all the character’s looks, as well as test all of them in front of the camera. They are also in charge of the rest of the team and will delegate tasks and duties to everyone. A key aspect when working in TV and Film is to make sure the makeup continuity is correct. They do this by taking photos of everything that they do. This is vital and the head makeup artist oversees that all the actors have the correct looks on before going to set. They will also be the ones that will be working on set and doing any touch up between takes that are needed.
Makeup Artist – they are responsible for working on the rest of the cast, actors that need makeup but are not leads within the film or show. They must closely follow the brief given by the lead makeup artists and have all the looks they do checked, before the actor can go onto set.
Makeup Assistant - Makeup assistants help makeup artists with modest jobs like organising makeup supplies and applying cosmetics on the body, including body painting and body art. To maintain uniformity in the event of reshoots, the lead makeup artist may additionally assign a makeup assistant the duty of taking pictures of the cast's makeup.
Fashion and Editorial
What is an Editorial Makeup Artist?
Makeup styles for magazine spreads, fashion photos, music videos, advertising, and other visual media are created by editorial makeup artists. Editorial makeup is typically bolder and more artistic than regular makeup. Therefore, the work of an editorial makeup artist may include pushing the limits of conventional beauty standards, experimenting with colours and textures, and producing avant-garde styles. (Explorer, 2023)
What skills do they need?
Visualise – they create the looks in collaboration with brands, photographers and directors. They follow the brief they receive and bring it to life by creating design plans (face charts) and doing test shoots.
Application – They will apply the make to the models, these looks are often bold and detailed, so need a steady and creative hand. They will use techniques that will bring out the model's best features.
Attention to detail – During the makeup application the makeup artist will take into consideration the model’s skin type, tone, features, eye colour and hair colour. All these factors affect the final result as they will determine what colours, products and techniques the makeup artist will use.
Time Management- It is essential they work within the timeframe that they are given – time is money, and this is the case with most sets. They often have strict schedules because of this.
Roles
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“Fashion Editorial Makeup Artist – These artists work primarily in the fashion industry, collaborating with fashion photographers, designers, and stylists to create makeup looks that align with the aesthetic of fashion spreads and editorial shoots. They might work on runway shows, fashion magazine editorials, and look books – collections of photographs compiled to show off a model, photographer, style, stylist, or clothing line.
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Beauty Editorial Makeup Artist – Beauty editorial makeup artists focus on creating makeup looks that emphasize beauty and skincare products. They work on beauty magazine features, advertisements for cosmetic brands, and skincare campaigns, often highlighting specific products and trends.
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Avant-Garde Editorial Makeup Artist – These artists specialize in creating bold, avant-garde, and unconventional makeup looks for editorial content. They push creative boundaries, experimenting with colors, textures, and shapes to create visually striking and artistic makeup statements.
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High-Fashion Editorial Makeup Artist – Working closely with high-fashion brands and photographers, these artists create makeup looks that complement the overall high-fashion aesthetic. Their work is often characterized by a blend of sophistication, glamour, and elegance.
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Celebrity Editorial Makeup Artist – These artists work with celebrities and public figures for editorial shoots, red-carpet events, and magazine covers. They must adapt their makeup techniques to suit the specific preferences and public personas of their clients.
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Editorial Beauty Journalist – While not traditional makeup artists, editorial beauty journalists contribute to the makeup industry by covering trends, techniques, and product reviews in written or visual form for magazines, blogs, and online publications.
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Music and Entertainment Editorial Makeup Artist – Working on music videos, album covers, and entertainment-related editorial content, these artists create makeup looks that align with the mood and themes of the music or entertainment project.
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Runway and Fashion Show Makeup Artist – While closely related to fashion editorial work, these artists specialize in creating makeup looks specifically for runway shows and fashion presentations, adapting their work to the fast-paced nature of live events.
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Editorial Bridal Makeup Specialist – Concentrating on bridal editorial content, these specialists create makeup looks for bridal magazines and wedding-themed shoots. They must understand the nuances of bridal makeup, which often requires longevity, natural beauty enhancement, and adaptability to various lighting conditions.
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Fantasy and Sci-Fi Editorial Makeup Specialist – These artists collaborate on editorial projects that involve creating otherworldly characters and creatures, specializing in makeup looks for fantasy, science fiction, and other imaginative themes.
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Cultural and Diversity Editorial Makeup Specialist – Focused on working with diverse models and subjects, these specialists excel at creating makeup looks that celebrate various ethnicities, skin tones, and cultural backgrounds. They play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and representation in editorial content.
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Editorial Makeup Educator – Some makeup artists focus on educating others about editorial makeup techniques. They might offer workshops, online courses, or tutorials to aspiring makeup artists interested in entering the editorial field.” (Explorer, 2023)
From looking at the information above we can see that there are so many roles that you could take on just within the sector alone. There are many options a makeup artist can choose from.
Bridal
What is a Bridal Makeup Artist?
Bridal makeup artists are trained in applying makeup to brides and their bridal parties, they can customise a look that enhances the features of the face, creating an elegant final look, that aligns with the wedding’s colour personal preferences of the bride. They have all the skills needed to make sure you are camera ready and have the ability to make your make last all day long.
What do they do?
Consultation – The first step of a bridal makeup artist is always to consult the bride first. They will meet with them and often do a trial, to learn what the bride likes and wants. They will discuss products, skincare, and colour preferences.
Customised Look – They will create a look that is unique to the bride’s preferences. It is their special day, and they want to look flawless.
Skin Preparation – It is important to inform the bride not to change their skincare routine before the big day, as this can cause several skin issues, and the makeup may then on sit right on the face. It is important for the MUA to check for any contra-indications such as cold sores, cuts, and bruises as this will affect if the MUA can then do the makeup or not.
They will use a simple skincare process before the application, most likely just using toner, moisturiser and a primer.
Makeup Application – To ensure the longevity of the makeup, the artist will use methods and techniques they are trained in to make sure that it lasts all day. Using special products and setting techniques such as “baking.” they will take into consideration the bride’s skin texture, tone, features, eye colour, and hair colour so that they can create a well-balanced look.
Roles
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“Classic Bridal Makeup Artist – These artists focus on timeless and elegant makeup looks that enhance the bride's natural features while maintaining a traditional and sophisticated appearance.
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Contemporary Bridal Makeup Artist – Contemporary artists stay up to date with the latest makeup trends and techniques, offering modern and fresh looks that might include bold colours, unique textures, and creative detailing.
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Natural and Minimalist Bridal Makeup Artist - These artists specialize in creating soft, subtle, and barely-there makeup looks that enhance the bride's beauty while maintaining a natural and effortless appearance.
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Glamour Bridal Makeup Artist – Glamour makeup artists excel in creating dramatic and glamorous makeup looks, often involving intense eyeshadow, bold lips, and accentuated features for a more high-fashion or red-carpet appearance.
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Bohemian or Boho Bridal Makeup Artist – Bohemian makeup artists focus on creating a laid-back and free-spirited makeup style, often incorporating earthy tones, soft textures, and a slightly undone, boho-chic vibe.
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Vintage Bridal Makeup Artist – Artists specializing in vintage looks recreate makeup styles from specific eras, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1960s, to match the bride's vintage-themed wedding or personal style.
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Cultural or Ethnic Bridal Makeup Artist – These artists are well-versed in makeup techniques that cater to specific ethnic or cultural backgrounds, ensuring the makeup complements the bride's heritage and traditions.
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Destination or Beach Bridal Makeup Artist – Artists in this category specialize in makeup that is suitable for destination weddings, tropical climates, or beach settings, where different environmental factors may influence the makeup selection and application.
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Airbrush Bridal Makeup Artist – Airbrush artists use airbrushing techniques to create a flawless and long-lasting makeup application, often preferred for its lightweight and high-definition finish.
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High-Definition (HD) Bridal Makeup Artist – These artists use makeup techniques and products that are designed to look impeccable under high-definition cameras, ensuring that the bride's makeup looks flawless in photographs and videos.
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Bridal Makeup Educator or Trainer – Some makeup artists also offer training and workshops specifically focused on bridal makeup techniques, helping aspiring makeup artists learn the skills required for this specialization.” (Explorer, 2023)
As with a lot of sectors within the makeup industry, there is a vast amount of job roles that you can go into. This is why a lot of professionals seek training at colleges and schools, as they are trained in all areas of makeup artistry, meaning they can then have an advantage when it comes to getting jobs.
SFX Makeup
What is and SFX Artist?
The art of transformation! Often referred to as the magicians of the makeup world, SFX makeup requires a lot more training and experience compared to than average makeup artists, in order to become skilled enough to work with companies. Rather than enhancing one's natural features, an SFX artist will build new shapes on top of the natural shape. Using specialised products and techniques, to create completely otherworldly characters.
“As a field, SFX makeup tends to focus more on applying makeup and prosthetics to actors, while prosthetics makeup focuses more on creating the prosthetics themselves. Both SFX and prosthetics are made using silicone, liquid latex, and gelatine, although SFX also uses professional makeup palettes, tissue paper, and crepe hair.” (Staff, 2022)
Skills and Knowledge Needed
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Products - An understanding of the products and how to use them safely and appropriately.
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Sculpting – being able to craft and create shapes using clay to to create customised prosthetics.
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Life Casting – being able to work with someone to create a positive mold of various parts of the body.
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2 Part Molds – the process in which you can create a prosthetic piece, from a life cast or object.
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Application – the ability to apply prosthetics, makeup and products using the right techniques, applicators and methods.
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Airbrush – a key tool, it's important to have a knowledge and experience using the airbrush tool as this help to speed up the application process when doing large areas of the body.
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Colouring – having a good eye for colour theory and the ability to layer paints together to achieve the desired effect.
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Latex Skin – latex can be used in various ways to create different effects on the skin such as various degrees of burns, blistering, wrinkles, rashes and colourisation.
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Removal – having the knowledge of what removers to uses for each product. You can't simply rip things of the face and body as this will cause damage to the skin. Every glue has a remover and needs to be used appropriately to protect the skin.
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Sculpt Gel – it can come in a couple of forms is usually 3 step process using Part A, Part B, and Part C (deadener). An artists will need to know how to mix it properly without contaminating all the pots. It can used in various ways to create various wounds and effects.
Job Roles
The majority of SFX makeup artists work as freelancers in the TV and Film industry. This means that jobs are not as consistent as you might think. You will usually only be offered limited-time contracts rather than a long-term one.
“Special effects makeup artists work under the leadership of the key makeup artist as a member of the makeup department (alongside regular makeup artists and makeup assistants). They report to the key makeup artist, as well as the costume designer and the SFX coordinator to ensure that what they’re creating on the face and body of the actors lines up with what the actor will be wearing and what sort of larger effects are happening around them during the scene.” (Staff, 2022)
Community – Charities
There are various charities that work with people going through chemotherapy and other forms of treatment. Such as The Blossom Charity, The Glam Project, and Look Good Feel Good. Cancer treatments are harsh on the body, leading to hair loss and skin sores. It can greatly knock a person’s confidence when their appearance changes so drastically. These charties off trained professionals who can offer makeovers and advise on subjects such as makeup application, skincare, wigs, and postiches application and removal. These makeup artists are specially trained to help these women to the best of their ability.
These charities are usually non-medical service programs and will rely on volunteers in order to run. Some offer a variety of workshops that a person can take part in. Others will just offer the one service and that is what they specialise in. They work closely with your medical professionals to ensure you get the best experience possible.
Makeup Designe
What is it?
“A face chart is where ideas become reality, where creativity takes shape, and where makeup artistry blooms, especially in the modern era. It's a symbol of boundless potential, a tool for planning, practice, and profound understanding, and a lasting record of our artistic journey.” (Kondrevich, 2024)
A face chart is an outline drawing of a face that is used by makeup artists and creatives to create makeup plans, to give companies, brands and designers an idea and visualisation of the look that they have asked for. These are then used to help them to collaborate to develop the look further.
It starts as a blank canvas on which you can build apon and bring your creative vision to life. An artist can meticulously plan every placement of every product from contour to eyeliner. This allows them to show a range of their creativity, skills, and knowledge.
Using a face chart can be tricky at first but there is plenty of tutorials and course available to help you learn how to create them. The more traditional way is to use a paper/card print out of a blank face and then use art supplies and makeup products to produce and design your look. In the new age of technology, you can also create digital face charts, using digital drawing apps and tools. Using this method also cuts back on paper waste and is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
You can use these in every part of of the makeup industry. Some teams may have a designated person for the job or the lead makeup artist maybe the one to produce them all.
Havin the skill to be able to create these plans then opens a lot of doors on the job front. You may work as part of a company or business, or as a freelancer, taking on small jobs here and there, able to work from home.
Beauty Counters/Sales
Beauty consultants are employed in retail environments, where their duties include advising consumers, maintaining spotless counters, showcasing product benefits, and responding to questions. They represent businesses and their products and use their expertise of cosmetics and skin care items to assist customers in finding products that address their skincare needs. (Door, 2024)
Beauty consultants assess clients' skin types, problems, and fashion choices before making recommendations for products that suit their needs, preferences, and financial constraints. They also give clients product demonstrations. They handle sales and returns, answer inquiries and grievances from clients, and keep the cash register balanced. They handle product inventory management, create and maintain eye-catching displays, procure supplies, and nurture client connections via email blasts and follow-up calls, among other administrative and clerical tasks. (Door,2024)
They oversee door-to-door sales, organise and take part in in-store events, and hit goals and targets. Beauty consultants must have a thorough understanding of skincare, makeup, and trends in the industry in addition to having worked in sales, retail, or a similar role. (Door,2024)
Roles and Responsibilities
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Selling products to customers
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Providing tactful but reliable feedback to consumers about the brands products.
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Persuade the customer to buy products using various sakes techniques but not making them feel pressured or uncomfortable.
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Restock the counter with products
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Clean and maintain the area and displays
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Create displays that will entice the customers to come over to the counter.
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Recommend products that will fill in the customer's needs.
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Communicate effectively with fellow team members.
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Look well-groomed and presentable.
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Knowledge on how to apply skincare and makeup.
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Knowledge on skin types, tones, conditions, contra-indications, contractions, and how to address any issues that may arise.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Charity, B. (2024) Makeover days for deserving women: Services: The blossom charity: Development programmes, Services | The Blossom Charity | Development Programmes. Available at: https://theblossomcharity.co.uk/services/makeover-days-for-deserving-women/ (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
Class, M. (2021) What is a film makeup artist? the role of makeup artists on film and television productions - 2024, MasterClass. Available at: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-film-makeup-artist-the-role-of-makeup-artists-on-film-and-television-productions (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
Dooley, G. (2022) Special effects makeup artists, Brushstroke Makeup School. Available at: https://brushstroke.co.uk/special-effects-makeup-artist/ (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
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Explorer, C. (2023) What does an editorial makeup artist do?, CareerExplorer. Available at: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/editorial-makeup-artist/ (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
Filmd, F. (2022) How to become a makeup artist for film and TV: The ultimate guide, FILMD. Available at: https://www.filmd.co.uk/articles/how-to-become-a-makeup-artist-for-film-and-tv-the-ultimate-guide/ (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
Hired, S. (2024) 20 best beauty counter jobs in Scotland (hiring now!) | simplyhired, Simply Hired. Available at: https://www.simplyhired.co.uk/search?q=beauty+counter&l=scotland (Accessed: 26 February 2024).
Kondrevich, L. (2024) Facechart: Face Chart & Makeup Design: Liza Kondrevich, Face Chart Makeup Design by Liza Kondrevich. Available at: https://facechart.art/ (Accessed: 26 February 2024).
Research, C. (2023) Day make up to help you feel better, Coping with cancer | Cancer Research UK. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/changes-appearance/skin-care-makeup/day (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
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Staff, B. (2022) What is an SFX makeup artist? job description, salary, respons..., BACKSTAGE. Available at: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/sfx-makeup-artist-70535/ (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
vecteezy, static (2024) Grunge splatter vector art, icons, and graphics for free download, Vecteezy. Available at: https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/grunge-splatter (Accessed: 19 February 2024).