Become a Professional Makeup Artist or Start a Cosmetics Business

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Makeup artists are in high demand in a variety of different fields: from television to salons to weddings to modeling agencies to advertisements and more. You can even start your own cosmetics store.

Each state has its own licensing requirements, but generally makeup artists will need to complete training, pass an exam and work a certain number of field hours in order to receive a cosmetology license. Start by contacting the Board of Cosmetology in your state for requirements and procedures.

On a budget? No problem. You can start part-time with minimal supplies and equipment as a makeup artist. Start with a cosmetics business plan template. (See also: How to Start a Makeup Line).

Having contacts in the field can greatly help your career, so volunteer and internet when you're getting started. The connections you make can pay off later in more clients and less ad costs.

Become a Freelance Make-Up Artist Faster and Easier
than You Ever Thought Possible

Get insider tips from Emmy Award-Winning Makeup Pros and save yourself a lot of time and money. Avoid common mistakes and get the answers you need to get your business profitable - quickly. Find out:

• What types of makeup and application tools you should have in your professional makeup kit, what other supplies you need to get started - and how to launch with little or no money.
  
  
• Information on getting permits, a license, other legal requirements, where to find suppliers, how to set up a storefront or work frome home.
  
  
• How to identify potential clients, get creative marketing ideas and prepare promotional materials that land you jobs. Plus how to create a professional portfolio and do a client presentation that will impress people so you don't have to do a hard sales pitch.
  
  
• Makeup artist invoice template, press releases and cover letters included.

Step 1Makeup Artist Start-Up Guide

Cosmetics Marketing and Advertising Techniques

Your Portfolio:

Start by building your portfolio. New clients will want to see your "work", and pictures are a great tool for demonstrating this. Also get testimonials from past customers if you can. If you are just starting out without any customers, you can volunteer at local fashion shows to build up your portfolio.

Business Name Ideas for Makeup Artists:

Your company name is also important in marketing. A good business name tells people who you are, shows how you differentiate yourself from the marketplace and determines how the public perceives you. Use the free business name generator to help you come up with a name for your cosmetics business.

Makeup Artist Business Cards:

Have business cards and brochures printed to introduce your business (See cosmetics brochure designs). Partner with local businesses offering similar beauty services to yours - but not directly competing with you (i.e. tanning salons, hair or nail salons, spas, etc..). Ask if you can leave a few business cards or brochures with them in exchange for handing out their brochures/business cards to your clients. You may want to offer a first-time buyer discount in your brochure to attract new customers to contact you.

Write a short press release to your local newspaper (here's how: press release writing tips) announcing your new business and the services you offer. Include a limited offer or details on a special event you are hosting that will make your story interesting. The more interesting the story, the more likely the newspaper (or magazine) is to print it. Remember - this is FREE advertising, so use it to your benefit. You can submit more than one press release, and you can contact your local radio and TV stations as well.

Other public relations strategies you can use to get free advertising for your cosmetics business:

• Write articles. You don't have to be a professional writer, but you can get free press and draw in customers by sharing helpful or interesting information in your area of expertise. Articles can be short, and you can submit them to multiple article directories online for free. See how to write articles to get customers.
  
  
• Use social media. Twitter and Facebook can get you a lot of free publicity when used correctly. The key is to combine useful content for your readers in addition to promotional efforts.
  
  
• Start speaking. Many women's organizations or community groups like to have speakers at their meetings or events. Look for groups oriented toward fashion, beauty and women's interests, and you get free publicity for your business by giving a brief and informative presentation or workshop. This also helps establish you as an expert in your field. Get free advertising with public speaking.
  
  
• Want people to find your website in the search engines? Get listed in 20 search engines for free or in 300 search engines for $4.

Finding Cosmetics Jobs & Customers

Job Search
job title, keywords, company, location	jobs by

Whether you want to find customers or do freelance work as an independent contractor, online job sites can be a good way to find work and clients.

Why? Some companies looking to hire may be open to outsource to an independent contractor because they don't have to incur hiring fees. You can also set up a partnership where you pay them a referral fee for any customers they send you. See also: Find Freelance Work Online

Cosmetic Business Resources:

Register Your Business Name Get a Business License Open a Business Bank Account Accept Credit Cards Set Up a Simple Bookkeeping System

Makeup Artist Supplies Sample Invoice & Invoice Software Design Your Own Logo Order Free Business Cards Build Your Own Website

Easy Business Credit to Help You Get Started:
Get a business credit card with a low interest rate and multiple benefits, like purchasing discounts, reward points or cash back with no annual fee like American Express's Simply Cash. You can stock up on business supplies, but you don't have to pay your balance back in full every month. 

Cosmetics Business Associations

• Personal Care Products Council
  The Personal Care Products Council is the leading national trade association for the cosmetic and personal care products industry and represents the most innovative names in beauty today.
• Independent Cosmetics Manufacturers and Distributors
  ICMAD is a non-profit group that offers services to innovative cosmetic companies to help them succeed in the highly cometitive cosmetic market.
• Organic Consumers Association
  Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children's health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics.