If you're that person who has to have the latest makeup products as soon as brands release them, follow dozens of makeup vloggers on YouTube, and always volunteer to help with bridal parties that come into your salon, you're likely a good fit for a makeup specialist role. 

Many industry professionals find they have a natural passion for makeup and find themselves spending more and more time at the makeup counter in their salon or spa assisting salon customers with picking out new eyeshadow or a new shade of lipstick. 

The great news is the transition to the role of a Makeup Specialist can be a smooth transition for the licensed professional. However, it will require you to take some additional classes that specialize in makeup. These classes can help you fine-tune your makeup skills and expose you to the latest makeup trends and special occasion makeup (weddings, proms, etc.)

You might even decide you want to take it a step further and specialize in a specific area within the makeup artistry field. Several specialty areas exist in the field of makeup artistry such as; photocopy makeup artist, special-effects makeup, television and/or film, runway or becoming a makeup platform artist working with a product manufacture, to name a few.

To assist you in the process of becoming a Makeup Specialist have a conversation with your salon/spa owner or manager. Next, you’ll want to create your plan of action; how will you get there? Begin by identifying what type of additional skill-sets you will need to add to your tool belt. From there you will want to do your research on continued education classes available to help you fine-tune your skills. If you’re not sure where or how to begin the process of determining what skills are needed, take this quiz to you learn more about the skills it takes to become a makeup specialist.  

With a little soul searching, creating your action plan and some continuing education you will be well on your way to your dreams of becoming a Makeup Specialist.   

Photo: Solomiya Malovana

Breaking It Down

If you want to become a makeup artist, these two tools can help you prep for your transition:

Career Move Quiz
Take this easy quiz to not only see what opportunities there are in the makeup field but how to learn the skills needed to land one of these jobs.

Makeup for Special Occasions Video Package
If you have a passion for bridal or prom makeup, master some of the most popular looks with this package of step-by-step tutorials.