Make-Up Artist: Putting the Cosmetics into Cosmetology School

You just cannot help yourself. Every time you walk into a mall or even a drugstore, you want to play in the makeup, just like you did when you were a child. And nothing makes you happier than the opportunity to try on a new eye shadow shade. Even the names of the lipstick colors are fun to read.

Sleepovers were made for makeovers, and you were made for cosmetology school. Instead of trying to conceal your obsession like last week's pimple, consider where your passion for powders and pencils could take your career.

How to Make a Make-up Career: Esthetician or Cosmetologist?

In beauty school, both cosmetology and esthetics students receive instruction on makeup application and techniques. The state in which you live determines the number of hours required to get your license. If your interest in hair styling ends at eyebrows, then esthetics training is the program for you. Esthetician programs typically require one-third the number of hours required by cosmetology programs. With the right cosmetics training, you could work in a variety of places:

Department store
Salon
Spa
Cosmetics company (product representative)
Photography studio
Theater group
Mortuary
Self-employment: makeovers, cosmetic lessons, weddings, prom, and other special occasions

Cosmetic artists, on average, make around $39,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; however, that figure does not include self-employed artists, and salary figures do not usually include gratuities, either. Cosmetic artists in the motion picture industry make the most money, at almost $80,000 a year, though positions are very competitive. If you want to specialize in theatrical makeup or makeup for film, additional specialized training is typically required.

Make Your Cosmetic Training Smear-Proof

You may wonder what you could possibly learn at beauty school that you have not already learned by practicing on your own and reading fashion magazines for several years. Frankly, quite a lot. Though you may be savvy enough to choose colors that look great on you, makeup artist training teaches you how to apply color theory and facial analysis when working with a wide variety of clients. Considerations must be made for different skin tones, undertones, and skin conditions.

As part of cosmetics training, you learn:

Color theory
Color blending
Color correction
Facial analysis
Contouring/shading
False eyelash application
Brow shaping and shading
Technique and use of makeup tools

Makeup Training: Adding Color to Your Life

Think about how fascinating it must be blending custom foundation to create an even, flawless palette upon which to paint--every day. With mascara wand in hand, you can magically transform your love of cosmetics into the career of your dreams with esthetics training.