As a makeup artist, highlighting your diverse portfolio and hands-on experience in a one-page resume can be challenging without overwhelming prospective employers with an extensive list of projects. Our guide provides expert tips on how to concisely articulate your versatility and proficiency in makeup artistry, which will help you stand out to recruiters and secure your next creative opportunity.
Learn how to adapt your makeup artist resume to provide recruiters with a snapshot of your career:
- Get inspired from our makeup artist resume samples with industry-leading skills, certifications, and more.
- Show how you can impact the organization with your resume summary and experience.
- Introducing your unique makeup artist expertise with a focus on tangible results and achievements.
If the makeup artist resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:
Formatting the layout of your makeup artist resume: design, length, and more
When it comes to the format of your makeup artist resume , you've plenty of opportunities to get creative. But, as a general rule of thumb, there are four simple steps you could integrate into your resume layout.
- If you have plenty of experience, you'd like to showcase, invest in the reverse-chronological resume format . This format focuses on your latest experience items and skills you've learned during your relevant (and recent) jobs.
- Don't go over the two-page limit, when creating your professional makeup artist resume. Curate within it mainly experience and skills that are relevant to the job.
- Make sure your makeup artist resume header includes all of your valid contact information. You could also opt to display your professional portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
- Submit or send out your makeup artist resume as a PDF, so you won't lose its layout and design.
Your resume should match the market – Canadian applications, for instance, may use a different layout.
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List all your relevant higher education degrees within your resume in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest). There are cases when your PhD in a particular field could help you stand apart from other candidates.
Don't forget to include these six sections on your makeup artist resume:
- Header and summary for your contact details and to highlight your alignment with the makeup artist job you're applying for
- Experience section to get into specific technologies you're apt at using and personal skills to deliver successful results
- Skills section to further highlight how your profile matches the job requirements
- Education section to provide your academic background
- Achievements to mention any career highlights that may be impressive, or that you might have missed so far in other resume sections
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Portfolio showcasing a broad range of makeup styles and techniques.
- Professional experience with different events or productions, such as weddings, photoshoots, film, and television.
- Knowledge and proficiency with various makeup brands and products.
- Skills in specialized makeup application, such as airbrush, special effects, or prosthetics.
- Client testimonials or references to confirm skills, reliability, and professionalism.
The makeup artist resume experience section: a roadmap to your expertise
The resume experience section provides you with an opportunity to tell your professional narrative.
Recruiters, reading between the lines of your resume, use the experience section to better understand your unique skill set, accomplishments, and what unique value you bring about.
Discover five quick steps on how to write your experience section:
- Curate only relevant experience items to the role and include the company, description, and dates; all followed by up to six bullets per experience item;
- Each experience item should feature tangible results of your actions - if you can include a number or percent, this will further highlight your aptitude;
- If you've received any managerial or customer feedback, use short excerpts of it as further social proof of your technical or people skills;
- Make sure you're using the appropriate verb tense when listing your responsibilities;
- Within the description for each role, you could summarize your most noteworthy and relevant achievements.
Now, take note of how a real-world makeup artist professional received opportunities at industry leaders with these resume experience sections:
Work Experience
Bridal & Fashion Makeup Specialist
Glamour Weddings LLC
06/2017-05/2020
- Lead makeup artist for high-profile weddings, consistently delivering personalized beauty services to over 50 brides, enhancing satisfaction and resulting in numerous referrals.
- Collaborated with fashion designers to create cohesive looks for runway shows, effectively interpreting their vision which increased the brand's media exposure by 30%.
- Conducted makeup seminars for groups of 20+, imparting advanced beauty techniques, which drove a 25% increase in retail cosmetics sales.
Work Experience
Theatrical Senior Makeup Artist
Starlight Theatricals
01/2013-12/2019
- Developed and executed the makeup design for over 200 theatrical performances, displaying proficiency in special effects makeup techniques.
- Managed a team of 8 makeup artists for large-scale events, consistently completing work ahead of schedule with extremely high client satisfaction.
- Spearheaded a community makeover initiative that boosted public relations image and garnered a 40% uptick in local client bookings.
Work Experience
Television & Media Makeup Artist
HD Beauty Inc.
09/2021-Ongoing
- Specialized in high-definition makeup application for television personalities, enhancing on-screen appearance for over 70 clients.
- Implemented an inventory management system that reduced product wastage by 15%, directly benefiting the company's bottom line.
- Regularly collaborated with top industry photographers to ensure clients' makeup was photo-ready, increasing client satisfaction and repeat business.
Work Experience
Master Makeup Artist & Coordinator
EcoGlam Studios
03/2016-02/2023
- Created unique makeup looks for more than 500 clients, tailoring each application to individual features and preferences, boosting customer retention by 35%.
- Coordinated with event planners and photographers to establish timelines for makeup application, allowing for 95% on-time completion rate for events.
- Championed the use of cruelty-free and organic makeup products, leading the transition and training staff on new protocols, which received positive client feedback and increased sales by 20%.
Work Experience
Cinematic Makeup Wizard
CineMagic Makeup Pros
10/2009-08/2015
- Expertly applied makeup for film stars in over 40 feature films, understanding the specific needs for on-camera aesthetics.
- Initiated and maintained valuable relationships with film directors and production houses, which contributed to a 50% growth in industry contracts.
- Stayed current with makeup trends and techniques, implementing them effectively on set to ensure the most modern and appropriate look for each project.
Work Experience
Celebrity Beauty Consultant
Starface Studios
05/2014-06/2018
- Pioneered a digital portfolio showcasing before/after work, leading to a 60% increase in online bookings and customer engagement.
- Tailored makeup applications for professional photo shoots, which played a significant role in winning three prestigious industry awards for clients.
- Led hands-on makeup training workshops for junior artists, boosting team proficiency and reducing the time taken for client makeup sessions by 20%.
Work Experience
Professional Makeup Virtuoso
Flawless Faces Salon
02/2010-07/2014
- Cultivated proficient skills in airbrushing and traditional makeup application, achieving an Artist of the Year award within the company.
- Launched a successful social media campaign highlighting daily makeup transformations, resulting in a 40% increase in followers and higher engagement rates.
- Performed detailed client consultations and skin analyses, which led to highly customized makeup services and a consistent 90%+ customer satisfaction rating.
Work Experience
Lead Makeup Artist & Trainer
AdVogue Studios
11/2011-03/2017
- Delivered makeup artistry for commercial clients including print ads and marketing campaigns, supporting brand imagery and style consistency across platforms.
- Trained 25+ new hires on product knowledge and application techniques, ensuring brand standards were met and exceeded across the board.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure quality makeup supplies while maintaining cost efficiency, reducing budget expenditures by 10% without compromising on product quality.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for makeup artist professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Makeup Artist:
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
- Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
- Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
- Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
- Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
- Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- List the number of makeup artistry clients serviced daily or weekly to demonstrate customer handling capabilities.
- Include the percentage increase in client base due to referrals or repeat business to show client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Highlight the number of high-profile projects or clients you've worked with to exhibit experience with demanding work.
- Specify the size of events you've provided makeup services for, such as the number of models at a fashion show, to indicate your ability to handle volume.
- State the precise range of products you are proficient with to provide a scope of your industry knowledge and adaptability.
- Mention the number of makeup styles or looks you have mastered to emphasize the diversity of your skills.
- Quantify the number of training sessions or workshops you have conducted to showcase leadership and education roles.
- Document the percentage of time saved through efficient makeup application techniques to reflect your productivity gains.
Action verbs for your makeup artist resume
Recruiters go through tens of resumes every day. You obviously need to make yours stand out if you want to get that dream job. The easiest way to do this is by using action verbs. They give depth and clarity to your resume, which won’t go unnoticed.
Makeup artist resume without experience: a walk-through guide
If you don't happen to have any relevant experience yet, you can substitute this with:
- Short-term gigs and stunts - like month-long internships, that you have done during your university days
- Contract work - be specific about the relevance and outcomes of each role you include
- Resume format that prioritizes your skills - the functional-skill-based format or hybrid format could work
- Research roles - feature those especially prominently if you've participated in a noteworthy project or your role was of utmost importance to the project's success.
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Always remember that your makeup artist certifications can be quantified across different resume sections, like your experience, summary, or objective. For example, you could include concise details within the expertise bullets of how the specific certificate has improved your on-the-job performance.
Featuring your hard skills and soft skills on your makeup artist resume
The skills section of your makeup artist resume needs to your various capabilities that align with the job requirements. List hard skills (or technical skills) to showcase to potential employers that you're perfectly apt at dealing with technological innovations and niche software. Meanwhile, your soft skills need to detail how you'd thrive within your new, potential environment with personal skills (e.g. resilience, negotiation, organization, etc.) Your makeup artist resume skills section needs to include both types of skills to promote how you're both technical and cultural fit. Here's how to create your bespoke makeup artist skills section to help you stand out:
- Focus on skill requirements that are listed toward the top of the job advert.
- Include niche skills that you've worked hard to obtain.
- Select specific soft skills that match the company (or the department) culture.
- Cover some of the basic job requirements by including important skills for the makeup artist role - ones you haven't been able to list through the rest of your resume.
Get inspired with our makeup artist sample skill list to list some of the most prominent hard and soft skills across the field.
Top skills for your makeup artist resume:
HARD SKILLS
Foundation Application
Color Theory
Airbrush Makeup Techniques
Special Effects Makeup
Makeup Product Knowledge
Skin Care Fundamentals
Contouring and Highlighting
Sanitation and Hygiene Practices
Makeup Brushes and Tools
Photography Makeup Techniques
SOFT SKILLS
Communication
Creativity
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Customer Service
Adaptability
Teamwork
Problem-Solving
Listening Skills
Professionalism
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for makeup artist professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Makeup Artist’s resume:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk Maya
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Showcase any ongoing or recent educational efforts to stay updated in your field.
Maximizing your makeup artist resume: education and certification sections
To effectively showcase your industry knowledge in your makeup artist resume, it's important to properly list your education and certifications.
For the education section, ensure you include:
- Higher education degrees pertinent to the industry or those at a postgraduate level;
- The start and end dates of your education, along with the name of the institution you graduated from;
- Your GPA and relevant coursework, but only if they are impressive and applicable to the role.
Additionally, create a separate certifications section to spotlight your most notable recognitions. Another excellent place to feature a leading industry certificate is in your resume header, right after your name.
Below is a list of key industry certifications that are often sought after by recruiters
The top 5 certifications for your makeup artist resume:
- Makeup artist Certification (MAC) - makeup artist Studios
- Certified makeup artist (CMA) - Beauty Schools of America
- Professional Make-up Designory Certification (MUD) - Make-up Designory
- International Makeup Association Certification (IMA) - International Makeup Association
- Beauty Therapy and Make-up Certificate (BTMC) - The International Career Institute (ICI)
The content below includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top associations for makeup artist professionals.
Top US associations for a Makeup Artist professional
- Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts
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If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.
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Choosing between a makeup artist resume summary or objective
Many may argue that, in recent times, the makeup artist resume summary or objective has become completely obsolete.
But the reality is different as both of these resume sections provide you with an opportunity to :
- integrate makeup artist-vital keywords
- showcase your accomplishments
- answer why you're applying for this particular role.
The difference (between the summary and the objective) is that the:
- Resume objective puts your career goals in a more prominent position.
- Resume summary focuses more on career milestones.
We recommend you select the summary if you happen to have plenty of experience you'd like to spotlight from the very start of your makeup artist resume.
Meanwhile, the objective is ideal for those candidates who'd like to further prove their suitability for the role with their goals and soft skills.
We've featured some industry professional makeup artist resume samples to the best resume summary and objective structures:
Resume summaries for a makeup artist job
- With over 8 years of experience, this seasoned makeup artist has elevated the artistry in high-level fashion shoots, contributing to global campaigns for major fashion houses. Key skills in contouring, special effects makeup, and bespoke bridal looks, coupled with a crowning achievement of leading a team for a cover shoot of Vogue Magazine.
- A former graphic designer with a keen eye for color and composition, bringing 5 years of design experience to the world of makeup artistry. Skilled in creating visual narratives, now seeking to blend traditional art with beauty techniques to create transformative makeup experiences on living canvases.
- An innovative former hairstylist with a passion for beauty and transformation, with 10 years mastering the art of hair, now aims to conquer makeup artistry. Recognized for a unique approach to creating holistic beauty experiences, intending to translate this skill set to enhance natural features with makeup.
- Adept in creating diverse makeup looks from natural to editorial, this professional makeup artist possesses 6 years of dedicated experience. Notable for work on multiple award-winning short films, mastering airbrush and traditional makeup techniques, with a commitment to continuous learning and creative collaboration.
- Eager to embark on a career in makeup artistry, possessing a foundational knowledge of color theory and cosmetic application from personal study and experimentation. Motivated to apply skills in a professional setting and dedicated to mastering industry techniques to contribute to memorable client experiences.
- Aspiring to leverage personal vlogging experience and self-taught makeup skills gained through social media platforms to transition into a professional makeup artistry career. Driven by a passion for empowering individuals through beauty, dedicated to delivering high-quality results and learning from industry leaders.
Average salary info by state in the US for makeup artist professionals
Local salary info for Makeup Artist.” Source: My Next Move, National Center for O*NET Development. Accessed 10/15/2024
| State | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| US National Average | $47,390 |
| California (CA) | $101,420 |
| Florida (FL) | $44,010 |
| New York (NY) | $97,750 |
| Illinois (IL) | $33,670 |
What else can you add to your makeup artist resume
What most candidates don't realize is that their makeup artist resumes should be tailored both for the job and their own skillset and personality.
To achieve this balance between professional and personal traits, you can add various other sections across your resume.
Your potential employers may be impressed by your:
- Awards - spotlight any industry-specific achievements and recognitions that have paved your path to success;
- Languages - dedicate some space on your makeup artist resume to list your multilingual capabilities, alongside your proficiency level;
- Publications - with links and descriptions to both professional and academic ones, relevant to the role;
- Your prioritization framework - include a "My Time" pie chart, that shows how you spend your at-work and free time, would serve to further backup your organization skill set.
Key takeaways
- All aspects of your resume should be selected to support your bid for being the perfect candidate for the role;
- Be intentional about listing your skill set to be balanced with both technical and people capabilities, while aligning with the job;
- Include any experience items that are relevant to the role and ensure you feature the outcomes of your responsibilities;
- Use the summary or objective as a screenshot of your best experience highlights;
- Curate various resume sections to showcase personal, transferable skills.
Makeup Artist resume examples
Explore additional makeup artist resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Makeup Artist
As a Junior Makeup Artist, you are responsible for assisting senior artists, applying makeup to clients, and maintaining cosmetic tools and workspaces. On your resume, discuss your experience with different makeup techniques, any training you have received, and notable collaborations or projects. Highlight skills such as attention to detail, creativity, and communication. Ensure to mention your ability to work under pressure and your commitment to client satisfaction to demonstrate your worth.
Senior Makeup Artist
As a Senior Makeup Artist, you are responsible for creating sophisticated makeup looks and guiding your team in achieving a cohesive vision. On your resume, be sure to discuss significant projects you've worked on, any leadership roles you've held, and notable collaborations with other professionals. Highlight technical skills such as contouring, airbrushing, and familiarity with different skin tones and types. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning awards you've won in your field and any high-profile clients you've worked with.
Lead Makeup Artist
As a Lead Makeup Artist, you are responsible for overseeing makeup design, application, and ensuring the overall quality of your team's work during productions or events. On your resume, highlight your experience with different makeup techniques, collaborations with renowned directors or photographers, and any leadership roles you've undertaken. Make sure to include skills like creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in various makeup tools and products. Emphasize any awards or recognitions you've received, along with successful projects that demonstrate your expertise and ability to lead a team effectively.
Makeup Artist Assistant
As a Makeup Artist Assistant, you are responsible for supporting the lead makeup artist with product preparations, setting up workstations, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the session. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience in makeup application, your ability to handle diverse clientele, and your familiarity with different makeup products and tools. Include skills such as attention to detail, time management, and effective communication to emphasize your capabilities. Highlight your adaptability in fast-paced environments and your commitment to continuous learning to demonstrate your professional worth.
By Role
Freelance Makeup Artist
As a Freelance Makeup Artist, you are responsible for enhancing your clients' features and creating personalized looks for various occasions. On your resume, you should highlight your experience with different makeup techniques, your ability to understand client needs, and your familiarity with industry trends. Consider adding skills like color theory, time management, and customer service to demonstrate your versatility. To truly stand out, mention instances where you successfully met tight deadlines and any repeat business you garnered due to client satisfaction.
View Freelance Makeup Artist Resume
Bridal Makeup Artist
As a Bridal Makeup Artist, you are responsible for enhancing the natural beauty of brides, ensuring they look radiant on their special day. On your resume, you should discuss your experience with different makeup techniques, your knowledge of various skin types, and your ability to create personalized makeup plans for each client. Be sure to add skills such as attention to detail, creativity in makeup application, and proficiency with a range of beauty products and tools. Highlight your willingness to accommodate special requests and your commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and professionalism in your work.
Special Effects Makeup Artist
As a Special Effects Makeup Artist, you are responsible for transforming actors' appearances to create believable characters and scenes through the use of prosthetics, cosmetics, and various materials. On your resume, be sure to highlight your experience working on diverse projects, any specialized training or certifications, and your ability to collaborate with directors and production teams. Make sure to include skills such as attention to detail, creativity, and proficiency with makeup tools and materials. To further underscore your value, emphasize your strong track record of meeting production deadlines and your capability to adapt to evolving creative visions.
Theatrical Makeup Artist
As a Theatrical Makeup Artist, you are responsible for designing and applying makeup that brings characters to life and enhances the overall visual storytelling of a production. On your resume, it's important to highlight your experience in various theatrical productions, your proficiency with different makeup techniques, and any collaborations with directors and costume designers. Make sure to include your skills in color theory, special effects makeup, and the ability to work under tight deadlines. To demonstrate your worth, mention any awards or recognitions you've received and your role in successful productions that drew positive reviews for the makeup artistry.
Film Makeup Artist
As a Film Makeup Artist, you are responsible for designing and applying makeup to actors to enhance or alter their appearance according to the script's demands. On your resume, be sure to highlight your experience with various makeup techniques, collaboration with directors and other crew members, and any specialized training or certifications. Incorporate skills such as attention to detail, creativity, and proficiency with different makeup products and tools. Demonstrating your ability to work under pressure and your talent for adapting quickly to changing requirements will underline your significance in the industry.
Television Makeup Artist
As a Television Makeup Artist, you are responsible for creating and applying makeup designs that enhance a character's appearance to suit the director's vision and the nature of the production. On your resume, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in film or TV productions, your ability to work under tight deadlines, and any specialized training you've had. Include skills such as a keen eye for detail, proficiency in makeup application techniques, and knowledge of color theory. To effectively present your worth, mention any awards or recognitions you have received and emphasize your ability to collaborate well with other departments and team members.
Fashion Makeup Artist
As a Fashion Makeup Artist, you are responsible for creating looks that enhance and complement fashion designs during photo shoots, runway shows, and other industry events. On your resume, make sure to highlight your experience in collaborating with photographers, stylists, and designers, your ability to keep up with current makeup trends, and any formal training or certifications you possess. Include skills such as attention to detail, creativity, and proficiency with various makeup techniques. Share specific accomplishments that demonstrate your impact, like notable projects you’ve worked on or testimonials from industry professionals who appreciate your artistry and reliability.
Editorial Makeup Artist
As an Editorial Makeup Artist, you are responsible for creating looks that align with the artistic vision of photo shoots, fashion shows, and magazine spreads. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience working in high-pressure environments, your ability to collaborate with photographers and stylists, and any notable assignments or publications you’ve contributed to. Include your proficiency in makeup techniques, knowledge of current beauty trends, and strong interpersonal communication skills. Highlight your adaptability to various creative directions and your reputation for consistently delivering stunning results.
Celebrity Makeup Artist
As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, you are responsible for creating stunning makeup looks that highlight and enhance your clients' natural beauty, often under the high-pressure environment of events, photo shoots, and film sets. On your resume, you should discuss your experience with high-profile clients, the diverse range of makeup techniques you have mastered, and your ability to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Highlight your proficiency in airbrushing, contouring, and color theory, as these skills are highly valued in your field. Mention the trust and confidence you have built with your clients and your reputation for adapting to various styles and preferences.
Makeup Artist Trainer
As a Makeup Artist Trainer, you are responsible for educating and guiding aspiring makeup artists in techniques, trends, and industry standards. On your resume, highlight your years of experience, any certifications or awards, and your ability to develop training programs. Be sure to include skills like instructional delivery, hands-on demonstration, and product knowledge. Demonstrating your impact on student success and your ability to adapt to varying learning styles will emphasize the significant contributions you bring to the role.
Makeup Artist Consultant
As a Makeup Artist Consultant, you are responsible for advising clients on makeup products, techniques, and styles tailored to their unique needs and preferences. On your resume, make sure you discuss your experience with various makeup brands, your ability to stay updated on industry trends, and your history of working with diverse clientele. Highlight skills such as creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication to demonstrate your expertise in the field. Mention your ability to deliver personalized consultations and your track record of building lasting client relationships to underscore your capability and reliability.
