Congratulations on completing your first cover letter. However, as you look back, you realise it’s simply a copy-paste of your CV.
Repeating your curriculum vitae is a common pitfall that many candidates encounter, making the cover letter redundant.
Your cover letter should provide fresh insights, adding more value to your application. It’s also the ideal space to address career gaps or major transitions that might not be covered in your CV.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use your cover letter to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the role, while confidently addressing your career history and key achievements.
Cover letter examples for makeup artist
Explore additional makeup artist cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Makeup Artist
- Emphasising specific achievements, such as increasing client retention by 25% or boosting sales during peak seasons, to showcase effectiveness in the role.
- Highlighting relevant certifications, like the Advanced Bridal Makeup Techniques and Editorial Makeup Mastery, which underline specialised expertise in key areas.
- Articulating a strong personal brand and enthusiasm for the role through detailed descriptions of passions and extracurricular activities related to makeup and fashion.
- Demonstrating versatility through a diverse range of experiences, from freelance work to high-pressure editorial shoots, which is beneficial in a dynamic industry like makeup artistry.
Senior Makeup Artist
- Highlighting extensive experience in high-end salons and expertise in client relations and stylist excellence, which are crucial for staying competitive and valued in a cosmetology role.
- Mention of key achievements such as growing client books and increasing retention rates and salon revenue demonstrates impact-driven contributions that potential employers value highly.
- Emphasising certifications such as the Advanced Colour Techniques and Luxury Hairstyling Certification aligns with the need for ongoing education and advanced skills in cosmetology.
- Showcasing eco-friendly practices and passion for sustainable beauty reflects a commitment to current industry trends and responsibilities, appealing to socially aware employers and clients.
Lead Makeup Artist
- The cover letter highlights over 8 years of experience in the beauty industry, demonstrating a deep understanding and expertise in makeup artistry and trend development, crucial for a Lead Make-Up and Trend Artist role.
- Emphasises achievements such as increasing customer satisfaction by 40% and improving social media interactions by 20%, showcasing contributions to both customer service excellence and brand development.
- Features leadership and training skills with examples of managing teams and developing training sessions, important for leading and educating teams effectively in the makeup and trends field.
- Demonstrates a strong background in innovative makeup techniques and brand storytelling, with a focus on enhancing client experiences, which align with the creative and innovative aspects of the role.
Master Makeup Artist
- Highlight Certifications: Emphasising a "Professional Makeup Artistry Masterclass" certification from a reputable institution like the London School of Makeup ensures credibility and showcases advanced technical skills essential for a makeup artist’s role.
- Emphasise Leadership and Success Metrics: Detailing leadership achievements, such as leading a team to achieve a 98% customer satisfaction score, not only conveys managerial competency but also directly ties into enhancing customer experience, which is crucial for this position.
- Digital Proficiency: Stressing involvement in digital learning strategies and social media engagement reflects adaptability to modern beauty retail strategies, which is valuable in an increasingly digital-oriented market environment.
- Showcase Brand Impact: Including concrete examples of impactful initiatives, such as a 25% sales increase through a product launch or a 10% market presence growth, effectively demonstrates the ability to drive business results in a competitive market.
By Role
Freelance Makeup Artist
- Highlighting the Professional Eyelash Extension Certification from Nouveau Beauty Group sets Ava apart in a specialised role that requires precision, reinforcing her credibility in application techniques.
- Emphasising her ability to increase client retention by 25% through personalised aftercare plans showcases the tangible impact of her work and commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Mentioning a 5-star client feedback rating while working as a Brow and Lash Specialist demonstrates exceptional customer service skills, vital in client-centric roles such as this.
- Referencing her experience in promoting additional treatments leading to increased sales highlights her proficiency in upselling strategies, which is beneficial in revenue-driven environments.
Traveling Makeup Artist
- Specialised Expertise: The cover letter effectively highlights the candidate's specialised skills in bridal beauty, including hair styling, makeup artistry, and client relations, which are crucial for this role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Specific metrics such as a 30% boost in client satisfaction and a 50% increase in bookings provide concrete evidence of success and impact in previous roles.
- Experience in High-Pressure Environments: Mentioning a proven track record of success in high-pressure scenarios illustrates the candidate's ability to perform well under stress, a key trait for the bridal beauty industry.
- Leadership and Team Management: Experience in leading a team and managing large-scale bridal events highlights strong leadership abilities, essential for coordinating with clients and vendors.
Airbrush Makeup Artist
- Industry-specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights significant achievements such as a 95% character satisfaction rate and saving £5,000 annually, demonstrating the candidate’s impact on business outcomes.
- Specialised Skills and Training: Proficiency in advanced techniques like airbrush and prosthetic makeup is backed by specialised training certifications, conveying expertise in niche areas critical for a makeup artist role.
- Collaborative Experience: Experience in working closely with directors and costume designers showcases the ability to integrate makeup seamlessly with overall character vision, essential for theatre and special effects roles.
- Team Leadership and Development: Emphasising experience in training junior artists underscores leadership capabilities and commitment to fostering teamwork, a valuable asset in dynamic production environments.
Makeup Artist Instructor
- Highlighting the "Award-Winning Makeup Artist" achievement showcases recognition of Ava's creative excellence, which is crucial for a specialised role like SFX and Fantasy Makeup Artist.
- Emphasising collaboration and leadership experiences, such as leading teams at Bobbi Brown and conducting workshops, reflects the ability to guide and inspire others in high-pressure scenarios often encountered in artistic roles.
- Detailing advanced skills in "Prosthetic application" and participation in specific courses like "Prosthetics Masterclass" underscores technical competence essential for SFX roles in film and theatre.
- Including experience in enhancing brand engagement through social media reflects an understanding of the modern digital landscape, which is valuable for artists to expand their influence and reach.
By Industry
Film and Television Makeup Artist
- Highlighting impactful achievements, such as increasing salon revenue by 15% and client satisfaction rate to 95%, demonstrates the candidate’s ability to make significant contributions to business growth and customer experience.
- Emphasising specialised skills, such as advanced make-up application and complex lash designs, tailored to industry demands showcases one’s technical expertise and creativity.
- Including relevant professional development courses, like "Advanced Make-up Artistry Techniques" and "Certified Lash Technician Programme", underlines continuous skill enhancement pertinent to the role.
- Describing leadership and mentoring experience, such as training junior artists and leading workshops, reflects strong team leadership and skill transfer capabilities, important for senior roles.
Theatrical Makeup Artist
- The cover letter effectively highlights Ivy Ward's role-specific experience, such as her position as a Wigs Specialist at The Royal Exchange Theatre, showcasing her expertise in wigs maintenance and efficiency improvements.
- It emphasises specific achievements, such as reducing preparation time by 20% and production costs by 15%, demonstrating her impact on theatre productions and her ability to streamline operations.
- The inclusion of relevant certifications, like the Advanced Wig Making and Styling Workshop and Special Effects Makeup Certification, showcases her specialised training and dedication to professional development in her field.
- The summary section gives a clear overview of her skills in wigs maintenance and stage makeup, as well as her role in coordinating operations for large-scale shows, framing her as a well-rounded and experienced candidate.
Fashion Show Makeup Artist
- Specific Industry Focus: The candidate showcases their expertise in the beauty industry, which aligns well with the role of an Assistant PR & Advocacy Manager in this sector, enhancing their suitability for the position.
- Demonstrated Achievements: The cover letter highlights tangible achievements, such as increasing brand awareness by 35% and market presence by 40%, which clearly demonstrate the candidate's impact in previous roles.
- Strategic Skills: The letter underlines strategic skills such as budget management, strategic PR planning, and multi-channel communication, which are crucial for handling comprehensive PR campaigns effectively.
- Education and Certifications: The candidate mentions relevant education and certifications, including MSc in Marketing and Communications and a certificate in Advanced Social Media Strategy, which add credibility to their expertise in the field.
Bridal Makeup Artist
- Highlighting Expertise and Experience: The cover letter effectively foregrounds over three years of specialised experience in bridal and event makeup, emphasising relevant skills and client satisfaction rates, which are crucial for a makeup artist role.
- Emphasising Continual Learning and Certifications: The inclusion of certifications such as "Advanced Bridal Makeup Techniques" demonstrates a commitment to professional development and proficiency in the latest makeup styles, pertinent for staying competitive in the beauty industry.
- Showcasing Achievements and Impact: By quantifying achievements—such as increasing client referrals and boosting product sales—the cover letter provides concrete evidence of the candidate's effectiveness and value to potential employers.
- Leveraging Passion and Personal Interest: The mention of being deeply passionate about learning new techniques and understanding global beauty trends showcases genuine enthusiasm for the industry, which is appealing to employers seeking motivated candidates.
Special Effects Makeup Artist
- Highlight Industry Experience: The candidate effectively showcases over five years of make-up artistry experience, which is crucial for establishing credibility in the beauty industry.
- Emphasis on Key Skills: The cover letter highlights essential skills like on-camera presentation, creative design, and team collaboration, which are invaluable for a make-up artist and model working with production teams.
- Results-Driven Accomplishments: Mentioning specific achievements, such as a 30% increase in audience engagement and 50% increase in subscribers, demonstrates the candidate's effectiveness and impact in prior roles.
- Educational Background and Certifications: Including advanced education in fashion styling and make-up artistry, along with certifications in contemporary make-up techniques, assures potential employers of the candidate's expertise and ongoing professional development.
Celebrity Makeup Artist
- Tailored Experience Highlight: Emphasises leading experience at MAC Cosmetics, a major industry player, demonstrating relevant expertise and enhanced brand visibility.
- Educational Qualifications: Showcases advanced education with a Master of Arts from the prestigious London College of Fashion, underscoring specialised knowledge in the fashion industry.
- Specific Achievements: Mentions Newcomer of the Year award, showing recognition in the field which boosts credibility and establishes industry authority.
- Skills and Specialisations: Lists professional skills such as makeup trend analysis and skin tone expertise, showcasing qualifications directly relevant to the makeup artistry and fashion sectors.
Cosmetic Brand Makeup Artist
- Highlight relevant experience in artistry education and luxury makeup with a focus on quantifiable results, such as the 30% uplift in brand engagement through educational initiatives or the 25% increase in online course enrolment.
- Emphasise skills in content creation and delivery, demonstrated by the development of innovative digital educational content and effective cross-functional collaboration with marketing and PR teams.
- Showcase achievements in leading regional and global campaigns as well as mastery in training and improving the proficiency of retail makeup artists, evidenced by the 40% sales boost and bespoke training materials.
- Include passion for the role, such as innovative makeup artistry and educational development, which matches the job's focus on artistry and training roles in the luxury beauty sector.
Photography Makeup Artist
- Highlight certifications such as the 'Professional Makeup Artistry Certification' from the London School of Makeup, which demonstrates expertise in specialised makeup styles and techniques.
- Emphasise the value of advanced courses like 'Advanced Hair Styling Techniques' from Vidal Sassoon Academy, showcasing an ability to perform quick transformations which can be crucial in fast-paced freelance tasks.
- Showcase accomplishments in social media engagement, such as doubling engagement rates of beauty posts, demonstrating the applicant's capability to enhance brand online presence.
- Mention achievements like increasing client satisfaction by 20% through improved communication and custom recommendations to underline the importance of customer service skills in retaining and attracting clients.
Editorial Makeup Artist
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Charlotte's expansive experience as a fashion stylist, showcasing her ability to lead and conceptualise fashion shoots that significantly boost brand engagement and customer retention.
- Focus on Specialised Skills: Emphasises key skills such as model direction, vintage fashion expertise, and photography coordination, tailoring them to fit the requirements often sought in creative styling roles.
- Educational Achievements: Mentions specific academic credentials such as the Master of Arts in Fashion Styling from a prestigious institution, underscoring her specialised knowledge which adds weight to her professional capabilities.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Utilises precise figures to demonstrate the impact of her work, such as increasing campaign engagement by 25% and improving workflow efficiency, making her contributions tangible and impressive to potential employers.
Cruise Ship Makeup Artist
- Emphasising the Senior Mobile Hairdresser position at Blow Ltd displays advanced professional experience, showcasing leadership in expanding client bases and handling high-profile events like weddings.
- Highlighting the Master Cosmetologist Certification from Sassoon Academy underlines specialised expertise and a commitment to high-level professional training in cosmetology.
- Mentioning a 30% increase in client base through strategic networking and promotional efforts accentuates entrepreneurial spirit and successful business acumen in the beauty services industry.
- Including the organisation of hairstyling workshops demonstrates a proactive approach to client education and engagement, expanding beyond traditional hairstyling services.
Salon Makeup Artist
- Tailored Experience: Emphasise experience in VIP event styling and collaboration with partner brands, highlighting the ability to work within luxury service environments and cater to high-profile clients, which is critical for a role in the high-end beauty industry.
- Demonstrated Success in Client Relations: Point out achievements in client retention and satisfaction, such as increasing customer satisfaction ratings and maintaining a high retention rate. This shows a strong understanding of client needs and the ability to foster long-term relationships.
- Focus on Innovation and Sustainability: Highlight initiatives led, such as sustainable beauty practices and digital feedback systems, to showcase a forward-thinking approach and adaptability to industry trends, which are appealing traits for modern salons.
- Accreditations and Recognition: Mention certifications like the Professional Makeup Artistry Certification and awards like the Top Stylist Award, demonstrating expertise and a strong professional reputation within the beauty community.
Spa Makeup Artist
- Highlighting Certifications: The cover letter effectively underscores specialised certifications, such as "Colour Theory and Application" from the Makeup Academy, which demonstrates expertise in advanced colour theory—a critical skill for a Makeup Artist focusing on natural beauty enhancement.
- Emphasising Leadership and Mentoring: Describing experience as a Senior Makeup Artist leading a team and improving productivity by 20% through training showcases not only technical aptitude but also leadership and mentoring skills, crucial for career advancement in the beauty industry.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter includes concrete achievements like a 30% increase in client retention and a 25% boost in product sales, presenting a results-oriented professional who can deliver tangible benefits.
- Articulating Passion and Innovation: Clearly expresses passion for creative makeup design and artistic pursuits outside of work. This can appeal to employers looking for artists who are inspired and committed to pushing creative boundaries.
Makeup Artist cover letter example
Isla King
Southampton
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the position at your esteemed company. Having thoroughly researched your company's commitment to innovative beauty solutions and personalized client experiences, I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute to your team's success.
In my role as a Lead Makeup Artist at Sephora, I led a team to achieve a remarkable £50,000 increase in quarterly revenue. This was accomplished through a strategic cross-selling initiative, leveraging my skills in client consultations and sales strategy. My approach focuses on understanding individual client needs and offering tailored product recommendations, skills that I developed through years of experience in the beauty industry.
I would welcome the chance to explore how I can contribute to your company’s continued success. I am eager to bring my expertise in fostering client relationships and driving sales growth to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills align with your needs.
Sincerely,
Isla King
Professional Makeup Artist
Why this cover letter is a winner:
- Quantifiable Achievements: Highlighting a £50,000 increase in quarterly revenue shows the candidate's impact and ability to drive results, which is highly relevant for roles focused on sales growth.
- Client-Centric Approach: Emphasizing a strong understanding of client needs and personalization aligns well with the beauty industry's focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Leadership Experience: Mentioning leadership at Sephora and team management experience demonstrates the candidate's ability to contribute strategically and manage a team effectively.
- Alignment with Company Values: Expressing excitement about the company’s commitment to innovation and personalized experiences strengthens the candidate's fit with the company's goals and culture.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a vital part of professional job applications, helping shape recruiters' first impression of your profile.
Here’s why they’re important:
- Indicates your genuine interest: A well-researched cover letter reflects your knowledge of the company and role.
- Professionalism from the outset: Employers expect your cover letter to be structured, polite, and formal. If you wish to add a more personalised touch, be sure to address your recipient directly.
- Capture the recruiters' attention: For most roles, candidates tend to have rather similar experience, which is why you should use your cover letter to explain what is unique about your profile.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a makeup artist cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your makeup artist cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your makeup artist cover letter intro
A great option to begin your cover letter is by showing recruiters you've done your homework or research.
If the company has won an award or made headlines, congratulate them in your opening sentence, or express how impressed you are.
Provide this achievement as a reason why you admire the company, ensuring your tone remains genuine, sincere, and authentic.
Cover Letter Intro
Having admired the transformative work of your team at Enchanted Beauty, particularly the innovative techniques showcased in the 'Radiant Glow' campaign, I am eager to bring my artistry and passion for creating bespoke looks to your talented ensemble.
RIGHT
How to write your makeup artist cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as the lead makeup artist at Glamour Studios, I successfully transformed our seasonal product launch event into a visually stunning showcase, which significantly enhanced our brand's image within the beauty industry. My creative direction and expertise in makeup artistry contributed to a 45% increase in client bookings in the subsequent months, a testament to the impact of the event's success. This achievement was the result of meticulously tailoring makeup designs that resonated with the thematic elements of our new product line, while simultaneously capturing the essence of current beauty trends. Collaborating closely with top photographers and models, I leveraged my keen eye for detail and innovative techniques to deliver captivating and cohesive visual narratives, effectively communicating our brand story. This experience underscores my ability to combine creative vision with technical proficiency to drive tangible business results, reflecting the skills and adaptability I can contribute to your team.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the Makeup Artist position at your esteemed company. I am eager to bring my creativity and skills to contribute positively to your team. I am confident that my passion for makeup artistry and my dedication to client satisfaction align perfectly with your vision. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application further and explore how I can be of value to your organisation. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
