How To Get Hands-On Experience As A Makeup Artist

Are you dreaming of a career that blends creativity with personal interaction? You’re in the right place. In the dynamic world of makeup artistry, no two days are the same, with every day bringing a new creative challenge and a whole heap of fun.

In this article, we’re diving into what it takes to become a professional makeup artist and how you can get started today with hands-on experience, from makeup artist apprenticeships to practising on friends, collaborating with photographers and more. 

How to Gain Practical Experience as a Makeup Artist 

Learning how to apply makeup in a classroom is essential, but real-life application is just as important. Interpersonal skills, understanding client needs, and adapting to different settings are all part of the game. But, how do you gain this invaluable experience?

1. Practice with Friends: They say friendship is about support, right? Well, here's a fun way to blend support with practice. Offer your friends a free makeover session. It's a win-win: they get to look fabulous, and you get to refine your skills — just remind them to credit you when the compliments start rolling in.
   
   
2. Collaborate with Photographers: Photography and makeup go hand in hand. New photographers are always looking to build their portfolios and collaborating can offer you both incredible value. Offer your makeup services for their next shoot in exchange for professional photos of your work. It’s practical experience and portfolio material rolled into one.
   
   
3. Self-Practice: Never underestimate the power of practising on yourself. It’s the most accessible and cost-effective way to try new techniques, understand products, and develop your unique style. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a little self-care time.

Go the Extra Mile with Makeup Artist Apprenticeships

While diving straight into paid gigs would be ideal, the truth is, starting with an apprenticeship or a traineeship can open doors and build connections. Yes, it might mean working for less or even for free initially, but the experience and networking opportunities are priceless. 

Check out platforms like Careers By OCA for apprenticeships across Australia — you never know where they might lead!

Bonus Tips: Makeup Artist Do’s & Don'ts

Now that we’ve looked at how to accelerate your career as a makeup artist with hands-on experience, here are some extra considerations for becoming a professional makeup artist. 

What to Do:

• Plan Ahead: Think about what you want to do after your makeup course. Do you want to work in a salon or maybe even with celebrities? Knowing your goal helps focus your learning.
• Share Tips: Swap makeup secrets with other students. It’s a great way to learn new things.
• Use Social Media: Show off your makeup skills online. It’s a good way to get noticed.
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the latest makeup trends and techniques.
• Be Friendly: Always be nice and approachable, no matter what.
• Build a Portfolio: Collect photos of your best work. You'll need to show potential clients or employers what you can do.

What Not to Do:

• Lighting: Always have good lighting, so you can see true colours. Don’t rely on bad lighting – it won't show your makeup correctly.
• Be Prepared: Always be ready for a new job or interview. Being unprepared isn’t professional.
• Quality Matters: Don’t skimp on makeup quality. Good products lead to better results.
• Network: Don’t miss out on meeting people in the industry. Networking is key to success.
• Research Before Buying: Don’t just buy any makeup. Research to avoid products that could cause skin reactions.

Read more: 5 game-changing pro tips from makeup professionals

Can You Master Makeup Without Training?

Short answer? Not really — especially if you're aiming to make this your livelihood. Makeup is an art, but it's also a science. Understanding skin types, colour theory, and the dynamics of different looks is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Plus, the industry evolves faster than a TikTok trend! Training keeps you ahead of the curve and ready to tackle anything from bridal looks to avant-garde fashion shoots.

Read more: Makeup courses for absolute beginners

Transform Your Passion into Your Profession with OCA

If makeup is your passion, turning it into a career is more achievable than you might think. It all starts with the right foundation — both in makeup and in education. 

At OCA, our beauty courses are designed with your future in mind. They're comprehensive, engaging, and, most importantly, led by industry professionals.

Interested in learning more? Visit Online Courses Australia. Dive into our student study demos, explore our courses, and discover how we make learning accessible and fun. 

Got questions? Ring us at 1300 611 404 or send an email to [email protected]. Your makeup career starts here!

Makeup Artist FAQs

How do I start a career in makeup?

Start by enrolling in a professional makeup course to learn the basics and understand different techniques. Practise as much as possible, build a portfolio of your work, and network with industry professionals.

Do I need to study to become a makeup artist?

While not mandatory, having study under your belt can enhance your credibility and job prospects. It shows that you have undergone training and possess a certain level of skill.

How long does it take to become a professional makeup artist?

It varies. Some courses can be completed in a few months, but becoming proficient requires practice. Building a client base and gaining experience can take years – but it’s all part of the fun!