We surveyed 2,541 makeup artists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical makeup artist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a makeup artist?
Low
High
Working as a makeup artist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a makeup artist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a makeup artist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a makeup artist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a makeup artist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for makeup artists.
Do makeup artists work full-time or part-time?
35% of makeup artists work in full-time roles while 65% work part-time.
Is being a makeup artist stressful?
Low
High
Makeup artists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a makeup artist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a makeup artist.
How competitive is the workplace for makeup artists?
Low
High
Makeup artists tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a makeup artist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Makeup artists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are makeup artists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being a makeup artist, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do makeup artists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Makeup artists have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a makeup artist physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a makeup artist may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are makeup artists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, makeup artists tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a makeup artist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for makeup artists, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good makeup artist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as makeup artists.