Make-up artist
Apply make-up and style hair for people in TV programmes, films, photo shoots, or preparing people for weddings or other special events.
About the job
A day in the life – Make-up artist
What it's like
You would apply make-up and style hair for people appearing in films, television programmes or photo shoots, or live events like concerts, plays or fashion shows. You could also work to prepare people for weddings, or other special occasions.
Your job would be to create the look that the person needs for the type of production or event.
For example, you could create a natural look for a TV appearance or use wigs and hairpieces for an actor in a period drama. You might also apply special effects or prosthetics such as false noses or bald caps.
Your tasks might include:
researching and designing make-up and hairstyles
working to production designers' notes and instructions
tidying and styling hair
using special effects make-up to completely change a person's look
taking notes and photos you can use to keep the look consistent throughout filming
waiting on set to re-do make-up and hair
keeping work areas and equipment clean and tidy
removing make-up
keeping wigs and hairpieces in good condition
You could either work by yourself, as an assistant to a senior colleague, or as part of a larger hair and make-up design team.
You would work closely with production designers, costume designers, camera and lighting crew, and performers.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking initiative
- self esteem
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- empathising
- creative
- verbal communication
- networking
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Performance Arts
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Skills for Work: Beauty
Most make-up artists enter the job through a college course.
You would need either:
a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)
a relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Beauty Therapy: Make-up (SVQ level 2/3)
You can enter some Beauty or Make-Up National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but some courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, helping customers and an eye for visual detail such as Skills for Work Beauty (SCQF level 6) or Hairdressing (SCQF level 4/5).
A portfolio showing your work on make-up / hairstyling can also be helpful.
Experience in make-up work for amateur dramatics.
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