Getting a job in Make-Up

One of the questions I get asked most of all in my line of work has got to be:

"How do you get a job in make-up?"

I personally only have the experience of working on a beauty counter, but in my opinion it's an excellent way to begin if you're looking to start out your career in make up, I feel that it's also a fantastic way to open doors if you're looking to work at big beauty events such as IMATS and Stylist Live. In all honesty, it can also be rather tricky as we all know with many jobs, you usually require experience. How do you get the experience without working in  the beauty industry? It's not as hopeless as it seems.

One of the best ways to get around this problem is by signing up to an agency program. I originally signed up to an agency known as Pure Placements (no longer in operation, at least under that name) where I uploaded my CV, gave them my availability and my current experience which consisted of doing levels 2 & 3 in beauty at college. I had no salon experience at all.

In all honesty, it did take a little while to hear back from them and I'd honestly forgotten about it whilst trawling the internet looking for a job since moving up to the north midlands. My first opportunity was working on a beauty counter, however this may not always be the case. Other jobs you may end up doing could be promoting a new fragrance or providing hair and make up services for special occasions. While the jobs may not always be what you hope for, it's a fantastic way to gain experience with a lot of brands in a short amount of time and get a feel for the way things work 'behind the scenes' so to speak.

My first opportunity was also my last, as after three shifts I was offered an interview for my current position. This is another fantastic advantage when it comes to working for an agency; you will see every counter hiring near you and pretty much stay in the loop for job opportunities. This is genuinely where things are difficult, because in a way there is a lot of nepotism when it comes to beauty counters. It's not always so much what you know, as who you know and a lot of department stores see movement amongst staff across the store and other brands.

"Do I need to have a certificate in make-up or training?"

Another really common question. Absolutely not! Some brands actually do prefer that you don't have any prior training so that they may train you themselves in a style most suited to the brand. If you've ever sat down at any beauty hall, you'll see the difference in styles and how each brand works, whether it's about educating the customer, having fun or simply providing a luxury service. Each brand operates in its own style.

I remember asking this question to a girl on a beauty counter in Manchester a few years before I got my job, and I'll never forget how she proceeded to tell me the thousands she spent on training and courses in order to get her job. This will understandably give you an edge, but ultimately you need to be able to talk the talk as this is still a sales job.

Think more about your social skills and if you're able to work under the pressure of sales targets. It doesn't matter if you can create a masterpiece on a customer; if you haven't got an outgoing personality or if you're unable to interact and build a rapport with someone then it might not be the best career for you. It can be a very stressful job, and you'll petty much be socially drained at the end of the day (even if you love a good chin wag).

"How do I get into Freelancing?"

Not something I'm asked often, but people do want to know. More often I'm asked if I offer freelancing, which is now met with a resounding no. I work full time and my time to wind down is very precious. If you're not in full time employment and it's something you wish to pursue, prepare for an uphill battle to grow your business.

Before anything else, get some insurance. No one seems to think about this or feels that it's important. If a client has a reaction, an infection (good hygiene practices, surgical spirit is your friend!) or god forbid you jab them in the eye with a mascara wand, you'll be sorry you didn't. I can't recommend any insurance personally, but I'm also not the google fairy.

Another thing you have realise is that freelancing is very expensive, not only do you have think of fuel costs (the ability to drive really helps) cost of insurance as well as cost of your kit (not everyone is going to match your shade of foundation or want to use your personal eyeliner, shocking I know), you're going to be starting out in the red.

Depressing as it all my previous point are, have fun with social media and get the hashtags out on instagram. Get friends and family to be practice models to showcase your artistry skills (before and after shots are a great way to get people excited for a transformation), if you think you need to polish your skills then keep practising. Youtube is obviously a great free resource that anyone can access, there's also masterclasses on make up counters and bookable lessons, or there's short courses you can take such as Illamasqua's School of Make Up (which is now coming to Leeds!)

"I'd love a job where I got to play with make up all day."

Not a question, but something we all hear a lot on counters. If this is the reason you want to work on a beauty counter, then I strongly suggest a different career move. When I found out that the vet didn't get to just cuddle animals all day I moved on. Granted I was about 7 years old, but you get the comparison. If you do know any jobs that just involve cuddling animals then do please let me know!


I hope this was kind of helpful for those looking to work in the make up industry, I tried to cover as many points as possible without falling down a never ending ramble hole.