How to Become a Makeup Artist in the UK
Makeup artists apply makeup for clients and productions: brides and wedding parties, photo shoots, fashion shows, events, theatre, film and TV. Depending on the work, you might do skin preparation and long-wear bridal looks, editorial or catwalk styles, continuity on a film set, or prosthetics and special effects.
No degree or licence is required. Most makeup artists take a recognised makeup course, build a kit and a portfolio, then work freelance, combining bridal clients with shoots, events or counter work. Film and TV work usually starts with trainee roles, and some artists also train as a hairdresser to offer both.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £20,000 - £28,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £90,000+
- Work environment
- Mobile, studio, set
- Time to entry
- 6 - 18 months
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Beauty and Aesthetics
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, No-degree careers, Creative careers, Career change.
What a Makeup Artist does
Apply makeup for weddings, events, editorial and film / TV clients.
How to become a makeup artist in the UK
Take a recognised course, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in makeup or media makeup from an awarding body like VTCT or ITEC, at a college or private academy, or study hair and makeup for fashion, theatre and media at degree level. Short private courses in bridal or editorial makeup can help, but check how much hands-on practice you get. Build a professional kit, keep strict hygiene, and take out public liability and treatment insurance. For film and TV, apply for trainee and junior roles, as most productions want hair as well as makeup skills.
- Take a Level 2 or Level 3 makeup or media makeup course, or a hair and makeup degree, to learn skin prep, colour theory and hygiene.
- Practise on as many different faces, skin tones, ages and skin types as you can, as clients and productions expect you to work on everyone.
- Build a professional kit gradually, with foundations covering a full range of shades, and set up hygiene routines such as disposable applicators and brush cleaning.
- Organise test shoots with photographers, models and hair stylists to create a portfolio of bridal, editorial or beauty images.
- Take out public liability and treatment insurance, register as self-employed with HMRC, and set clear prices, deposits and cancellation terms for bridal bookings.
- For film and TV, apply for trainee or daily roles in hair and makeup departments and add hair skills, as most production jobs need both.
- Find clients through Instagram, wedding suppliers and venues, and consider counter work with a cosmetics brand for steady income while you build up.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2/3 makeup course at college | 1-2 years | Free for many under-19s; otherwise varies | School leavers and structured learners |
| Private makeup academy course | Weeks to months | Varies by provider | Career changers wanting a fast start |
| Hair and makeup degree | 3 years | Tuition fee loan | Film, TV and theatre ambitions |
| Cosmetics counter job, then freelance | Weeks to start | Paid; brand training | Earning while you build a portfolio |
How long it takes
Most people complete a makeup course and build a starter portfolio within six to 18 months, then take on paid clients while growing their kit and reputation.
Makeup Artist salary in the UK
Makeup artists usually earn around £20,000 to £28,000 at the start, whether employed on a counter or building freelance work. Established freelancers earn about £32,000 to £45,000, and in-demand bridal, fashion, film or TV artists can make £55,000 to £90,000 or more. Most makeup artists are self-employed, so income depends on bookings, seasonality, travel and kit costs, and wedding season and production schedules make earnings uneven across the year.
Key skills
- Application technique
- Colour theory
- Hygiene
- Marketing
Makeup Artist FAQs
How do I become a makeup artist in the UK?
Take a recognised makeup course, such as a Level 2 or 3 qualification or a hair and makeup degree, then build a kit and a portfolio through test shoots. Get insured, register as self-employed and start taking bridal, event or shoot clients.
Do I need qualifications to be a makeup artist?
No qualification is legally required. Insurers, salons, retailers and productions usually want proof of training, and a recognised course teaches hygiene and technique properly. Your portfolio is what wins most clients.
How much does a makeup artist earn in the UK?
Early on, makeup artists earn around £20,000 to £28,000. Established freelancers earn about £32,000 to £45,000, and leading bridal, fashion, film or TV artists can make £55,000 to £90,000 or more, though income varies with bookings.
How do I become a makeup artist for film and TV?
Most film and TV makeup artists learn both hair and makeup, often through a specialist course or degree. Start with trainee or daily roles on productions, build contacts with hair and makeup designers, and develop continuity, period and prosthetic skills.
Is Makeup Artist right for you?
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