Q&A for How to Become a Makeup Artist

Look to other artists for inspiration, but avoid comparisons. When you're being creative, there's no time to look around and compare yourself to other people. That's a waste of your energy, your talent, and your time. You just have to create — you can't wait for people to tell you that it's good.

Start by doing makeup on yourself or friends and family and upload your work to Instagram, Facebook, etc. Practice your skills. You could also start a YouTube channel to gain publicity and get known.

Start by working at a beauty counter in a beauty or department store. That way, you will not need any supplies. You could also work in theaters or haunted houses, and you build your own makeup kit or buy one specifically for theatrical makeup.

Not necessarily. Cosmetology school is trade school specifically for hair, with minimal nail and skin education. If you want to do makeup, you want to look for an artistry school.

You are never too old to learn. Take a makeup technique class and see where it takes you.

You can start practicing and learning at any age, but you must be 18 or older to become a licensed makeup artist.

Yes, as you need to be familiar with the products and how to use them to make a certain look.

Wearing makeup as a twelve year old is fine, as long as your parents approve. If you're afraid of judgment or feel uncomfortable, wear more neutral makeup and practice a natural look.

Start by being an intern or go to one of local makeup stores and ask for an apprenticeship.

If you're serious about becoming a professional, you should move to Los Angeles in the US. If you just want to enhance your skills, there are plenty of great YouTube tutorials you can watch in your own country.

Look into other universities that offer makeup courses. If you really want to pursue a career as a makeup artist, you will find a university that suits your needs as a student.

Practice is good! Keep it up! But if you want to improve faster, take a class on it or asking someone who is a professional artist top coach you. Watch YouTube videos and DIYs. Look for pictures on the internet and try to recreate them. Get your makeup done professionally and watch as they do it. Buy cheap makeup and try to use it in different ways. If you want to be a makeup artist who specializes in special effects in a movie, remember shading and where the light will hit. Read up on art, and do everything you can to expose yourself to the art of makeup!

I'm 15 years old right now and I've looked into many makeup schools and jobs, but all of them require you to be 18 years old. Practice on yourself, watch YouTube videos, practice on your friends and family, research products and ingredients. Do as much as you can on your own, and you'll impress lots of schools and clients later on.

Start out with local bands.

Some places will hire people without formal education, but it's best to become a beautician by going to beauty school. Check your local college to see if they offer a makeup artistry course.

Not necessarily. Everyone has differently-shaped faces, eyes, lips and so on, so the contour that you do or the way you do a smoky eye might not work on another person. You have to work on a wide variety of people.

You have to go to school to be a licensed professional. Tattooing without a license is illegal. You can do your friend's and family's nails for fun, though.

Anyone can learn to be a makeup artist. You may not be able to go pro at that age, but it's never too early to start building up your skills!

No, not at all. I knew a few people who went to my school who hadn’t ever touched makeup and are now professional certified makeup artists.

An associate's degree or training program in cosmetology is typical, a bachelor's degree in theater is another option. You also need to have a license which is required for all cosmetologists in all states.

It depends on skill level and client. Though makeup is fun, it's not a very high-paying job.

Yes, there are courses or schools where you can only learn makeup. However, it would be helpful for your career to learn hair styling as well.

Probably not professionally, but you can work on your skills and practice on your friends until you're old enough to make it a career.

There is really no "right" way to do makeup, and it depends what style you’re trying to go for. Experiment with a few different ways and you can find the style you’re most happy with.

If you want to pursue it professionally, your best bet is moving to America, Australia, or even Singapore. However, there are many opportunities in India as well. Start practicing bridal makeup, and you may want to pick up some henna skills as well. Offer to do makeup for tourists or work at a cosmetics store. If you feel confident with your skills, ask to work with a film or modeling agency. Also, the status symbol in India is light skin. Practice ways to subtly lighten your clients' skin without making it seem unnatural. There are also many opportunities for you to practice makeup (and get paid for it) at booths in the mall.

The younger you start learning professional techniques, the more time you have to improve upon and explore your skills. Most cosmetology schools and makeup artistry institutions require you to be at least 18 to attend their school or be accepted.

Check the list of licensing requirements for your state. Take an accredited course and complete the required hours of training in order to graduate and receive a certificate. Go to your state's Board of Cosmetology (or Esthetics) and take your licensing exam.