What do a person have to do to become a make-up artist?

How can I become a makeup artist?

• I'm 14 years old and I absolutely LOVE makeup. I also love how wearing makeup can just make a girl look so beautiful, and make her feel better about herself. I'd really love to be a makeup artist when I'm older. Anyhow, is there any ways I can prepare myself (as of now,) to get ready for a makeup artist? I was thinking of maybe becoming a makeup guru on YouTube? What type of college would I have to go to and what type of degree would I have to get? Also, how much money do makeup artists make? Thanks :-) Any other information is greatly appreciated and may help you be chosen as the best answer!

• Answer:

  Take up cosmetology classes, apprentice with pro-make up artist, read books and do tons of experimentation with almost all the brands you can get your hands on.(Go to make-up counters so you wont have to buy them). And I'm not just saying this because I'm an adult, but finishing college helps A LOT. I have a degree in mass communication and I learned a lot about make-up there. You'll know the differences of how make-up looks for TV, print, commercials, billboards, etc. You'll also learn the techniques how lighting affects the over-all look as well as the appropriate hair styles. There's also a huge difference with stage make-up for theater and pageants. Plus, not all beauty schools teach the kind of make-up that uses tools and items not commonly found in beauty counters, for example fake blood used on actors in scenes. A make-up artist does that as well. Some beauty schools just teach you the basics of beauty make-up (e.g. day and night), but learning on the set and with the pro's will get you where you want to go and that's were the real money is. Also, certain make-up looks should go with what the person is wearing, so you'll learn from pro-stylists as well. Phew. I said a lot. :) Hope this helps. In short: go to college, get a degree that would help open the right doors and take up beauty classes along the way.