WHY DO A MAKEUP ARTISTE COURSE?

STARTING OUT - CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE AND CREDENTIALS
If you are serious about having a career as a makeup artist you should have some professional training to give you the skills and creativity you need to succeed in the competitive world of beauty. Although you may be naturally talented in makeup spplication, having training will widen your knowledge and teach you about all aspects of working as a makeup artist from hygiene to marketing your business.

If you want to do a specific genre of makeup such as special occasion makeup in order to work freelance, you can choose a course which specialises in that. For those who want to be flexible enough to do theatrical and fashion makeup too, many longer and more in depth courses teach all aspects of makeup application. A good course will give you the confidence you need to work freelance and overcome challenges. With industry approved qualifications, it will be easier to acquire customers who are likely to ask about your credentials.

CHOOSING A COURSE
Always aim for the highest certificate and most renowned course you can in order to set you apart from your peers in this competitive industry. Ig you wish to work in a beauty salon or spa, you will need a beauty therapy certificate rather than a makeup certificate. Beauty therapy courses usually take place at colleges with the award of NVQ. Although some salons
offer on-the-job training, most will only employ staff who have had training.
There are differing lengths of courses from 1 to 3 day courses, which are great refresher courses for already professional makeup artists, to courses lasting weeks, months or years. Most courses can be done full- or part-time, and in evenings or on Saturdays. Levels vary from certificates and diplomas to degrees. Some of the most renowned courses take place in Lagos such as at The
Makeup by Orsela and Kears Apparel but, many colleges throughout the country offer beauty therapy and makeup artistry courses.
All professionally run courses will give you the chance to build up your portfolio and organise a makeup kit – two crucial components of becoming a makeup artist.

REFRESHER COURSE
If you already have a makeup qualification, or have been working in a salon or shop as a makeup artist, or indeed as a freelancer, doing a day course can be a great way to refresh your skills and learn some new tricks of the trade. You may want to learn a new genre such as party makeup or new skill such as airbrushing if you mainly work as a wedding makeup artist. Some makeup artists do courses in order to completely change direction, i.e. from theatrical makeup to fashion/catwalk makeup, or vice- versa.
The world of makeup is a ever-changing one as new technologies and formulas lead the way to new makeup fashions and application techniques. Successful makeup artists must keep up with the times. Do not be afraid to learn from others or re-train; after all, this can be the perfect way to get some passion back into your work. At the end of the day, being a qualified makeup artist is all that matters whichever makeup genre you choose to work in. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of makeup training for freelancers is knowing how to market your business and build a customer base; so if you are trying to decide between a number of courses, choose the oin with business training too.

See also Becoming A Makeup Artist .

Becoming A Makeup Artiste

If you would like to become a makeup artist there are a number of different paths you can take to achieve that goal. While some makeup artists get trained on the job working in store as beauty advisers, others gain a certificate, diploma or degree in makeup application. Younger candidates are wise to study at college, but if you are changing career later in life there are some excellent short courses you can partake in to give you a Certificate in Special Occasion Makeup. See our article - why do a makeup artist course?


WHAT KIND OF MAKEUP ARTIST?
You must also decide which type of makeup artist you wish to become before training as there are a number of branches to the trade. With any makeup qualification working as a freelance wedding and special occasion makeup artist, or on a beauty counter in store, should be a possibility. Fashion and editorial makeup is very competitive and therefore advisable to do a tailored course. If you want to mingle with the stars, theatrical makeup courses can lead to all sorts of jobs behind the scenes in theatres, TV series and films.

BUILDING A PORTFOLIO
A vital part of becoming a makeup artist is building up a portfolio of makeup looks you have done, even if initially they have just been on friends and family. Make sure you have a range of looks in your portfolio on all ages and skin types. It is worth using a professional photographer, or borrowing a good camera, to ensure you can get high quality portfolio pictures. If you choose to work in special effects makeup, volunteer to do the makeup at your local theatre as it will look great on your CV and you may get some contacts.

GETTING A MAKEUP KIT
Many courses will assist you in getting a makeup kit together; this will be needed not only during the course but for when you start working as a makeup artist. Makeup course providers will only use high quality makeup and may have a deal with a cosmetics company so that their students can get discounted products. They will teach you about using makeup brushes, what's needed, hygiene and the longevity of makeup products.

SELF PROMOTION AND BRANDING
If you decide to work as a freelance makeup artist it pays to invest in a good looking, functional and modern website as the web is likely to be the place where the majority of customers will find you. Advertise your services in online bridal directories such as the one we offer. Some makeup artists choose to use their own name as their business name while others create a name. The
important thing is to be consistent when promoting your services in order to build a memorable brand.

NETWORKING AND EVENTS
Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are a relatively new way of networking and interacting with potential customers. Technology gives you the opportunity to go out and grab your customers rather than waiting for them to find you, and can really put you a step ahead of
your competitors. Although it is important to embrace the internet and its marketing benefits, don't stop attending events such as wedding fairs. Get branded business cards to hand out at beauty and bridal shows and give a few to previous customers so they may recommend you. If you are a wedding makeup artist, why not ask to leave a few of your cards in local hairdressers and hotels which cater for weddings.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING YOURSELF
Keep a diary so that you don't forget about appointments and always reply to email enquiries straight away. Take deposits on jobs to cover yourself in the event of clients cancelling. Also make sure you have the relevant insurance needed to protect your business. It is important
to offer makeup trials so that you can be sure your client will not have any adverse effects to the products you use. Although it will take time to build a name for yourself in the makeup world you can speed up the process by asking everyone you've done makeup for if you can use their pictures in your portfolio. Also keep copies of any published editorial work you get and the leaflets of any shows you've done makeup for, and you will, with plenty of hard (but fun!) work build up a regular customer base.

TYPES OF LIPSTICKS

It is easy to get attracted to a particular colour of lipstick, But that doesn't mean it is the most complementary colour or the best type of lipstick for your lips. Here we look at some of the different kinds of lipstick on the market and how to apply lipliner.

LIPSTICK
Lipsticks can offer sheer to full coverage in matt or shimmery finishes. It is possible to buy long wearing lip colours which are kiss, drink and food proof, although chapped lips can find these too drying and the colour may sit in lines. Dry or lined lips benefit from more moisturising and hydrating lipsticks, often with SPFs, such as Avon Beyond Color Plumping Lip Colour.

LIP GLOSS
Lip glosses come in a range of coverages. Full coverage lip glosses come in a selection of colours and can be used on their own for a complete look. Lighter lip glosses in clear and lighter shades can also be used on their own for a natural or subtle look, but can also add depth and shine to lips when applied over lipstick. They can be applied just to the centre of the top and bottom lip to create the illusion of fuller lips.

LIP CRAYON
There are less lip crayons on the market but they can be a great alternative to a lipstick for women who like a matte finish. They can also be longer wearing than normal lipsticks. Furthermore, a lipliner is not needed with a lip crayon because the crayon's shape allows you to line the outer shape of your lips.

WHICH COLOUR?
If going for a natural lip colour it will all depend upon your skin, hair and eye colour as to which shade will suit you best. But as a general rule, fair skins suit rose, apricot or mauve, brunettes suit mauve or berry and darker skin tones and black skins suit dark plum or rich brown shades.

APPLYING LIPLINER
Use a colour to match your lipstick or a natural, neutral base shade. Make sure your lipliner pencil is sharpened and soften it by smudging it on your hand before applying. To shape your lips, start on your top lip and work from left to right, shaping your cupids bow as you go. Working from left to right again, line the outer edge of your bottom lip. Next colour in your whole lips with your pencil. This will make a good even base for your lip colour and help its staying power.

How To Get A Smokey Eyes

For the classic smoky eyes look, use silver, grey and black eyeshadow colours and a smudgy black eyeliner. In this demonstrative article we explain how to achieve the look. You can also follow our step by step makeup tutorial to help you:

STEP 1
Using the eyeliner, draw rough horizontal dashes of eyeliner across your eyelids. Next, using the smudger, smudge the colour until it blends together. This will form a dark smoky base for your eyeshadows and help their staying power.

STEP 2
Apply the silver eyeshadow all over the eyelids and up to the brow bone using a large, flat, rounded eyeshadow brush. This is called the highlight.

STEP 3
Apply the grey eyeshadow across the eyelid using a small, flat, rounded eyeshadow brush.

STEP 4
Using an angled eyeshadow brush work the black eyeshadow from the far outer corner of your eyelids around the crease of your eyelid to about midway, forming a V shape.

STEP 5
Using a large, flat eyeshadow blending brush, blend the Amedium and dark colours together and soften the shadow where the two colours meet.

STEP 6
Using a small, flat, rounded eyeshadow brush, apply the silver eyeshadow in a vertical line to the centre of your eyelids. This will create a central highlight which will catch in the light adding dimension to your colour.

STEP 7
Add the eyeliner to your lower lash line. Start from the inner corner working outwards and use the smudger to soften the look. Then using an angled eyeshadow brush, apply some of the silver eyeshadow (or your medium shade) over the eyeliner to create a smoky effect. Alternatively, for a real dark and sultry look, try applying the eyeliner to your upper and lower rims working from corner to corner.

STEP 8
Finish the look with your choice of mascara. Remember, you needn't use grey and black eyeshadows to get smouldering, smoky eyes, but can use blues or browns
depending on your colour preference. Whichever colours you go for, as a general rule, you will need 3 shades of colour – light, medium and dark.

WHICH TYPE OF EYESHADOW?

Powder eyeshadows have been used for generations, but cream and crayon eyeshadows are now being made by more and more brands, so it can be hard to decide which to choose. Here we discuss some of the pros and cons of each type.


POWDER EYESHADOW
If you have oily skin it is best to stick to the eyeshadow which is drier and less likely to crease on your skin. Dry eyeshadows also give a natural, soft finish and are easy to build colour with if using more than one eyeshadow. Dry eyeshadows are easy to apply and can have a matte or pearl finish. Colour can be built up from natural to full coverage very easily. Powder eyeshadows can also be cost effective because they often come in duos, trios or quads in which the colours complement each other.

CREAM EYESHADOW
Some people prefer cream eyeshadows for their shimmery texture and because they are generally longer wearing than their powder counterparts. Other people think they crease more easily than powders. Irecommend Estee Lauder's long wear Double Wear Cream Eyeshadows which have exceptional staying power and look fantastic in matte to demi-pearl finishes. Two colours can easily be blended together with cream eyeshadows. Cream shadows are moist on application but dry to leave either a matt powder or shiny reflective look.

STICKS AND CRAYON EYESHADOW
Eyeshadow crayons offer vibrant, light to full coverage colour. They work as shadows or liners as well as full colour eyeshadows. They are also easy to apply because you don't need an applicator.

LOOSE POWDER EYESHADOW
Often shimmery or glittery, loose powder eyeshadows are easy to apply and long lasting, they can also be used for subtle or intense colour. They contain ingredients to help them adhere to the skin which can be ideal for oily skin types. They give a great look for a night out. You can also
use an eyeshadow base to help your loose powder stay in place.

MATTE VERSUS METALLIC TEXTURES
Matte eyeshadows usually come in powder form. Matte shades can create more depth and definition than metallics as they absorb the light. Matte shades are the perfect day time eyeshadows as they can look softer and more natural than shimmery metallics. Two or more matte shades complement each other and can easily be blended together. All eyeshadow types can come in metallic colours. Metallics reflect the light and can be used as highlighters. Metallics are ideal for an evening look. Often ome metallic colour is enough to achieve a stunning look.


MAKING YOUR EYESHADOW LAST LONGER
There are a number of ways to make your eyeshadow last longer. Firstly you could apply some loose or pressed powder to your eyelids before application to help set the eyeshadow (this works particularly well for powder and cream eyeshadows). Some brands sell special cream
makeup bases which can be used to set all types of eyeshadow, such as Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in Place Eyeshadow Base. Another way to make your eyeshadow last longer is to layer it by applying a cream or crayon eyeshadow underneath a powder eyeshadow.

DAY TO NIGHT MAKEUP!

Here is an example of how to turn your daytime makeup into evening wear...

EYESHADOW
Following the application instructions in our how to apply eyeshadow perfectly article , it is popular to wear two eyeshadow colours in the daytime – a light and a medium shade – and then add the third darker shade in the evening.

EYELINER
In the daytime you would apply your eyeliner in the following way: Make sure the pencil is sharpened, smudge it on the back of your hand to make sure it is soft enough to apply.

UPPER LID
Starting from the outer corner, draw a line (as close to lash line as possible) to the centre of the eyelid. Smudge the colour with the eyeliner's sponge.

LOWER LID
Starting from the outer corner, draw a line (as close to lash line as possible) to the centre of your lower lid. Smudge the colour with the eyeliner's sponge. In the evening simply extend the eyeliner's line (on both the upper and lower lid) to the inner corner of the eye. This makes the line more noticeable giving a more dramatic look. Again smudge the colour for a softer line.

MASCARA
In the daytime you would just want one or two coats of mascara on both the lower and upper eyelashes. For an evening look you can add more coats to your lashes to build up the length and volume, and to darken the colour.

LIPS
Well lips are the easiest bit! You certainly shouldn't stick to those natural nudes at night. Just have confidence and reach for that bolder, brighter shade, whether siren red, fushia pink, passionate plum or shimmering copper. You can also add a gloss for a high shine, more dramatic and noticeable finish.

HOW TO APPLY EYESHADOW PERFECTLY

Eyeshadow can add colour and definition to your eyes and many gorgeous looks can be achieved if using the right colours and techniques. One of the biggest dilemmas for many women is knowing how many eyeshadows to use, and when more are needed. Here is our rough guide to how to use eyeshadows for an everyday look.

SINGLE
One colour, often neutral, can be used to even out skin tone and create a base on the eyelids in preparation for more colours. One colour can also be used to brighten the eyes. This may be a cream, beige or soft pink shade. If you wear eyeliner, you may not wish to wear more than one subtle eyeshadow colour to keep the look more natural. Some women choose to wear a bolder, brighter colour such as purple to complement clothing or for a more dramatic look. One colour is easy to apply with a flat, rounded eyeshadow brush.

DUO
Two colours can be worn for extra definition and to create a fuller, more rounded eye shape. Beige and brown; light blue and dark blue; silver and charcoal; light pink and dark pink, are just some of the colours which work well together.

STEP 1
Apply the lightest colour all over the eyelids using a flat, rounded eyeshadow brush.

STEP 2
Using an angled eyeshadow brush work the darkest colour from the far outer corner of your eyelids around the crease of your eyelid to about midway, forming a V shape.

STEP 3
Using a large, flat blending brush, blend the two colours together and soften the eyeshadow where the two colours meet. Finish the look with your choice of eyeliner and mascara.

TRIO
Three colours can be used to add greater colour, depth and definition to a look. Usually you will use a light, medium and dark colour. For example, this could be cream, beige and brown; silver, grey and charcoal; silver, light blue and navy; beige, gold and bronze; or white, pink and plum.

STEP 1
Apply the lightest colour all over the eyelids and up to the brow bone using a large flat, rounded eyeshadow brush. This is called the highlight. (Optional).

STEP 2
Apply the medium colour across the eyelid using a flat, rounded eyeshadow brush.

STEP 3
Using an angled eyeshadow brush work the darkest colour from the far outer corner of your eyelids around the crease of your eyelid to about midway, forming a V shape.

STEP 4
Using a large, flat blending eyeshadow brush blend the medium and dark colours together and soften the shadow where the two colours meet.

STEP 5
Using a small, flat, rounded eyeshadow brush and using the lightest shade, dab a vertical line in the centre of your eyelids in order to create a central highlight which will catch the light adding dimension to your colour. (Optional).
Finish the look with your choice of eyeliner and mascara. To find out how to change your eye makeup from a day to night time look, read our article .

MAKING YOUR EYESHADOW LAST LONGER
There are a number of ways to make your eyeshadow last longer. Firstly you could
apply some loose or pressed powder to your eyelids to help set your eyeshadow. Some brands sell special cream makeup bases which can be used to set all types of eyeshadow. Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in Place Eyeshadow Base is particularly good and works well under
both powder and cream eyeshadows. Another way to make your eyeshadow last longer includes using a cream or crayon eyeshadow underneath a powder eyeshadow.

TYPES OF MAKEUP BRUSHES & THEIR USES

TOOLS OF TRADE

Most makeup brands sell a range of makeup brushes to compliment their makeup. Good quality makeup brushes made from high quality fibres or hair can be pricey. You can either purchase all your brushes from your favourite brand or mix and match those you prefer or to get better

value. So if you don’t know your contour blender from your smudge stick, brush up your tool knowledge with my tip top guide and brush recommendations to transform you from clueless to confident...


FOUNDATION BRUSH
Designed to achieve a smooth and flawless.        

finish, the bristles are tightly packed with a
tapered tip for fluid application. Dampen the
brush first in warm water and firmly squeeze
the excess into a towel or tissue, this will help achieve a more even distribution. You can also blend any brush strokes as you go with a damp natural or wedge sponge.
Pictured: Clinique Foundation Brush


CONCEALER/CAMOUFLAGE BRUSH
A soft bristled, flat brush with a wider base and a
pointed tip. Use to apply concealer under the eyes,

to spots and to camouflage problem areas such as broken capillaries and areas of discolouration.
Pictured: Clinique Concealer Brush


DUO FIBRE BRUSH
Made from a blend of goat and synthetic fibres
this brush is ideal for buffing and blending colour .
The flat, circular, feathery head
provides lightweight and buildable coverage of liquid,

cream or powder. Use to blend cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks or for a light dusting of shimmer powder to your cheek and brow bones. Pictured: MAC Due Fiber Face Brush


BRONZER/POWDER BRUSH
Soft, full and rounded, this brush can be used for
both compact powder and bronzer. The bristles pick
up the perfect amount of colour and distribute

flawlessly onto the skin. Load your brush with the powder and shake away any excess before sweeping onto the skin. Pictured: Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush


MINERAL POWDER BRUSH
A thick bundled brush that can sometimes be
used both wet and dry. It is expertly designed
to buff mineral powder onto your skin for

pure perfection. Apply in small circular
motions for a faultless finish. Pictured:
Elizabeth Arden Mineral Makeup Brush


FAN POWDER BRUSH
Created for use with loose powder, the fine fan
sweeps a light dusting of powder onto the skin for a soft, velvety effect. Thisapplication
technique avoids heavy coverage which can
highlight fine lines and imperfections. These
brushes are also used to remove excess powder on the face, particularly after eyeshadow application

Pictured: Benefit Fantail Brush


BLUSHER BRUSH
Made with fine, gentle fibres the blusher brush has a rounded head which is perfect for giving a pop of colour to the apples of your cheeks. Sweep and blend along your cheekbone drawing the brush up into your hairline.Pictured: MAC Blush Brush

FACE CONTOUR BRUSH
Slanted and rounded in shape, the contour brush mimics the angles of your cheekbones. This is
ideal for highlighting and shading with bronzer or illuminating powder. Use with cream, gel or
powder to contour a sculpted finish for a defined and dramatic makeup. Pictured: MAC Face Contour Brush

EYE SHADOW BRUSH
Large, flat, short and brimming with bristles for excellent coverage. The soft
bristles have a bevelled edge for a smooth application without ‘dragging’ the eyelid. Use to apply
all over colour. Pictured: Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Brush

ANGLE EYE SHADOW BRUSH
A long, round and tapered brush perfect for shading the eye socket. Just gently follow the
natural crease of the socket blending back and forth to build up depth of colour. Pictured: Laura
Mercier Angled Eye Colour Brush

BLENDING EYE SHADOW BRUSH
Use this light brush to blend eye colours and to highlight the brow bone. Pictured: Estee Lauder
Blending Shadow Brush

FINE POINT EYELINER BRUSH
The extra fine tip of this brush delivers precise liquid and gel eyeliner application. A
perfect line can be achieved in one stroke, or use the point to dot in between lashes for
a more subtle effect. Pictured: Laura Mercier Fine Point Eyeliner Brush

FLAT EYELINER BRUSH
Allows eyeliner to be applied deep into the lash line for a richer and more distinct eye.
Gently brush upwards to soften and blend the line for a smokey eye. Pictured: Benefit Hard Angle Brush

SMUDGER BRUSH
You’re most likely to find these doubled ended with an eye pencil. The foam tip is used to
soften the harsh line of the pencil giving a smouldering finish. Larger ones can also be
used for applying eyeshadow such as The Body Shop's Smudger Brush.

SLANTED EYEBROW DEFINER BRUSH
Used to define and fill brows for a beautifully symmetrical appearance. The bristles are stiff
and angled for precise control. Apply powder, liquid or cream in short strokes mimicking the hairs, fill sparse areas, shape and elongate for a perfect brow. Pictured: Bobbi Brown Eyebrow Brush

SPIRAL EYEBROW BRUSH
Ideal for taming unruly hairs, the stiff bristles smooth and comb eyebrows into form. When
shaping, use to brush hairs upwards and trim the excess for neatly groomed brows. Pictured: Tweezerman for Benefit Brow Shaping Brush

LIP BRUSH
The sculpted tip of a lip brush is perfect for achieving a flawless line. The bristles are
short and firm for controlled application. Pictured: Laura Mercier Lip Colour Brush

CLEANING MAKEUP BRUSHES
Finally, don't forget your brush cleaner! You don't want to spend a lot of money buying high quality makeup brushes if you are not going to be able to look after them by
keeping them clean and conditioned. Foundation, eyeshadow and lip brushes should be cleansed after each use to stop bacteria spreading and therefore keep your
skin clear; whilst other types of brushes such as powder and blusher can be cleansed once a week. Most brands that sell brushes also have a brush cleanser.


COMPLETE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Need a complete makeup brush starter set including all brush types mentioned in this article?