How to Start your Own Makeup Artist Business

Starting your own makeup artist business offers the chance to combine your passion for beauty with the opportunity to build a thriving career, creating memorable experiences, enhancing personal confidence, and establishing a brand that reflects your unique artistic style.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all of the essential steps you’ll need to take to start your own makeup artist business, from conducting market research and securing funding to building your portfolio, establishing your brand, and attracting customers.

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Industry Overview

The makeup artist industry has seen steady growth over the past five years, reaching $678.4 million in 2024. This expansion has been fueled by the rise of social media, influencer culture, and the increasing demand for personalized beauty services.

As the sector evolves, makeup artists are shifting their focus from traditional settings, such as film sets and retail counters, to new channels like social media collaborations and freelance work.

This change is driven by the growing need for flexible, on-demand services and the visibility offered by platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Consequently, many makeup artists are transitioning away from fixed employment to independent business models, allowing them to tap into broader, more diverse markets.

Looking ahead, industry revenue is projected to surpass $720 million by 2029.

Startup Costs

If you’re considering whether a makeup artist business is right for you, the first thing you’ll need to know is whether it’s a) affordable, and b) worth the investment. I mean, how much can you actually make running your own makeup artist business?

Well, it depends. The initial investment for a makeup artist business varies widely based on factors such as the range and quality of products and tools you plan to offer, the level of experience or certification you already have, and whether you plan to operate as a freelancer or establish a physical location:

• Makeup Kit and Tools: You will need to invest between $1,000 and $3,000 in high-quality, professional makeup products, brushes, tools, and photography equipment. This includes a good camera, lighting, and accessories for capturing before-and-after photos or creating content for social media, ensuring you can showcase your work effectively across different platforms while catering to various client needs.
• Certification and Training: You will need to consider enrolling in formal training or certification programs, which can cost between $500 and $5,000, depending on the course and institution.
• Marketing and Branding: You will need to build a strong brand identity and establish an online presence. This includes developing a professional website, creating a digital portfolio to showcase your work, and investing in social media campaigns and influencer collaborations to expand your reach. The typical cost for these efforts ranges from $1000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the website, the scope of branding efforts, and the scale of your marketing initiatives.
• Insurance and Licenses: Depending on where you’re located and the type of services you offer, you’ll likely need to secure various licenses and permits, as well as business insurance. You should expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $500 for licenses and permits, while general liability insurance, which covers potential accidents or damages, typically costs between $300 and $1,000 per year.
• Travel Expenses: If you plan to offer mobile services, you will need to account for travel-related costs such as gas, transportation fees, and vehicle maintenance. Depending on the distance and frequency of travel, these costs can range from $100 to $500 per month, with higher expenses for longer distances or frequent appointments.
• Studio or Workspace (if applicable): If you plan to operate from a physical studio, your biggest expense will likely be rent and utilities, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per month depending on the size of the space and its location.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: You will need to stock up on sanitization products, disposable makeup tools (like sponges and applicators), and basic equipment like seating. You should expect to spend anywhere between $200 and $1,000 for these supplies to ensure a professional and hygienic setup for your clients.

Note: Although this isn’t something you absolutely need, we advise investing in an ergonomic, portable makeup chair, as this will allow you to position the client’s face optimally, making makeup application more efficient and precise.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for makeup artists largely depends on the path they choose to pursue, with two main options: working with individual clients or securing business contracts.

Most makeup artists will need to decide early on whether to focus on consumer services, such as bridal makeup, events, or one-on-one appointments, or shift towards more stable contracts with businesses, brands, or media companies.

For those focusing on individual clients, earning potential can fluctuate based on the volume of bookings, with income increasing during high-demand seasons such as wedding or prom periods.

While this approach provides flexibility, it often requires constant client outreach and marketing to maintain steady income.

On the other hand, makeup artists who secure contracts with brands, production companies, or influencers may experience more consistent earnings. These contracts often provide predictable, ongoing work, offering the potential for higher profits with fewer clients to manage.

Having said that, you’ll likely be surprised to learn that neither path alone is typically how most makeup artists make the majority of their income.

This is because, in reality, most makeup artists achieve higher earnings through one of the following strategies: either by launching their own product line or by selling beauty products on behalf of brands and earning commissions or kickbacks.

Think about it: during a client appointment, all your expenses — such as time, transportation, and labor — are already covered.

If you offer a product, like a beauty cream that costs $12 to create and sells for $50, or if you receive a kickback for the same amount from a brand for recommending their product, the additional $38 is almost entirely profit.

Essentially, what you are achieving is becoming a retailer without the added costs of marketing, maintaining a storefront, or additional overhead, since you’re already with the clients.

7 Steps to Starting a Makeup Artist Business

In order to start a makeup artist business, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Planning Your Makeup Artist Business
2. Registering Your Business
3. Secure Funding (If Applicable)
4. Finding and Securing the Right Location
5. Define Your Product Identity
6. Getting all Applicable Licenses and Permits
7. Obtaining Business Insurance

We’ve broken each one of these down in more detail below.

Still exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

Step 1: Plan Your Makeup Artist Business

Before diving into your makeup artist business, you’ll need to spend some time conducting thorough market research.

Understanding your target market, the demand for makeup services in your area, and the competition will help you identify opportunities and position your business effectively.

Planning involves identifying your niche (e.g., whether it’s fashion and runway, special effects for film and TV, theatrical makeup, editorial work, etc) as well as defining your business model.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to just one niche. Many makeup artists, especially when starting out, work across multiple areas to build experience and income streams before focusing on a particular specialty.

You will also need to consider your operational setup. Are you aiming to work as a freelancer, open your own studio, or secure contracts with brands and production companies?

Determining how you want to structure your business from the outset will help guide your decisions, from pricing and marketing strategies to equipment investments.

Finding a Suitable Name

Choosing the right business name is both important and challenging.

This is because your name will need to be eye-catching, memorable, and (at least somewhat) related to your industry.

If you don’t already have a name in mind and need help, you can visit our How to Name a Business guide or use our Makeup Artist Business Name Generator tool.

If you do have a name in mind, we recommend researching the following:

• Your state’s business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms

You will also need to make sure that your business’s name is available as a domain — this is your website’s URL address.

Note: If you’re planning to operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name — known as a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. Keep in mind that this is not recommended for a makeup artist business. one else does.

Create Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is one of the most important tools for showcasing your skills as a makeup artist, and — especially at the start of your career — will be essential in attracting both clients and opportunities.

In the beginning, you may need to collaborate with photographers, models, or hairstylists on a trade basis to build a diverse portfolio without significant costs.

It is generally advisable to include a variety of looks — whether it’s natural beauty, bold editorial styles, or special effects — to highlight your range and show potential clients your ability to adapt to different styles and needs.

As you establish yourself and build a reputation, your portfolio may play a less central role in securing business, as referrals and word-of-mouth often become more important.

Having said that, you should still keep your portfolio updated with your latest work, as it can continue to serve as a visual showcase of your evolving style and expertise.

Step 2: Register Your Business

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your makeup artist business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your Makeup Artist Business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

Step 3: Secure Funding (If Applicable)

Securing funding is an important step in starting your makeup artist business. Financing options include bank loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, private investors, and crowdfunding.

Having said that, it’s common for makeup artists not to take on debt when first starting out, as early debt can create financial limitations and restrict growth — instead, most makeup artists rely on personal savings to cover the initial costs of their business.

What usually ends up happening is that makeup artists seek more substantial funding later in their journey — often when they are ready to expand their business by launching their own product line or significantly scaling their operations.

At this stage, it’s not uncommon to turn to satisfied clients for financial support, rather than traditional lenders or investors, as happy clients are often willing to invest in a business they believe in.

Of course, the extent that this step will be applicable to you will depend on your individual financial situation.

Step 4: Find and Secure the Right Location

The next step you’ll want to take is to find (and secure) the right location for your makeup artist business.

While many makeup artists work freelance or offer mobile services without a dedicated space, others may want to invest in a studio.

If you decide a physical location is right for your business, you will need to consider the following factors:

• Your space should offer privacy and comfort, creating an intimate setting where clients feel relaxed, especially during longer sessions.
• Your studio should be positioned near areas frequented by your ideal clients, such as high-end shopping districts or professional hubs, ensuring easy access for your target market.
• The design and ambiance of your studio, from lighting to décor, should reflect the level of professionalism and aesthetic you want to project to clients.

Note: You will also need to make sure that your prospective property is zoned for commercial use and complies with all applicable local and state regulations (discussed in more detail in Step 6).

Step 5: Define Your Product Identity

The products and materials you choose will reflect your identity as a makeup artist and play a key role in shaping your brand.

As a result, you should decide early on what aligns best with your values and the image you want to project.

Are you focused on sustainability, using environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, or vegan products? Or, are you aiming to offer luxury, high-end brands that appeal to premium clients? What about hypoallergenic or organic formulas for clients with sensitive skin?

Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one category, and several makeup artists tend to experiment with a range of products and materials — whether it’s premium brands, cost-effective options, or innovative formulas — before finding what best fits their business model and clientele.

Step 6: Secure All Required Licenses And Permits

The applicable licenses and permits that you’ll need will largely depend on your state and local regulations.

Even so, we’ve compiled a list of some of the common licensing regulations that you’ll likely need to satisfy in order to operate legitimately:

• Cosmetology or Esthetician License: Most states require makeup artists to obtain a cosmetology or esthetician license, which typically involves completing an accredited program and passing a state board exam.
• Salon License: If you’re operating from a dedicated studio or salon, you may need to obtain a Salon License, which typically involves meeting state regulations related to equipment, safety, and hygiene standards.
• Business License: You may be required to obtain a general business license to legally operate your makeup artist business; however, the exact requirements and process will depend on your state and local regulations.
• Home Occupation Permit: If you’re running your makeup business from home, you’ll likely need a Home Occupation Permit, though the specific requirements will depend on your local regulations.
• Seller’s Permit: If you plan to sell makeup products in addition to offering services, you will need to obtain a Seller’s Permit, which allows you to collect and remit sales tax on retail items.
• Professional License: Some states may require an additional professional license specifically for makeup artists, which could involve further training or certification.
• Health Department Permit: In most jurisdictions, a health department permit may be required if you have a physical studio or salon to ensure your workspace adheres to sanitary practices.
• Mobile Business Permit: If you offer mobile services and travel to clients, you may need a permit for your mobile business, which could require additional insurance for your vehicle and compliance with local business operation regulations.

Note: Remember to check with your local Small Business Administration office, city hall, or chamber of commerce for specific requirements in your area, as regulations can vary significantly between locations.

Step 7: Secure Business Insurance

In addition to securing the necessary permits and licenses, you will need to obtain the right business insurance.

Note

Even if you form an LLC, purchasing business insurance is still a good idea. This is because an LLC structure protects your personal assets, not your business’s.

While specific coverage needs may vary based on factors such as location, size, and unique risks, there are several key types of insurance that most makeup artist businesses should consider.

We’ve briefly outlined these below.

General Liability Insurance

You will need general liability insurance to cover accidents, injuries, or damages that occur during the operation of your business — this is unrelated to specific products.

For example, if a client trips in your studio or if your equipment damages a venue, this insurance protects against non-product-related claims, covering medical expenses, legal fees, and settlements.

The average cost for general liability insurance according to recent data is $42 per month, or $504 annually, though costs can vary based on your business’s specific needs and risks.

Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions Insurance)

If a client claims their skin was damaged due to your technique or they’re unhappy with the results of your makeup application, this insurance will cover legal fees and settlements for service-related disputes.

The cost of this coverage typically ranges from $300 to $1,000 per year, depending on factors such as the scope of your services and the level of risk associated with your work.

Product Liability Insurance

Unlike general liability insurance, which covers accidents and injuries related to your business operations, product liability insurance focuses specifically on risks tied to the products you sell or recommend to clients.

If your business will sell makeup products, you will likely need this coverage to protect against claims that relate to allergic reactions, defective items, and/or mislabeled products.

The cost for product liability insurance can range from $500 to $1,500 annually, depending on the volume of products sold and the level of risk involved.

Ready to Get Started?

How to Start Your Own Makeup Artist Business FAQs

How much does it cost to start a makeup business?

You can typically start a makeup artist business for under $10,000.

This amount will cover the cost of tools, professional-grade makeup products, business insurance, and initial marketing efforts, such as creating a website and building a digital portfolio.

However, this will also depend on whether you plan to operate in a studio, offer mobile services, or work from home, as these choices can significantly impact your overall expenses.

How to start a makeup artist business from home?

To start a makeup artist business from home, you will need to invest in a quality makeup kit, create a portfolio, and set up a dedicated workspace.

You should also obtain all necessary licenses, such as a home occupation permit or a general business license, and try to build an online presence through social media.

How do I brand myself as a makeup artist?

To brand yourself as a makeup artist, you will need to focus on defining your unique style and values.

This can encompass themes such as sustainability, luxury, or inclusivity, and your choice should reflect a core message that aligns with the products and services you offer.

The goal is to attract clients who share those values and appreciate your approach to makeup artistry.

Do makeup artists make a lot of money?

Makeup artists typically earn a substantial income, particularly when they cultivate a loyal client base and establish a strong brand presence.

Moreover, many makeup artists enhance their earnings through product sales and commission opportunities, which can create lucrative opportunities beyond their initial services.