Makeup Artist

Makeup Artists use make up and cosmetics to enhance beauty, cover blemishes and disfigurements, or even create prosthetic masks and special effects. In the beauty industry your career as a Makeup Artist will be focused on designing make up for weddings, special events, parties, glamour photography, and makeovers. Makeup Artists also work in the creative arts industries.

If you’re interested in working in film, television and theatre you could be preparing actors, performers, and models for their roles — applying cosmetics to enhance their appearance under a range of stage lighting, or creating special effects (eg, fake bruising, vampire teeth, and weird noses). Even more exciting, you might be moulding prosthetic masks and other body parts to create stunning visual effects.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $70,200
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a makeup artist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
SHB30221

Certificate III in Make-Up

Blended
4 months
$8,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CUA51020

Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services)

Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $18,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
SHB30121

Certificate III in Beauty Services

On Campus
6 months
$7,938
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CUA60620

Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services)

On Campus
12 months
$17,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CUA41220

Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services)

On Campus
12 weeks
$0 - $8,010
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
SHBBMUP009

Design and Apply Make-Up

Blended, On Campus
3 - 11 weeks
$0 - $3,399
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Makeup Artist
SHBBMUP010

Design and Apply Make-Up for Photography

On Campus
10 weeks
$0 - $1,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Makeup Artist
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

How to get into beauty therapy

20th June 2020

Most popular hair and beauty courses

21st June 2022

What can you do with a Certificate III in Beauty Services?

29th September 2020