Makeup Artistry Schools in Alabama

Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in Alabama, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Makeup Artist in Alabama

What other beauty specialty has the flexibility and versatility of makeup artistry? With the right colors and a few brushes of color, you can completely transform someone's face and take them from beautiful to stunning. Many women do not know how to apply makeup, so they turn to makeup artists for assistance.

If you're interested in using your creativity and people skills to make people feel good about their appearance, consider pursuing makeup artist training in Alabama. With our complete directory of schools, you can easily contact and compare your options today!

State License Requirements

You can begin your makeup artistry career with an esthetician license in Arkansas. An esthetics training program includes at least 600 hours, 50 of which are dedicated specifically to makeup and corrective makeup. An additional 40 hours are spent on eyebrows and lashes. To take both the written and practical exams, you must pay a $125 testing fee. Passing both exams is the final step to licensure.

Education Details

Makeup artist training begins with a solid knowledge of color theory. Color theory is more than just knowing what colors go together. You must also know how to choose the right colors for a client's face shape, coloring, and style. During your training, your instructors may teach you how to come up with different color palettes for clients. There are many different things you can do with proper makeup application, including contouring, sculpting, and highlighting. You may learn how to achieve these goals with different tools and colors. With contouring and sculpting, you can create the illusion of higher cheekbones or more pronounced traits. Highlighting techniques can help you bring out a client's best features. Your curriculum will likely have a unit on special event makeup. Special event makeup can be quite different from day-to-day makeup, since it often requires waterproof eye makeup or more dramatic application.

License Renewal

In Alabama, the best bet to meet the state's makeup artist qualification is by earning your esthetician license. While there is not an official makeup artist specific licensure in the state, you will need an esthetician's license to work in salons as a professional. Plus, this type of program is more focused on makeup and skin care than most cosmetology programs. You can also take an additional makeup artist program to further enhance your skills. The cost to renew your esthetician license is $80; and you will have to do so in odd-numbered years.

Alabama Makeup Artistry Careers

Makeup artists in Alabama do not have to pursue licensure. This is helpful, as you do not have to go through examinations or provide proof of education to begin working as a makeup artist in Alabama. Makeup artists and other cosmetology specialists in Alabama can benefit from a positive job outlook. According to CareerOneStop, job openings for cosmetology professionals are expected to increase by 8% between 2016 and 2026. You may earn a wide range of salaries as a makeup artist in Alabama. This is because there are many different settings that makeup artists can work in. Some work in department stores, others work at makeup shops, and some become freelance makeup professionals. The average salary for a makeup artist is $44,947 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.

Makeup artistry can be a competitive field, so it's important to be ready to work hard and set yourself apart from other makeup professionals in your area! Whether you work for someone else or for yourself as a freelancer, you may have to spend some time proving yourself and the range of your skills. As you develop your comfort with clients and widen your skill set, you may find yourself with a loyal client base. If you specialize in one area of makeup—for example, cheek contouring or smoky eyes—you may become well known for that specialty and see lots of clients requesting it. Lots of different traits are required for success in this field. Kristin Arnett, a celebrated and high-achieving professional in this field, has advice for aspiring makeup artists. She notes that a passion to learn is extremely important; while there may be tough days or weeks, if you want to learn, you can carry yourself through those tough spells. Arnett also outlines the importance of having a portfolio. When you first begin, you may wish to do free makeup in exchange for pictures for your portfolio. A portfolio allows clients to check out your work and abilities before hiring you. As you develop a reputation, your previous work can speak for itself and bring clients in!

Contact the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology