Illinois Makeup Artist School and Requirements
To become a makeup artist in Illinois, you must get an esthetician or cosmetology license. Your choice comes down to your career goals and the time you can dedicate to your education.
Let's dig into which type of makeup school you should attend—cosmetology or esthetics—and an overview of what you can expect in those fields. You'll also get a sneak peek of what the pay could be. Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in Illinois, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Makeup Artistry Schools in Illinois
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1200 Harger Road Suite 100
Oak Brook, IL 60523
4335 West 147th Street
Midlothian, IL 60445
G Skin & Beauty Institute - Schaumburg – Accredited
Schaumburg, IL 60195
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Makeup Artistry Schools Near Me
Check out the Make-Up Artist Training schools these cities in Illinois have to offer.
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Illinois
Cosmetology and esthetics programs in Illinois have different focuses and time requirements. Still, both can lead to becoming a makeup artist.
Cosmetology, a 1,500-hour program, teaches about many aspects of beauty: hair, nails, and esthetics. Of those hours, 85 cover esthetics, which includes makeup. However, if your school offers it, you could take 150 hours as an esthetics-focused internship.
Esthetics school, on the other hand, lasts 750 clock hours and is entirely about skincare. The curriculum must teach professional makeup skills, as well as eyelash extensions, cleansing, facial treatments, and more.
Many makeup artists choose the esthetics route since it focuses more on skincare and makeup. Cosmetology is a better option if you want to provide all sorts of beauty services.
READ MORE: Learn About Cosmetology School in Illinois
READ MORE: Learn About Esthetician School in Illinois
Illinois Makeup Artist Pay
As of 2022, estheticians and cosmetologists in Illinois both average just over $44,500 per year. Makeup artists who work in performing arts make a little over $42,000. These salaries don't consider those who work for themselves since data is only gathered from employers, and many makeup artists are freelance or self-employed.
Your workplace, location, years of experience, and specialties can all impact how much you earn. The best way to estimate how much you could make is by talking to someone in your area of interest.
Contact the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology
- 100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
- Website: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Call: 888-473-4858