Makeup Artistry Schools in New Jersey
To become a makeup artist in New Jersey, you must be at least 17 and a high school graduate (or its equivalent). Then, you must attend beauty school and receive formal training as a skincare specialist (commonly called an esthetician or cosmetologist-hairstylist before getting a professional license.
Here, we share what you’ll learn in a skincare specialist or cosmetologist-hairstylist program, how to get your license, and even the salary you could earn! Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in New Jersey, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.
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What to Expect in New Jersey Makeup Artist School
Many aspiring makeup artists prefer esthetics programs over cosmetology ones, although both can pave the way to a rewarding career. In New Jersey, estheticians undergo 600 hours of comprehensive skincare training. On the other hand, cosmetologists, also known as "cosmetologist-hairstylists," complete a 1,200-hour program, where they gain in-depth knowledge of skincare, nail care, and hair treatments. While skincare specialists spend 150 hours on makeup training, cosmetologists dedicate 78 hours to all aspects of esthetics.
READ MORE: Learn More About Esthetician School in New Jersey
READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in New Jersey
Keep in mind that you have the freedom to choose either licensure route and still build a successful career as a makeup artist! You can also consider taking additional makeup classes to further enhance your skills.
Makeup Artist Licensure Exams in New Jersey
As with aspiring cosmetologists and estheticians, a future makeup artist, upon (or near) completion of a skincare specialist program, can take the licensure exam. Just fill out and submit the Application for Authorization to Sit for the Examination and for Licensure. This all-inclusive application allows you to apply for the exam and, upon passing, receive your license. You must submit a $50 application fee and $90 licensing fee, a government-issued ID, two headshots of yourself, a document certifying that you’re fit to work, and a certification from your school to show that you’ve completed (or have nearly completed) your required training.
After submission, you’ll be notified of the date, time, and location of your exam. The exam consists of written work and demonstrations of your practical skills.
Getting Your New Jersey Makeup License
After your exam application has been approved, you’ll receive a temporary license to practice as a makeup artist. For 120 days, you can work as a skincare specialist or makeup artist until you pass your exam and receive your official license. When you pass, the state board will notify you and send your license within two to three weeks. Your license is good for two years.
Renewing Your Makeup License in New Jersey
You don’t need to continue your education to renew your license, although keeping your skills sharp and up-to-date is always a good idea.
You must renew your license every two years. The state board will notify you that it’s time to renew at least 60 days before your existing license expires. All you need to do is fill out the provided renewal form and pay the $90 fee. The state offers a grace period of 30 days after your license’s expiration to submit the renewal. After that, licenses are suspended.
New Jersey Makeup Artist Salary
Many cosmetologists and skincare specialists offer makeup artistry as part of their services to clients, while others work solely as makeup artists in events, theatre, or performances. This is important to note, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles salary information for each profession, and the salaries differ greatly.
The BLS reports the following salaries that may apply to makeup artists in New Jersey:
Of course, many factors affect salary, including the amount of experience, your location, the type of workplace or employer, and more.
Contact the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology
- PO Box 45003 Newark, NJ 07101
- Website: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling
- Email: Malangaj@dca.njoag.gov
- Call: 973-504-6400
- Fax: 973-504-6477