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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.
There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Makeup Artist. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
A Certificate III in Beauty Services provides students with broad skills and knowledge for success in a range of beauty industry roles. You will gain practical beauty skills including nails, waxing, lash and brows and basic make-up, while also learning about customer service, client consulting and product selection. This course is a pathway to jobs as a nail technician, cosmetic assistant, beautician or make-up artist in a busy salon. Learn more.
Want to become a qualified beautician, able to deliver a wide-range of beauty therapies and make-up designs? Try the dual Certificate III in Beauty Services & Certificate III in Make-Up (SHB30121 & SHB30221). This awesome training opportunity allows you to gain two nationally recognised qualifications. The course includes the following therapies and techniques: cosmetic tanning, lash and brow services, body waxing, manicure and pedicure, ear-piercing, intimate waxing, make-up for photography, creative make-up, airbrushed makeup, remedial camouflage makeup, and much more. Enquire now for upcoming enrolment dates and the full list of career competencies. Learn more.
Seeking a career in film, TV, gaming, or digital content creation? The nationally recognised CUA51020 - Diploma of Screen and Media has scope to develop wide-range of hands-on competencies in makeup artistry, audio and video production, 2D and 3D animation, digital effects, radio and podcasting. Whether you’re wanting to join a national media outlet or publish your own digital content, this course will teach you how to present your work (and yourself) at professional level. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, screen and media specialisations (and their availability), as well as study centres near you. Learn more.
Do you love make-up and cosmetics? With the nationally recognised SHB30221 Certificate III in Make-Up you could become a specialist make-up artist and work in beauty salons, day spas, or even film and TV. The course delivers specialist skills in creative make-up design for events, special occasions and photography, but you can also choose electives that will broaden your service offerings. Options include: spray tanning, waxing, recommending and selling beauty products, lash and brow treatments, creating a business plan, setting up a beauty business, and more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, availability of specialist electives, and upcoming course enrolment dates. Learn more.
Become a qualified beautician with the SHB30121 Certificate III in Beauty Services. This nationally recognised qualification gives you the administration and infection control skills you need to work in a beauty salon or day spa, and teaches you how to carry out a wide range of treatments. The course covers: cosmetic tanning, lash and brow services, waxing, makeup application and design, manicure and pedicures, nail services, piercings, and more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, beauty treatment competencies, and enrolment centres near you. Learn more.
You can get started in makeup artistry with a Certificate III in Make-Up or Beauty Therapy, these qualifications usually takes about 6 months to complete. At the same time you should be practicing as much as possible, and a job in the cosmetics section of a chemist or department store would be a perfect entry point. If you have your heart set on an international career in film and television you’ll need a Diploma or Degree which can take 2-4 years.
In Australia, a full time Makeup Artist generally earns $1,150 per week ($60,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Opportunities for Makeup Artists in Australia have grown strongly over the last 5 years and as of 2016 there were approximately 2,600* make up artists employed around the country. Make up artists work in beauty salons, spas and wellness centres, department stores, photographic studios, television networks, film and production companies, fashion houses, live clubs and theatres.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
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Here are some potential career pathways within beauty therapy. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Beauty Therapy
Eyelash and Eyebrow Technician
$850 weekly pay
Nail Technician
Beautician
$1,050 weekly pay
Beauty Therapist
$1,150 weekly pay
Dermal Therapist
Hair and Makeup Artist
Laser Therapist
Makeup Artist
Spa Therapist
Special Effects Makeup Artist
Waxing Therapist
Cosmetic Nurse
$1,250 weekly pay
Dermal Clinician
$1,530 weekly pay
IPL and Laser Technician
Learn more about Makeup Artist courses in your area.