A Day at Work: Makeup Artist
When you think of a makeup artist, you might picture someone who gives people makeovers all day long. But for makeup artist and entrepreneur Emily Edgar, a day at work involves a lot more than applying lipstick and mascara.
“Doing makeup is 10% of my job,” Edgar told Your Hot Job. The other 90% is running her own beauty business.
What does that involve? Keep reading to find out.
Early Morning Routine
Edgar mainly works on two kinds of projects: bridal and commercial. For bridal jobs, she leads a team of makeup artists and hairstylists. They help brides and their wedding parties get ready on the big day. On a commercial job, Edgar is working on something like a TV commercial or a photo shoot. She does hair and makeup for the models. Those projects can start early in the morning.
“I’ve had some 4 and 5 a.m. call times before,” she says. But most days, she starts her morning with office tasks.
“Being the boss is a lot of work,” she says. “I probably spend 70% of my time on a computer, responding to emails, designing my website, having a social-media presence, and [working on] things like taxes.”
The Workday
Since Edgar does so many different types of makeup, there’s no such thing as a typical workday. But in the spring and summer, she does a lot of bridal work. “Every face is different,” she says. “Everyone’s goal is different. So I might have three weddings in a row, but they’re all going to be different in some form.”
Communication with a client is important. If a bride doesn’t know what type of makeup she wants, Edgar can help her decide.
“People are looking to you as an authority on beauty,” she says. “They look to you to interpret their beauty goals and help them get there.” A good makeup artist has confidence and builds trust with people. Edgar loves to make her clients feel more confident, too.
For commercial projects, Edgar sometimes has the opportunity to work with famous people. It’s exciting, but it’s not that different from working with everyday people. “They just want to be treated with respect, like they’re a normal person,” Edgar says. “When you’re starting off and developing a relationship, it’s important to be respectful, be aware, and be focused on what the situation needs. You just show up with a good attitude.”
After Work
When she’s not working, Edgar loves to spend time with her family. But she has to be flexible when her schedule unexpectedly changes. “I could have a whole day planned, but a client calls and says, ‘I need you right now!’ Or I could be on a shoot that’s supposed to end at 5 p.m., but it goes until 9 p.m.” She told Your Hot Job that flexibility is one of the most important things about running your own business.
Words of Wisdom
If you’re interested in becoming a makeup artist or stylist, Edgar has lots of ideas for how to succeed.
“Keeping an open mind and being willing to learn [are among] the top skills you should have in this world,” Edgar says. “Makeup is very popular and trendy, so your products will be on a trend cycle, and so will the looks and styles of the makeup. I’m almost 40, but it’s important to follow what Gen Z and Gen Alpha are into. It will give you new insight and new techniques. It’s like seeing with a new set of eyes.”
Makeup involves creativity, so it’s also helpful to learn more about art. Not just the art of beauty, but all kinds of art.
“Creativity can be learned,” Edgar says. “Involve yourself in an arts scene in some way, even if it’s a painting class in high school. Some of the best makeup artists I’ve ever met have had a background in art.”
For someone who wants to get started in the beauty business, Edgar recommends working somewhere like a makeup counter at a department store. These jobs have predictable hours and a set structure. As an employee, you can learn how to do all kinds of makeup and develop your skills. Once you get enough experience, you can start your own business if you want to.
“Going out there and being present in your community, being confident about the work you do, being flexible, and being a team player will help you be successful in the industry,” Edgar says.
