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Do You Need Certification to Be a Makeup Artist?

Updated: Dec 6, 2022




You've been obsessed with beauty products and makeup since early childhood, practicing on your parents and dreaming of the day when you could start building the, ahem, foundation — pun intended — of a successful career in cosmetics. In a hyper-personalized world where anyone can provide niche services as a side gig, it's fair to question if (you need a certificate to be a makeup artist).


Some so-called experts say no. All you need to do to become a legit makeup artist is consume some YouTube videos and be an Ulta Rewards member, right? No — far from it. As with members of any profession, makeup artists are skilled purveyors of their craft. So if you're making a plan for (how to become a freelance makeup artist) or a makeup artist employed at a salon, you're probably wondering: (Do you need a certificate to be a makeup artist)?


If you want to be taken seriously and turn your makeup artistry into a bonafide career, yes. Without a (makeup license), your visions of becoming a professional bridal makeup artist, working in Hollywood as a film and television cosmetologist, or eventually running your own spa and salon will be hazy. Thankfully, certification is well within everybody's reach. Read on for more information on the (makeup artist license requirements) and why (makeup certification classes) matter.


What Do You Need to Do Makeup?

You may be uniquely talented at highlighting, overlining, and contouring, but salons don't operate on the honor system: They want to see that you've put in the time and effort to undergo professional training and validate your skill set. Certification provides that. Cortiva Institute is the industry leader when it comes to the art and science of makeup artistry, covering all the basics as well as nontraditional applications such as high fashion, special effects makeup, and makeup for men.


Best of all, (makeup certification classes) are fabulously fun! Learning about color theory, lash applications, and prosthetics is invigorating and intriguing. Over the span of 600 hours, which can be completed in as little as six months, students receive in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, not to mention business expertise and invaluable career-development training. Completing our Makeup Artistry & Skin Care course is a prerequisite to getting certified — which is requirement to perform work as a makeup artist in most states.


Cortiva Institute's curriculum is broken into two halves: 300 hours for makeup artistry and another 300 for skin care. During the skin care portion, you'll master different skin treatments, and you'll learn the proper procedures for hair removal, how to treat skin across the spectrum of skin types, and how to use products and pieces of equipment appropriately. You'll perform facials, become comfortable with waxing, and learn to apply various peels. Your foundation for a rewarding career will be set.


Why (Makeup Certification Classes) Matter

Still unsure about acquiring a (makeup artist license)? Without further ado, here are the top four reasons that getting a certification is instrumental as you pursue your makeup artistry dreams:


1. Status. Applying makeup to others can be fun, but it's a serious business with a lot of strong competition. To be regarded as a serious makeup artist and not as a hobbyist, you can prove your status as a professional (and that you deserve to be paid like one) by making a commitment to learning and achieving the goal of licensure. Education and classroom experience will make you stand out against your peers. You'll have better career opportunities, secure better clients, and make better money with certification in your back pocket.


2. Access. Being a professional makeup artist has plenty of perks, perhaps none more exciting than having the newest, most innovative beauty products at your disposal. As an industry insider, you'll have firsthand knowledge of transformative new makeups, from

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation, which now comes in 50 shades, to No7's The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, which now features reparative vitamin E. A bonus? Your makeup kit will be the envy of all your friends.


3. Curve. You'll be ahead of the curve. In the professional world of makeup artistry, expectations are high. "I want J-Lo's smokey eye" or "I've always wanted to try a cut crease like Adele" are common requests. Will you know what your customers are referring to — and be able to execute a flattering look — without batting an eye? Completing a certification course guarantees you'll have the skills and knowledge to handle any beauty challenge thrown your way.


4. Respect. It's impossible to qualify how significant the difference is between being an amateur makeup artist and a certified professional. It's night and day. Certification is knowledge, and knowledge is power. Your opinions hold more weight, and your consultative advice is taken more seriously when you become a licensed pro. Not only are you making others their most beautiful selves for a living, but you're seen as an inspiration and a source of wisdom. Talk about rewarding!


The time is now. Don't delay your destiny. Stop fantasizing about a career in cosmetology and apply yourself to make it a reality! For more information on how to get a (makeup artist certificate), contact Cortiva Institute today. We'll answer any and all questions you may have and will help to get your makeup artistry dreams in sight.


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