Makeup Artist Resume: Promoting Yourself for a Career in the Growing Field of Makeup Artistry and Skin Care

In times of economic uncertainty, the cosmetics industry has always thrived.  For the nominal cost of a lipstick or an eye shadow, a woman can transform her look and feel uplifted for having done so.  As demographics have changed, the field of make-up artistry has also altered, expanding into the growing line of skin care.  Targeting mature women representing the majority of this market, the skin care branch of the industry enjoys escalating sale of anti-aging creams, skin resurfacing agents, and related treatments.

Although you do not require a college education to enter the field, you must complete a training course, via an accredited institution, leading to licensure as a cosmetologist or aesthetician.  The license will authorize you to conduct accurate assessments of client skin conditions and perform treatments including, but not limited to, chemical peels.  Once licensed, you may seek employment via qualified dermatologists, spas, beauty salons, and even in various avenues of the entertainment industry.

If you wish, instead, to focus on the selection and application of cosmetics reflective of client needs, you can apply for a position as a counterperson.  Esteé Lauder, Christian Dior, Clinique, and other prestigious manufacturers promote their products at counters located throughout better retail corporations, such as Macy’s and Nordstrom.  Younger companies such as Sephora may have counters within large retailers; however, they also maintain a stand-alone presence in suburban malls and city emporiums.  As some manufacturers offer products for men as well as women, a larger client base equates to an increased potentiality for success.  While not required to be licensed, counterpersons are trained in diverse functions.  These include inventory analysis, customer relations, sales, sales reporting, and, of course, product knowledge.  Employer-manufacturers require the completion of an initial training program as well as ongoing education in cosmetics application and emerging product-offerings.

In addition to the required training and/or licensure, cosmetologists, aestheticians, and counterpersons must demonstrate personable attitudes, pleasing physical appearances, and the talent to generate sales through new clientele as well as support retention of existing business.  Finally, an understanding of current fashion is extremely beneficial, particularly for counterpersons; of necessity, cosmetics reflect the color palettes and general trends of the apparel industry.

In preparing a resume for entry and/or advancement into a career as a makeup artist, cosmetologist, or aesthetician, one should highlight skills, knowledge, accomplishment, and formal credentials.  For the entry-level candidate, knowledge and education needs to be articulated, not simply listed.  The more you can communicate about the academic and practical components of your training, the better you will distinguish yourself from other candidates looking to enter the industry.  For the experienced practitioner, accomplishments and distinctions need to take center stage, with experience, education, and formal credentials assuming a supporting role.  Heeding these simple suggestions will enable you to promote advancement in an industry that is growing despite the current economic downturn.