What are careers in cosmetics?

Cosmetologists, makeup artists, and estheticians are careers in cosmetics. Here are some details about each of these careers in cosmetics:

• Cosmetologist: A cosmetologist is a professional that covers a wider range of beauty care. Cosmetologists focus on the enhancement of beauty for a client's skin, nails, and hair.

  They are experts in cosmetic procedures, such as make-up application, facial treatments, hair styling, pedicures, and manicures. A cosmetologist might work independently, for a retail company, or a beauty service.

  Most cosmetologists attend cosmetology school to gain the necessary skills, experience, and certifications to practice.

  The average wage of a cosmetologist in the United States is $23.73 per hour.

• Makeup artist: Makeup artists work in a wide variety of settings, such as the retail industry and entertainment industry. Makeup artists may work as freelancers or as part of a company, such as those in the retail setting.

  Many makeup artists work in the entertainment industry providing their services to actors and actresses on movie sets and theater productions. Some also specialize in events, like makeup for a bride and their bridesmaids at a wedding.

  Makeup artists also work in the news industry where they apply make-up to news hosts before broadcasts. Many also work directly for beauty brands in their stores.

  Most makeup artists receive some form of formal training, however, this is not a strict requirement. A makeup artist must have a strong makeup portfolio exhibiting past projects they've worked on or clients they have had. These portfolios always have photos and sometimes videos.

  The average wage of a makeup artist in the United States is $31.15 per hour.

• Esthetician: An esthetician is a professional who provides skin treatments to clients sometimes involving makeup application.

  Estheticians are professional skin care providers, but they are not doctors or nurses. They provide services aimed to improve the external appearance of a patient's skin. They also cannot perform medical-grade skin treatments. Estheticians perform minor skin procedures, such as facials and extractions.

  To get a career in this field you must attend esthetician school. Here students learn both theoretical and practical applications for skin care in esthetician school.

  The theory classes will most likely cover dermatology, physiology, and the history of skin and skin care. You will also learn about skin product chemistry and ingredients, and salon sanitation and safety.

  The practical side helps you develop the hands-on knowledge and skills you need to be a professional esthetician. Some courses may include topics like waxing procedures and safety protocols, mask therapy, makeup application, and others.

  The average wage of an esthetician in the United States is $27.77 per hour.