Makeup Artist Education Requirements And Courses

Q: What degree do you need to be a makeup artist?

Although there is no degree required to become a makeup artist, aspiring makeup artists need to complete a certificate in cosmetology. Most programs require you to be at least 16 years old and hold a GED or be a high school graduate.

Makeup artist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, makeup artists don't need a college education. The most common degree for makeup artists is bachelor's degree with 41% graduates, with only 22% makeup artist graduates earning associate degree. Makeup artists who decided to graduate from college often finish Fashion Institute of Technology or University of Phoenix. Some good skills to have in this position include customer service, product knowledge and store events.

Popular makeup artist certifications include Certified Decorative Artist (CDA,), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), or Certified Permanent Cosmetic Technician (CPCT). To improve makeup artist qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in makeup artist education paths.

What education do you need to become a makeup artist?

What degree do you need to be a makeup artist?

The most common degree for makeup artists is bachelor's degree, with 41% of makeup artists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 22% and associate degree degree at 21%.

Bachelor's, 41%

Associate, 22%

High School Diploma, 21%

Diploma, 7%

Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become a makeup artist?

You should major in cosmetology to become a makeup artist. 29% of makeup artists major in cosmetology. Other common majors for a makeup artist include business and graphic design.

Cosmetology, 29%

Business, 14%

Graphic Design, 6%

Communication, 6%

Other Majors, 45%

Best majors for makeup artists

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Cosmetology	29.4%
2	Business	13.6%
3	Graphic Design	6.5%
4	Communication	5.6%
5	Psychology	5.5%

Show more common makeup artist majors

20 best online courses for makeup artists

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1. Professional Hair and Makeup Artistry

4.6

(271)

Wedding, fashion and everyday hair & makeup styling...

2. Makeup Artistry Basic to Masterclass , Online Makeup Course

4.6

(1,821)

Daily make up and evening makeup on different skin tones, eye shapes & face shape, online makeup courses , Makeup artist...

3. Makeup Masterclass: Professional Everyday & Bridal Makeup

4.7

(251)

Learn professional makeup techniques for day, evening, bridal and events...

4. Mastering Makeup Application Techniques at Home

4.3

(345)

Mastering Makeup Application Techniques at Home...

5. Special Effects (fx) Makeup Level 1

4.2

(357)

Special Effects (fx) Makeup Level 1...

6. Makeup: Effortless Makeup for Real Women

4.6

(359)

A comprehensive guide on creating flawless looking makeup for every day, occasion, budget and time limits...

7. Permanent makeup full LIPS masterclass

(377)

How to enhance lips and change their colour by using permanent makeup (also called micropigmentation)...

8. Make-up for Beginners: learn doing make-up like a Pro

4.6

(621)

Take your make-up skills to a completely new level. In-depth training for all make-up lovers...

9. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer

4.7

(18,204)

Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...

10. Natural Beauty: How to Create DIY Natural Hair Care Products

4.3

(262)

Make your own easy natural hair care products at home. Step by Step Instructions for Making DIY Natural Hair Care...

11. Start Improving Customer Service

4.8

(2,040)

Creating a Customer Service advantage in Your department or business through communication and Customer Management...

12. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience

4.6

(2,666)

Customer service, customer support, and customer experience training. Loyal clients through world-class customer service...

13. Cosmetic Entrepreneurship: Create Your Own Skincare Products

4.7

(251)

A Startup Guide to Develop your Skin Care, Hair Care, Beauty, or Personal Care Idea into a Retail Ready Product...

14. Customer Service Foundation

4.5

(290)

An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...

15. Customer Service

4.6

(11,267)

How to Approach New Customers and Maintain Existing Ones...

16. [2023] Customer Service 2.0: Learn Digital Customer Service

4.5

(3,956)

Used by Chase®, Intel®, & more! Learn soft skills, social media customer service, diagnosing user problems, & more...

17. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives

4.5

(941)

Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...

18. BB Glow Microneedling Training

4.6

(407)

BB glow is part of the Cosmeceutical industry. Cosmeceuticals are technically advanced products derived from nature...

19. Product and Service Management

4.7

(957)

Know the Work that is Involved in Getting a Product Onto the Shelf and a Service Ready for Effective Delivery...

20. SAP Customer Service (CS/SM) - Service Management module

4.4

(960)

Real World SAP CS and SD, Repair Orders, Service Orders, Service Contracts...

Average makeup artist salary by education level

According to our data, makeup artists with a Bachelor's degree earn the highest average salary, at $52,010 annually. Makeup artists with a Associate degree earn an average annual salary of $46,886.

Makeup artist education level	Makeup artist salary
High School Diploma or Less	$44,424
Bachelor's Degree	$52,010
Some College/ Associate Degree	$46,886

Makeup artist education requirements

What education do you need to become a makeup artist?

What degree do you need to be a makeup artist?

What should I major in to become a makeup artist?

Best majors for makeup artists

20 best online courses for makeup artists

Average makeup artist salary by education level

Makeup artist education FAQs

What degree do you need to be a makeup artist?

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