In 2016, the global cosmetic industry recorded an estimated four percent growth compared to the previous year. For that same year, skincare had the biggest chunk, followed by hair care and makeup. With more and more people becoming more conscious of appearance, this only shows that the cosmetic industry is among the profitable industries you could get into.
The question is – how?
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Get Educated
Getting into the makeup industry is a serious business. Contrary to popular belief, you need not just skill but also a formal education to back you up if you want to set yourself apart from the rest.
There are many certification and intensive programs that last for one to seven weeks that will teach you everything you need to know about makeup and the cosmetics industry as a whole. Look into it to boost your credentials.
Don’t Stop Learning
Just because you had your certification, it doesn’t mean you have to stop there. The makeup industry – and cosmetics industry in general – is never contented. There will always be trends and looks you need to watch out for, which is why you should always be updated. Read up and find out.
Remember that one of the things that will set you apart from the rest is how you look at the industry in a broader scale and how to apply those trends and innovations in the makeup world. Go ahead and explore.
Learn About Makeup Masters
Makeup school will teach you about people who belong in makeup industry’s Hall of Fame, but this doesn’t mean you should settle there.
Research more about those individuals who came before you and look for your inspiration. Familiarize yourself about the techniques used and use it as
Apply What you Learn
Getting into the makeup industry means you also need to know how it works. This includes applying makeup and all the nitty-gritty that comes with it. Even if your intention is not be a makeup artist (hey, there’s nothing wrong with that!), you still need to know what brush to use on a certain area on your face or even the right color of eyeshadow for a particular skin tone.
By actually acquiring the skill, it will be better and easier for you to understand how the industry works and be able to contribute something to improve it.
Start the Job-Hunting Process
This can be gruesome. Getting into the makeup industry can be challenging because many people are aspiring to be part of it. Still, don’t take it as a limitation and rather look into it as a challenge.
Never stop looking for job opportunities. Go ahead and send your resume to makeup companies, regardless if they have a job opening. Make sure to follow up your application so you can get an interview with the company. If you are planning to work as a freelance makeup artist, your work is everything, so make sure you build your portfolio and create business cards so that people will know your work and where to find you.
Also, take advantage of the opportunities coming your way. Sometimes, you won’t end up in the makeup industry, but don’t be afraid to explore sister industries. Who knows, you might end up with your feet in front of the makeup industry door.
Work on the Non-Makeup-Related Skills
Your knowledge about makeup will take you to places, but again, don’t stop there. If you are serious about jumpstarting your career in the makeup industry, then you need to master other skills that will take you to places.
Here’s what you can do:
- Contacts are everything, so make sure you build relationships with people in the industry, regardless of how small or big their role is.
- Be nice. You will be dealing with tons of people throughout your career and the last thing they need to see is your self-entitlement attitude. Treat everyone nicely.
- Learn how to listen. There will always be people who are more knowledgeable than you and that’s okay. Listen because you can always pick up a thing or two that you can learn from.
- Be a team player. Yes, your priority is your career, but do you really have to step on someone or do things on your own just to make it to the top? Follow instructions and work well with your colleagues because these people could also make or break your career in the makeup industry.
Love What You’re Doing
Keep in mind that you have to start at the bottom and slowly work your way up. Getting into the makeup industry is not going to be easy, so always remember what you are passionate about and why you are doing this. Some say that the beauty industry can be filled with a lot of drama. Be careful who you trust and what you say – you don’t want something to come back and hurt you in the long run.
Once you are in there, continue that passion and love what you are doing. In a world where everything changes, it is rare to see someone who remains true to herself and loves what she’s doing. That will make you a gem in this industry.
