- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
- Asse
Make-up artist | Average UK Salary & Outlook
Make-up artists apply make-up and style hair for people appearing on camera or in front of a live audience.
Make-up artists typically work around 38 to 40 hours per week.
As a Make-up artist you will typically work freelance / self-employed.
This occupation tends to be:
| Average salary |
| 30,217 GBP * |
| per year |
Salary statistics
Average salary for Make-up artist
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31,706 GBP
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28,384 GBP
Average salary for full-time Make-up artist
Showing:
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30,217 GBP
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28,384 GBP
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31,706 GBP
Salary over time for Make-up artist
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28,232 GBP
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29,338 GBP
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29,360 GBP
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27,566 GBP
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29,823 GBP
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27,506 GBP
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30,217 GBP
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35,780 GBP
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33,674 GBP
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Future outlook for Make-up artists
Balanced outlook
Balanced outlook
2% yearly wage growth (on average) 
Very good outlook
34% chance of automation in the future Make-up artist - Your future job?
Which qualifications do I need?
Find out what you need to know in order to become a Make-up artist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.
What soft skills do I need?
Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Make-up artist.
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
What technical skills do I need?
Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Make-up artist. Check that you know:
Things to highlight for your Make-up artist interview
Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
