ToC

Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

Make-up Artist CV Template (Text Format)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Passionate Make-up Artist with 5 years of experience in both high-end retail and freelance settings. Known for delivering personalised consultations that enhance client satisfaction and loyalty. Recipient of the Make-up Star award at the 20XX North East Beauty Industry Awards. Adept at leveraging Instagram and TikTok to promote my artistry, identify emerging trends, and grow a dedicated community of make-up lovers.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Freelance Make-up Artist | Newcastle | Jan 20XX – Present

  • Provide customised make-up services for a diverse client base, leading to a 30% increase in repeat bookings
  • Leverage extensive social media expertise to promote make-up looks on Instagram and TikTok, growing my following to over 3K in the past 6 months
  • Demonstrated an entrepreneurial approach by developing personalised make-up tutorials and workshops
  • Adhered to the highest hygiene standards, ensuring client safety and trust

Make-up Artist | Selfridges | Newcastle | Jan 20XX – Dec 20XX

  • Proactively upsold premium products and services, contributing to a 20% increase in overall sales during peak seasons
  • Demonstrated strong flair for current make-up trends, leading to 20% more client bookings
  • Collaborated effectively with team members to exceed sales targets and independently managed inventory and promotions
  • Organised in-store events and demonstrations, boosting brand engagement and sales
  • Maintained a tidy and hygienic work environment, consistently achieving perfect hygiene audit scores

EDUCATION

Higher National Diploma (HND) Hair, Beauty and Make-up | 20XX
Newcastle College

A Levels | 20XX – 20XX
Sunderland College, Sunderland

  • Art: A*
  • Business Studies: A
  • English Literature: B

AWARDS

Make-up Star | 20XX
North East Beauty Industry Awards

  • Honoured for exceptional artistry, creativity, and client satisfaction

KEY SKILLS

  • In-depth knowledge of make-up and skincare products
  • Customer service
  • Colour theory
  • Creative mindset
  • Social media expertise (Instagram, TikTok)
  • Upselling
  • Client booking skills
  • Rapport building
  • Tidy and presentable

How to write a make-up artist CV

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.

Creating an impressive makeup artist CV requires highlighting your creativity, technical skills, and ability to meet client needs across different mediums, such as fashion, film, or bridal. Here’s how to structure a CV tailored to this creative industry.

1. Detail your top skills and achievements in your personal statement

Your personal statement should be a concise introduction to your career as a makeup artist, spotlighting your years of experience, specialisations (e.g., bridal makeup, special effects), and career highlights.

In your statement, show your passion for makeup while underscoring your technical skills and customer-focused approach.

You should also mention any notable clients or brands you’ve worked with to help employers understand your expertise.

Example makeup artist CV summary

Creative and detail-oriented Makeup Artist with 7 years of experience in the fashion and film industries. Specialise in bridal makeup, editorial looks, and special effects for film. Proven ability to transform creative visions into reality while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Trusted by top-tier brands, including Vogue and Channel 4, to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, and excited to bring my expertise to the team at [Studio Name].

2. Emphasise accomplishments in your work experience section

Your work experience should demonstrate your versatility and ability to work in different settings, such as fashion shows, photoshoots, weddings, or movie sets.

Highlight any achievements, such as completing high-profile projects or meeting tight deadlines. In particular, if you’ve worked with specific clients or companies, mention these to build credibility.

When describing your experience, focus on the results you’ve achieved, such as creating iconic looks or improving customer satisfaction.

Example of makeup artist work experience

Freelance Makeup Artist | Bristol | Jan 20XX – Present

  • Provided makeup artistry for high-profile editorial shoots with publications like Vogue and Elle, creating innovative looks that were featured in both print and online platforms
  • Worked with brides to create customised, long-lasting makeup looks, maintaining a 100% client satisfaction rate through attention to detail and consultation
  • Collaborated with photographers and fashion designers during London Fashion Week, ensuring flawless makeup for models under strict timelines

Lead Makeup Artist | Channel 4 Production | June 20XX – Dec 20XX

  • Designed and executed special effects makeup for an award-winning short film, receiving industry recognition for realism and artistry
  • Collaborated with directors and costume designers to deliver creative, historically accurate makeup designs
  • Managed a team of two junior makeup artists, providing on-the-job training and quality control during fast-paced film shoots

3. Provide detail on your qualifications

Formal education is not always required for makeup artists, but listing any relevant qualifications can set you apart. Mention any certifications in makeup artistry, cosmetology, or skincare.

If you’ve attended any masterclasses or workshops with industry experts, include those as well.

Training in hygiene and safety is also a plus, as employers want to ensure compliance with health standards.

Example qualifications entry for a makeup artist

Diploma in Makeup Artistry | 20XX
London School of Beauty and Makeup

Certified in Hygiene and Safety for Makeup Artists | 20XX
British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)

Masterclass with Pat McGrath | 20XX

4. List skills the employer is looking for

Your skills section should feature a combination of creative, technical, and interpersonal skills. Makeup artistry requires precision and a deep understanding of techniques, but it’s also important to highlight your ability to make customers feel confident and at ease, as these are important for good customer service.

Good Skills for a Makeup Artist

  • Bridal makeup
  • Special effects makeup
  • Editorial and runway makeup
  • Contouring and highlighting
  • Skincare and skin preparation
  • Prosthetic application
  • Airbrushing
  • Colour theory and blending techniques
  • Hygiene and safety standards
  • Client consultation and custom look creation
  • Team collaboration on set
Need more ideas?

Our library of CV examples has hundreds of tailored CVs you can use to fine-tune your job application and stand out from other applicants.

Seb Morgan
Written by

Seb Morgan

Seb Morgan is a Career Counsellor for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, including Oxbridge Home Learning, Study International, theHRDirector, and Employee Benefit News, and his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing. West Midlands born and raised, Seb has since lived, worked, and studied in 4 countries across 2 continents. He speaks 4 languages and has survived job interviews in 3 of them. He currently also freelances as a travel and culture writer. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.