The kind where you work with respectful clients, have creative freedom, and actually earn a livable income?
Most resumes blend together. After skimming through dozens, a hiring manager can barely tell one from the next.
To stand out, your makeup artist resume needs to pop—just like one of Pat McGrath’s runway looks or a signature Sir John glow.
Here's a makeup artist resume template made with our online resume builder app.
One of our users, Anjeanette, had this to say:
Zety suggested tips and revised my resume in a way I never could. Helped me word things in a much more intelligent fashion and got me my dream job.
Transitioning from cosmetology into a new career path? These guides can help you get started:
Putting together an artist resume? These guides will help you paint a clear picture of your talent:
Makeup Artist Resume Example Jay Ganassi
Makeup Artist
(425) 123-4567
jay.ganassi@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jay-ganassi
Summary
Talented and creative Makeup Artist with 4+ years of experience in the beauty industry. Eager to join Glamora Beauty Studio as a Makeup Artist to help clients look their best. Possess advanced knowledge of cosmetology and makeup application, ensuring excellent results for each client’s individual needs and preferences. Skilled in creating natural, glamorous, avant-garde, and modern looks for all occasions, including weddings, photoshoots, red carpet events, and other special occasions. Achieved 97% client satisfaction at DivineBrush Makeovers.
Experience
Makeup Artist
DivineBrush Makeovers, Bellevue, WA
October 2019–Present
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
Utilizing high-end makeup products to create professional looks for clients across a range of special occasions. Providing advice on skincare routines to ensure the longevity of makeup applications throughout any event or photo shoot. Educating customers on product knowledge and recommending sales when appropriate to meet their individual needs or budget constraints. Trained five new makeup artists. Key Achievements:
Created six new techniques that have been adopted by all other makeup artists. Freelance Makeup Artist
Bellevue, WA
June 2018–October 2019
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
Applied makeup for photoshoots as well as special events such as proms, weddings, quinceañeras, graduations, etc. Transformed up to 20 clients daily into perfect versions of themselves using specialized techniques such as HD airbrush makeup application according to each client’s individual preferences. Utilized creativity to design unique looks featuring the latest trends in cosmetics with focus on enhancing the client’s natural features. Promoted safety guidelines at all times by providing clients with professional advice on proper skin care routines before their appointments. Built positive relationships with customers while upselling additional items, such as false eyelashes or disposable mascara wands. Key Achievement:
Executed over 100 makeovers per month during peak season resulting in consistently high customer satisfaction rates (97%). Education
High School Diploma
Eastside High School, Bellevue, WA
June 2015-June 2018
Relevant Extracurricular Activities
Member of the Cosmetology Club for 2 years providing free haircuts and makeup services to homeless shelters. President of the Photography club for 1 year, winning the school’s Best Photo Award in 2018. Academic Achievements:
Honor Roll student (2015 - 2018). Participated in the Regional Science Fair (2018). Skills
Customer service oriented Highly organized Creative thinker Proactive attitude Interpersonal communication skills Time management skills Adaptable under pressure Advanced knowledge of cosmetics , hairstyling , facial grooming Certifications
Licensed Aesthetician, Washington State Board Aesthetics Professionals License, 2019 Awards
Top 10 Finalist, National Cosmetology Scholarship Competition, 2020 Memberships
Member of the International Association for Professional Makeup Artists since 2018 Languages
English–Native Spanish–Fluent Interests
Blogging about health & wellness topics Watching tutorials about new trends in fashion & beauty Gardening 1. How to Choose the Right Format for your Makeup Artist Resume? Does makeup artist resume format really matter?
Absolutely—and here’s why:
Your resume should immediately say, “I bring precision, polish, and professionalism to everything I do.”
Think of it like applying flawless makeup—you don’t want it messy or rushed.
Start with the reverse-chronological resume format . Use it to highlight your most recent (and most impressive) experience first. Keep the design clean with clear headings, readable fonts, and plenty of white space to let your skills shine.
Keep the design clean with clear headings, the best resume fonts , and plenty of white space to let your skills shine.
Then save it as a PDF to preserve your layout and ensure it opens the way you intended. PDFs are also machine-readable, which helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Not sure if PDFs are accepted? Just check the job listing—if they’re not allowed, it’ll say so.
Pro Tip: Need to put makeup artist on a resume for another job? Check out the combination resume format . It’ll blend in your best transferable experience.
Which makeup resume format are recruiters most comfortable with? See our guide: Best Resume Format: How to Choose the One for You [+ Templates]
2. Makeup Artist Resume: Summary vs. Objective Imagine reading 100 makeup artist resumes in one sitting.
You’d probably start looking for the exit—and hiring managers feel the same.
They don’t read every resume. They skim, then stop at the ones that stand out.
Start strong—with a resume summary or objective, depending on your experience level.
If you’ve clocked serious hours behind the brush, go with a summary to highlight your top achievements and experience.
New to the game? A resume objective is your chance to show passion, potential, and where you’re headed.
The key to both? Real results . Use numbers or specific accomplishments to show what you bring to the table.
So, which one should you choose?
If you’ve racked up years of experience and a portfolio that turns heads, go with a resume summary. It highlights your biggest wins and shows you're a seasoned pro.
If you’re just starting out, a resume objective is your best bet. It’s your chance to show ambition, passion, and potential—even if your experience fits on a sticky note.
Either way, bring it to life with measurable achievements.
Here are two makeup artist resume examples that cut the crease.
Makeup Artist Resume Examples [Resume Summaries] What’s not working in the first makeup artist resume example?
wrong Highly artistic makeup artist with 5 years of experience. Responsible for all makeup artist duties at HTD, including sales, makeup application, customer service, and training. Skilled in client assessment and product knowledge.
It’s not a total disaster—but it won’t land you interviews either.
Want results? Take your cues from the next makeup artist resume example:
right Passionate makeup artist and licensed cosmetologist with 5+ years of experience and proven skills in sales and product knowledge. Seeking to double sales for Sheshedo Inc. At HTD, sold $5,000+ per week in products and became a regular makeup artist to the Montana Film Office. Trained 5 other makeup artists, one of whom was nominated for a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Award.
That’s on point. The ideal blend of skills, experience, and standout achievements.
Is your experience more au naturel ? Check out the junior makeup artist resume examples below.
Two Entry-Level Makeup Artist Resume Objectives Still haven’t depotted your experience? Try using a licensed or self-taught makeup artist resume objective.
In the past, that meant showcasing your drive to be the best. This freelance makeup artist resume objective does just that:
wrong Enthusiastic makeup artist, skilled in makeup application, client assessment, product knowledge, and sales. Still looking for my first real-world position and hoping to be the best of the best.
That’s great, but what if the other applicants have that—and two years of experience?
Don’t worry about it. Take a look at the next example in our entry-level makeup artist resume collection:
right Energetic makeup artist and licensed cosmetologist with 11 regular clients and 2,500+ Instagram followers. Give out 10+ business cards a week to people who compliment my look. Fill in 2x per month at River Plains Salon.
That’s a game-changer.
Pro Tip: Having trouble getting hired full time? Find a salon that’ll hire you—even as a fill-in. That’ll get your resume for makeup artist jobs noticed.
Making a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide, use ready-made content tailored to your job and have a resume ready in minutes.
When you’re done, our professional resume builder ATS resume checker exactly how to make it better.
Which resume introduction works best for non-traditional career paths? Check out our guides:
Professional Resume Summary: 30 Examples of Statements [+How-To]
+20 Resume Objective Examples - Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)
3. A Makeup Artist Job Description that Lands Interviews Two reasons your phone might stay silent .
The first? You’re so green you might think a foundation brush is for painting walls.
The second? Your resume is packed with so many bullet points, it could give King Kong a word-art tattoo.
Here's what to do instead:
Start with your most recent makeup artist job.
Add 3-5 resume bullets that elevate your makeup consultant resume.
Check out the first of our professional makeup artist resume examples below.
Makeup Artist Resume Examples [Experience] The first of these makeup artist resume experience sections is a real standout:
right The Hound’s Tooth Door Salon & Spa
Makeup Artist
2015–2018
Sold $5,000+ per week of proprietary products. Became a regular makeup artist of the Montana Film Office. Written up favorably in the Makeup + Me blog. Trained 4 makeup advisors. Performed 30+ client assessments and makeup applications per week.
That’s on point. The achievements and numbers will turn heads so fast, the manager might need a quick break to recover.
But if you bury those achievements, then:
wrong The Hound’s Tooth Door Salon & Spa
Makeup Artist
2015–2018
Responsible for all makeup artist duties and responsibilities. In charge of selling and upselling proprietary products. Performed regular client assessments and makeup applications. Responsible for training.
Yikes. It's like dark lipliner with light lipstick—just doesn’t work.
But what if you have little to no experience in makeup artist roles?
Check out our next set of beginner makeup artist resume examples.
How to Write a Resume for Makeup Artist with no Experience No experience for your makeup artist resume?
Maybe you haven’t had official makeup artist roles, but—
I’ll bet a jar of luxury concealer you’ve still got accomplishments to showcase.
Have you:
Done makeup for friends or family? Volunteered your makeup skills for events? Done makeup for weddings or special occasions? Filled in at a salon or assisted other professionals? Worked in roles where you used transferable skills like product knowledge, customer service, sales, or communication? Shared photos of your work on Instagram and received likes or shares? You can use these experiences to shine a spotlight on a less-experienced resume for makeup artist jobs.
Our next set of self-taught makeup artist resume examples will walk you through how to do it.
Two Beginner Makeup Artist Resume Samples [No Experience] The first of these two freelance makeup artist resume examples is a bit too much—like overplucked eyebrows.
wrong Makeup Artist Experience: None yet, but I promise I’m talented and I’ll work really hard!
Other Experience:
Running a cash drawer Waitress
Yikes. White lipstick.
Now, let’s add some highlights to perfect this makeup artist resume example:
right Makeup Artist Experience
2017–2018
Freelance makeup artist with 10+ regular clients. Gave out 10+ business cards per week to people who complimented my look. Filled in as makeup artist at River Plains Salon 2x per month. Handled makeup for 3 weddings for bride and all bridesmaids with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Perfect.
Pro Tip: Always look like a makeup artist. Create some business cards and give one to anyone who compliments your look. You’ll build experience for your resume for makeup artist jobs.
Don’t put the salon manager to sleep in the shampoo bowl. Energize your makeup artist resume with action words instead. Check out our guide: 240 Resume Action Words & Power Words to Make Your Resume Shine
4. Is Your Education Section Falling Short? It Could Be. It’s makeup, not rocket science—so you don’t need education on a makeup artist resume, right?
Wrong.
Every resume needs an education section.
How you use that space can either make the hiring manager say, “Wow,” or leave her yawning.
Start with:
School Name and Location Years in School Degree Then align your education with the job ad, just like picking the perfect foundation.
The following makeup artist resume examples show you how:
Makeup Artist Resume Examples [Education] Both of these makeup artist resume samples are tailored for a role requiring skills in bookkeeping, makeup application, and customer interaction.
right Cosmetology Program, Bitterroot School of Cosmetology
2013–2015
Excelled in sales and bookkeeping coursework. Pursued a passion for client assessment and makeup application. Commended by 2 professors on interpersonal skills.
This isn’t your typical face-painting gig—this is next-level artistry in the making.
Want to highlight accomplishments from high school or college? Add those next.
Now, let’s see how the others are doing it:
wrong Cosmetology Program, Bitterroot School of Cosmetology
2013–2015
Completed program. GPA 3.3
Yikes. Lee press-on nails, anyone?
Pro Tip: Show customer service skills in the other sections on your resume for makeup artist jobs. Experience upselling rewards cards helps too.
Wondering how to list a G.E.D. on your makeup advisor resume? See our guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]
5. How to Highlight Your Makeup Artist Skills on a Resume Convince the salon manager you’ve got the skills, and voilà—you’re hired.
Sounds easy, right?
Not so fast.
While adding makeup artist skills to your resume is simple, convincing the hiring manager? That takes a bit more finesse.
Putting makeup artist resume skills on your resume is easy.
Convincing the hiring manager? That takes a little thought.
Do it like this:
Start by reading the job listing like it’s a message from Bobbi Brown herself.
Highlight all the makeup artist skills mentioned.
Next, back those up with measurable achievements in your resume bullet points.
The professional makeup artist resume examples below will show you the right way to do it.
Makeup Artist Resume Examples [Skills] Imagine these skills are in the makeup artist job description:
Required Makeup Artist Skills: (1) Customer Service, (2) Sales
Now, add them to your makeup artist resume skills list, along with a few more key skills.
Then do:
Provided full-range (1) customer service to 30+ regular clients. Maintained 95% positive (1) client satisfaction rating. (2) Sold $1,500/week of salon products to clients. If you do that, you’ll need some serious storage space for all those interview invites.
List of Skills to Put on a Makeup Resume Looking for makeup artist resume keywords ?
Use the list below.
But the best advice?
Your resume isn’t one-size-fits-all. Want it to work? Start by treating each job posting like a custom look—match the skills they ask for, and you’re halfway there.
Makeup Artist Resume Skills Soft Skills
Hard Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Makeup
Customer Service
Waxing
Communication
Skin Care
Listening
Facial treatments
Creative Thinking Skills
Retail
Detail Oriented
Sales
Physical Fitness/Stamina
Product Knowledge
Patience
Training
Time Management
Booking Appointments
Perceptiveness
Inventory Management
We’ve analyzed over 11 million resumes created using our builder, and we’ve discovered that:
Makeup Artists usually list 12 skills on their resumes. The most common skills for Makeup Artists include makeovers, client consultations, makeup application, social media content, and makeup consultation abilities. Resumes for Makeup Artists are, on average, 1.7 pages long. 6. How to Showcase Licenses and Certifications on a Resume Wait—what?! They hired someone else?
Turns out, the salon manager thought you weren’t licensed.
But you are—you just didn’t make it obvious on your resume.
Here's how to fix that:
Put your license right at the top near your name Mention it early in your resume summary Add a dedicated “Licenses” section beneath your summary That way, even with a quick glance, the hiring manager knows you're certified and ready for the role.
Licenses
Licensed Cosmetologist, Montana State BBC Licensed Nail Technician Pro Tip: What’s better on a freelance makeup artist resume? An esthetician license or a cosmetology license? Ask around at a couple salons in your area, because the answer depends on the state you’re in.
Wondering where to list online courses on your makeup artist resume? See our guide: How to List Certifications on a Resume: Guide
7. Blend These Things and Let Your Resume Set Running low on content for your makeup artist resume?
Good—this means you’re ready to go beyond just listing experience and education.
To really shine, your resume should show you're not just talented, but also a dream to work with.
Do it with "other" sections that help you sparkle and stand out from the crowd.
The sample makeup artist resume sections below show you exactly how.
Makeup Artist Resume Examples [Other Sections] The first of our makeup artist resume examples is a little like a blank canvas:
wrong Clubbing Surfing Traveling to Central America
She seems great! Now, let’s bring on a talented makeup artist.
Instead, add extra sections to your resume for makeup artist jobs like this:
right Social Media Following
Instagram: 5,258 Followers. Twitter: 4,317 Followers. Networking Events
Women in Leadership, Gave presentation on looking professional. Women's Business Accelerator, Gave talk on dressing for success. Additional Activities
Member, Professional Beauty Association. Regular listener, This Week in Makeup podcast. Teach yoga classes 2x per week for fun & fitness.
She’s got skills that could teach the hiring manager a thing or two. That professional makeup resume is polished to perfection.
Pro Tip: Join a networking group for women in your area. You’ll build quick freelance makeup artist resume experience. Not sure how to find a group? Try Meetup.com .
Is there a place for hobbies on a freelance makeup artist resume? See our guide: +20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips)
8. What About a Cover Letter for a Makeup Artist? Ugh. Do I really need to send a cover letter with my makeup artist resume?
Only if you want to nearly double your chances of landing the job.
Here’s why: 60% of hiring managers won’t bother with your resume without a cover letter. The other 40% expect it to show you’ve got exactly what they need.
In your cover letter, show that you:
Understand the key requirements in the makeup artist job description. Can fulfill those needs with expertise and creativity, just like top professionals in the industry. This concise makeup artist example will leave a lasting impression:
Everyone knows Sheshedo offers the best products and looks in the industry. That’s why I’ve wanted to work for you for years. I finally feel I’m ready, thanks to 3 years as a licensed cosmetologist, selling $5,000 a week in products at HTD Salon. It’s not just that my work has been written up favorably in the Makeup + Me blog, or that...
Always conclude a cover letter with a value offer. Try, “I’d be happy to discuss how I can help exceed your sales targets by 25% in a call."
Pro Tip: Need to showcase your makeup artist skills? Find a few models and offer them free makeup services. Snap plenty of photos. Instant proof of your talent.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Wondering how to make your makeup artist cover letter stand out? See our guide: How To Write A Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps (+12 Examples)
9. Do This Before Adding Contact Info to Your Resume What contact info tip can help land you the job?
Start with:
Full Name Updated Phone Number Professional Email Address Like this:
Jimena Ravalli, Licensed Cosmetologist & Makeup Artist, jimena.q.ravalli@gmail.com, 406-915-3366 A "professional email address," is john.doe@gmail.com, not jillycancunlips234345@yahoo.com.
That’s the simple part.
But—
Don't forget to include your Instagram account, showcasing all your best looks.
Need some inspiration? Check out this Cosmo list of top makeup artist Instagram accounts.
A strong social media presence lets the hiring manager get a full veiw of your talent, beyond just your resume.
Pro Tip: Check your social media presence before it sabotages your killer makeup artist resume. That one unflattering photo from years ago could undo all your hard work.
Single spacing or double spacing—what’s best for your makeup job resume? See our guide: How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide (+30 Examples)
Key Takeaway Here’s a quick recap on crafting the perfect makeup artist resume:
Start with a resume objective or summary . Highlight your standout skills by including measurable accomplishments that show your expertise.Write bullet points that connect your experience to the job . Read the job ad, highlight key requirements, and match them with your achievements.Add extra sections that show you’re easy to work with —include publications, certifications, networking events, and social media wins.Don’t forget the cover letter ! Make it personal and passionate to grab the salon manager’s attention.Got questions about crafting the perfect makeup artist resume? Unsure how to tailor this advice for a movie or special effects makeup artist resume? Drop a comment below—we’re happy to help!
