How to Write a Makeup Artist CV: Examples + Tips 2025

Creating a makeup artist CV is about more than listing jobs. It’s about showcasing your artistry, professionalism, and passion in one beautifully structured document. 

Whether you’re just starting out or already blending brushes backstage, your CV should capture your creative flair while proving your technical skill. From crafting a standout profile to building a visual portfolio that shines on Instagram, this guide walks you through every step to help your application look as polished as your work.

This guide will show you:

• A makeup artist CV example better than 9 out of 10 others.
• How to write a makeup artist CV that gets more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a freelance makeup artist CV.
• How to describe your experience on a CV for a makeup artist to get any job you want.

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Sample CV made with our builder—See more templates and create your CV here.

One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:

[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My CV is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.

Visit our other guides:

• Beauty therapist CV
• Bartender CV 
• Internship CV 
• Career change CV 
• Barista CV
• Model CV
• Graphic Designer CV
• Photographer CV
• Actor CV
• Best CV examples for various professions

First, let’s see how stunning a makeup artist CV can appear.

Makeup artist CV example

1. Use the best CV format for a makeup artist

Your CV format is the runway for your career story: it’s where first impressions are made before a single word is read. Think of it as the frame that elevates your artistry, keeping everything sleek, balanced, and irresistible to the eye. Whether you’re a freelancer or brand artist, your CV’s layout can subtly express your creative personality without a brushstroke out of place.

📝 Let’s find out how to format a CV:

• Determine what to include on a CV. Remember to divide it into sections:
• CV header (with your name, position, phone number, and e-mail address)
• CV summary
• Work experience 
• Education section
• Relevant skills
• Extra Sections
• Select the appropriate type and font for your CV. The most common is Times New Roman set at 12 points, but it is not the only option.
• Tailor your CV margins to an inch on each side and line spacing to 1.15 points.
• Name your CV clearly, including your surname and the desired position.

💡 Pro Tip: Need to include a makeup artist role on a CV for a different job? Consider the combination CV format. It will blend in your best transferable experience.

2. Create an interview-worthy makeup artist CV work experience section

This is where your artistry meets achievement. The work experience section isn’t just about listing jobs—it’s where your impact takes centre stage. Each role becomes a highlight reel of your growth, the projects you’ve transformed, and the clients who trusted your expertise.

📝 Here’s how to effectively describe your work experience on a makeup artist CV:

• Present your latest activities using the reverse-chronological CV format.
• Show that you’re the ideal candidate by customising your CV to match the job description.
• Enhance your achievements with adjectives, action verbs, and power words, and consider synonyms to make them stand out. 
• Incorporate numbers whenever possible. Numbers pop!

Makeup artist CV examples: experience

The first example? Simply divine. The second one? Not so much. See the difference when showing your achievements vs only listing duties.

But what if you’re writing a CV with no experience in the beauty industry?

No stress. I’ll bet a pound of caviar concealer you’ve got accomplishments.

💬 Ask yourself:

• Done makeup for friends or family?
• Volunteered your makeup skills?
• Done makeup for a couple of weddings?
• Filled in at a salon?
• Performed duties using skills like product knowledge, customer service, sales, or good communication?
• Put pictures of your work on Instagram and got shares and likes?

Those all count. So use them to spotlight your potential and add some serious glow to a beginner makeup artist CV.

Beginner makeup artist CV sample: o experience

See how specifying what you’ve achieved contrasts with vague statements. Notice how thinking about transferable skills impacts your CV. 

When making a CV in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional CV template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s CV builder will score your CV and tell you exactly how to make it better.

3. Highlight education on your MUA CV

In a makeup artist CV, the education section is your backstage pass to credibility. It shows not only where your foundation was built, but also how seriously you take your craft. Whether it’s a formal qualification or a masterclass that sparked your signature style, this section gives structure to your creative story.

Here’s what you should always include:

• Degree
• Name of the institution
• Start and graduation dates

Here’s what you can also include:

• Honours
• Awards
• Relevant coursework

Makeup artist CV example: education

Great-looking and relevant. Nothing else is needed to impress your future employer.

💡 Read more: School Leaver CV

4. Put relevant skills on a CV for a makeup artist

Your skills section is like your makeup kit: everything you need to work your magic, neatly displayed and ready to impress. From precision techniques to people skills, this part of the makeup artist CV reveals the tools you use to turn vision into reality.

List of makeup CV hard skills 

• Creative design
• Colour theory application
• Skin tone matching
• Product and ingredient knowledge
• High-definition (HD) makeup
• Airbrushing techniques
• Special effects and prosthetics
• Bridal and occasion makeup
• Editorial and fashion styling
• Film and television makeup
• Hygiene and sanitation practices
• Lighting and photography awareness
• Product selection for different skin types
• Social media content creation
• Marketing and self-promotion
• Trend awareness
• Portfolio development
• Continuous learning and training

List of makeup CV soft skills

• Time management
• Team collaboration
• Client consultation
• Communication skills
• Active listening skills
• Decision-making skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability under pressure
• Problem-solving
• Organisation and planning
• Customer service
• Networking and relationship building
• Confidence and professionalism
• Patience and empathy

Let’s see how to show them on a CV.

Makeup artist CV: skills section

💡 Pro tip: Always explain each listed skill. That way, you’ll give your future employer a clearer picture of your abilities.

5. Show licences and certifications on your makeup artist CV

Your licences and certifications are the proof behind the polish — they show that your artistry isn’t just instinct, but expertly trained and industry-approved. From hygiene standards to specialised techniques, this section of your makeup artist CV is where professionalism meets passion. It tells clients and employers you’re not just talented — you’re qualified, credible, and committed to staying at the top of your craft.

You can do it in a few ways:

• Place your licence at the top of your CV, near your name
• Mention it early in your CV summary
• Create a dedicated “Licence” section right under your summary

That way, even if the hiring manager just glances at your CV, they’ll instantly know you’re qualified for the job.

Let’s see some examples.

MUA CV example: licences and certifications

Now that’s truly impressive. Certifications alone demonstrate you’re a genuine expert. When paired with the rest of a CV, they make an irresistible application.

💡 Licences and certifications add a lot of professionalism to your CV. Learn what else does that: What Makes a Good CV

6. Include extra sections on your makeup artist CV

Here’s where you add the human touch that sets your CV for makeup artists apart. Hobbies, interests, and memberships add colour and connection, painting a fuller picture of who you are beyond the brush. Think of it as the finishing spray: subtle, but it ties everything together perfectly.

📝 Here are some sections to add to your MUA CV:

• Portfolio or projects: Showcase key looks or campaigns you’ve created, from bridal transformations to editorial shoots or fashion shows. A digital portfolio link is ideal here, allowing employers to see your artistry in action.
• Awards and honours: If you’ve received recognition, such as winning a beauty competition, completing a brand masterclass, or being featured in a magazine, include it. Achievements like these set you apart from other candidates.
• Volunteer work: Contributions to community events, charity makeovers, or mentoring aspiring artists demonstrate that your creativity has a purpose beyond profit.
• Hobbies and interests: Mention those that connect to your craft, like experimenting with cruelty-free cosmetics, photography, or beauty blogging. Keep it relevant and reflective of your artistic side.
• Language skills: In today’s global beauty scene, being multilingual can be a real advantage, especially when working with international clients or global brands.

Makeup artist CV examples—Other Sections

There’s a professional MUA in the first example and likely a fun person behind the second one. But it’s not who the recruiters seek.

💡 Read more: Best Hobbies and Interests to Put on a CV

7. Add a portfolio to your MUA CV

Your online portfolio is the visual heartbeat of your career, the element that speaks louder than any line on your CV. It’s where your artistry, creativity, and technical skill come to life, demonstrating to potential employers exactly what you are capable of. Whether it’s a digital collection or a carefully curated Instagram feed, your portfolio should showcase your best work and your unique artistic style.

📝 How to do it right:

• Place the link right underneath your CV header.
• Select only your strongest, most polished work: quality over quantity.
• Include a range of looks to show versatility (bridal, editorial, fashion, natural, creative).
• Keep it organised and easy to navigate.
• Use high-quality, well-lit images that showcase your attention to detail.
• Maintain an active Instagram portfolio as a living extension of your brand. Update it regularly and maintain a professional tone.
• Add brief context for each look (e.g., client type, concept, or product focus) to highlight your thought process.

💡 Read more: Best Editable CV Templates

7. Create a makeup artist CV profile

You only have seconds to persuade the reader you’re the right person for the role. The CV profile serves as your opening act and should demonstrate you’re the ideal candidate. Introduce your artistry, your energy, and your purpose in one captivating paragraph. Done right, it sets the tone for the entire CV and leaves the reader eager to see more of your work.

A CV profile has two types:

• CV summary, which is great for experienced candidates.
• CV objective, best suited for newcomers or career changers.

To write the first one, simply follow the formula below:

Adjective + Makeup artist + Years of experience + Licenses and certifications + Achievements + Skills + What you want to do for your employer 

Makeup artist CV—sample summary

That’s fire—a flawless blend of adjectives, certifications, experience, skills, and standout achievements.

Rocking a more natural look when it comes to experience? Check out the junior makeup artist CV profile formula:

Entry-level makeup artist CV: objective example

As you can see, following my formula makes the difference.

💡 Pro tip: Write this part last. Even though it goes at the top of your CV, it’s easier to start working on it while everything else is already on the page in front of you.

8. Pair your makeup artist CV with a cover letter

Your cover letter is your voice on paper: personal, passionate, and polished. It bridges the gap between your makeup artist CV and the opportunity in front of you. Like the perfect base layer, it helps everything else sit better, giving context, confidence, and a touch of charm.

📝 Here’s how to write your makeup artist cover letter:

1. Start your cover letter with an engaging opening to immediately capture the reader's attention.
2. Know what essential parts to include. Contact information, a professional greeting, and a clear explanation of how hiring you will benefit the company are a must.
3. Keep your cover letter short. Ideally, it should be no longer than 300 words, one page, or four paragraphs.
4. Finish your cover letter with a strong closing. Incorporate a call to action and suggest a specific date for an interview.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your CV will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key takeaway

Here’s a recap of how to write a makeup artist CV:

• Create a makeup artist CV objective or CV summary. Highlight your skills with measurable achievements.
• Include CV bullet points that tie you to the job. How? Read the job ad, circle the key requirements, and match them with your accomplishments.
• Write other sections for your freelance makeup artist CV that show you’re great to work with. Add publications, certifications, networking events, and social media wins to your freelance makeup artist CV.
• Add a makeup artist cover letter. Make it personal and passionate to make salon managers fall at your feet.

Now that you know everything about writing a spectacular makeup artist CV, go and dazzle them with your skills and achievements. Good luck!

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Our editorial team has thoroughly reviewed this article to ensure it follows Zety’s editorial guidelines. Our dedication lies in sharing our expertise and providing you with actionable career advice that offers you real value. Every year, the quality of our content attracts 40 million readers to our site. But that’s not all – we conduct original research to gain a detailed understanding of the labour market. We take pride in being cited by top universities and leading media outlets in the UK and worldwide.

Sources

• Capella University, "How a portfolio can help you pursue your professional goals"
• Paul Gray, 'Make your CV count – recruiters decide in 7 seconds"