Faces are your canvas and mascara is your magic wand — as a makeup artist, you’re able to transform a person’s appearance and brighten their day. But what if it’s your makeup artist CV that’s in need of a makeover?
That’s where Resume.io can help. With dozens of occupation-specific CV examples and writing guides, we’re an expert resource for job seekers across fields and experience levels. Here’s what we’ll cover in this makeup artist CV example and writing guide:
- What does a makeup artist do?
- How to write a makeup artist CV (tips and tricks)
- The best format for a makeup artist CV
- Advice on each section of your CV (header, summary, work history, skills, and education)
- Professional CV layout and design hints.
What does a makeup artist do?
Makeup artists are cosmetology professionals who use various types of makeup and cosmetics to enhance a person’s appearance. Although makeup artists generally work with the face, this job can also include body paint, tattoo cover ups or other types of makeup applications. Makeup artists are often self-employed and take on various gigs. Some common types of employment for makeup artists include:
- Television, movies, and live theatre
- Weddings
- Fashion shows and other special events
- Funeral homes
- Photography studios
- Retail makeup counters
How to write a makeup artist CV
A makeup artist CV will need to have same essential sections found on traditional CVs. Here’s what your CV should include:
- The CV header
- The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The CV skills section
- The education section
Before you write these sections, however, you’ll want to create a distinctive CV header that conveys your personal style and convinces a hiring manager to check out what you have to say. In addition to your vital personal information — name, occupation, email and phone number — make sure to include a link to your online portfolio or professional social media accounts.
For more inspiration and ideas, take a look at some of the other CVs and writing guides in our collection: hairdresser CV example, model CV example, photographer CV example, actor CV example, and artist CV example.
Choosing the best CV format for a makeup artist
A makeup artist has a few options when it comes to choosing the best CV format. For candidates with a traditional employment path to show (i.e. those who have worked as an employee at retail beauty counters or funeral homes), the reverse chronological format is likely the best bet. This format is preferred by hiring managers and automated CV scanners because it includes an employment history section where a candidate can detail their relevant work experience.
If you’ve spent much of your career as an independent worker or are just starting out, you may want to consider a hybrid CV format. This structure starts with a skills section where you’re able to highlight areas of expertise before moving on to a shorter employment history section to show who’s hired you in the past. A functional CV format places even more emphasis on skills.
CV summary example
The CV summary — sometimes called the profile or personal statement — consists of three to five sentences up front that allow you to describe your personality, work style and biggest achievements. Since employers may be looking at many makeup artists with similar skills, the summary is the place to differentiate yourself and address the employer directly about why you’re the right candidate for the job.
Check out the summary from our adaptable makeup artist CV sample below.
Professional Makeup Artist with 7+ years of experience at high-end beauty counters and with private clients. Dedicated to providing each customer with superior beauty and makeup services. Exceptional knowledge of the latest product lines, application techniques and skin care solutions.
Employment history sample
The employment history section allows you to list your previous positions. Include the employer’s name, the job title, location and dates worked. Under each job title, create three to five bullet points that describe your duties, achievements and skills while focusing on the needs of your prospective employer. Use facts and figures where possible to indicate measurable aspects of your work and outcomes.
Below you’ll find the employment history section from our makeup artist CV sample.
Makeup Artist at Estee Lauder, Manchester
June 2019 - August 2023
- Creative and technical expertise ensured all guests — 12 to 15 per shift — enjoyed an inspirational and personalised in-store experience.
- Encouraged guests to discuss their wishes and affirm acceptance of suggestions before proceeding with their makeup applications.
- Earned recognition and prizes on 40+ occasions for surpassing monthly sales targets by up to 20%, or attaining the highest number of new and repeat clients.
- Received the most referrals for wedding and fashion show makeup.
- Meticulously cleaned display units, tools and testers throughout the day, in compliance with all safety and sanitation protocols.
- Monitored and logged daily inventory reports, and received department authorisation to replace missing and damaged products.
- Trained new employees and set an example for high-quality customer service and Estee Lauder’s professional standards.
Beauty Advisor at Space NK, Manchester
June 2016 - May 2019
- Built client relationships by offering outstanding service and product knowledge during makeup application and skin care consultations.
- Helped to drive a sales increase of 16% between 2016 and 2019 by upselling and providing value-added information about makeup trends.
- Had creative input to imaginative merchandise displays and compelling promotional presentations.
Makeup Artist Intern at Gemini Gemini, London
June 2015 - March 2016
- Demonstrated effective communication and customer service skills, while advancing my knowledge of makeup, beauty trends and application skills.
CV skills example
Although your skills as a makeup artist are exactly what you’re being hired for, this CV section can be trickier than it seems. Because of the bullet point format, you’ll want to focus on areas of expertise and specific job description details that can’t be highlighted elsewhere on your CV. Make sure to include a mix of technical abilities and personality traits that show you are a pleasure to work with.
See our makeup artist CV example for the skills section below.
- Personalised customer service
- Mastery of product application
- Wedding and event makeup
- Ability to work in a team
Makeup artist CV education example
Makeup artists may not be required to hold advanced degrees, but they do need to complete training and pass exams in cosmetology. The CV education section is the perfect place to include this information along with any licensure you hold. This is also a good section to mention any awards you’ve won or professional memberships you hold.
The education section from our makeup artist CV example appears below.
GCSE at Manchester High School for Girls, Manchester
September 2009 - May 2015
- 4 GSCEs – English, Art and Design, French, Modern Studies
CV layout and design
As a professional in the beauty industry, you know that appearance counts for a lot. The same is true when it comes to creating the layout and design of your CV. A makeup artist with a dated-looking layout won’t inspire confidence, but a creative and attractive design could quickly put you ahead of more experienced candidates.
To accomplish this, make sure to create an eye-catching header, ideally with a pop of colour. Keep a balance of white space to text and stay consistent when it comes to font styles and sizes. You may even want to update the look of your CV depending on the role you are applying for. Using one of resume.io's ready-made CV templates can make this quick and easy to accomplish.
Key takeaways for a makeup artist CV
- Your summary is a key place to stand out from other makeup artists with the same skills by showing off your personality and achievements.
- Choose the CV format that works best for your employment history. A hybrid CV format may be the right choice for independent workers.
- Check out our adaptable makeup artist CV example for more ideas.
