Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your unique skills and artistic flair can be a daunting challenge for any makeup artist. By utilizing our comprehensive guide, you will discover strategies and tips to create a standout CV that perfectly highlights your expertise and appeals to prospective employers.
Structure, write, and edit your makeup artist CV to land the role of your dreams with our exclusive guide on how to:
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Resume examples for makeup artist
Explore additional makeup artist cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Makeup Artist
- Comprehensive Career Development - Jacob's CV reflects a clear career progression from a Makeup Design Intern to a Makeup Artist at a leading cosmetics brand, demonstrating growth in responsibilities and expertise. His transition from freelance work to permanent positions indicates an ability to scale up his skills and adapt to varying business needs.
- Strong Technical Skills in Makeup Artistry - The CV emphasizes Jacob's proficiency in diverse makeup styles, such as glam, bridal, and editorial looks. His ability to execute over 500 custom makeup designs and introduce new sanitation protocols showcases a deep understanding of industry standards and development of innovative techniques.
- Effective Leadership and Team Collaboration - Jacob displays strong leadership capabilities through his experience in leading a team of junior artists during events, which improved service speed and client throughput. His organization of workshops on makeup trends demonstrates a commitment to team development and sharing expertise.
Senior Makeup Artist
- Effective Content Presentation - The CV is organized with clear headings and concise bullet points that make it easy to navigate. Each section is strategically arranged to highlight the most relevant information first, ensuring that both the professional experience and educational background are prominently featured in a manner that emphasizes the candidate's industry expertise and success.
- Strategic Career Trajectory - Throughout the CV, there is a noticeable upward momentum in Poppy Griffiths' career, demonstrated by her progression from Junior Stylist to Senior Stylist roles. This growth is illustrated by significant responsibilities, participations in major projects, and leadership roles that reflect her dedication to advancing within the high-end salon industry.
- Expert Use of Industry-Specific Techniques - The CV showcases Poppy’s mastery of advanced cosmetology techniques and environmentally conscious practices, highlighting a commitment to innovation and sustainability within her profession. Her participation in high-profile events and industry-leading salons underscores her technical depth and leadership within the beauty sector.
Lead Makeup Artist
- Clear Career Progression - Henry White's career trajectory reflects strategic growth in the beauty industry, starting as a Beauty Advisor and advancing to a pivotal role as Senior Make-Up Artist. This progression showcases his ability to evolve from frontline positions to leadership roles, indicating a strong foundation in industry knowledge and expertise in talent development.
- Impactful Leadership and Training Development - Henry's skills in team education, as evidenced by his creation of training programs that improved team performance by 40%, highlight his leadership acumen. His ability to manage and inspire a team, as well as to design bespoke training sessions, illustrates his capability to enhance both individual and organizational success.
- Strategic Application of Trend Analysis - The CV emphasizes Henry's involvement in trend reporting and product development, showcasing his ability to integrate industry trends into strategic initiatives. This competence in applying data-driven insights to drive brand engagement and development marks him as an asset to any forward-thinking beauty brand.
Master Makeup Artist
- Logical content presentation - The CV showcases clarity and conciseness with a well-organized structure. It uses bullet points to succinctly present achievements and responsibilities, making it easy to parse key details quickly. This presentation style ensures that each section is easily distinguishable and highlights the candidate's professional journey effectively.
- Robust career trajectory - Lucas Adams' career progression demonstrates a clear path of growth and increased responsibility in the makeup artistry field. Transitioning from a Lead Makeup Artist to a Senior Makeup Artist, each role highlights more complex responsibilities, indicating his capability to take on leadership roles and adapt to larger scopes of work.
- Innovative use of industry-specific methodologies - The CV highlights the candidate's proficiency in artistry direction, digital learning, and the successful integration of digital tools into training programs. By showcasing these methodologies, Lucas illustrates his deep understanding of how to leverage technology to drive business outcomes and enhance learning experiences in the cosmetics industry.
By Role
Freelance Makeup Artist
- Structured Presentation with Vivid Clarity - The CV is exceptionally well-organized, beginning with a succinct summary that establishes Ava Phillips' specialization in makeup artistry, eyelash extensions, and brow techniques. Each section is logically structured, focusing on the core competencies essential to her role, thereby leading to a coherent presentation of her professional journey and expertise.
- Steady Career Advancement in Beauty Aesthetics - Ava's career progression is evident through her roles at various prestigious beauty salons. Starting as a Beauty Therapist and advancing to specialized roles at Beauty That Lasts and Glow Up Beauty Lounge, the trajectory highlights consistent growth, underscoring an expanding skill set and responsibility in beauty techniques and client management.
- Emphasis on Client-centric Success Metrics - Her achievements are not merely numeric but convey significant business impact, such as a 25% increase in client retention and a 40% surge in repeat appointments. These metrics, linked with strategic aftercare plans and upselling skills, clearly outline Ava's contribution to business growth and customer satisfaction in her roles.
Traveling Makeup Artist
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV maintains clear and structured sections that help in presenting the candidate’s skill set and career achievements effectively. Its organized layout allows potential employers to quickly grasp essential information, ensuring efficient communication of key attributes like hair styling, makeup artistry, and client relations.
- Demonstrated Career Growth - Harper Webb's career trajectory reveals a steady and impressive growth pattern, moving from a Hair and Makeup Artist to a Lead position at Love Hair & Co. This showcases not only dedication but also recognition within the industry, highlighting her capability to take on increased responsibilities and leadership duties.
- Focused Industry-Specific Expertise - Harper stands out by focusing on bridal beauty, a niche that demands highly specialized skills. The mentioned courses and achievements in bridal hair styling and makeup artistry genuine depth in those areas reveal a nuanced understanding of the field, which is critical for executing complex beauty needs for brides on their special day.
Airbrush Makeup Artist
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is exceptionally well-organized with distinct sections such as "Experience," "Education," and "Skills," allowing readers to quickly locate key information. Each position clearly specifies the dates, promoting an easy understanding of career timing and growth.
- Emphasis on Industry-Specific Expertise - The candidate showcases specialized skills in "Prosthetics application," "Airbrush makeup," and "Special effects makeup," highlighting their proficiency with industry-specific techniques and tools. This technical depth is critical for roles in makeup artistry and character design.
- Achievements Demonstrating Business Impact - Concrete achievements are detailed with a strong focus on their influence, such as a 95% character satisfaction rate and saving £5,000 annually at Merlin Entertainments, illustrating the candidate's ability to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Makeup Artist Instructor
- Well-Structured Content Presentation - The CV is exceptionally structured, presenting Ava Phillips' qualifications succinctly through clearly defined sections. Each section is directly relevant to her field, allowing for quick understanding of her capabilities and experiences. The use of bullet points for experience details ensures clarity and brevity, making the document easy to navigate and digest.
- Continuous Career Growth in Makeup Artistry - Ava's career trajectory illustrates a clear path of growth within the SFX and fantasy makeup industry. Progressing from a Makeup Artist role at Smashbox to a Lead Makeup Artist at MAC Cosmetics, and then to her current position at Bobbi Brown reflects her increasing responsibility and influence. This progression is marked by leadership and successful project execution, indicating professional development and dedication.
- Strong Focus on Cross-Functional Experience - Ava demonstrates adaptability by effectively collaborating with various stakeholders, such as photographers, event coordinators, and fellow artists. Her roles have required her to seamlessly integrate makeup artistry with diverse industry demands, enhancing the creative outcomes of themed events, film productions, and live performances. This cross-functional interaction is vital in ensuring her makeup artistry aligns perfectly with the client's vision and event theme.
By Industry
Film and Television Makeup Artist
- Logical Structure and Readability - The CV is presented in an organized manner, with sections clearly labeled for easy navigation. The concise bullet points in the experience section facilitate quick reading and highlight key achievements and responsibilities, maintaining attention on critical information.
- Progressive Career Development - Alexander Jackson's career trajectory demonstrates consistent professional growth, advancing from a make-up artist to a senior position at a prestigious company. This progression reflects both growing expertise and recognition within the beauty industry.
- Emphasis on Technical Proficiency - The CV highlights Alexander's proficiency in advanced make-up techniques and lash applications, which are crucial technical skills in this field. His involvement with product development and lash design at fashion shows underscores his deep industry knowledge and innovative approach.
Theatrical Makeup Artist
- Progressive career trajectory in the theatrical domain - Ivy Ward's CV illustrates a clear upward movement within the theatre industry. Starting as a Wigs and Makeup Artist, she advanced to positions of greater responsibility, such as Makeup and Wigs Coordinator and eventually, Wigs Specialist. This steady progression highlights her competence and growing authority in large-scale theatrical productions.
- Emphasis on structured and concise presentation - The resume is structured with distinct sections that are clearly organized and easy to navigate. The use of bullet points and concise language ensures that details are presented in a digestible format, which effectively underscores her achievements and capabilities without overloading the reader with information.
- Utilization of unique industry-specific methodologies - Ivy’s CV reveals her specialized skills in wigs maintenance and stage makeup, employing methods like implementing a new storage system and training junior staff on wig application. These elements highlight her thorough understanding of theatrical production needs and her initiative in introducing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
Fashion Show Makeup Artist
- Clear and Organized Presentation - The CV demonstrates exceptional clarity and structure, beginning with a concise summary that effectively encapsulates Oliver's comprehensive experience in the beauty PR industry. Each section is clearly labeled, making it easy for recruiters to navigate and find specific information, which is crucial in a competitive job market.
- Progressive Career Growth - Oliver's career trajectory highlights a clear path of growth and advancement within the beauty industry, from a Marketing Coordinator at L'Oréal to increasingly senior roles in PR and communications at Estee Lauder and Benefit Cosmetics. This progression underscores a consistent development of expertise and readiness for leadership positions.
- Strategically Impactful Achievements - The CV effectively demonstrates Oliver's ability to make a measurable impact through strategic initiatives. For instance, the boost in brand visibility by 40% and the coordination of high-profile product launch events provide concrete evidence of his capacity to drive significant business outcomes, not just execute tasks.
Bridal Makeup Artist
- Focused Career Development - Freya Richardson's CV presents a clear trajectory of growth within the makeup industry, showcasing a steady climb from a Junior Makeup Artist to a trusted expert at MAC Cosmetics and a successful freelance professional. This evolution highlights a deepening expertise and an increasing level of responsibility, demonstrating her commitment to advancing within her field.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV showcases a deep understanding of industry trends and techniques, evidenced by specialized roles in bridal and event makeup, affiliations with top cosmetic brands like MAC Cosmetics and Bobbi Brown, and further certifications such as advanced bridal makeup techniques. This specialized knowledge ensures Freya's offerings are at the cutting edge of makeup artistry, aligning with modern client expectations.
- Achievements with Business Impact - Beyond listing numerical achievements, the CV effectively connects these with tangible business outcomes; for instance, Freya's contributions resulted in a 60% boost in client referrals and a 30% increase in sales of recommended products. These statistics are not just numbers; they demonstrate a direct impact on business growth and client satisfaction, showcasing her as a value-driven professional in makeup artistry.
Special Effects Makeup Artist
- Concise and Well-Structured Content Presentation - The CV is clearly organized, with distinct sections that provide an easy reading experience. Each job role is presented with precise dates and locations, allowing for quick comprehension of the candidate's career timeline. Use of bullet points under each experience entry helps in highlighting key responsibilities and achievements concisely, maintaining clarity and focus throughout.
- Career Growth Demonstrating Versatility and Progression - Noah's career trajectory shows steady growth from a Freelance Make-up Artist to a Creative Make-up Artist & Model at a prominent company. His transition from freelance work to influential roles in well-known companies like Pixiwoo Productions highlights his adaptability and the ability to drive impact in more structured environments, showcasing not only experience but ambition and professional development.
- Industry-Specific Expertise with a Creative Edge - The CV demonstrates Noah's depth within the make-up and beauty industry through unique elements such as advanced make-up techniques and digital media production. His role in developing a signature make-up look featured in a top-tier fashion magazine underscores his technical depth and creative flair, making his profile compelling within industry-specific contexts.
Celebrity Makeup Artist
- Structured career progression - Elsie Murray's CV reveals a clear upward trajectory within the makeup industry, moving from standard roles to a senior position at a renowned cosmetics company like MAC. This growth demonstrates her ability to take on increased responsibilities, such as leading teams and managing high-pressure events, which is essential for a makeup artist specializing in fashion and event production.
- Emphasis on leadership and soft skills - The CV highlights Murray's leadership capabilities, such as leading a team for fashion shows and conducting masterclasses for aspiring artists. These experiences not only showcase her advanced skill set and ability to communicate effectively but also imply that she can inspire and mentor others in the industry, contributing to long-term business success.
- Impactful achievements and contributions - The document lists significant achievements with quantifiable metrics—such as increasing brand visibility and client retention rates—which illustrates her impact on business performance. Her ability to boost backstage efficiency and customer satisfaction scores further showcases the tangible benefits she brings to fashion and event production settings.
Cosmetic Brand Makeup Artist
- Clear and Compelling Structure - The CV is organized in a manner that emphasizes both clarity and readability. Each section is distinct, allowing the reader to follow Emily's career progression seamlessly. The use of concise bullet points effectively highlights her key achievements and responsibilities, ensuring that the impact of her work is easily understood.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Emily's career path illustrates a clear upward trajectory within the luxury beauty and cosmetics industry. Starting from a Makeup Specialist at MAC Cosmetics, she has been promoted through positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in her current role as a Senior Artistry Educator at Charlotte Tilbury. This progression demonstrates not only her proficiency in makeup artistry but also her growing influence in brand education and development.
- Innovative Educational Approaches - The CV highlights Emily's unique ability to leverage her artistry skills to innovate in educational content, particularly in the digital realm. She has developed digital content that increased online course enrolment by 25% and spearheaded initiatives improving brand loyalty. Such industry-specific contributions show her capacity to marry artistry with strategic education in a way that enhances brand performance.
Photography Makeup Artist
- Clarity and Structure in Content Presentation - The CV is neatly organized with clearly defined sections pertinent to the role of a Freelance Hair & Makeup Artist. Each section, such as experience, education, and skills, is succinctly presented, making it easy for readers to grasp critical information quickly. The bullets under each job position are concise, each highlighting a distinct achievement or responsibility, enhancing readability and impact.
- Career Growth and Industry-Specific Expertise - Amelia Murphy's career trajectory showcases substantial growth and adaptability within the beauty industry. Beginning as a Makeup Artist at Sephora and advancing to a Lead Makeup Artist at Urban Decay before freelancing with MAC Cosmetics, each role demonstrates an increasing level of responsibility and recognition in prestigious brands. This progression highlights her ability to adapt to and excel in different company cultures and team environments within her field.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV prominently highlights achievements that reflect both qualitative and quantitative business impacts, such as reducing client wait times, increasing repeat bookings, and enhancing brand visibility. Amelia's initiatives, like streamlining processes and upselling makeup products, are not just numerical accomplishments but demonstrate her understanding of market dynamics and client needs, which are crucial for driving business growth in creative sectors.
Editorial Makeup Artist
- Comprehensive Career Progression - Charlotte Powell's CV effectively showcases a clear trajectory from an Assistant Stylist role at Selfridges to a Senior Fashion Stylist at MatchesFashion. Her promotions underscore her growing responsibility and leadership abilities in the fashion industry, highlighting substantial professional development over ten years.
- Innovative Use of Styling Techniques - The CV underscores Charlotte's unique approach to vintage-inspired styling, clearly detailing her strategy of accessory integration and its impact on elevating visual appeal and driving customer engagement. This distinct methodology demonstrates her industry-specific expertise and innovative thinking in fashion styling.
- Proven Leadership and Soft Skills - Within the experience section, Charlotte's capability in leading and collaborating with diverse teams is clear. Her achievements in enhancing cross-department synergy and directing model shoots illustrate her strong leadership, effective communication, and ability to foster a collaborative work environment.
Cruise Ship Makeup Artist
- Organized Structure and Focused Presentation - The CV effectively utilizes clear sections to present information concisely, making it easy to navigate through different areas such as experience, skills, and achievements. This structure ensures that each aspect of Alexander Jackson's professional journey is highlighted without overwhelming the reader, allowing for a focused understanding of his capabilities and career milestones.
- Impressive Career Trajectory and Professional Growth - Alexander's progression from a Hair Stylist to a Senior Mobile Hairdresser underscores his growth within the beauty industry. His career path marks a transition from traditional salon-based services to mobile hairstyling, showcasing adaptability and a keen understanding of market trends, which have helped him expand his service offerings and hone his expertise.
- Leadership and Mentoring Abilities - The CV highlights Alexander's leadership skills through his role in mentoring junior stylists. This not only emphasizes his capability to guide team members towards improved customer service but also reflects his dedication to fostering skill enhancement and professional development within the industry, contributing to a rise in overall service quality.
Salon Makeup Artist
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is clearly structured, presenting details in a concise and logical format. Each section is organized, offering quick insights into the candidate's qualifications and experiences, which allows for easy navigation and understanding of the information presented.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - The candidate has demonstrated growth within the beauty industry, moving from a Senior Makeup Artist role to leadership positions such as Lead Stylist and Hairdresser/Makeup Artist. This progression highlights not only expertise in makeup artistry and hairdressing but also strong capabilities in team leadership and management.
- Diverse and Impactful Achievements - The CV effectively showcases significant achievements such as increasing client satisfaction scores and revenue, organizing high-profile events, and implementing successful sustainability initiatives. These accomplishments not only highlight the candidate's impact in their roles but also underscore their ability to contribute positively to business outcomes.
Spa Makeup Artist
- Structured presentation of career growth - The CV is organized in a way that clearly delineates the trajectory of the candidate's career, showing a natural progression from Assistant Makeup Artist to Senior Makeup Artist. This progression highlights her growing responsibilities and leadership roles within the industry.
- Innovative industry methodologies - Ella Bennett demonstrates a keen understanding of industry-specific methodologies such as advanced makeup techniques and sanitation protocols. This reflects her commitment to not only mastering fundamental skills but also innovating new practices to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Quantifiable achievements with significant business impact - The achievements section effectively underscores her ability to influence key business outcomes, such as increasing product sales, client retention, and social media engagement. These data-driven results emphasize her capability to deliver measurable business benefits through her expertise.
Structuring your makeup artist CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:
- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your makeup artist CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
PRO TIP
Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a makeup artist CV
- Personal Statement demonstrates individual style and philosophy in makeup artistry, capturing the recruiter’s interest.
- Professional Experience showcases actual work history, emphasising diversity and expertise in makeup services.
- Education & Qualifications highlight formal training and certifications relevant to makeup artistry and beauty industry standards.
- Portfolio of Work provides a visual representation of skills and creativity, which is crucial for a makeup artist role.
- Key Skills & Techniques section indicates mastery of specific makeup applications and familiarity with various tools and products.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your creativity by including a portfolio link or QR code directly on your CV, showcasing your best makeup artistry across various styles and projects.
- Detail your experience with different makeup products and techniques, emphasising any specialty areas like prosthetics, airbrushing, or period makeup.
- Include any relevant certifications or education in cosmetology or makeup artistry, emphasising your commitment to professional development in the field.
- Mention your experience working in different settings, such as photoshoots, television, film, theatre, or bridal, to demonstrate your versatility and ability to adapt to various clients' needs.
- List any notable clients, productions, or publications you've worked with to establish your reputation and expertise within the industry.
Recommended reads:
What information should you include in your makeup artist CV header?
The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:
- Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
- Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.
Many professionals often struggle with writing their makeup artist CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.
Examples of good CV headlines for makeup artist:
- Senior Makeup Artist | Bridal & Editorial Specialist | NVQ Level 4 | 10+ Years Experience
- Creative Lead Makeup Artist | Fashion Shows & Photography | BTEC Diploma | 7 Years’ Expertise
- Junior Beauty Technician | TV & Film Makeup | Level 2 Certificate | Passion for SFX
- Expert Makeup Consultant | Celebrity Clients | Advanced Makeup Artistry Certificate | 15 Years in Industry
- Professional Makeup Designer | Theatrical & Opera Makeup | BA (Hons) | 5 Years Professional Practice
- Skincare & Makeup Innovator | Vegan Beauty Advocate | ITEC Certified | 3+ Years Experience
Choosing your opening statement: a makeup artist CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a makeup artist job:
- With over 10 years of dedicated experience in high-end fashion and bridal makeup artistry, I have mastered the art of transformative beauty techniques and developed a robust clientele through exceptional service and artistry. Notable career highlights include head makeup artist for London Fashion Week and personal makeup consultant for several celebrity photo shoots.
- Seasoned professional photographer transitioning into the world of makeup artistry, bringing a unique perspective that integrates visual composition and styling. Having worked extensively in fashion editorial shoots for 5 years, I possess an acute understanding of colour theory and facial aesthetics, culminating in a newfound passion for cosmetic creativity.
- Accomplished graphic designer with 7 years' experience, seeking to apply my creative flair and keen eye for detail to makeup artistry. My background in digital design has equipped me with a deep understanding of colour, texture, and symmetry, all of which are transferable skills that will enhance my makeup application expertise.
- Eagerly anticipating the opportunity to begin a career as a professional makeup artist, I am committed to leveraging my 2 years of self-taught proficiency in makeup application and my enthusiasm for the beauty industry to create personalized and captivating looks for a diverse clientele.
- Having recently completed a comprehensive course in professional makeup artistry, my objective is to apply the techniques of beauty and special effects makeup I have learned to craft unique visual stories. With zero formal industry experience but a portfolio that illustrates a natural talent for cosmetic application and design, I am ready to embark on a professional journey in makeup artistry.
- Passionate about fashion and beauty, I seek to start my career in makeup artistry following a structured apprenticeship. With a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, I bring a strong foundation in creative expression and design principles, coupled with my excitement for learning the nuances of professional makeup application from seasoned artists.
The best formula for your makeup artist CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Provided bespoke bridal makeup services for over 50 weddings, creating unique looks as per the client's vision while ensuring longevity and comfort throughout the event.
- Collaborated with photographers and stylists on fashion editorial shoots, contributing to concept development and executing makeup looks that complemented the overall theme of the project.
- Managed makeup artistry for theatre productions with casts of up to 25 actors, designing and applying both character-specific and period-accurate makeup while working under tight performance deadlines.
- Conducted one-on-one makeup consultations and tutorials, educating clients on skin care, product selection, and application techniques tailored to their individual features and preferences.
- Led a team of junior makeup artists at a busy city-centre salon, overseeing scheduling, quality of work, and client satisfaction, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat business.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements, regularly attending workshops and integrating new technology such as airbrushing for a flawless finish.
- Established and nurtured relationships with suppliers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality products while negotiating better pricing to manage costs effectively.
- Developed a comprehensive portfolio showcasing a wide range of makeup styles, successfully utilising it to secure contracts with local television stations for on-air talent.
- Built and maintained an active social media presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, demonstrating makeup techniques and engaging with a combined following of over 10,000 fans and potential clients.
Work Experience
Senior Bridal Makeup Specialist
Elegant Faces Ltd
05/2017-04/2020
- Spearheaded makeup design for high-profile weddings, consistently receiving a 5-star client satisfaction rating across 50+ events.
- Collaborated with fashion designers to create inspired looks for fashion week shows, achieving media recognition for originality and technique.
- Designed and conducted makeup workshops, increasing customer engagement by 40% and contributing to a rise in product sales by 35%.
Work Experience
Head Makeup Artist
Glamour Studio Inc
01/2013-12/2016
- Managed a team of 5 makeup artists, driving professionalism and skill development, which resulted in a 30% increase in repeat client bookings.
- Established a strong client base, including local celebrities, enhancing the prestige and market position of the studio.
- Implemented a stock management system for makeup supplies, reducing waste by 25% and optimising budget use.
Work Experience
Editorial Makeup Artist
Visage Vogue Ltd
08/2012-07/2014
- Executed makeup for editorial photoshoots featured in leading fashion magazines, directly contributing to the magazines' increased circulation by 20%.
- Coordinated with photographers and stylists to ensure seamless aesthetic alignment, thereby enhancing brand consistency.
- Curated a vlog series on makeup trends, amassing over 100k subscribers and solidifying the studio's online presence.
Work Experience
Lead Makeup Artist & Eco-Product Developer
NatureGlam Cosmetics
06/2016-Ongoing
- Pioneered the development of an eco-friendly makeup line, responding to market trends, which captured a 15% market share within the first year.
- Provided makeup services for TV personalities, often under tight deadlines, whilst upholding high standards of work.
- Orchestrated a creative team during film shoots, ensuring continuity and character integrity, recognised by the director for precision and efficiency.
Work Experience
Special Effects Makeup Artist
FearFest Effects Studio
09/2009-08/2011
- Crafted unique SPFX makeup for indie horror films, seeing a viewership increase of 40% for the studio's productions.
- Conducted in-depth research and material sourcing to create realistic prosthetics, consistently staying within budget constraints.
- Streamlined the makeup department's workflow, reducing makeup application time by 25% without compromising quality.
Work Experience
Celebrity Makeup Artist & Brand Collaborator
Starlight Makeup Services
03/2015-02/2019
- Crafted bespoke makeup looks for high-end advertising campaigns, contributing to campaigns' successes, with a 50% increase in consumer engagement.
- Served as a personal makeup artist for a leading recording artist on an international tour, praised for creative versatility and speed.
- Launched a limited-edition makeup line in collaboration with a major brand, which sold out within the first month of release.
Work Experience
Principal Makeup Artist & Curriculum Developer
Artists' Academy of Makeup Arts
11/2014-10/2017
- Developed curriculum for a makeup artistry certification program, successfully certifying over 200 students, many of whom secured employment in the industry.
- Led a digital transformation project for the academy's portfolio, resulting in a 60% increase in online engagement.
- Orchestrated makeup for large scale theatrical productions, earning positive reviews for artistic direction and team leadership.
Work Experience
Digital Content Makeup Artist & AR Consultant
BeautyTech Innovations Ltd
07/2020-Ongoing
- Expertly crafted digital content for a virtual makeup application platform, driving user downloads by over 500,000 within six months.
- Advised on the integration of AR technology for virtual try-ons in a mobile app, resulting in a 40% increase in user engagement.
- Designed makeup for avatars in a top-grossing mobile game, attracting partnerships with influential makeup brands due to the game's popularity.
How to ensure your makeup artist CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Mix and match hard and soft skills across your makeup artist CV
Your skill set play an equally valid role as your experience to your application. That is because recruiters are looking for both:
- hard skills or your aptitude in applying particular technologies
- soft skills or your ability to work in a team using your personal skills, e.g. leadership, time management, etc.
Are you wondering how you should include both hard and soft skills across your makeup artist CV? Use the:
- skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies that are part of the job requirement (and that you're capable to use);
- strengths and achievements section to detail how you've used particular hard and soft skills that led to great results for you at work;
- summary or objective to spotlight up to three skills that are crucial for the role and how they've helped you optimise your work processes.
One final note - when writing about the skills you have, make sure to match them exactly as they are written in the job ad. Take this precautionary measure to ensure your CV passes the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment.
Top skills for your makeup artist CV:
HARD SKILLS
Cosmetic Product Knowledge
Colour Theory
Facial Analysis
Skin Care Expertise
Makeup Application
Hairstyling
Airbrush Techniques
Special Effects Makeup
Photography Makeup
Fashion Makeup
SOFT SKILLS
Creativity
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Customer Service
Communication
Adaptability
Patience
Stress Management
Problem-Solving
Teamwork
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Listing your university education and certificates on your makeup artist CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
Impressing recruiters with your experience, skill set, and values starts with your professional makeup artist CV. Write concisely and always aim to answer job requirements with what you've achieved; furthermore:
- Select a simple design that complements your experience and ensures your profile is presentable;
- Include an opening statement that either spotlights your key achievements (summary) or showcases your career ambitions (objective);
- Curate your experience bullets, so that each one commences with a strong, action verb and is followed up by your skill and accomplishment;
- List your hard and soft skills all across different sections of your CV to ensure your application meets the requirements;
- Dedicate space to your relevant higher education diplomas and your certificates to show recruiters you have the necessary industry background.
