Celebrity Makeup Artists-who can hold such title?

The term "makeup artist" or its abbreviated form: "MUA," are used far too loosely and everyone categorizes themselves as such, when in reality many are simply makeup enthusiasts or aficionados. The same applies to the term: "Celebrity Makeup Artist." It seems to be given to just about any freelance makeup artist. Artists feel that doing makeup for a single celebrity such as an actor, recording artist, reality TV star, or an adult film star magically transforms them into a celebrity makeup artist. That is not the case.

A celebrity makeup artist is one who primarily or only works with celebrities on a continuous basis. Their clientel consists of famous and notable celebrities. A makeup artist whom is represented by one of the top agencies in the U.S. and I were communicating via an online social media about this topic. I found it very humbling on her behalf to not consider herself a celebrity makeup artist despite working with celebrities on a regular basis. She explained to me that at celebrity makeup artist usually only works with celebrities and does not do bridal work on the side or sweet 16 makeup, etc. Also, such artists have been in the celebrity makeup business for approximately four years.

When I think of celebrity makeup artists, the late Kevyn Aucoin, Troy Jensen, Carol Shaw, Scott Barnes, Sam Fine, Joanna Schlip, Billy B, & Pati Dubroff are a few of the names that come to mind. These artists are the most sought after celebrity makeup artists that are booked months and years in advance for advertising campaigns, red carpet events, galas etc but the famous. If your work is up to par with theirs and you book most of the same clientel they do on continuous basis, then by all means, you are definitely a celeb MUA.

Now, before classifying yourself as as such, does your work reflect that of a celebrity makeup artist? Take a look at your book and note how many photos of celebrities are in it, is most if not all of your clientel celebrities? Let your work speak for itself and if you constantly work with celebs, you will be known as being a celebrity MUA without having to give yourself such title.

*Image copyright of Mirrors