Makeup artists have certainly benefitted from the prominent role that arts-related businesses play in Delaware’s economy, as these beauty professionals can be found working in everything from design/publishing and performing arts to visual/photography and film, radio, and television. According to Americans for the Arts, Delaware is home to 2,037 arts-related businesses that employee nearly 8,000 people and account for almost 4 percent of the total businesses in Delaware.
Become a makeup artist in Delaware means being part of a culture that is decidedly creative and diverse, and an economy that is supported by a flourishing arts industry.
To become a makeup artist in Delaware means becoming licensed as an aesthetician through the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. This license allows you to perform a full array of skincare services to the clients you serve, including makeup artistry services.
The Delaware Board defines aestheticians as professionals that cleanse, beautify, manipulate, and stimulate the skin, removing superfluous hair, and providing treatments that keep the skin healthy and attractive. The scope of practice for aestheticians in Delaware includes makeup application.
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Delaware
To become a makeup artist in Delaware, you must earn an aesthetician license, which requires the completion of a formal program in aesthetics that is at least 600 practice hours in duration.
You may also complete a comprehensive education and training program in aesthetics through an apprenticeship that is approved by the Board and consists of at least 1,200 hours of practice. You must be able to complete your apprenticeship in aesthetics in two years to qualify for licensure.
The Board utilizes the services of Professional Credential Services (PCS) to handle the licensing and examination process for aestheticians in Delaware. Specifically, the Board requires all candidates for licensure to apply with PCS to take and pass a written and a practical examination in aesthetics that was designed by the National-Interstate Council on State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
You can read more about the examination requirements for an aesthetician license in Delaware here.
In addition to completing the necessary training-hour and examination requirements, the Board requires you to be at least 16 years old with at least a 10th grade education to qualify for an aesthetician license in Delaware.
You must maintain your Delaware aesthetician license to continue practicing makeup artistry in the State of Delaware, which requires renewing it on March 31 of all even-numbered years.
Options for a Career in Makeup Artistry in Delaware
A valid Delaware aesthetician license allows you to practice makeup artistry in your location of choice, anywhere in the state. It allows you to apply for open jobs, work as an independent contractor (freelancer), or become a business owner. If you want to start your own makeup artistry business in Delaware, you will also need to meet the requirements for licensing and registration of your business.
You may become a freelance makeup artist in Delaware, working in salons, spas, and resorts, or you may choose to work as an employee or independent contractor for Delaware’s film, television, or theater industries. You may also focus your makeup career in Delaware on special event makeup, such as bridal/wedding services, or you may become quite adept at theatrical/performance makeup.
Wherever your makeup career takes you, you can be certain that there are plenty of opportunities in Delaware to help make your dreams a reality:
Film/Television/Commercial Production Companies
- Teleduction, Inc., Wilmington
- GEM Productions, Newark
- Positive Products, New Castle County (Christiana)
- WHYY – Delaware, Wilmington
Salons and Spas
- La Dolce Vita Spa for Wellness, Middletown
- Toppers Spa Salon, Dover
- The Bellmoor Inn & Spa, Rehoboth Beach
- Trilogy Salon & Day Spa, Newark
- Oceanova – The Spa at Ocean View, Ocean View
Theaters/Theater Production Companies
- City Theater Company, Wilmington
- Delaware Theatre Company, Wilmington
- DuPont Theatre, Wilmington