Job opportunities for makeup artists in Kansas include working as a cosmetics company representative, salon professional, freelance makeup artist, theater troupe and entertainment industry artist, or providing makeup services for special events like weddings.
The growing demand nationwide for health, beauty and wellness services – including makeup artistry – can also be seen in Kansas. Even as a fledgling makeup artist, you will have a huge range of industries to choose from, all of which can lead to a long and successful career.
A career that starts in retail sales at a hip shop like the MAC Cosmetics outlet in Topeka, could lead to starting your own wedding makeup and hair company, or even landing a job in film production.
Regardless of the specific field that you enter, working as a makeup artist can prove to be one of the most rewarding career choices available in the beauty industry.
Education and Licensing for Makeup Artists in Kansas
To work with the skin and apply makeup professionally in Kansas, you’ll need to qualify for a cosmetology or esthetics license by meeting training requirements set by the Kansas Board of Cosmology:
- A cosmetology school will train you in hair care, nail care, makeup application, and skin care. Cosmetologist applicants must complete at least 1,500 hours of training.
- An esthetician license will focus mainly on skin care and makeup. Esthetician applicants must complete at least 1,000 hours of training.
Other general qualifications include:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Pass the appropriate Ergometrics exam
- Submit an application for licensure
- Must include a $45 application fee
There are more than 30 accredited schools in Kansas that offer courses and training for cosmetologists and estheticians. These schools will give you the instruction that you need to pass your licensing examination, as well as the hands on experience that will help you start a successful career in the beauty industry.
Maintaining Licensure
After earning your license, you must keep it current. You will be notified by mail at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license. Kansas has implemented the option to apply for license renewal online. The renewal fee for licenses is $45 and you must complete a renewal exam, and submit it along with the renewal application showing that you achieved a score of at least 75%.
Beginning your Career as a Makeup Artist in Kansas
One of the most popular jobs for makeup artists is working for a cosmetology retailer, such as Avon, MAC Cosmetics, Aveda or Nordstrom. These types of jobs will allow you to work as a salesperson and advocate for quality products, while also working to provide quality makeup service to discerning clients.
Another option that many makeup artists chose is to work at a salon or spa. Kansas is home to a number of excellent establishments, many of which will allow you to utilize the other skills you learned while earning a cosmetology or esthetician license. Among the most prominent salons and spas are:
- Trove Total Body Studio – Wichita, KS
- All About Faces, Inc – Wichita, KS
- Voga Salon – Overland Park, KS
You may also choose to go a completely independent route with your career and begin working as a freelance makeup artist. Working independently will allow you to develop your own style and portfolio as a makeup artist and allow you to do a wide range of makeup work.
If you would like to see examples of successful independent makeup artists for ideas of how to begin your own practice, take a look at Nicole Lanae and Jolie Carriollo-Allen.