Nevada has two classifications of makeup artist:
- A demonstrator of cosmetics is only allowed to demonstrate cosmetics in a retail or salon setting, applying makeup that is for sale within that establishment
- An aesthetician may apply makeup and beautify, cleanse and stimulate clients’ skin
We’ve got great news if you are an aspiring makeup artist in Nevada. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada has the second highest concentration of jobs for aestheticians in the nation. Most jobs are concentrated in the larger cities of Reno and Las Vegas, as the tourism industry in these two cities provides many opportunities for makeup artists.
Nevada’s film tax credit has helped the film industry boom in the state, which has created many job openings for makeup artists in the state.
Not surprisingly, Nevada has produced some famous makeup artists, between the colorful world of Las Vegas and the film industry statewide. The highly lauded artist known simply as “SinCity Leila” is famous for serving walk-in clients and others on Las Vegas’ Strip. The makeup artist duo, Wendy Robin and Lisette Waugh, have 40 years of experience between them working on celebrities, on film and television sets and with models.
With a 32.7 percent increase in jobs for skincare specialists expected between 2012 and 2022 according to the Nevada Department of Labor, there couldn’t be a better time to become a makeup artist in Nevada.
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Nevada
The Nevada Board of Cosmetology is responsible for regulating licensing standards for makeup artists – both demonstrators of cosmetics as well as aestheticians:
Demonstrator of Cosmetics – If you wish to become a demonstrator of cosmetics in Nevada, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, of good moral character, complete a Board course on sanitation, and pass a state-mandated examination.
Aesthetician – If you wish to become an aesthetician in Nevada, you must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old and of good character with a 10th grade education at minimum.
To qualify for an esthetician license in Nevada, you must complete at least 900 hours of aesthetics training at a licensed makeup artist school or general cosmetology school. Schools are located in the following major Nevada cities:
- Las Vegas
- Carson City
- Henderson
- Reno
An education in aesthetics in Nevada will include courses in:
- Skin care
- Skin science
- Facial manipulations
- Sanitation
- Infection control
- Nevada laws
- Chemistry
- Business skills
- Client service
Makeup Artist Licensure in Nevada
Demonstrator of Cosmetics – After completing your sanitation course, you must pass the Board-mandated law and sanitation examination for demonstrators of cosmetics. This is the Nevada Law Test. Submit the Application Request Form to the Board, and they will send you information on scheduling the test. When you pass this test, your Nevada Demonstrator of Cosmetics license will be mailed to you. Your license renews every two years, during which time you must complete an infection control refresher course.
Aesthetician – After completing your aesthetics coursework in Nevada, you must pass written and practical exams in addition to the state law test. File the Application Request Form with the Board and once you are deemed eligible, the Board will send you information on how to schedule these tests.
You must pass the National – Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) written and practical aesthetics examinations. These exams will test skills and procedures that you have learned in your aesthetics coursework in Nevada, such as:
- Hair removal
- Facials
- Chemistry and anatomy
- Skin manipulation
- Cleansing
- Safety and sanitation
- Applying and removing cosmetics
- Facial mask
- Facial makeup
- Hair removal
- Facial massage
The Nevada Law Test is often administered on the same day as the written exam.
Once you have passed all three examinations, your Nevada aesthetician license will be mailed to you. Your aesthetician license renews every two years, during which time you must complete four hours of continuing education in order to maintain it (including a course in infection control).
Jobs for Makeup Artists in Nevada
Good for you! As a licensed Demonstrator of Cosmetics or a licensed Aesthetician in Nevada, you can now begin looking for makeup artist jobs!
There are many exciting job opportunities awaiting makeup artists in Nevada, and according to the Nevada Department of Labor, this trend should carry through the next decade. The resort industry employs makeup artists in its spas and salons. There are also stand-alone spas and salons all across the state. Nevada’s burgeoning film industry has created opportunities for makeup artists, as have its performing arts (particularly in theatres in Las Vegas and Reno).
Employers within these industries in Nevada include:
Resort
- Penn National Gaming, Inc. – Henderson
- Affinity Gaming, Inc. – Primm
- Harrah’s Laughlin – Laughlin
- Grand Sierra Resort and Casino – Reno
- Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas
Spas and Salons
- Casa Blanca Resort, Casino and Spa – Mesquite
- Ageless- Ascension Day Spa- Las Vegas
- Sun Valley Spa- Las Vegas
- ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. – Carson City, Henderson, Reno, Sparks, Las Vegas and Summerlin
- Bare Escentuals- Las Vegas
Film Industry
- Silver State Production Services- Las Vegas
- Benchmark Productions- Las Vegas
- Tenacity Pictures, LLC – Incline Village
- Sunrise Productions- Las Vegas
- TMG Films/Entertainment – Las Vegas
Performing Arts
- Wynn Resorts- Las Vegas
- MGM Resorts International – Las Vegas
- Cirque du Soleil- Las Vegas
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa – Reno
- Justine Make Up – Las Vegas