Traditionally makeup artists have enjoyed offering their services to a range of clientele that includes performing artists, TV personalities, brides, graduates, and everyday people who want to look their best. As the state’s film industry continues to receive more national attention, so too do North Carolina’s makeup artists who work in this burgeoning movie business.
As the regional center for entertainment, the arts, and fashion, Charlotte offers many of the state’s makeup artist opportunities, followed by Raleigh and Greensboro. EUE Screen Gem Studios in Wilmington is also an attractive employer of makeup artists, and is the largest movie and domestic television production facility in the nation located outside of California.
According to state law, as a makeup artist you must earn an Esthetician License, which is granted by the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Once this has been accomplished you will be free to pursue your artistic dreams in this expanding and exciting field that offers flexible employment prospects.
Qualifying to Become a Makeup Artist in North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Cosmetic Art Act, anyone who wants to apply makeup professionally as part of a business must hold a valid Esthetician License. To be eligible for this you will need to graduate from an approved cosmetology school that offers at least 600 hours of esthetician classes. Then you will need to complete the esthetician testing requirements through the company DL Roope.
Makeup Artist Education in North Carolina
As you complete the required 600 hours of an approved school’s esthetician curriculum you will want to focus as much as possible on the subject of makeup. You can do this in courses such as the following, which are included in the general 600-hour esthetician curriculum:
- Hygiene, disinfection, and dermatology
- Styles and techniques of makeup application
- Skin care
- Facial masks and packs
- Eyelashes, including coloring and extensions
- Eyebrow arching
- Makeup application and skin analysis
- Corrective makeup applications
- Business management and professional ethics
An important component of the esthetician education program is live practice. The following procedures will be carried out as part of your curriculum, and you can use these to emphasize your practice on subjects related to makeup artistry:
- 10 hours of mannequin facials
- 30 hours of facials using live models
- 10 hours of mannequin makeup application
- 20 hours of live model makeup application
There are several dozen approved cosmetology schools located throughout North Carolina, including:
- 15 in Charlotte
- 9 in Greensboro
- 9 in Raleigh
- 6 in Durham
- 6 in Fayetteville
- 3 in Asheville
- 3 in Greenville
- 3 in Hickory
- 3 in Jacksonville
- 3 in Spring Lake
- 3 in Winston-Salem
Becoming Licensed in North Carolina
Once you have completed the 600 hours of required education you will be qualified to take the esthetician practical and theory exams, which are both administered by the third party exam service DL Roope. These exams will evaluate your mastery of all aspects of your esthetician education program.
Upon passing your exams you can apply for an Esthetician License with the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. After you complete your education program but before you have tested with DL Roope, you can also apply for a temporary license. The temporary license will allow you to work during this interval for up to six months. Your full Esthetician License is valid for two years and can be renewed once you have completed eight credits of continuing education.
With your newly earned Esthetician License you can offer professional services, advertising yourself as a makeup artist. As such you can perform your services within licensed cosmetology and beauty salons throughout North Carolina. You can also provide makeup services to persons who are unable to come to licensed salons for a number of reasons.
Eventually you may want to consider opening up your own makeup studio or salon. To do this you will need to apply for a Cosmetic Art Shop License with the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and pass an inspection according to the rules laid out in the North Carolina Cosmetic Art Act. Once you receive a shop license you can shape your makeup salon in any way you choose.
Career Opportunities for Makeup Artists in North Carolina
Makeup artists work in a variety of settings throughout North Carolina. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the top-five industries employing makeup artists are:
- Movie and video production companies
- Personal care services
- Performing arts companies
- Television broadcasting companies
- Accounting, tax, bookkeeping, and payroll service companies
You may recognize some of the state’s best-known companies in these areas:
Film Production Studios
- Creative Network Studios in Charlotte
- Trailblazer Studios in Raleigh
- EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington
- Earl Owensby Studios near Charlotte
Professional Theatre and Performance Companies
- Carolina Ballet Company based in Raleigh
- Charlotte Ballet Academy
- Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
- Burning Coal Theatre Company in Raleigh
- Touring Theatre of North Carolina, based in Greensboro
Television and News Organizations
- WSCO, WCCB, and WCNC TV in Charlotte
- WRAL and WTVD ABC 11 TV in Raleigh, Durham, and Fayetteville
- WNCT, WITN, and WCTI TV in Greenville
Professional Makeup and Cosmetology Establishments
- Dolce Lusso Salon and Spa in Charlotte
- Swooz Hair and Makeup Salon in Charlotte
- Shine Salon in Charlotte
- Salon Eden of Raleigh
- Ginger Mullins: Wedding Hair and Makeup in Raleigh
- Makeup by b.b. in Greensboro