South Dakota is home to talented makeup artists that work in a variety of fields that range from movie and television production to the performing arts and the beauty salon industry. You too can be a part of this dynamic field of professionals and find your niche doing exactly the kind of makeup artistry you enjoy.
As a makeup artist in South Dakota, you will have the opportunity to pursue your dreams in a field that rewards you with satisfied clients, career flexibility, and an income that allows you to enjoy the life of an independent professional.
If you intend to work professionally as a makeup artist in South Dakota you must become licensed by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, in association with the state’s Cosmetology Commission. Once you receive your license you can start pursuing your career goals.
There are currently no statewide licensing regulations that specifically address permanent makeup artists. Until a time when there is however, to apply permanent makeup you will need to become licensed as a tattoo artist. State legislation related to this topic leaves the door open for cities and counties to make their own laws regarding the regulation of permanent makeup artists, so it is also a good idea for you to check the local laws in your area.
Meeting the Requirements to Become a Makeup Artist in South Dakota
You have the choice between two different licenses which both will allow you to work as a makeup artist:
- Esthetician License – requires completion of an approved 600-hour esthetician curriculum
- Cosmetology License – requires completion of an approved 2,100-hour cosmetology curriculum
Both these licenses are issued by the state’s Department of Labor and Regulation in conjunction with the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. You can earn either of these licenses once you have completed your education and passed a practical, written, and state law examinations.
With an esthetician license you will be permitted to perform all of the following services for your clients:
- Application of makeup
- Skin care that includes beautifying, exfoliating, and massaging
- Skin care that includes the application of facial treatments and masks
- Removal of superfluous hair
- Grooming, application, and tinting of eyebrows and eyelashes
Having a cosmetology license will allow you to perform all the services of an esthetician, plus the services associated with hair stylists and nail technicians:
- Hair stylist, including activities like curling, braiding, and cutting
- Nail technician, including manicures and pedicures
Makeup Artist Education in South Dakota
You must complete your esthetician or cosmetologist education from one of six approved schools in South Dakota. All schools provide training for cosmetologists, and there are currently two schools that provide training for estheticians. These are located in the cities of:
- Rapid City – includes esthetician courses
- Sioux Falls – includes esthetician courses
- Sturgis
- Watertown
The esthetician and cosmetologist course subjects your beauty college offers will overlap for the study of makeup artistry and esthetics, and will include the following topics:
- Makeup application, including to the face and eyelashes
- Infection control and safety procedures
- Scientific concepts of skin and makeup
- Facial skin treatments
- Facial and body massage techniques
- Eyebrow shaping and hair removal
- Business ethics, practices, and management
Makeup Artist Jobs and Career Opportunities in South Dakota
From the salon industry to film production and special event artistry, South Dakota’s makeup artists enjoy a diverse array of career opportunities.
Beauty Salons and Cosmetic Companies in South Dakota
Beauty salons and day spas are one of the largest employers of makeup artists in South Dakota. As you gain experience and make a name for yourself you may consider inquiring about employment with some of the state’s top names:
- Platinum Imagination in Sioux Falls
- Laura McElroy Beauty in Sioux Falls
- Jillian Gunlicks in Sioux Falls
- Beauty by Kat in Sioux Falls
- Hair by Georgia in Rapid City
- AJ’s Wicked Salon and Spa in Rapid City
Cosmetic companies and retail outlets also advertise for skilled makeup artists, with recent opportunities at:
- Clinique in Sioux Falls was recently seeking a Cosmetic Sales Consultant
- SalonCentric in Rapid City, a subsidiary of L’Oreal USA, was recently seeking a Retail Store Assistant Manager
- JC Penny in Sioux Falls was recently seeking a Sephora Product Consultant and a Salon Customer Experience Specialist
- Empire Mall at Bare Escentuals in Sioux Falls was recently seeking a Beauty Ambassador
Film Production in South Dakota
With picturesque farmland scenery and historic cities, South Dakota is featured in many feature-length films. The state is also home to local production studios like Skydoor Studios in Rapid City. As a skilled makeup artist, you may find yourself working on the set of the next big picture to be shot on location in South Dakota, joining the list of credited makeup artists from movies like:
- Armageddon
- Crazy Horse
- Into the Wild
- Starship Troopers
- Thunderheart
- Mercury Rising
Local Events for Makeup Artists
Makeup artists are also involved in the performing arts and musical events in South Dakota, adding their skills to events and organizations throughout the state:
- LifeLight Music Festival – attracts hundreds of thousands of fans and some of the biggest names in the genre of Christian music
- The Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls – hosts regular theatre and dance events
- Aberdeen Community Theatre
- Rapid City is home to several theatre troupes that put on regular shows:
- The Black Hills Playhouse
- The Black Hills Community Theatre
- Storybook Island Theatre