As a makeup artist, I've encountered a range of reactions when I tell people what I do. This ranges from excitement, admiration and interest in my craft, to the assumption of "oh you're one of those". For many, the image of a makeup artist is tied to the ideas of being shallow, insecure, or even unintelligent. It's frustrating, because nothing could be further from the truth.
The Stereotypes We Face
If you're in the beauty industry, you've probably heard it all. People think you're obsessed with looks, that you must be insecure if you're so focused on appearances, or that your work can't possibly require any real skill or intelligence. It can be disheartening to see someone's face drop when they realise you're not in a more traditionally respected role, and self-admittedly I have felt a sense of shame admitting to people what I do on occasion. I fear I will be viewed as someone who is all surface, no depth when I say "I am also a makeup artist", which is totally untrue. My reasoning for the passion I possess for this trade is no more than the love for creativity and empowerment.
The Reality Behind the Craft
Being a makeup artist requires far more than the ability to blend eyeshadow or pick the perfect lipstick shade. It’s an art, a science, and a form of storytelling. We work with faces as our canvas, using color, texture, and light to enhance natural beauty or create dramatic transformations. It’s about understanding bone structure, skin tone, and the physics of how different products interact. We’re constantly learning—new techniques, new products, and even new ways to communicate with clients to help them feel their best.
But beyond the technical skills, makeup artistry is about connection. Our clients come to us with stories, emotions, and often vulnerabilities. We listen, we support, and we give them the confidence to face whatever moment they’re preparing for—whether it’s their wedding day, a photo shoot, or just a night out where they want to feel amazing. There’s a deep sense of trust and responsibility in what we do, and that emotional intelligence is just as important as any skill with a brush.
The Misconception of Insecurity
It’s ironic, really—because makeup, for me, has always been about empowerment, not insecurity. Yes, it’s about appearances, but it’s about celebrating appearances, about enhancing what’s already there, about self-expression and creativity. When someone suggests that makeup artists, or those who wear makeup, must be insecure, it shows a lack of understanding of why we do what we do.
Many of us in the beauty industry came to makeup as a way to express ourselves or to help others feel confident in their own skin. Far from being shallow, makeup allows us to dive deep into human emotions, helping clients embrace their unique beauty or create the bold persona they wish to project. Anyone who knows me knows I am barefaced 90% of the time, and so the idea of makeup as a security blanket doesn't correlate in my lifestyle at all.
Intelligence Isn’t Just Academic
There’s also the stereotype that makeup artists aren’t “smart.” The assumption seems to be that if you didn’t choose a traditional academic path, your work must not be intellectually challenging. But being successful in this industry requires more than just artistry—it demands a deep understanding of business, marketing, psychology, and communication.
We juggle multiple clients, manage our own brands, adapt to the demands of changing trends, and work in high-pressure environments where timing and precision are everything. Building a loyal clientele means mastering the art of customer service, understanding different personality types, and adapting to the unique needs of every face and person we encounter. That takes not just skill, but sharp intelligence and emotional awareness.
Defying the Labels
The truth is, makeup artistry is as complex and fulfilling as any other creative profession. It’s a mix of science and art, logic and creativity, technical skill and emotional connection. But the stereotypes linger, and they can be tough to shake off.
It’s important to speak up when people underestimate the value of our work. By sharing the depth of our knowledge and the passion behind what we do, we can break down these assumptions, proving that makeup artists are far from the shallow, insecure, or unintelligent caricatures some may imagine. We are creatives, businesspeople, psychologists, and above all, professionals with a deep love for our craft.
So the next time someone questions your intelligence or worth as a makeup artist, or in any other profession for that matter remember this: your artistry, your skill, and the joy you bring to others speak louder than any stereotype ever could.
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