6 Makeup Artists Reveal Their Best Career Advice

The beauty industry brings out a lot in the individuals that so humbly keep it in check — and work ethic is large part of how the creativity keeps flowing. We asked five of our favorite makeup artists for the best career advice they could give us — and here are the words of wisdom they had to share.

Be There for the Right Reasons

“Be authentic, show up, be thankful and humble — surround yourself with people who support your dreams. And finally, give back.” - Tim Quinn, Giorgio Armani Celebrity Makeup Artist

 

#backstage morning makeup #facefabric is BACK‼ @delinabd #supermodel #armanibeauty

A post shared by Tim Quinn (@timquinnbeauty) on Jan 25, 2018 at 7:46am PST

Keep Learning

“Continue to learn and be a student — you also shouldn’t just learn from the people above you, you should also look to your peers.” - Sir John, L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist

 

Holiday Monday.. Feels like a Sunday.✌🏽😎

A post shared by S I R J O H N (@sirjohnofficial) on Feb 19, 2018 at 4:54pm PST

Flexibility is Key

"Be easy to work with! To me, this means being responsive to email, texts, and phone calls and understanding a client's goals." - Kasey Spickard, Makeup.com Contributing Makeup Artist

 

🖌️Getting it just right🖌️ Some BTS shots from our shoot with @anna.roxene.jewelry and @renatamasheva. --- Hair by @house_of_morgen Photography by @dannybristollphoto --- Face: @shiseido Luminizing Brightener moisturizer mixed with @rcmamakeup VK10 Palette. --- Highlight: I covered her in @beccacosmetics highlighters! I used Opal on the cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow, and collar bones. I used Rose Gold on the cheeks, and Bronzed Amber as my bronzer. --- Eyes: @anastasiabeverlyhills Modern Renaissance palette. For the brows I used @anastasiabeverlyhills brow palette in medium brown. Lashes from @frendsbeauty --- Lips: @maybelline only Maybelline Shine Shot in Clear Vinyl --- #bts #makeup #makeupartist #mua #lips #lashes #mascara #glow #dewy #highlight #nyc #newyork #manhattan #beauty #beautyblogger #beautymakeup #model #photographer #motd #hair #hotd #hairstyle #waves #glam #lipstick #oldhollywood #makeupjunkie #makeupaddict #hairstyle #onset #setlife

A post shared by Kasey Adam Spickard (@thefacebykase) on Oct 12, 2017 at 11:23am PDT

What You Put In is What You’ll Get Out Of It

“Be good at saving! Make a habit of putting aside a percentage of your earnings on a regular basis for tax and business expenses especially the unforeseen ones.”  - Min Min Ma, New York City Based Makeup Artist

 

2 chickas 👯 playing with eyeliner. Go to link on my profile to watch the full video!!

A post shared by Min Min Ma (@minminmadotcom) on Sep 8, 2017 at 5:15am PDT

Say Yes, And….

“Every job is an opportunity to showcase your skill and network. So say YES whenever possible to work.” - Gabriel Almodovar, L’Oréal USA Makeup Artist and Educator.

 

In LA with @vanityfair and @viktorandrolf_fragrances #flowerbomb BTS making up @thriftsandthreads with @kt_chandler on hair.

A post shared by Gabriel Almodovar (@itsmakeupnotmagic) on Nov 8, 2017 at 9:05am PST

Emotional Intelligence Will Change Your Life

“Learning to cultivate your emotional intelligence and empathy is a key to success.  Learning to listen without judgement will increase the connection, trust and knowledge you have to make your clients happy.  Also, being collaborative and having a good reputation is everything in this business. Honor your commitments and you will leave happy experiences and memories associated with your name.” - Alex Sanchez, Lancôme National Makeup Artist.

 

Little Ashlee all grown up and gorgeous! #theappledoesnotfallfarfromthetreerosie #lancomenma #lancomeofficial #bontonbeauty #comeglamwithALEX

A post shared by Alex Sanchez (@alexlancomeusa) on Dec 5, 2017 at 3:57pm PST