Missouri Makeup Artist School and Requirements

Unless you want to work strictly in makeup retail sales, you need an esthetician license to be a makeup artist in Missouri. Interestingly, cosmetologists in the state aren't trained in makeup!

Ready to learn about becoming a makeup artist in Missouri? Let's talk about how to earn your esthetician license, a bit about makeup-specific training, what retail sales may look like for makeup artists, and how much money you could make. Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in Missouri, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.

Missouri Makeup Artist Licensei

You must undergo training and pass exams to become a makeup artist via esthetician licensure. Missouri esthetician programs last 750 hours, with at least 100 hours dedicated to makeup application.

READ MORE: Learn More About Esthetician School in Missouri

To further perfect your makeup skills, consider a makeup school or training program in Missouri, in person or online. These programs typically focus on one or two skills and end in certifications that you can add to your resume and portfolio. This can show potential clients that you're always working toward being the best makeup artist you can be and attract those who want specialized treatments.

Missouri Makeup Retail Sales for Makeup Artists

If you don't want to earn a beauty license to be a makeup artist just yet, Missouri doesn't require licenses for those who work only in cosmetics retail sales. However, the state has some pretty strict rules about what you're allowed to do—and not do—without a beauty license, including:

• Yes: Assist customers in selecting and sampling cosmetics
• Yes: Help customers apply makeup without making skin-to-skin contact (single-use applicators are okay)
• No: Accept tips or other payment for makeup application
• No: Imply or state you have a license
• Yes: Keep a clean workplace and agree to any inspections

Locations for this kind of work include makeup stores like Sephora, cosmetics counters in department stores, or even major retailers like Target.

This kind of job may be great if you can't dedicate the time and money to an esthetics or cosmetology program or if you want to dip your toes in the world of Missouri cosmetology. Depending on the workplace, you could also do this if you're under the required age for licensure so you can at least get some experience.

How Much Makeup Artists in Missouri Earn

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Missouri estheticians averaged $43,940 annually ($21.13 per hour) in 2022. It also finds that retail salespeople made $34,470 ($16.57) that same year. However, the BLS only looks at those employed by others, and the estheticians include makeup artists, those who provide in-depth skincare services in medical offices, and everything in between.

Meanwhile, ZipRecruiter found that as of December 2023, Missouri makeup artists average $49,914 ($24). This site's numbers change frequently and are primarily based on job listings—meaning self-employed artists are pretty much not included.

Your potential makeup artist pay depends on your type of workplace, location, years of experience, specialties, and more. Talk to makeup artists near you to get a more specific picture of how much you could earn.

Contact the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology