Description
Apply and design makeup for clients and talent across photo, video, fashion, and live events, enhancing or transforming appearance to fit the brief, setting, and lighting while prioritizing skin health and continuity.
- • Consult with clients, directors, photographers, and talent to determine desired looks and effects.
- • Recreate looks consistently to maintain continuity across days, scenes, or events.
- • Establish and manage budgets, working within product and labor limits.
- • Apply makeup to enhance or alter appearance for photo shoots, film/TV, fashion, and live events.
- • Maintain and adjust makeup on set or location for lighting changes, wear, and continuity.
- • Select and mix products and shades to achieve specific color effects and long-wear results.
- • Cleanse, prep, and prime skin for optimal application and durability.
- • Assess skin type, tone, and sensitivities to select appropriate products and prevent irritation.
- • Review briefs, scripts, and mood boards to plan looks and changes by scene or occasion.
- • Source and maintain kit supplies, including SFX items, lashes, hairpieces, and specialty cosmetics.
- • Create face charts and photo documentation of looks, products, and steps.
- • Reference sketches, photos, and inspiration boards to achieve target aesthetics.
- • Apply basic SFX and prosthetics when required, such as aging, injuries, or illness.
- • Evaluate environment, venue size, climate, and lighting to determine makeup requirements.
- • Design or customize simple prosthetics and appliances as needed.
- • Develop look references and boards based on research into era, trend, or brand guidelines.
- • Coordinate with hair stylists and wardrobe to ensure cohesive looks.
- • Study client profiles, event details, and production notes to define makeup requirements.
- • Provide makeup removal assistance and aftercare guidance.
- • Clean and maintain brushes, sponges, airbrushes, and reusable tools; sanitize work areas.
- • Demonstrate products and teach clients application techniques for personal use.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
