do you need a license to be a makeup Artist?

In Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC , Pennsylvania, Delaware No license is required to work as a professional Makeup Artist. In most states you are not required to have a license to work as an independent Makeup Artist Beauty Salons typically require a Cosmetology or Esthetician license as you will be working with clients beyond makeup application (including skincare and additional beauty applications) in a licensed salon environment. The differences between a certified Makeup Artist and licensed Cosmetologist or Estheticians, are described below to get a better understanding of the journey that is right for you! 

What is the difference between a Certified Makeup Artist, and Cosmetologist?

CERTIFIED MAKEUP ARTIST: A certified makeup artist will specialize in makeup application. By taking a course from a makeup school, you can learn to apply makeup professionally to others, and after completing the course curriculum, receive a certificate of completion that recognizes you as a Certified Makeup Artist. COSMETOLOGIST: A Cosmetologist typically specializes in hair (cutting, coloring, styling), skin (care, treatments, cosmetics), and/or nails (manicure, pedicure, etc.). However, a Cosmetologist’s schooling curriculum will only lightly touch upon makeup artistry and professional makeup application, and many Cosmetologists who are interested in makeup will still seek to receive additional knowledge and learn from a school that specializes in Makeup Artist certification, through continuing education classes or any other additional certificate-based schooling that specifically focuses on the teaching and technical skills of makeup artistry.