10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE BECOMING A MAKEUP ARTIST

Being a makeup artist is one of those careers that most often gets viewed more as a hobby or casual than other careers. It may not be as "professional" as say a lawyer, but it still is a career that takes years of training and practice to be successful! It's not just all fun and games sometimes and I wanted people going into the career to be aware of the things that come with the job.
However, it is still THE MOST rewarding career I've ever done before and I'm definitely going to do another video on the positives of it as well :)
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PRODUCTS USED:
Too Faced Multi-Use Concealer (Light Beige): go.magik.ly/ml/1fjf6/
Morphe 45O Eyeshadow Palette: go.magik.ly/ml/1mnve/
L'Oreal Voluminous WP Mascara: go.magik.ly/ml/1fkkg/
Tatti TL4 Lashes: tattilashes.com/en-us/product...
Lancome Care & Glow Foundation (230W): go.magik.ly/ml/1mnvh/
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder: go.magik.ly/ml/1m2fy/
LA Girl Pro Concealer (Beautiful Bronze): go.magik.ly/ml/1mnvj/
Tower 28 Cream Blush (After Hours): go.magik.ly/ml/1mnvv/
Nabla Skin Glazing (Ozone):go.magik.ly/ml/1mnvt/
*Blush was used for lipstick color as well
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Pre-filled business templates for makeup artists to make bookkeeping easy! Bridal contract, consultation template, and accounting template available!
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EQUIPMENT:
Camera: Sony A600 & Sony ZV-1
Editing Software: @Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
Music: @Epidemic Sound
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[@RaquelAlbaBeauty]

These are all things I definitely wish I knew before I started! I didn’t realize how much admin, behind the scenes, marketing, etc is required! 😅 It’s A LOT. It’s sad how so many treat makeup artists as “the bottom tier” in wedding vendors. They’re typically the ones booked last and considered the “cheapest.” Ugh 😣 We do so much work and spend so much damn money on our kits, lighting, etc!!

[@julieruby]

Yes for sure!! Another MUA and I were just talking about how other vendors always are seen as more important and it does definitely get me down a little sometimes. We do quite a bit more than ppl realize!

[@tinab.1068]

Yes! I totally agree with the draining part regarding making small talk. Also, you have to be very responsible with your money coming in vs out. It's sooo easy to buy yourself into debt. You have to realize that what u consider common courtesy others don't. They may think that you can just throw makeup on people they add at the last minute . U have to have a thick skin.

[@julieruby]

Thank you for sharing this Tina! I totally agree with everything you said. We do have to have thick skin sometimes bc after all… it is a customer service job at its core!

[@miriamcombe3033]

I’m just beginning this Mua journey and I cannot say how GLAD I found your channel. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@julieruby]

I’m so glad you’ve been loving the videos! Please consider subscribing if you haven’t :) thank you so much 😊

[@makeupbyrowyn]

i totally agree about all the downsides of it. i hate that i never ever have weekends off because that’s when my family and boyfriend has off work. also not being able to cancel/rearrange/call in to work is hard too because i have been really sick and still had to work a wedding even though i really should have “called into work”… we literally don’t have the option to do that in this profession. it’s exhausting. and the admin work is exhausting, and even just posting on social media feels like a full time job

[@julieruby]

Agree with everything you said!! It’s an overall exhausting career field and I feel like we don’t get much credit for doing what we do. I definitely should’ve mentioned social media as being a separate job on its own 😅

[@ericacopper9906]

Julie I legitimately LOVE you. Your videos are so helpful and literally touch on every question and every concern. Thank you!

[@julieruby]

Aww you are so sweet thank you so so much!!

[@anonanon9737]

I’m going to be a teacher but for as long as I could remember people have told me I should do make up. I am good at it on myself but I did my nieces for a quince for the first time and I felt a spark when I realized how happy she was with her results. I just graduated from college and signed a teaching contract. I do want to do training over the summer (next summer) and get certified in professional make up artistry. I have always wanted more training specifically for make up. Wish me luck 🙂

[@julieruby]

Oh that’s amazing!! I’m so happy for you and your new journey in life :) Makeup artistry like teaching is such a rewarding career!

[@Wpopurple]

Yes! Love this video style. Whenever you talk to us while doing your makeup, it’s my favorite because not only learning from what you’re saying but also learning by watching you ❤

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much!! I personally love this style as well from others. I’m really glad you love it!

[@arielmm]

Thank you so much for this video! It is so helpful.

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much Ariel!! I'm so glad you loved the video :)

[@JustJenniferTVshow]

🎉 really great video! I love hearing other artists being so honest ❤

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much!! Yes I’m all about transparency on this channel. Glad you loved the video :)

[@ilovemarcandjlo18]

Hi Julie, Thank you for sharing your wise advice x

[@julieruby]

Anytime girl!!

[@ElisisLiong]

Thanks for the video which is very helpful. It set an insight for me as I'm thinking to sign up for online makeup academy certificate next year and husband totally support me for doing it. 🥰

[@julieruby]

Yes go for it girl!! It’s such a great program :)

[@roxiebran1997]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I just love you Julie. I really needed to hear your words 🙏💙

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much!! I’m really glad the videos have been helping you :)

[@kaciemacdonald4182]

I really appreciate this!

[@julieruby]

I’m so glad to hear that!! Thanks!

[@tahirah9611]

Ahhhh the 1st time I am the 1st commenter on a video lol. I have been binge watching your channel for days. Now starting out on my journey to being a mua. Your content is just what i needed.

[@julieruby]

Yay!! Congrats on being the first :) I’m so glad you’ve been loving all the videos and hope you like this one as well!

[@wishlist_12wishlist55]

What you've said about being confident/ gaining confidence is true for any job field really.. thank you for the insights!🌻

[@julieruby]

Yes being a makeup artist is just another job and I think people forget that. It’s just a more unique one but the same concepts apply!

[@mariacastaneda9583]

Thank you Julie. 💙

[@julieruby]

Glad you enjoyed the video!!!

[@canelami1285]

Thank you for sharing! I'm just learning/starting my MUA journey, not sure what I'll specialize in but at least i know what to expect in bridal♡

[@julieruby]

I'm so glad you like the video!! You don't have to necessarily know immediately what you want to specialize in. To me, its kind of like when you enter into college. You almost have to experiment with different things to be able to know what you like :)

[@canelami1285]

@@julieruby so true! I'm taking the OMA course, never wore makeup when i was younger, just got into it the last 2yrs so i literally am just experimenting on myself and slowly going thru the class, so I really feel like I'm starting at ground zero. Thankfully I can take my time I have no rush to start my business.

[@makeupbyrowyn]

all this is facts 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@julieruby]

❤️❤️

[@Jessiemess85]

Awesome video Ruby! Thanks to you and other artists on this app, I have learned so many amazing things that are helping me get clients and giving me confidence in my work! I do bridal touch up kits now, bc of you, mine are a tad different bc I didn't want to copy you 100% 😄 but the clients appreciate it so much and I love seeing their face when I give it to them and explain what's all in there. You're awesome girl! Keep it up!

[@julieruby]

I’m so glad to hear this Jessica :) Btw my first name is Julie and last name is Ruby! I know it’s confusing since Ruby could be a first name too (thank my husband) 😂 thank you for continuing to watch the videos!

[@Jessiemess85]

@@julieruby omg 🙈 I feel so dumb! I know your name 🤣 I've been watching your videos for just about as long ad you've been posting. I have a tendency to type too fast and not check what I sent 😬 And also sometimes my keyboard edits out some of the things i type. So sorry 🤣😂

[@Jessiemess85]

See what I mean? I meant *as and typed ad. Sheesh. I need to go to bed 🤣

[@julieruby]

@@Jessiemess85 Haha it’s all good!!

[@baninrahimi9912]

Very helpful ❤

[@julieruby]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ruthmelicharles5062]

Thank you for sharing these tips. They are valuable. In 2 weeks, I'll start my course at the London School of Make-up. I'm in my late 30s, with 2 degrees and can't find a rewarding job. I'm tired looking for an opportunity, so I'm creating my own. I love makeup. I'm self taugh but now I want to turn my passion into profits, so here I am. You're gorgeous and that makeup was 🔥. 🎉

[@julieruby]

Aww I’m so glad you found a job that you love and good on you for seeking out a formal education :) I wish you all the best!

[@Verbsdescribeus]

Dear Julie, you are so right regarding the perception of makeup artistry as career a decade ago, still there are people like Lisa Elridge with 20 years of experience in the field. Since you pointed out money issues, I want to know why do you limit yourself to only bridal makeup? You can do makeup for so many other fields: magazine shootings, music videos, advertising, movies, fashion, TV (I remember you said you worked on a show in some year)

[@julieruby]

As far as the unstable income, it’s not just from being a bridal artist. Your income as a makeup artist will always fluctuate because of the fact that you are a freelancer and in business for yourself. It comes with the territory. I now am able to support myself but it’s definitely hard to get enough of a clientele base to start off. I personally do not like working on film or tv as a makeup artist. Each artist has their own niche. Plus, I do not live in an area where that is a common thing that happens here. I do however work photoshoots besides doing bridal.

[@Verbsdescribeus]

@@julieruby thank you for your extended answer and congratulations for following your dream from such an early age. it is really interesting that you say that each MUA has a niche in the US. In Europe there is no such thing. For example, Ali Andreea does makeup for models at Paris Fashion Show, as well as for private clients, but she does so well on social media that she said that she can stop anytime applying makeup on people.

[@VijaySubha1]

Wow!ur luk is so gud & beautiful!I saw some pro mua's sharing some good & bad experiences they underwent during their services. I understand their intent is for making ppl understand about hardships that comes with the profession but do you think its ok to share such experiences. Secondly, glamzilla posted on tiktok abt the difference of opinions between pro mua's & beauty influencers. wud like to know ur thoughts abt it. Finally, in ur last video, u talked abt hairstylist who cancelled on a bride & u referred ur secondary artist for hairstyling. If wedding venues, bridal dressmakers, hairstylists have a good connections, maybe they can also refer pro mua's to clients. I wud luv ur thoughts abt this

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much! I personally think it’s great to share experiences whether positive or negative. If we didn’t share than people that are thinking of being a makeup artist will never know. I personally think that there is a huge difference between beauty influencers and pro MUAS. Pro MUAS make the majority of their income doing makeup on others and have professional training to do so whereas beauty influencers do it solely for social media exposure. Completely different :) Yes you are right … it’s all about connections! All wedding vendors have our referral lists and we refer our brides to those people :)

[@shushnow3812]

There’s a first time for everything, key is not to let them see u sweat, it’s always a light positive we got this attitude! For example I send my brides tips for a smooth wedding day. One tip I just added is if anyone has to put a dress over hair n makeup instead of step into a dress to have someone hold a towel over their face and head. And low n behold had my first BM ask me for help get her dress on over her head. I have literally taped boobs into place before and worked runways so I have np seeing people half naked. But It threw me for a loop bc It had so many spaghetti straps, and I had no idea and it was on her but twisted! I was starting to pray for divine inspiration when the bride came into the bathroom and we got it on her without makeup getting on dress. Victory! But BM was upset with herself that she didn’t ask to get dress on before hair n makeup. That’s not feasible most of the time unless she is the last one and protected by a cape bc the photographer likes to take pics of all the gowns together, etc so I’m ordering face n hair protectors for my kit! Do you or anyone else have them?

[@julieruby]

Very true! As long as you act confident your clients will trust you more :) No I personally have not had an issue with clients messing up their makeup while putting dresses on. However, thanks for sharing this experience!

[@reemelsayed1629]

Great video, I Really admire your efforts, I learned a lot from you 😊 I have been working as a hair and makeup artist for 4 years but with companies, I really wanted to start my own I found it a little hard to get clients because all my good reviews it’s on the companies website not for my own , do you think it’s good to start the knot ?

[@julieruby]

Hi Reem! Thank you so much :) It’s definitely hard to branch out on your own. The best way to advertise is through Instagram in my opinion. The majority of sites I’ve paid for to advertise I paid WAY more than I actually made off of them. I personally haven’t tried the Knot so I can’t speak on that unfortunately. I just know that there are a ton of great resources that you don’t have to pay for :)

[@andreahawkins5890]

I got certified and use brand new products on each client. Yes it is expensive. I only offer free services for music videos in the past for new artists and that way both of our work becomes a portfolio 😅❤

[@julieruby]

Wow! How many clients do you take at one time? I feel like they would be very costly to change out products like that! There are several ways to remain 100% hygienic without having to buy all brand new products each time. Your overhead would decrease significantly!

[@sandyventura4897]

Julie how much time ahead should the bridal party be ready by? How much time before their ceremony?

[@julieruby]

Hi! This completely depends on your brides timeline for when they need to be ready by. Each wedding is different and is normally designated by the photographer.

[@iamzulfiyamusic]

Hi! What are some of your favorite brushes?

[@julieruby]

Hey! I’m going to be going over all the brushes in my brush kit for my 25 Days of Kitmas series within the next couple of days :)

[@brendabroons64]

What are the best foundations to consider to avoid flash photographs?

[@julieruby]

Hi! Any foundation without an SPF or lower than SPF 15 will work! Also avoid any powders with Talc in them :)

[@brendabroons64]

@@julieruby Thanks so much for your quick response. Love your videos and how open you are to share your tips and tricks with all of us. Congratulations on your well-deserved success! You're an inspiration! 👏

[@Jamyar]

So do i need to get a makeup certificate to work?

[@julieruby]

Whether you actually "need" a license or certification depends on your state board requirements. It's different depending on where you live! however, I was just mentioning that having a certification does show that you have gotten the proper training to work as a makeup artist. Plus it's just another credential you can have too :)

[@BilalDemiroglu]

Hello julıe It is happiness to be with you, I love you, I came down to earth only for your unique beautiful soul, dear beautiful person.

[@julieruby]

Aww thank you!! I hope you have great happiness that comes to you as well :)

[@BilalDemiroglu]

@@julieruby thanks my love

[@Emmalynrosie]

Yeah this is why I am going to marry a man of means. No job for me ! 😄💅🏻🫧🎀🎀💘

[@julieruby]

Haha whatever works! It is a lot of work being a makeup artist, but it's definitely very rewarding at the same time.