1

Key Makeup Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MAC Beauty Artist

Astoria, NY · On-site

$22.25/hr

Open Availability MAC Beauty Artist Key Accountabilities: * Provide timely, welcoming, personal ... Demonstrateeffective communication skills, the well-executed, and expedient application of makeup ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist in various tasks across departments as needed, ensuring smooth ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist with in-store events, promotions, and presentations, showcasing the ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist with in-store events, promotions, and presentations, showcasing the ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist with in-store events, promotions, and presentations, showcasing the ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist with in-store events, promotions, and presentations, showcasing the ...

MAC Beauty Artist

Astoria, NY · On-site

$22.25/hr

Open Availability MAC Beauty Artist Key Accountabilities: * Provide timely, welcoming, personal ... Demonstrate effective communication skills, the well-executed, and expedient application of makeup ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist in various tasks across departments as needed, ensuring smooth ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist in various tasks across departments as needed, ensuring smooth ...

Founded by British makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist in various tasks across departments as needed, ensuring smooth ...

Showing results 41-60

Key Makeup Artist information

See salary details

$9

$25

$66

How much do key makeup artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for key makeup artist in the United States is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a key makeup artist?

Key Makeup Artists are the lead professionals responsible for designing, creating, and overseeing all makeup looks on a film, television, theater, or fashion set. They collaborate closely with directors, costume designers, and actors to develop characters’ appearances and ensure continuity throughout production. The Key Makeup Artist manages a team of makeup artists, assigns tasks, and ensures that all makeup work meets the project's creative vision and standards. Their role is essential in bringing characters to life and maintaining the overall aesthetic of the production.

How does a key makeup artist typically collaborate with other departments on set?

As a Key Makeup Artist, close collaboration with departments such as costume, hair, and lighting is essential to ensure a cohesive look that supports the production's vision. You'll often participate in pre-production meetings to align on character designs and continuity, and work closely with directors and actors to make quick adjustments as shooting progresses. Communication and flexibility are key, as makeup needs may change based on scene requirements, lighting conditions, or directorial feedback. This role requires effective teamwork and the ability to adapt your artistry to fit the overall creative direction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a key makeup artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Key Makeup Artist, you need expertise in makeup application, color theory, and skin care, often supported by a cosmetology license or specialized makeup certification. Familiarity with professional makeup brands, airbrushing equipment, sanitation protocols, and industry-standard tools is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, leadership, and strong communication skills help you collaborate with directors and manage makeup teams. These competencies ensure the creation of consistent, high-quality looks that support the artistic vision and production demands.

What is the difference between Key Makeup Artist vs Assistant Makeup Artist?

AspectKey Makeup ArtistAssistant Makeup Artist
CredentialsProfessional makeup certifications, portfolioBasic training, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads makeup team, collaborates with clients and productionSupports key artist, performs prep work
Industry UsageCommonly hired for major projects, high-profile clientsAssists on set, gaining experience

The Key Makeup Artist is responsible for leading makeup design and overseeing the team, while the Assistant Makeup Artist supports the key artist with prep and application tasks. The key artist typically has more experience and credentials, working in a leadership role, whereas the assistant is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting the team.

Is there a demand for key makeup artists?

There is steady demand for key makeup artists in the entertainment, fashion, and bridal industries, especially for film, television, and special events. Success often depends on building a strong portfolio, networking, and staying current with makeup trends and techniques. Opportunities are available in salons, production companies, and freelance work.

What kind of key makeup artist makes the most money?

Experienced key makeup artists working on high-profile projects, such as major film, television, or fashion campaigns, tend to earn the highest salaries. Those with specialized skills, strong industry connections, and a reputation for quality work often command higher rates, especially when working on large productions or with celebrity clients.

Which job is best for key makeup artists?

Key makeup artists typically work in the entertainment industry, including film, television, theater, and fashion. The most suitable jobs involve working on film sets, photo shoots, or live performances, often requiring collaboration with directors, stylists, and other production staff. Success in these roles often depends on a strong portfolio, relevant certifications, and proficiency with makeup tools and techniques.

What states have the most Key Makeup Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Key Makeup Artist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Key Makeup Artist jobs?

For Key Makeup Artist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Key Makeup Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,605 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

National Makeup Expert, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Company Description

From 1946, people of the House of Parfums Christian Dior in France and around the world embody the spirit of excellence, creativity, and the unique savoir-faire of its creator, the couturier-perfumer Christian Dior. Revolutionizing the codes of French elegance and luxury with its perfumes, combining tradition, and daring innovation in makeup and skincare, we reinvent every day the Dior style and affirm beauty and joy in its entirety.

Parfums Christian Dior is part of the LVMH Group and invites you today to join its North America team.

Job Description

Do you wish to join the House of Dreams?

In this House, you will continue to perpetuate the dream of our creator: that of a more beautiful and happier world.

You will also consolidate our vision: to become the most desirable House in the world of beauty, an absolute reference of French luxury, a symbol of joy and hope.

This vision is carried by our six values that you will embody daily as designers of dreams - values that engage and define us:

Create Passionately
Craft together with joy
Excel for ultimate luxury
Lead with audacity
Cultivate Triumphant inclusivity
Commit and act to re-enchant the world

Design your dreams with Dior

Dior is seeking a seasoned, enthusiastic professional to lead the planning and execution of its makeup events and enhance the Dior service experience throughout North America. This position is crucial for elevating the makeup business through engaging events, retail promotions, in-store training, and superior client interactions.

The Dior National Makeup Expert serves as a brand ambassador, embodying and promoting the brand's values with unwavering expertise. As an integral member of the Dior team, the role consistently exemplifies the Dior attitude and contributes to strategic business objectives. The Dior Makeup Artist is pivotal in projecting Dior's image as a leading authority in makeup artistry and trend innovation, while delivering an unparalleled standard of service to clients across all fragrance and beauty categories.

The position partners closely with the Education team in New York, Retail Excellence, Marketing, Client Experience & Events, and Field Sales teams to ensure flawless execution of Dior's makeup events at retail. The successful candidate will champion Dior's makeup expertise, strengthen service excellence, support retail teams and Dior.com through education and coaching, and reinforce Dior's leadership in the makeup category.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :
1. Dior Signature Makeup Event Execution & Makeup Service Lessons

  • Lead the implementation and execution of Dior's makeup events and host makeup service lessons to recruit new clients and drive loyalty across North America.
  • Partner closely with the New York Education team to support national makeup strategies and service excellence programs.
  • Deliver advanced makeup artistry lessons and workshops focused on Dior's signature techniques and personalized client consultation methodologies.
  • Ensure all makeup events maintain excellence in delivering Dior's luxury client experience.

2.  Client Experience Through Elevated Artistry & Expertise

  • Act as a Dior Ambassador, creating memorable and elevated client interactions that strengthen brand loyalty and drive sales.
  • Partner with retailers and internal teams to ensure the successful execution of makeup-focused events and elevated client experiences across all points of sale.
  • Ensure all makeup services and event activations consistently reflect Dior brand standards, luxury positioning, and service expectations.

3. Training, Coaching & Retail Performance Support

  • Train store teams on skill development and client engagement to improve makeup service execution and retail results.
  • Provide ongoing in-store coaching and field support to reinforce service standards and improve makeup expertise.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen makeup business performance.
  • Partner with field leadership to reinforce makeup priorities, support business objectives, and drive sales within the retail network.
  • Monitor service quality and consistency across makeup activations and provide actionable feedback to maintain excellence.

4. Makeup Product & Brand Expertise

  • Demonstrate expert knowledge of Dior's makeup philosophy, hero ingredients, product technologies, and service offerings during events and service lessons.
  • Stay current on all Dior makeup launches and innovations, integrating new product knowledge into event presentations and client experiences.
  • Serve as a makeup authority and brand expert for both internal teams and retail partners.

5. Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

  • Collaborate strategically with Global, Marketing, Retail Excellence, Client Experience & Events, Education, and Field Sales teams to align event execution with brand priorities and business goals.
  • Support key brand campaigns, product launches, and retail initiatives through event participation and field expertise.
  • Contribute insights and feedback from the field to help enhance event strategies, client experiences, and makeup business growth opportunities.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in makeup artistry, demonstrating mastery across a wide range of techniques, skin tones, and styles.
  • Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience within the beauty industry, with the ability to coach and elevate team performance.
  • Professionally trained makeup artist (formal certification or equivalent industry experience).
  • Strong ability to embody and communicate the luxury, elegance, and sophistication of the Dior brand.
  • Proven experience within a luxury retail environment, with strong sales acumen and a highly client-centric approach, particularly with VIC clientele.
  • Demonstrated client-centric selling skills, with the ability to contribute to commercial performance and elevate client experience.
  • Extensive experience across in-store activations, events, PR engagements, and editorial/backstage environments, with the ability to adapt seamlessly to different settings.
  • Experience delivering high-level artistry at makeup events, fashion shows, and on-set environments.
  • Confidence and proficiency in public speaking and presentations, including events, trainings, and media engagements.
  • Established and engaged social media presence, with the ability to create compelling, brand-aligned content and effectively connect with diverse audiences.

Skills & Attributes

  • Exceptional presentation, communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and influence teams.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects, trainings, and events simultaneously.
  • Proactive, adaptable, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced luxury retail environment.
  • Cultural awareness and adaptability to work across diverse markets and audiences.
  • Multilingual capabilities (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, or other relevant languages).
  • Experience working with high-profile clients, celebrities, or influencers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English.
  • Proficiency in digital and business tools, including social media platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Additional Information

This job description is intended to cover the core accountabilities of the position and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

LVMH Inc. uses the published salary range as a guideline to provide our employees with market competitive pay while allowing for flexibility to recognize and reward various levels of expertise, performance, and tenure.

While the published salary range is a good faith reflection of the targeted salary level for the position, LVMH Inc. reserves the right to pay outside of the published range of $85,000-$110,000.Â