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Makeup Artist Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SmartStyle

Licensed Assistant Salon Manager

Adrian, MI · On-site

$40/hr

Up To 50% in service commissions from Day 1 * Our managers make up to $40/hour + tips (includes all ... for our design artistic team * Monthly Newsletters, Monthly Webinars * Online Reservations

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All JobsMakeup Artist JobsMakeup Artist Assistant JobsMakeup Artist Assistant Jobs in Michigan

Makeup Artist Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$22

$58

How much do makeup artist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for makeup artist assistant in Michigan is $22.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant makeup artist do?

An assistant makeup artist works under the supervision of a senior staff member as part of their on-the-job training. You can find work in a variety of venues, from a job at a salon to a support position on a photo shoot for a fashion model. Duties include making on set touch-ups with cosmetics to ensure that the makeup is flawless and fits the vision of the project. Positions also exist with modeling agencies and studios. The work is typically full-time, and you may need to travel to meet some clients. You can also find employment with upscale stores with a beauty department. You assist a customer and recommend ways to enhance their appearance.

What is a makeup artist assistant?

Makeup Artist Assistants are professionals who support makeup artists in preparing clients for events, photoshoots, film, or television. Their duties may include organizing makeup kits, cleaning brushes, prepping clients’ skin, and assisting with makeup application under the guidance of the lead artist. They also help maintain a clean workspace, manage schedules, and sometimes handle administrative tasks. This role is essential for ensuring that makeup sessions run smoothly and efficiently, providing valuable hands-on experience and learning opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career as a makeup artist.

What are the common responsibilities of a makeup artist assistant during a typical photo shoot or event?

As a Makeup Artist Assistant, you are often responsible for organizing and sanitizing makeup tools, preparing workstations, and ensuring all necessary products are readily available for the lead makeup artist. During shoots or events, you may help with makeup application touch-ups, manage schedules for models or clients, and assist in maintaining a clean and efficient workflow. Collaboration and clear communication with the lead artist and other team members, such as hairstylists and photographers, are essential to keep the process running smoothly.

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

To thrive as a Makeup Artist Assistant, you need a foundational knowledge of makeup application techniques, sanitation standards, and often a certificate from a cosmetology or makeup artistry program. Familiarity with cosmetic products, makeup brushes, and common tools, as well as experience using scheduling or inventory management systems, is highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure smooth support for lead artists, maintain client satisfaction, and contribute to the overall success of makeup projects, especially in fast-paced environments.

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

AspectMakeup Artist AssistantMakeup Artist
CredentialsBasic cosmetology or makeup courses, on-the-job trainingAdvanced makeup certifications, portfolio, experience
Work EnvironmentAssist in makeup application, support team, backstage or studioPerform makeup applications independently, client-facing roles
Employer & Industry UsageSalons, studios, film sets, eventsFreelance, salons, fashion shows, film & TV productions

The Makeup Artist Assistant typically supports and assists makeup artists, focusing on preparation and support tasks. In contrast, a Makeup Artist performs independent makeup applications, working directly with clients or on productions. The assistant role is often an entry-level position, while the makeup artist role requires more experience and certifications.

How to be a makeup artist assistant with no experience?

To become a makeup artist assistant with no experience, focus on gaining basic knowledge of makeup application through online tutorials or courses, and develop good communication and organizational skills. Volunteering or offering to assist at local events or salons can provide practical experience and help build industry connections. Having a positive attitude and willingness to learn are important for entry-level roles in this field.

How to become a makeup artist assistant?

To become a makeup artist assistant, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions is essential, along with developing skills in makeup application, sanitation, and client communication. Familiarity with makeup products, tools, and industry standards can improve job prospects, and some roles may require a cosmetology or beauty certification. Building a portfolio and networking within the industry can also help secure opportunities.
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Makeup Artist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Makeup Artist Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 14% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,850 per year, or $22 per hour.

Freelance Makeup Artist - Somerset Collection - Troy, MI

Westman Atelier

Troy, MI • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Westman Atelier
A new standard of clean luxury. Founded by world-renowned editorial makeup artist Gucci Westman, Westman Atelier is a curated edit of skin-loving, performance-first makeup that is always effortless, never overdone. A mother, makeup artist, and champion of holistic living, Gucci believes passionately that 'luxury', 'efficacy' and 'clean' can be synonymous with exceptional makeup.
  • A skincare approach to high performance make-up formulated with clean ingredients and no-compromise integrity
  • Balancing perfect shades and buttery textures that melt into the skin with plant-based actives and cutting-edge science

About Our Founder
Gucci Westman has more than 20 years of professional experience as a major editorial makeup artist, contributing to publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Gucci is known for creating dewy, supernaturally glowy looks and her highly coveted "second-skin approach" to makeup, resulting in naturally beautiful, radiantly amplified skin.
Position Summary
Westman Atelier is seeking an energetic Makeup Artist with a passion for clean, luxury beauty to represent the brand in-store while providing the highest level of customer experience. This position will be responsible for developing and maintaining customer loyalty through exceptional customer experience, product education, and clienteling. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit, drive for excellence, and a true ambassador for Westman Atelier.
Responsibilities:
  • Achieve daily sales goals through in-store service and supporting at vendor events
  • Provide exceptional customer experience with makeup services; showcase excellent makeup skills, fitting with the unique Westman Atelier product application
  • Educate customers on brand product knowledge to create brand awareness, and assist them with product selection through demonstration and application
  • Actively participate in and complete online learning - Grooming & Procedures
  • Adhere to proper hygiene guidelines when demonstrating products on clients
  • Assist with maintaining the required inventory practices while in-store
  • Maintain excellent VM standards and regularly clean + restock the counter/gondolas, tools, and tester units
  • Adhere to brand and retailer image guidelines, standards, and practices at all times
  • Regularly and effectively communicate with leadership to keep them informed and updated on all actions/events.
  • Build a close relationship and work partnership with the in-store category managers; Work effectively with store personnel, store management and sales and education teams.

Requirements:
  • 1-2 years of beauty/skin care sales experience; Makeup Artistry degree or certification in similar capacity, a plus
  • Familiarity with beauty retail environments; Sephora experience, preferred
  • Demonstrated success handling customer matters in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to travel to various retailers within region
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including nights, weekends and special events
  • A high level of ownership, accountability, and initiative
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Passion for clean luxury beauty

Apply