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Makeup Artist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

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Makeup Artist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$26

$69

How much do makeup artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for makeup artist in Riverside, CA is $26.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $25.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges makeup artists face when working on set for photo or film shoots?

Makeup artists working on set often encounter challenges such as adapting looks for different lighting conditions, managing last-minute changes requested by directors or clients, and ensuring makeup remains fresh during long hours of shooting. Collaboration with photographers, stylists, and talent is key to achieving the desired look while staying on schedule. Being prepared with a well-organized kit and staying flexible helps makeup artists handle the dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environment of production sets.

What is the difference between Makeup Artist vs Cosmetologist?

AspectMakeup ArtistCosmetologist
CredentialsTypically requires makeup certification or trainingRequires state licensing, including training in hair, skin, and nails
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, fashion, special eventsSalons, spas, salons, beauty clinics
Industry UsageFocuses on makeup application and designProvides comprehensive beauty services including hair, skin, and nails

While both Makeup Artists and Cosmetologists work in the beauty industry, Makeup Artists specialize in makeup application for various media and events, often requiring specific makeup certifications. Cosmetologists have a broader scope, including hair, skin, and nails, and must obtain state licensing. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their beauty needs.

What qualifications do you need as a makeup artist?

Makeup artists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue specialized training through cosmetology or makeup artistry programs. Certification or licensing requirements vary by location, and skills in color theory, hygiene, and proficiency with makeup tools are essential for success in the field.

How much money can a makeup artist make?

Makeup artists' earnings vary based on experience, location, and clientele, with the median annual salary in the United States around $40,000 to $50,000. Freelance makeup artists or those working in high-end salons, film, or fashion can earn significantly more, especially with specialized skills and a strong portfolio.

What do makeup artists do?

Makeup Artists are beauty specialists who apply cosmetics for their clients. They highlight their clients’ best features for special occasions like weddings, fashion shoots, or television and movies appearances. They can be self-employed or work for a boutique or brand in a department store. They are skilled in applying makeup to hide blemishes, contour faces, and create artwork using their model’s face as a blank canvas.

How do you get a job as a makeup artist?

To become a makeup artist, gaining relevant training or certification in cosmetology or makeup artistry is essential. Building a portfolio of work, gaining experience through internships or assisting established artists, and networking within the industry can help secure employment in salons, fashion, film, or special events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a makeup artist?

To thrive as a Makeup Artist, you need expertise in makeup application, color theory, facial anatomy, and product knowledge, often supported by a cosmetology license or professional certification. Familiarity with cosmetic brands, makeup brushes, airbrush systems, and sanitation standards is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work under pressure help makeup artists stand out in this role. These skills ensure client satisfaction, safe practices, and the ability to adapt looks for different settings and occasions.

What is a makeup artist?

Makeup artists are professionals who use cosmetic products and techniques to enhance or alter a person's appearance for various occasions, such as weddings, photo shoots, film, television, and theater. They are skilled in applying makeup to highlight features, create special effects, or achieve a specific look requested by clients or directors. Makeup artists often work in salons, on set, or as freelancers, and must stay updated on the latest beauty trends and products. Their expertise can range from everyday beauty makeup to intricate prosthetics and character transformations.

Is there a demand for makeup artists?

Yes, there is ongoing demand for makeup artists in industries such as fashion, entertainment, weddings, and special events. Success often depends on skills, portfolio, certifications, and networking, with opportunities available in salons, freelance work, and media productions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Makeup Artist jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Makeup Artist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Makeup Artist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Makeup Artist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Makeup Artist jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Makeup Artist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Makeup Artist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Makeup Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Makeup Artist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,881 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Insomniac - Nocturnal Wonderland 2026 Seasonal Entertainment Makeup Artist

Livenation

San Bernardino, CA

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Live Nation rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Summary:

WHO ARE YOU?

Do you enjoy dance music? Do you excel at costume or character makeup styles? Then you're in luck! We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter who embodies both a passion for dance culture and a love of the event operations space. Is this you? Read on...

WHO ARE WE?
Insomniac produces some of the most innovative, immersive music festivals and events in the world. Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics and sound design, large-scale art installations, theatrical performers and next generation special effects, our events captivate the senses and inspire a unique level of fan interaction. The quality of the Headliner experience is our top priority.

Insomniac produces 10,000 concerts, club nights and festivals for seven million attendees annually across the globe. Since its inception, Insomniac's events have taken place in 13 countries across five continents. The company's premiere annual event, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, is the world's largest dance music festival and attracts more than 525,000 fans over three days. The company was founded by Pasquale Rotella and has been based in Los Angeles since it was formed in 1993.

THE ROLE

Insomniac Events is seeking a highly motivated and proactive Entertainment Makeup Artist to join our Entertainment team with focus on costume and character makeup. This position reports to the Entertainment Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Execute makeup looks styled to an approved design for performers of events.

  • Duplicate work on a regular basis & within a team to ensure conformity and consistency in look appearance.

  • Cooperate with lead artist or director to achieve the desired end effect when applying makeup.

  • Work closely with a variety of performers in the application of makeup during show run, rehearsals, preparation, and show changes.

  • Read entertainment department look books to ascertain the appropriate materials and the look required.

  • Ensure makeup looks are photo ready and well-applied in day & night settings.

  • Assist fellow team members with looks & quick changes during run of show.

  • Assist in touch ups during events & ensure quality of the overall product throughout.

  • Always maintain a safe working environment, conforming to all established safety policies and procedures.

  • Document specific looks by taking photos or writing makeup sheets that can be referred to for future use.

  • Perform other tasks and carry out projects as assigned by the lead makeup artist or director.

  • Proper clean up, repack, & storage of all makeup & related items at the end of each show.

  • Makeup artists may be asked to use & apply prosthetics or have knowledge of SFX techniques to achieve a desired look for some events. (specified role)

  • Makeup artists may be asked to use an airbrush, supply their own equipment, & have knowledge of airbrush techniques and materials to achieve a desired look for some events. (specified role)

EXPECTATIONS

  • Fast pace - artist must be able to move quickly & efficiently in high volume to make show launch times.

  • Attention to Detail - being careful about detail and quality of end product.

  • Cooperation - being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

  • Teamwork - working well with others in a team atmosphere.

  • Time Management - managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Initiative - a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

  • Stress Tolerance - accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Keeping emotions in check and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

  • Independence - guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

  • Dependability - being reliable, responsible, dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Diploma in cosmetology or at least 3 years of relevant experience in all aspects of makeup.

  • Hands on knowledge in appropriate use of makeup & tools.

  • Detailed knowledge of the latest products, services and industry techniques.

  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Knowledge of live entertainment and Insomniac brands/shows.

  • Experience in entertainment, theater, theme park, & or live events is a plus.

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.

  • Some travel may be requested.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Must be able to tolerate loud noise levels & busy environments

  • May work in drastic temperature climates

  • Must be willing to frequently travel to work events during holidays, evening and weekend hours, as required, to meet deadlines

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by Insomniac for a visa.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We aspire to build teams that reflect and support the fans and artists we serve. Every day we aim to promote environments where everyone can be themselves, contribute fully, and thrive within our company and at our events. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with.


Insomniac strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, intersectionality, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act and consistent with other similar and / or applicable laws in other areas.

We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, Insomniac will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, Insomniac also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact a Human Resources Representative to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. Insomniac will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Insomniac recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. Insomniac may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.

Hiring Salary Range: $16.50-$32.00 USD

Please note that the compensation information provided is a good faith estimate for this position only and is provided pursuant to the California Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements Law. It is estimated based on what a successful California applicant might be paid. It assumes that the successful candidate will be in California or perform the position from California. Similar positions located outside of California will not necessarily receive the same compensation. Insomniac takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the California Law, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

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The expected compensation for this position is:

$16.90 USD Hourly

** Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

Live Nation Entertainment will never request payment or equipment purchases as part of the hiring process. Recruiters will only contact candidates from official Live Nation or affiliated brand email domains.


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