Although I'm not a practicing makeup artist, I'm absolutely still head over heels for artistry. I don't necessarily like to do makeup, but I love to watch others work and learn from them. The image above is from Warren Bolden's test shoot at Studio 400. By the way, he'll be speaking on the Creative Colony podcast next week, on his journey to becoming a full-time freelance makeup artist for three major tv networks. Also, I hope you've signed up for the brand new Scandalous Beauty newsletter! If you missed it, take a look here! It even has the sneak peek of my newest project for creatives!
Below, you'll find over 25 pro makeup artist programs and their levels of difficulty to get them. Many places have a mix of criteria that can qualify you. I suggest looking at each company's page, as you might have a couple of the appropriate credentials! As noted in this post, some of the criteria to qualify for these discounts may take years of experience. If you don't qualify, don't give up! Also, many of these programs offer discounts to hair stylists, nail techs, on-air talent, fashion stylists, photographers, etc.
Note: This is an ongoing post! Check back periodically, as I'll add new brands as I find them. If you have a discount to pass along, leave a comment!
Here's the criteria for my grading system:
Easy: Discount card from other company, Business card, Reference from a makeup gig Medium: Comp Card, Professional Website, Hard: Union Card, Tear Sheets, Call Sheet, Agency info
Anastasia Percentage Off: 20-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.anastasia.net/abh-pro.html
BlackUp Percentage Off: 40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/customer-service/#muap
Becca Cosmetics Percentage Off: 30% off Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.beccacosmetics.com/us/industry-alliance/
Bobbi Brown Percentage Off: 40% Ease of Qualification: Medium/Hard For More Information: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/cms/pro/bobbipro_membership.tmpl
Camera Ready Cosmetics Note: Includes brands like Parian Spirit, Sugarpill, Cinema Secrets, Ben Nye. Discount limited to products in the pro section. Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://camerareadycosmetics.com/pages/pro-discounts.html Note: Also has an "aspiring pro makeup artist" discount.
Coastal Scents Percentage Off: 15% Ease of Qualification: Easy For More Information: http://www.coastalscents.com/makeup-artists
Crown Brush Percentage Off: 10% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: https://crownpro.info/Requirements.html Fee: Free until January 1, 2013
Dinair Pro Airbrush Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Easy/Medium Fee: $25, Annually For More Information: http://www.airbrushmakeup.com/pro/#signup
Eve Pearl Percentage Off: 30%-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium/Hard For More Information: http://www.evepearl.com/professionals_register/ Note: Also offers a reseller program
Face Atelier Percentage Off: 40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: email-- proartist@faceatelier.com
Frends Note: Includes brands like Kevyn Aucoin, RCMA, Embryolisse, Kryolan and more. Percentage Off: Up to 40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://proartistdiscount.com/
Inglot Cosmetics Percentage Off: 20% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.inglotusa.com/promembers.html
Kett Cosmetics Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: https://kettcosmetics.com/pro_pricing.php?ss=2b7d0547e8dd1cc8e966cd3db90d19c0
Laura Mercier Percentage Off: 40% Ease of Qualification: Hard For More Information: http://www.lauramercier.com/store/content/htmlTemplate.jsp?catId=&itemCat=promuaprogram
London Brush Company Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.londonbrushcompany.com/pages/lbc-pro
Lorac Cosmetics Percentage Off: 20-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.loraccosmetics.com/faqs/#C5
MAC Percentage Off: 20-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium Fee: $35 For More Information: http://www.macpro.com
Madame Madeline Note: Includes lash brands Ardell, Sassy, Revlon, Duo Glue, and many more. Percentage Off: bulk discount with 75+ pairs (must inquire) Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.madamemadeline.com/online_shoppe/volumediscount.asp
Make Up For Ever Percentage Off: 20-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium/Hard For More Information: http://www.makeupforeverusa.com/mufe/pro-only/backstage-card/
Mally Beauty Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.mallybeauty.com/mally-artist-program
Naked Cosmetics Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.nakedcosmetics.net/pro.htm
Nars Percentage Off: 20-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.narscosmetics.com/mua-programs
NYX Cosmetics Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Easy For More Information: http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/t-professionaldiscount.aspx
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Percentage Off: 20% Ease of Qualification: Medium/Hard For More Information: http://www.occmakeup.com/pro.php
Royal and Langnickel Percentage Off: 40% Ease of Qualification: Easy/Medium For More Information: http://www.royalbrush.com/beauty/pro/royalty_red.php Note: Also offers blogger and affiliate programs
Smashbox Cosmetics Percentage Off: 20-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.smashbox.com/smashbox-pro
Stila Cosmetics Percentage Off: 20-40% Ease of Qualification: Medium For More Information: http://www.stilacosmetics.com/proartists/
Temptu Percentage Off: 30% Ease of Qualification: Medium Fee: $30, redeemable in product in the first 30 days For More Information: http://temptupro.com/art_promember.aspx
Three Custom Color Percentage Off: Ease of Qualification: For More Information: discount@threecustom.com
Urban Decay Percentage Off: 40% Ease of Qualification: Easy/Medium For More Information: http://www.urbandecay.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-UrbanDecay-Site/default/UDPro-Show
Youngblood Cosmetics Percentage Off: Ease of Qualification: Medium/Hard Fee: Free the first year, $20 each year after For More Information: http://www.ybskin.com/pro-artists.php
