Best Side Hustles for Makeup Artist

Whether you’re interested in bridal makeup, special effects, or creating stunning looks for photoshoots, the beauty industry offers numerous opportunities. For Canadians, this can be an ideal side hustle to explore alongside other professional commitments. Below, we’ll explore some of the best makeup artist side hustles, including potential income, tools, and resources to get started.

Bridal Makeup Artist

Bridal makeup is one of the most lucrative areas for makeup artists. Weddings are big business in Canada, and many brides want to look flawless on their special day. Offering makeup services for brides, bridesmaids, and other wedding attendees is an excellent side hustle. This requires expertise in makeup application that lasts throughout the day and night, even through tears and sweat.

Income Potential:

Bridal makeup artists can charge anywhere from $150 to $500 for bridal makeup alone, depending on location and experience. Some high-demand artists charge more for additional services such as hair styling or travel fees.

Tools and Resources:

• Brushes and Tools: High-quality makeup brushes, beauty blenders, and sponges.
• Makeup Kit: Invest in long-lasting foundations, setting sprays, eyeshadows, and lipsticks.
• Mobile Setup: Consider a portable setup for on-location makeup applications.
• Website: Build an online portfolio and booking platform.

How to Get Started:

• WeddingWire Canada – For booking brides and listing your services.
• The Knot – Wedding planning resource and platform for makeup artist listings.

Freelance Makeup Artist

Many photographers, models, and influencers need skilled makeup artists for photoshoots. Whether it’s for fashion editorials, personal branding shoots, or social media content, offering your services to these clients can be a profitable side hustle. Makeup artists often need to create looks that photograph well and last for hours under hot lights.

Income Potential:

You can charge anywhere from $100 to $300 per session, depending on your skill level and the shoot’s nature. Professional photoshoots typically pay more due to the complexity and time involved.

Tools and Resources:

• Lighting: A ring light or portable studio lighting kit.
• Photoshop Skills: Basic knowledge of retouching can be an asset.
• Networking: Build relationships with photographers and influencers.

How to Get Started:

• Model Mayhem – A platform for connecting with models and photographers.
• Instagram – Perfect for showcasing your work to a wide audience and connecting with influencers.

Special Effects Makeup Artist

Special effects (SFX) makeup is a highly specialized field that involves creating realistic wounds, bruises, scars, and even fantasy characters. Special effects artists are often required for TV shows, movies, Halloween events, and theatrical productions. If you have an interest in prosthetics and creative makeup, this can be a fun and lucrative side hustle.

Income Potential:

Rates for special effects makeup can vary greatly. You can earn $250 to $800 per project, depending on the complexity of the look and your experience.

Tools and Resources:

• SFX Makeup Kits: Latex, gel, prosthetics, special effects blood, and more.
• Classes: Consider taking SFX makeup courses to refine your skills (many are available online).
• Social Media: Showcase your work on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

How to Get Started:

• Cinema Makeup School – A reputable school for SFX makeup education.
• YouTube – Plenty of SFX makeup tutorials to help you learn techniques.

Makeup Tutorials and Online Content

With the rise of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, many makeup artists have turned to content creation as a side hustle. By offering makeup tutorials, product reviews, and beauty tips, you can grow a following and even monetize through ads, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing.

Income Potential:

Content creators can earn money through YouTube ad revenue, sponsored posts, affiliate links, and product collaborations. Many Canadian influencers have successfully turned their passion for makeup into full-time careers.

Tools and Resources:

• Camera: Invest in a good camera or smartphone with a high-quality lens.
• Editing Software: Tools like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere for video editing.
• Affiliate Programs: Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or LookFantastic to earn commissions from your tutorials.

How to Get Started:

• YouTube Creator Academy – Free tutorials to help you get started with content creation.
• LookFantastic Affiliate Program – Beauty affiliate program to monetize makeup tutorials.

Makeup Artist for Fashion Shows

Fashion shows are another excellent side hustle for makeup artists in Canada. From local runway events to large-scale fashion weeks, makeup artists play a key role in bringing designers' visions to life. You can work with designers, stylists, or agencies to provide makeup for models.

Income Potential:

For fashion shows, you may earn anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per event depending on the prestige of the show and your experience level.

Tools and Resources:

• Runway Makeup Kits: High-quality foundations, mascaras, and setting products.
• Networking: Building relationships with event coordinators and designers is crucial.

How to Get Started:

• Vancouver Fashion Week – A major fashion event in Canada where makeup artists can showcase their talents.
• Fashion Jobs Canada – A platform to find freelance makeup opportunities in the fashion industry.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a makeup artist in Canada offers numerous side hustle opportunities, whether you're working with brides, creating special effects, or sharing your expertise online. By building a portfolio, networking, and investing in the right tools, you can develop a profitable side hustle that complements your lifestyle.

Start with one or more of these makeup artist side hustles, and as your reputation grows, you can expand your services and increase your income. Whether you focus on bridal makeup or dive into the world of content creation, there are endless possibilities for Canadians looking to get creative and earn money through their passion for makeup artistry.