Idaho offers several professional fields where you can impress your clients with your artistic skills in makeup, including movie production, personal beauty, weddings, and cosmetic sales. In addition to the private sector, state and city governments also support major industries that employ makeup artists, including the performing arts, movie production, and tourism. Government investment in promoting these industries leads to dollars that percolate through the state’s economy and into your pocket as a skilled makeup artist.
Makeup artists are classified as personal care and service professionals, a career classification that is projected to grow statewide by 22.7 percent between 2012 and 2022 according to the Idaho Department of Labor. As a part of this booming industry, you will enjoy the satisfaction and flexibility that comes with career that allows for independence and promotes your natural sense of creativity and artistic style.
To legally work as a makeup artist you will need to be licensed by the state’s Bureau of Occupational Licenses in conjunction with the Idaho Board of Cosmetology. Once you have earned this license you can start your new career in the exciting field of your choosing.
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Idaho
There are two licenses you can obtain that will allow you to become a makeup artist in Idaho:
- Esthetician License – requires 600 hours of instruction at an approved esthetician school, or 1,200 hours of instruction in an approved apprenticeship
- Cosmetology License – requires 2,000 hours of instruction at an approved cosmetology school, or 4,000 hours of instruction in an approved apprenticeship
Once you have completed the requisite education you will also need to pass an esthetician or cosmetology examination, each of which consist of a theory and practical portion.
With a cosmetology license you can practice in several fields of cosmetology: esthetics, nail technology, and hair styling/cutting. As a licensed esthetician you can provide the following services to your clients:
- Application of makeup
- Eyebrow and eyelash tinting
- Application of tonics, antiseptics, lotions, creams, and essential oils
- Non-invasive skin care, including of the face and body
- Skin cleanses, massage, and exfoliation
- Pore extraction and hydration
- Temporary removal of superfluous hair, including with wax, tweezers, or depilatory tools
Education for Makeup Artists in Idaho
Whether you pursue a cosmetology or esthetician license, the courses you take that cover the subject of makeup will be similar:
- Makeup application techniques and strategies
- Eyelash and eyebrow makeup options
- Sanitation, hygiene, and safety
- Idaho state cosmetology laws
- Blush, rouge, and lipstick
- Facial masks, mud, and creams
- Corrective makeup
- Neck, arms, and shoulder makeup applications
- Chemistry of cosmetics and skin
When considering where to obtain your esthetician or cosmetology education, keep in mind that you must graduate from a school or apprenticeship that is approved by the Idaho Board of Cosmetology. You can find a list of currently licensed instructors and colleges on the Bureau of Occupational Licenses’ Public Information webpage (Profession: “Cosmetologists,” License Type: “Cosmetology College,” or “Instructor”). Note that cosmetology colleges may offer a specific esthetics education.
Approved cosmetology colleges are located in the cities of:
- Jerome
- Post Falls
- Idaho Falls
- Pocatello
- Boise
- Twin Falls
- Burley
- Rexburg
- Lewiston
- Nampa
- Moscow
- Garden City
- Coeur d’Alene
Permanent Makeup
Idaho does not require a specific license for professionals who want to work as permanent makeup artists or tattoo artists. That being said, if you choose to work in the field of permanent cosmetics you will still need to abide by state regulations that govern the consent of minors and sanitation.
Jobs and Career Opportunities for Makeup Artists in Idaho
The stage and performing arts industries are one of the largest employers of makeup artists in Idaho. You can find out more information about employment by checking with local organizations such as:
- Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise
- Boise Little Theatre
- Boise Contemporary Theatre
- Idaho Dance Theatre in Boise
- Idaho Repertory Theatre in Boise
- Stage Coach Theatre in Boise
- Prairie Dog Productions theatre troupe in Boise
- Boise Philharmonic
- Ballet Idaho in Boise
- Trey McIntyre Project based in Boise
- Opera Idaho based in Boise
- Treasure Valley Children’s Theatre in Meridian
- Actors’ Repertory Theatre
- Moscow Art Theatre
Idaho’s Film Industry
The Idaho Film Office is a state-funded organization that attracts the film industry to shoot movies and television series in Idaho. Boasting a range of breathtaking backdrops and low industry regulations, the office attracts film production companies that you can work with as a makeup artist. The history of movies shot in Idaho includes:
- Breakfast of Champions
- Dante’s Peak
- Napoleon Dynamite
- Wild Wild West
Professional Salons and Cosmetic Companies
Idaho’s salons, day spas, and independent professionals offer makeup services for all occasions, from the day-to-day to weddings or a hot night out. You can find professionals in this field at establishment such as:
- Cole Lasher in Boise
- dV8 Salon in Boise
- Tyree Ward in Boise
- Blush N’ Beauty in Boise
- Lovely You by Kara DeBie in Twin Falls
- Behrens Artistry in Nampa
- Nouveau Med Spa and Salon in Pocatello
You may also recognize the following cosmetic companies located throughout Idaho. These businesses were recently looking to hire artists in the makeup field:
- Bare Escentuals in Boise
- Pixi Beauty in Boise
- Ulta Beauty in Boise
- Herberger’s in Chubbuck
- Macy’s in Boise