What’s the one underrated skill every aspiring makeup artist must master before thinking about building a client base?
-Sanya Malik, Gurugram
One of the most underrated skills for a makeup artist is photography: knowing how to capture their work correctly. Good photos and videos, especially unfiltered before-and-afters, are essential for marketing and showcasing talent. It’s not just about makeup; mastering photography is key to building a client base. .
As I grow in my career, should I specialise in one niche, like bridal makeup, or stay versatile across fashion, editorial and events when starting out?
-Karishma Yadav, Jaipur
As you grow in your career, it’s important to specialise in one niche because that’s how you’ll be known. When you do everything, you become the jack of all trades but master of none. For example, if you choose bridal makeup, work toward becoming the best bridal makeup artist in your area or state so you’re recognised for it. So, pick one niche and put your heart and soul into mastering it.
What’s the smartest way for a new makeup artist to build a portfolio if they don’t have access to professional photographers?
-Pooja Deshmukh, Nagpur
In today’s world, everyone has a smartphone; use it for great photography. Learning photography and videography is important. With these skills, you can build your portfolio, capture before-and-afters and shoot plenty of content during or after each makeup session. Showcase it smartly on I nstagram, Facebook and Pinterest, so people can see and connect with your work. If your work stands out, it will speak for itself.
Do you think certification courses are essential for success in this industry, or can real-world practice and social media exposure replace them?
-Tanya Bansal, Ludhiana
I believe certification courses are essential for success in this industry. Professional training at a makeup school helps you understand different faces, skin types and how to create looks suited to each client’s personality or occasion. This lets you craft a unique piece of art every time. The right education also prepares you to handle any issues during or after a session, builds credibility and accelerates growth, giving you the skills and confidence to excel.
How should makeup artists price themselves when starting out? Should it be per hour, per look, or based on event type?
-Avni Shah, Surat
When starting out, charge per event as you are likely to get more party makeups than bridals. Use this phase to build your portfolio with before-and-after shots. Set a minimum price for any makeup, be it party or engagement. As your credibility and bookings grow, shift to per-look pricing. If a client needs you to stay for a second look or touch-ups, add an hourly rate. This way you steadily increase your earnings while showcasing your work and building a solid reputation.
With reels and tutorials dominating Instagram across education, looks and BTS, what kind of content works the best for beginners?
-Shreya Menon, Bangalore
There’s plenty of makeup content on Instagram, but what works best is a mix of entertainment and education. Share before-and-after looks so people see your creations. More important than tutorials or BTS is consistency; post exactly as planned, whether daily or on alternate days, for 365 days straight. Don’t expect instant results but keep posting and give your best. Consistency is the key to growing and staying visible on Instagram or any social platform.
MEET THE EXPERT
Manisha Chopra is an international Makeup Coach and Founder of Seasoul Cosmetics and Kerasoul Cosmetics. Having worked a decade each in the beauty industry in Australia and India, she has mentored Miss India contestants, worked with famous Bollywood celebrities such as the late Sridevi and Janhvi Kapoor. She teaches makeup at reputed salons like Enrich, Naturals, Bounce, Mirrors, YLG and many others.
To participate in Ask Our Expert and get your questions answered by Manisha Chopra, message your query to @pbhjindia on Instagram or email to afrin.idex@gmail.com. *Questions have been edited for clarity and length.