One of the most important decisions you will make when starting your makeup business is deciding on a niche. Picking the right niche can help you focus your efforts and attract customers who are interested in what you have to offer. In this article, we’ll discuss the value of specialization and how to find a niche for your makeup business.
Plus, we’ll also reveal some popular niche ideas you can use to get started. So, let’s jump into it, shall we?
Wait! Before we go any further, do you first know how to become a professional makeup artist – even without any prior experience? If not, you should check out our step-by-step guide first!
A niche is a defined target market that you focus your business on. When it comes to makeup, there are endless possibilities for niches! You can focus on providing services for weddings, movie sets, or fashion shoots. Or, you could specialize in working with clients who have skin conditions like acne or rosacea.
The benefits of specializing in a niche are twofold. First, it allows you to become an expert in your field and attract customers who are looking for that expertise. Second, it helps you stand out from the competition by offering something unique that other businesses don’t.
What Makes a Strong Niche?
When you’re trying to decide on a niche for your makeup business, there are a few factors to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure that the niche is something you’re actually passionate about. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time working in this area!
Second, you’ll want to ensure that there’s a demand for the services you plan to offer. For example, if you love doing special effects makeup but there aren’t many clients in your area looking for that type of service, it may not be the best niche for your business.
Third, you’ll want to make sure that the niche is something you can realistically achieve. For instance, if your goal is to become the go-to MUA for fashion shows but you live in a small town, it may be tough to make that happen.
Is The Beauty Industry a Niche Market?
The beauty industry is a great example of a niche market! This is because there are endless possibilities for niches within the industry, from hair stylists to skincare consultant to makeup artists. And, because the industry is so vast, there’s always room for new businesses to find their niche and succeed.
What Sells The Most in The Beauty Industry?
Some of the most popular items in the beauty industry include makeup, skincare products, hair care products, and fragrance. Of course, this varies depending on the niche you’re in and your professional qualifications. For example, if you specialize in natural cosmetics, your best-selling services might be different than those of a MUA who focuses on special effects makeup.
Niche Makeup Business Trends: What is The Target Market for Makeup?
Now that we’ve discussed what a niche is and why it’s important for your makeup business, let’s talk about how to find the perfect niche for you. To do this, you’ll need to first start by identifying your target market.
Your target market is the group of people who are most likely to use your products or services. When it comes to makeup, your target market could be anyone from teenage girls to working moms to brides-to-be. Once you’ve identified your target market, you can start narrowing down possible niches.
For example, if your target market is teenage girls, you could specialize in providing natural makeup looks or teaching them how to do their own makeup. If your target market is working moms, you could focus on providing quick and easy makeup routines that fit into busy schedules. And, if your target market is brides-to-be, you could specialize in doing wedding makeup or creating custom makeup looks for each bride.
How to Find a Niche for Your Makeup Business
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re trying to find the perfect niche for your makeup business…
As we mentioned earlier, the first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that the niche you pick is something you’ll legitimately enjoy doing. Secondly, you’ll want to ensure that there’s actually a demand for that particular service in your area. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that the niche is something you can realistically achieve.
Once you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to start brainstorming possible niches for your business. To get started, here are a few specialized makeup business ideas:
- Makeup artist for brides
- Makeup artist for special occasions
- Personalized makeup consultant
- Virtual makeup consultant
- Natural cosmetics specialist
- Airbrush makeup artist
- Skincare consultant
- Hair stylist
- Fashion stylist
- Special effects makeup artist
- Global beauty makeup artist
Let’s take a closer look at each of these specializations…
Our Top 11 Specialized Makeup Business Ideas
Niche #1: Makeup Artist for Brides
As a makeup artist for brides, you would be responsible for creating custom looks for each bride on her big day. This could include doing a trial run before the wedding, as well as the actual wedding day itself. Additionally, you may also be hired to do the makeup for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, etc.
Target Market
- Brides
- Wedding parties
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- Ability to create custom looks for each bride
- Knowledge of different skin types and tones
- Ability to work with a variety of makeup products
- Time-management skills/efficiency
Pros and Cons of Being a Bridal Makeup Artist
Pros:
- You get to be a part of someone’s special day
- There is potential for repeat clients
- Can be very lucrative
- Provides excellent networking opportunities with vendors, suppliers, and venues
- Very in-demand service that shows no signs of slowing down
- Potential for a great salary (especially during peak wedding season)
Cons:
- May require working on weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Can be very demanding and stressful, especially during peak wedding season
- Requires a high level of skill and experience
Interested in a career as a wedding/bridal MUA? QC Makeup Academy‘s self-paced, online Master Makeup Artistry Course can get you trained, internationally certified, and ready to book your first bride in as little as 2-6 months!
Niche #2: Makeup Artist for Special Occasions
As a makeup artist for special occasions, you would be responsible for creating looks for clients who have important events to attend. This could include anything from birthday parties and graduations to red carpet events and galas. You would need to be able to create a variety of looks, as well as have the ability to work with last-minute requests.
Target Market
- Clients with special occasions (birthdays, graduations, red carpet events, galas, etc.)
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- Ability to create custom looks for each client, based on the type of event being attended
- Flexibility/adaptability
- The ability to work with a variety of makeup products
- Time-management skills/efficiency
Pros and Cons of Being a Special Occasion Makeup Artist
Pros:
- You get to help clients look their best for their big day
- There is potential for repeat clients
- Can be very lucrative
- Provides excellent networking opportunities with vendors, suppliers, and venues
- The various types of events will give you ample experience doing different kinds of makeup for a variety of situations
Cons:
- May require working on weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Requires a high level of skill and experience
- Can be very demanding and stressful, especially during peak season (graduations, proms, etc.)
Niche #3: Personalized Makeup Consultant
As a personalized makeup consultant, you would be responsible for helping clients choose the right makeup products for their individual needs. This could include anything from finding the perfect foundation shade to selecting the right skincare routine. You would need to have in-depth knowledge of a variety of different makeup products and brands, as well as be able to help clients find the products that fit their budget.
Target Market
- Clients who need help finding the right makeup products
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of different makeup products, brands, and ingredients
- Ability to find products that fit each client’s individual needs and budget
- Knowledge of the different skin types
- Excellent customer service skills
Pros and Cons of Being a Personalized Makeup Consultant
Pros:
- You get to help clients find the products that are right for them
- Can be very lucrative
- Ample opportunity for positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals
- Flexible hours/work-from-home opportunities
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of different makeup products, brands, and ingredients
- May require working with clients who are not familiar with makeup or have specific needs/requests
- Some clients may be unhappy with the products you recommend
Niche #4: Virtual Makeup Consultant
As a virtual makeup consultant, you would be responsible for helping clients choose the right makeup products for their individual needs via video chat or phone call. This could include anything from finding the perfect foundation shade to selecting the right skincare routine. You would need to have in-depth knowledge of a variety of different makeup products and brands, as well as be able to help clients find the products that fit their budget.
Furthermore, you would need to be able to properly communicate this knowledge, all through virtual correspondence (rather than via face-to-face interactions).
Target Market
- Clients who need help finding the right makeup products but cannot meet in person due to physical, mental, or emotional limitations
- Long distance clients
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of different makeup products, brands, and ingredients
- Ability to find products that fit each client’s individual needs and budget
- Knowledge of the different skin types
- Excellent customer service skills
- Proper virtual communication skills
- Basic technological skills (needed to use video chat apps/software, etc.)
Pros and Cons of Being a Virtual Makeup Consultant
Pros:
- You get to help clients find the products that are right for them
- Can be very lucrative
- Flexible hours/work-from-home opportunities
- No need to commute or travel to meet with clients, which means a larger client pool for you to book with
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of different makeup products, brands, and ingredients
- May require working with clients who are not familiar with makeup or have specific needs/requests
- Some clients may be unhappy with the products you recommend
- You will need to invest in some basic technology (video chat software, a smart phone if you don’t already have one, etc.)
Fun Fact: YOU can learn how to take your makeup business online in as little as one month by completing QC Makeup Academy’s online Virtual Makeup Training mini course!
Niche #5: Natural Cosmetics Specialist
As a natural cosmetics specialist, you would be responsible for helping clients find the right makeup and skincare products that are made with all-natural ingredients. This could include anything from finding the perfect foundation shade to selecting the right organic skincare routine. You’d need to have in-depth knowledge of a variety of natural makeup and skincare products and brands, as well as be able to help clients find the products that fit their budget.
Target Market
- Clients who want to use makeup and skincare products made with natural ingredients
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of different all-natural makeup and skincare products, brands, and ingredients
- Ability to find products that fit each client’s individual needs and budget
- Excellent customer service skills
- Knowledge of different skin types, so you can make informed recommendations that will best suit their skin, goals, and needs
Pros and Cons of Being a Natural Cosmetics Specialist
Pros:
- You get to help clients find the safest, healthiest products that are right for them
- Can be very lucrative
- Flexible hours/work-from-home opportunities
- You get to help clients improve their makeup and/or skincare routines while also ensuring their skin stays safe
- Moral benefit of using all-natural, free-from-harm, organic products
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of different makeup/skincare products, brands, and ingredients
- May require working with clients who are not familiar with makeup or have specific needs/requests
- Some clients may be unhappy with the products you recommend
Niche #6: Airbrush Makeup Artist
An airbrush makeup artist is responsible for providing clients with a flawless complexion using an airbrush machine. As an airbrush MUA, you’d need to have in-depth knowledge of how to use the machine, as well as a variety of different foundation shades and formulas. You would also need to be able to find products that fit each client’s individual needs and budget.
Never seen airbrush makeup artistry in action before? Watch this fun, informative webinar with QC executive instructor, Nathan Johnson, and airbrush MUA extraordinaire, Marc Harvey!
Target Market
- Clients who want perfect, flawless skin for their wedding day or other special event
- Models for photoshoots
- Actors for film and television
- Special effects makeup clients
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of how to safely and properly use an airbrush machine
- Attention to detail, precision, and finesse
- Ability to find products that fit each client’s individual needs and budget
- Excellent customer service skills
Pros and Cons of Being an Airbrush Makeup Artist
Pros:
- Can be very lucrative
- Potential to earn a killer income
- Endless job opportunities in various makeup fields
- You get to help clients improve their makeup routine while also providing them with perfect, flawless skin
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of different airbrush machines and how to properly use them
- May require working with clients who are not familiar with makeup or have specific needs/requests
- Some clients may be unhappy with the end result
Add an Airbrush Makeup Workshop certificate to your resume in as little as 8 weeks by enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s Airbrush Makeup Workshop today! Oh, and did we mention you’ll receive a FREE airbrush machine as part of your course tools? As a result, you’ll be able to master airbrush makeup right from the get-go!
Niche #7: Skincare Consultant
A skincare consultant is responsible for providing clients with customized skincare routines and products that fit their individual needs. As a skincare consultant, you’d need to have in-depth knowledge of different skincare ingredients, formulas, and brands. You would also need to be able to find products that fit each client’s individual budget.
Target Market
- Clients who want help finding the best skincare routine and products for their skin type
- People with specific skincare concerns (e.g., acne, aging, dryness)
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of different skincare ingredients, formulas, and brands
- Subject-matter expertise about skin types, skincare concerns, etc.
- Ability to find products that fit each client’s individual budget
- Excellent customer service skills
- Tact and empathy
Pros and Cons of Being a Skincare Consultant
Pros:
- You get to help clients find the best skincare routine and products for their skin type
- Can be very lucrative, with the potential to earn a high income
- Pairs perfectly with a makeup business
- Flexible hours/work-from-home opportunities
- You get to help clients improve their skincare routines while also ensuring their skin stays healthy
- Creates the best possible canvas on which to also apply makeup
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of different skincare ingredients, formulas, and brands
- Failure to properly understand skin types and/or skincare products can have potentially damaging consequences
- May require working with clients who are not familiar with skincare or have specific needs/requests
- Some clients may be unhappy with the products you recommend
Pro Tip: In as little as 2 short months, you can become an International Skincare Consulting Professional (ISCP), thanks to QC’s online Skincare Course!
Niche #8: Hair Stylist
A hair stylist is responsible for styling their clients’ hair for everyday wear and/or special occasions. As a hair stylist, you’d need to have in-depth knowledge of different hair types, textures, and styles. You would also need to be up-to-date on the latest hair trends.
Target Market
- Clients who need help styling their hair for upcoming events (e.g., weddings, proms, graduations, parties, etc.)
- Clients who wish to have both their hair and makeup taken care of under one roof (as opposed to sourcing two different vendors)
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of different hair types, textures, and styles
- Ability to find products that fit each client’s individual budget
- Excellent customer service skills
- Knowledge of current, popular hair styling trends, braiding trends, up-dos, etc.
- Bonus: knowing how to perfectly pair a given hairstyle to a particular makeup look, in order to meet the client’s expectations and properly reflect the event they’ll be attending
Pros and Cons of Being a Hair Stylist
Pros:
- Can be very lucrative
- Pairs perfectly with a makeup business, which will provide additional streams of income
- Opens you up to a wider clientele
- Flexible hours/work-from-home opportunities
- You get to help clients find the best hairstyle for their face shape and hair type, while also ensuring their hair stays healthy
- Lots of possible job opportunities (i.e., weddings, photoshoots, theater, film and television, etc.)
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of different hair types, textures, and styles
- Failure to properly understand hair types and/or hairstyling products can have potentially damaging consequences
- May require working with clients who are not familiar with hair styling or have specific needs/requests (e.g., those with thinning hair, alopecia, etc.)
- Some clients may be unhappy with the hairstyle you create for them
If you’re interested in adding hairstyling services to your makeup business, we strongly recommend checking out QC’s Hairstyling Essentials Course! In turn, we’ll help prepare you to book your first client within just a couple short months!
Niche #9: Fashion Stylist
A fashion stylist is responsible for helping their clients put together the perfect outfit for any occasion. As a fashion stylist, you need to have an eye for detail and be up-to-date on the latest fashion trends. You would also need to be able to find clothing that fits each client’s individual budget.
Target Market
- Clients who need help selecting the perfect outfit for an upcoming event (e.g., wedding, graduation, prom, party, photoshoot, work event, red carpet event, etc.)
- Clients who are looking to refine their everyday attire for personal purposes
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of current fashion trends
- Ability to find clothing that fits each client’s individual budget
- Excellent customer service skills
- Creativity and an eye for detail
- Ability to match clothing to hairstyles, makeup, etc.
- Ability to find clothing that will help the client achieve their goals (i.e., looking good for an event, fitting better with their everyday lifestyle, etc.)
Pros and Cons of Being a Fashion Stylist
Pros:
- Can be very lucrative, with the potential for a high income
- Pairs perfectly with a makeup business, hairstyling business, etc.
- Opens you up to a wider clientele
- Flexible hours/work-from-home opportunities
- You get to help clients find the best clothes for their body type, while also staying within their budget
- Lots of possible job opportunities (i.e., weddings, photoshoots, theater, film and television, high-profile events, etc.)
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of current fashion trends
- Failure to properly understand fashion trends can result in outdated or unflattering clothing selections for clients
- May require working with clients who are not familiar with fashion or have specific needs/requests (e.g., those with a limited budget but have luxurious taste, etc.)
- Some clients may be unhappy with the clothing you select for them
Have we piqued your interest? Do you want to become a Certified International Styling Professional (CISP™)? If so, learn more about QC’s online Fashion Styling Course!
Niche #10: Special Effects Makeup Artist
A special effects makeup artist is responsible for creating custom and realistic-looking makeup designs for their clients. As a special effects makeup artist, you need to have an eye for detail and be able to create a wide range of looks, from the simplest to the most complex.
Target Market
- Clients who need help finding the perfect makeup look for an upcoming event (e.g., Halloween, cosplay convention, masquerade ball, etc.)
- Clients who are looking for a unique and customized makeup look
- Film, television, and/or theater productions in need of an SFX makeup artist
- Clients looking to create character makeup
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of different SFX makeup products and techniques
- Ability to create a wide range of horror, fantasy, and special effects looks, from the simplest to the most complex
- Ability to create realistic gore and/or wounds
- Excellent customer service skills
- Creativity and an eye for detail
- Ability to find the perfect makeup look for each client’s individual needs
- Ability to create character makeup based on a script
Pros and Cons of Being a Special Effects Makeup Artist
Pros:
- Can be very lucrative
- Has the potential to be one of the highest paying makeup jobs
- Is considered to be an advanced skill, thus making it extremely attractive to prospective clients
- Opens you up to a wider clientele
- Ample opportunity to get creative
- Lots of possible high-end job opportunities (i.e., working in film, television, and theater, etc.)
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of different SFX makeup products and techniques
- Failure to properly understand these makeup products and techniques can result in poor quality work
- Clients may not be familiar with the special effects process, which can lead to unrealistic expectations
- The work can be physically demanding (e.g., having to apply prosthetics for long periods of time, etc.)
- Not the best fit for someone who’s squeamish, as you may need to work with fake blood, create realistic wounds/gore, etc.
Does special effects makeup sound like the PERFECT niche for your makeup business? Then you need to enroll in QC’s online Special FX Makeup Course today and become an International Special FX Makeup Professional (ISMP)!
Niche #11: Global Beauty Makeup Artist
A global beauty expert is capable of working with clients from all around the world; creating makeup looks on any and all skin tones. Furthermore, their knowledge of global beauty practices makes them the leading expert to hire for religious and/or cultural events, such as international weddings. Thus, if one is looking for a prosperous niche for their makeup business, becoming a global beauty expert is the way to go!
Target Market
- Clients who are looking for a makeup artist who is knowledgeable in global beauty practices
- Clients who are getting married and want their wedding to reflect their culture/religion
- Religious and/or cultural events that require a makeup artist (e.g., Chinese New Year, Diwali, etc.)
Special Skills Needed for This Niche
- In-depth knowledge of global beauty trends and makeup techniques
- Ability to work with clients from all around the world, on any and all skin tones
- Flexibility to be able to create a wide range of looks, from natural to dramatic
- Excellent customer service skills
- Creativity and an eye for detail
- An understanding of various cultural and/or religious traditions, in order to properly reflect them and meet cultural/religious standards
Pros and Cons of Being a Global Beauty Makeup Artist
Pros:
- Can be extremely lucrative
- Drastically opens up your potential client reach
- Is considered to be an advanced skill, thus making it extremely attractive to prospective clients
- Expands your client reach to people from all around the world
- Flexibility to work in other countries
- Ample opportunity to get creative and experiment with different global beauty techniques and looks
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of global beauty trends and practices
- Failure to properly understand these trends and practices can result in poor quality work or even cultural appropriation
- The work can be physically demanding (e.g., having to apply makeup, henna tattoos, etc. for long periods of time)
- Not the best fit for someone who doesn’t like to travel, as you may need to work in other countries
Do you have what it takes to be a global beauty makeup artist? If so, you’ll learn everything you need to know to succeed in QC’s Global Beauty Workshop! Enroll today and earn your certificate of completion in as little as 8 weeks!
Conclusion
There you have it! These are just a few of the many makeup business niches out there that you can specialize in.
Remember: it’s important to pick a niche that you’re passionate about and that you have the skillset to excel in. With hard work and dedication, you can make your dreams of being a successful makeup artist come true!
Which of these niches interests YOU the most? Let us know in the comments below! And while you’re at it, be sure to check out our other blog post on 15 Tips to Grow Your Makeup Business for even more advice on getting your company off the ground.
Good luck… And thanks for reading! 💕
