Did COVID-19 Kill Freelance Makeup Artistry?
Over the years, freelance makeup artistry has become a multimillion-dollar thriving business. Makeup has evolved from becoming a pastime to a form of entertainment. Enabling makeup enthusiasts to become wealthy tastemakers in the beauty industry. Many states don’t require licensure to perform services. People vying for services may overlook the formalities of what takes place while a service is being performed.
I’ve cringed watching some “Professional Makeup Artist” fail to properly clean or sanitize work areas. The sight of makeup brushes and palettes not getting all of the tender loving care they deserve is a complete disservice to the consumer. Obtaining my license in esthetics was the absolute best thing I could have ever done. As I learned about the layers of the skin, I became fascinated with ingredients and how to properly use them on specific skin types, shades, and tones.
Most importantly, I learned about sanitation and how the smallest of things matter. As COVID-19 continues to redefine normalcy, I can’t help but think about how the makeup industry will change. How will the consumer know how to make the best decision in a lane that is somewhat unregulated? Licensure simply means you have the authority and permission to own, use, or do a particular thing.
It also means the consumer can hold someone liable. People have assistance to legally hold someone responsible by law to a standard that cannot be compromised. As someone who has freelanced for five years before licensure, the standard of sanitation cannot be compromised. Licensed professionals see the benefits of having a standard. It provides validity to the field in which we practice and protects everyone in the relationship to have a professional experience and positive outcomes.
Sanitation and clearly defined standards could mean life or death for some people. Licensed professionals are so confident in the skills being performed, that the chances of us performing egregious mistakes to harm someone’s life are slim. Insurance companies are willing to protect our businesses, the people we serve, and skill we practice.
Comment below: Should makeup artists be required to take sanitation classes or become licensed estheticians before performing services? Should it be up to the consumer to choose?
