How to Start a Make-Up Artist Business in the UK

Make-up artistry is a versatile creative career — from bridal and editorial work to film, television, and fashion. Whether you plan to specialise in one area or offer a range of services, this guide covers the business fundamentals you need to get started.

Qualifications

No mandatory qualifications, but professional training is expected:

• VTCT/ITEC Level 2 or 3 in Make-Up Artistry
• AOFM (Academy of Freelance Makeup) — well-regarded industry courses
• Specialist courses — bridal, editorial, SFX, fashion, prosthetics
• Hygiene certification — not mandatory but expected by many clients

Build a portfolio through practice, test shoots with photographers, and any work experience you can get.

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Sole trader is the standard choice. Simple, low-cost, and suits the freelance MUA model perfectly. A limited company is unnecessary for most make-up artists.

Registering with HMRC

Register for Self Assessment within three months if your income exceeds the £1,000 trading allowance. VAT at £90,000 turnover.

Insurance

• Public liability — essential. Covers allergic reactions or injuries to clients.
• Professional indemnity — covers claims arising from your work
• Product liability — if you sell cosmetic products
• Equipment and kit insurance — MUA kits can be worth thousands
• Employers' liability — if you hire assistants

Specialist MUA insurance costs £100–£300 per year.

Claimable Expenses

• Make-up products — foundations, concealers, palettes, brushes, sponges
• Kit replenishment — regular restocking of products used on clients
• Brush sets and tools — professional-grade brushes, lash applicators, airbrush equipment
• Hygiene products — sanitisers, disposable applicators, cleansing products
• Kit bag and storage
• Travel — to clients, shoots, and events, at 45p per mile
• Training and courses — new techniques, trends, master classes
• Marketing — website, social media advertising, portfolio printing
• Photography — test shoot costs, portfolio photography
• Phone and broadband
• Home office costs
• Insurance premiums
• Accountancy fees
• Agency commissions — if you work through a booking agency

Accounted tracks your expenses automatically. Snap photos of product receipts and they are matched to your bank.

Pricing

• Bridal make-up — £150–£500+ (includes trial)
• Bridal party — £50–£100 per person
• Editorial/fashion — £200–£500 per day (more for high-end)
• Film/TV — £250–£600+ per day
• Special occasion — £50–£150
• Lessons/tutorials — £50–£150 per session

Bridal work is typically the most lucrative for freelance MUAs, with consistent demand and premium pricing.

Industry-Specific Tax Tips

Kit Purchases

Your professional kit is your biggest ongoing expense. All products used exclusively for work are fully deductible. If you use some products personally as well, only the business proportion is claimable.

Seasonal Income

Bridal work peaks in summer. Editorial and fashion follow seasonal calendars. Plan your cash flow around these patterns and set money aside during busy periods.

Travel Heavy

MUAs travel extensively. Track every journey carefully — mileage claims add up to a significant tax deduction.

Building Your Client Base

• Social media — Instagram is essential for MUAs. Post regularly with quality images.
• Test shoots — collaborate with photographers, models, and stylists
• Bridal fairs — essential for wedding work
• Networking — photographers, wedding planners, and event coordinators
• Online directories — Bark, Hitched (for weddings)
• Agencies — for editorial, fashion, and commercial work

Bookkeeping Tips

• Separate business and personal finances
• Keep all product receipts
• Track mileage for every job
• Invoice promptly for corporate and editorial work
• Set aside 25–30% of profits for tax

Accounted connects to your bank and sorts transactions with AI. Built for UK creatives.

Key Deadlines

• 31 January — Self Assessment and payment
• 31 July — second payment on account

Getting Started

Make-up artistry is a rewarding career for creative professionals. Build your portfolio, register with HMRC, and keep your finances in order from day one.

Ready to make up for lost time on your finances? Sign up for Accounted and let Penny handle the bookkeeping while you focus on your art.