Working as a makeup artist on a TV channel: where to start and what is important to know?

Most recently, our Instagram account hosted a joint live broadcast between Pro Hair&Makeup and Olesya Koryakina, a makeup artist-stylist, make-up artist for the morning show “Rank with Ukraine” on the TV channel “Ukraine”, teacher and member of the jury of Pro Beauty Battle: Makeup. Together with her, we discussed many interesting questions on the topic of working as a makeup artist on television and are eager to share the answers with you.

Lesya, tell us what a makeup artist does on the TV channel?

The makeup artist needs to very quickly apply makeup to the presenters and guests of the TV program, and also, during their work in the frame, to ensure that the makeup does not smudge or run, or that the hairstyle does not deteriorate, because the person may sweat a little, rub his face with his hand, or move actively. It is important to always be prepared to correct the situation quickly and efficiently.

Makeup artists can work on a permanent basis on certain TV shows on channels, as I, for example, am assigned to the show “Rank with Ukraine”. But, of course, we can also work as a freelancer. It happens that all the full-time makeup artists on a TV channel are busy, and in this case, managers invite makeup artists to work one-time on the set.

What time does your working day start?

Since I work on a morning show, I have to be at work by five in the morning. Therefore, waking up at four is already half the battle. (Laughs.) I work until 9.30-10.00, after which I have the whole day free and can do whatever I want. But, of course, I also have additional filming and other projects. As they say, we only dream of peace. (Smiles.)

What knowledge and skills does a makeup artist need to start working on a TV channel?

The most important thing is to be able to apply basic makeup and do basic hairstyles well. People get creative very rarely on television; we most often perform daytime, evening and holiday makeup in matte textures, because shine in the frame is undesirable. If you need to do some specific makeup for a certain shoot, we invite makeup artists who are directly involved in this.

Please note that the make-up artist on the channel does not only makeup - he creates a full-fledged beauty image, so it is extremely important to be able not only to do makeup, but also to do hairstyles.

Having completed basic courses in makeup and hairstyles, you, in principle, can already submit your resume to television channels. By the way, they do not require any special educational documents. In addition to various courses, I also graduated from a government institution at one time, but when I got a job in television, no one asked me about this certificate.

What should a novice master do who has never worked with a camera before?

Of course, it will be difficult at first, but that's what internships are for. Even I, coming to the TV channel as an experienced makeup artist, at first did not understand how everything worked - how to work with excess shine on the skin, look at the camera all the time and monitor whether the person looks good in the frame. But everything comes with experience.

For example, now I already know very well that the red shade of lipstick in the frame can look raspberry, peach or carrot. And that if there is warm lighting in the studio, then the makeup will look exaggeratedly warm, and if it is cold, then vice versa.

See the continuation of our fascinating conversation with Lesya Koryakina on Instagram Pro Hair&Makeup.