The cosmetic industry has always been surrounded by controversy, such as animal testing and the use of non-biodegradable ingredients.
However it has come under a lot of fire recently due to the lack of diversity in many popular makeup brands.
Jadesola (Jadé) Coker, 22, a self employed makeup artist from London gave her thoughts on the subject:
“I think it’s a shame really, in this day and age brands should really be doing more to cater to all skin tones and races.
“As a dark-skinned woman myself it really does affect me, sometimes shops offer a wide range of shades but the majority of the time they don’t.
“I think it’s just upsetting that sometimes some skin tones are forgotten.”
Jadesola Coker, a London based makeup artist.
Being a makeup artist and building a business can be tough as the cosmetic industry, and the people within it are extremely competitive.
“I’ve always wanted to run my own business, I’ve always had a real passion for it.
“I think there is more than enough space in this industry, and we need to appreciate everyone’s style of makeup and the things that make them stand out, as a whole I think MUA’s should always support each other.
“But trying to learn the skills needed for makeup artistry, as well as running a business, managing accounts, marketing and so on has been a big challenge, but definitely a positive one.”, Jadé added.
Example of Jadesola’s artistry
Example of Jadesola’s artistry
Makeup artistry is often underrated or unrecognised in this day and age due to the rise in ‘beauty bloggers’ on platforms such as YouTube.
“I think YouTube is a great place to learn a number of skills and talents including makeup, I myself have used it to learn a few things.
“As well as this I don’t think it’s a problem learning everyday makeup skills from YouTube, people still hire MUA’s for special occasions, some of my clients are highly skilled at their own makeup but still find pleasure in hiring me to do their makeup.
“I’ve been told its not always about the makeup per se, but sometimes for the feeling of being pampered.”, Jadé commented.
The cosmetic industry is ever expanding and renewing itself, which makes it difficult for up and coming artists to break into the industry.
Jadé gave her advice to those wishing to pursue a career in makeup artistry,
“You are never done perfecting your craft and there’s always new things to learn.
“Trying to learn the skills needed for makeup artistry, as well as running a business, managing accounts, marketing and so on has been a big challenge; but definitely a positive one.
“My advice would be, to be consistent, clean and tidy, be professional, find your niche, have fun, be grateful for the process and always remain positive!
“I consider JC Beauty to be my baby.
“It’s literally all I think about and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing something you started grow into something great and continue to grow.
“If you work hard enough and truly want it, it can be yours”.
If you are based in London and are interested in beauty then check JC Beauty below:
Diversity within the Cosmetic Industry: A Makeup Artists POV The cosmetic industry has always been surrounded by controversy, such as animal testing and the use of non-biodegradable ingredients.