Makeup has never done much for me, but I think that’s because I’m not doing it right. Makeup should enhance and conceal, highlight and reveal. But makeup on its own is relatively powerless. In the hands of an amateur like me, makeup can’t realize its full potential (but it can definitely do a lot of damage!). In the hands of a professional makeup artist, however, makeup can be transformative.

I am continually amazed when I see before and after shots of people on the pages of a magazine. I’m amazed at the way makeup artists can present attractive but flawed people as picture-perfect. It’s their job, of course, but it’s incredible nonetheless.

Makeup artistry isn’t just about making people pretty, though. A professional makeup artist has to interpret the makeup requirements of clients and produce a creative and technically accurate visual representation. That means using their artistry to make people appear tan, sallow, old, young, fat, skinny, or anything in between.

Plus, makeup artists have a great opportunity to blend their passion for beauty with their love for entertainment and events to work on photography, film, TV, and runway makeup.

Most makeup artistry is focused on making people look as attractive or believable as possible, but photography, TV, and runway makeup is also highly stylized. Television makeup artists in particular must contend with the challenges of high-definition TV, whose sharp resolution requires a new level of coverage to minimize flaws. After all, are we really ready to see all the wrinkles and pock marks on our favorite stars’ faces?

And who knew that makeup artistry could be such an in-demand career? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of makeup artists is projected to increase a whopping 40 percent from 2006 to 2016. That’s way faster than the average occupational increase, which is about 10 percent.

Of course, those who participate in formal training leading to a certificate or diploma in makeup artistry or a degree in cosmetology are ahead of the employment game. Professional makeup artist programs offer theoretical and practical makeup courses pertaining to different styles of makeup, history, and tools and their care. Makeup artist training can provide a practical understanding of lighting, the photographic process, colors, continuity, and the impact of makeup processes on the skin.

So it stands to reason that the more you learn, the better prepared you’ll be to make a name for yourself in the beauty and entertainment biz. Maybe you can even make a difference on a makeup-challenged person like me!

-Robyn Tellefsen