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Special Effects Makeup Artist

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April 29, 2024 Updated May 5, 2025 16 minute read
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Becoming a Special Effects Makeup Artist

Special effects makeup artists, often called SFX makeup artists, are the creative professionals who transform actors into characters for film, television, theater, and other media. They use a combination of makeup techniques, prosthetics, and sometimes even animatronics to create everything from realistic injuries and aging effects to fantastical creatures and otherworldly beings. This highly skilled field blends artistry with technical expertise, bringing imaginative concepts to life and playing a vital role in visual storytelling.

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Salaries for Special Effects Makeup Artist

City
Median
New York
$126,000
San Francisco
$78,000
Seattle
$46,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$126,000
San Francisco
$78,000
Seattle
$46,000
Austin
$94,000
Toronto
$52,000
London
£35,000
Paris
€32,000
Berlin
€44,000
Tel Aviv
₪333,000
Singapore
S$78,000
Beijing
¥225,000
Shanghai
¥110,000
Bengalaru
₹357,000
Delhi
₹362,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Special Effects Makeup Artist

Take the first step.
We've curated seven courses to help you on your path to Special Effects Makeup Artist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Cover image
Kevyn Aucoin a Beautiful Life
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Comprehensive guide to all aspects of makeup, from basic techniques to advanced special effects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of makeup.
Kevyn Aucoin a beautiful life: The Success,...
Hardcover
$$
Kevyn Aucoin a beautiful life: The Success,...
Paperback
$$
Kevyn Aucoin: A Beautiful Life by Diamond, Kerry...
Unknown Binding
$$
Cover image
Face Forward
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Provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of makeup, from basic techniques to advanced special effects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of makeup.
Face Forward
Paperback
$$
Cover image
New Essential Guide to Hong Kong Movies
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Provides a comprehensive guide to the art of special effects makeup, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced special effects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of special effects makeup.
New Essential Guide to Hong Kong Movies
Paperback
$$
New Essential Guide to Hong Kong Movies
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The New Beauty Secrets
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Provides a comprehensive guide to the art of bridal makeup, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced special effects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of bridal makeup.
The New Beauty Secrets: Your Ultimate Guide to a...
Hardcover
$$
The New Beauty Secrets: Your Ultimate Guide to a...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual
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Provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of makeup, from basic techniques to advanced special effects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of makeup.
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual
Paperback
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Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Body Painting
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Provides a comprehensive guide to the art of body painting, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced special effects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of body painting.
Body Painting: Masterpieces by Joanne Gair
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Photoshop Elements 3 Book for Digital Photographers...
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Focuses on the art of color correction, which is essential for creating a flawless complexion. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to correct common skin concerns, such as redness, dark circles, and acne.
Photoshop Elements 3 Book for Digital Photographers...
Paperback
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Photoshop Elements 3 Book for Digital Photographers...
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Make Up
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Great resource for beginners who want to learn the basics of makeup application. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a variety of looks, from natural to glamorous.
Make Up
Paperback
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Make Up
Kindle Edition
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Relevant careers
Makeup Artist
Related topics
Makeup
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