In this role you could be:

• researching and designing make-up and hairstyles
• working to production designers' notes and instructions
• tidying and styling hair
• using special effects make-up
• taking notes and photos for reference
• being on set to redo make-up and hair
• removing make-up and keeping wigs and hairpieces in good condition

You could work at a TV studio, in a theatre, on a film set or at a film studio.

Many make-up artists work freelance and develop their career by building a network of contacts and getting recommendations from their clients.

With experience, you could progress to chief make-up artist or make-up designer. You could also develop specialist skills, for example applying body art or making facial or body moulds for creating and fitting prosthetics.

You could move into areas like fashion and photography, print and digital media or special effects.

You might also specialise in medical aesthetics, using make-up techniques to hide scars and skin conditions to improve a client's psychological wellbeing and confidence.