makeup artist

noun

variants or make-up artist or less commonly make up artist

plural makeup artists or make-up artists also make up artists

: a cosmetologist who specializes in the application of cosmetics (such as foundation, lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, etc.) : a professional who puts makeup on people

We had good luck at the Chanel counter because … a young makeup artist who has his own private clientele happened to be there.

—Dodie Kazanjian

Five makeup artists, lined up opposite, dab on foundation and paint lips and fingernails an inky shade of purple.

—Holly Brubach

… has been a make-up artist and hairdresser for more than 20 years …

—Tatiana Bonilla

often, specifically : one whose job is to use makeup and other materials to modify an actor's appearance for the role they are playing

The makeup artist is usually the first person whom actors see in the morning during the crucial prep time before they have to go onstage …

—Cassie Carpenter

The Oscar winner's makeup, which included a prosthetic nose, took five hours to complete, according to the film's makeup artist …

—Emily Cooper

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above