The art of applying make-up goes back at least 6000 years. Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs would employ specially trained servants to apply cosmetics, in order to make them appear more like the gods.

A Make-Up Artist is a professional artist that uses mediums applied to the skin to transform or enhance the appearance of a person. Make-Up Artists are often referred to as Cosmetologists or Beauticians, but are different in that they specialize only in make-up and typically do not offer other services such as hair or nail care.

Recent decades have seen an increase in the demand for skilled Make-Up Artists to work with actors/actresses, politicians, theatre productions, and for television and movies. The Make-Up Artist is usually a member of a team including the hairdresser and wardrobe specialist. As part of this team, the Make-Up Artist works to transform the actor into the character.

The entertainment and fashion industry currently employs the largest margin of Make-Up Artists today. Make-Up Artists may be employed by a company, an individual, or work as freelance artists paid per job. In large entertainment areas, Make-Up Artists have unions and associations that they belong to.