1. Quiz
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Step-by-step guide

Make-up for events: from your first practice face to your first paid booking

Do make-up for matric dances, weddings, parties and photoshoots. This guide covers published 2026 South African price lists, a starter kit, hygiene, deposits and travel fees, a portfolio plan, scripts and a 14-day plan to your first paid booking before matric dance and wedding season.

  • 23 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 2 hours
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • You enjoy doing make-up and have practised on friends and family.
  • You can work early mornings and weekends.
  • You are calm under time pressure.

Think twice if

  • You aren't willing to clean brushes and tools properly between clients.
  • You can't work weekends, when most events happen.

Honest expectations

  • A first paid booking often comes within two to four weeks, through friends and a small photo portfolio.
  • Published 2026 prices: beginners about R550 to R700 a face (Terry Fleek guide); matric dance make-up R750 (Melissa Grace); bridal party R550 (Glamour Express).
  • Bookings cluster around matric dance and wedding season. Some months are quiet.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How event make-up work worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Set up step by step: ready for your first booking6 min (in the full guide)
    3. Prices and getting paid: real 2026 price lists5 min (in the full guide)
    4. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Do five practice faces and take photos3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Post your price list and portfolio3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first clients: where to look5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Your 14-day first-booking playbook6 min (in the full guide)
    6. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Book your first three paid faces3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Ask every client for a review and a photo3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Common mistakes new make-up artists make4 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Partner with a photographer or salon3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Plan for matric and wedding season3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Free courses to fill your skill gaps4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    6. Tax: what to put aside, with worked examples6 min (in the full guide)
    7. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Starter kit for a range of skin tones
  • Disposable applicators and brush cleaner

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 26 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 26 April 2027.