Kentucky makeup artist rules
Do you need a license to do makeup in Kentucky?
Yes, but not necessarily a full cosmetology license. Applying makeup to a client for pay needs a Makeup Artistry Permit from the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology; an esthetician license also covers makeup. The Makeup Artistry Permit takes 3 hours of training and $50 in state fees. Below: weddings, events and house calls (not stated), makeup for theater, film, television or photo shoots (license needed) and applying makeup to demonstrate or sell cosmetics (not stated), each answered from Kentucky's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 30, 2026, with the state's own words.
- Makeup for pay
- Makeup license
- Weddings and house calls
- Not stated
- Theater and film
- License needed
- Cosmetics counter
- Not stated
Licensed by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.The board's site Hours and fees for each licenseThe state's own words
Makeup for pay
Do you need a license to do makeup in Kentucky?
Yes, but not necessarily a full cosmetology license. Applying makeup to a client for pay needs a Makeup Artistry Permit from the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology; an esthetician license also covers makeup. The Makeup Artistry Permit takes 3 hours of training and $50 in state fees.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Makeup Artistry Permit, Esthetician
- Shorter makeup license
- Makeup Artistry Permit, 3 hours of training, $50
Kentucky is one of 3 states with a shorter license or registration that covers makeup, instead of a full cosmetology or esthetics license.
Weddings, events and house calls
Can a makeup artist work at weddings or in clients' homes in Kentucky?
Not stated. Kentucky's official pages we read do not say whether licensed makeup work may be done at weddings, events or clients' homes. Ask the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology before you book work on location.
- Work outside a salon
- Not stated
Theater, film, TV and photo shoots
Do you need a license to do makeup for theater, film, TV or photo shoots in Kentucky?
Yes. Paid makeup for theater, film or TV needs the Makeup Artistry Permit or an esthetician license; Kentucky exempts only unpaid makeup and face painting at carnivals or fairs.
- License needed
- License needed
- Licenses that allow it
- Makeup Artistry Permit, Esthetician
Cosmetics counters
Do you need a license to apply makeup at a cosmetics counter in Kentucky?
Not stated. Kentucky's official pages we read do not say whether applying makeup to demonstrate or sell cosmetics needs a license. Ask the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology before you charge for it.
- License needed
- Not stated
Good to know
What else Kentucky asks of makeup artists
- Licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, limited stylists and nail technicians must work in a board-licensed establishment, with narrow exceptions under KRS 317A.155(3).
- Makeup artistry permit applicants need a 3-hour infection control course, which must be submitted with the application.
- Doing makeup artistry before the permit is issued makes you ineligible for a permit for one year.
Sources
What Kentucky's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Kentucky's own statutes, rules or board pages, read on October 30, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology before you start charging for makeup or booking work on location.
- Makeup for pay
“"Makeup artistry" means applying cosmetic products to the face and body.”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “Any person who engages in the practice of threading or makeup artistry shall first obtain a permit from the board by submitting a completed Permit Application and paying the fee established in 201 KAR 12:260.”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “Beautifying, cleansing, cosmetic preparations, exfoliating, facials, makeup,”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “In order to practice in Kentucky you shall obtain a specialty permit or professional license.”
kbc.ky.gov “Makeup Artistry Permit - fifty (50) dollars; (18)”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “Yes, all permits require a minimum of a 3 hour infection control course.”
kbc.ky.gov - Theater, film, TV and photo shoots
“"Makeup artistry" means applying cosmetic products to the face and body.”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “Application of cosmetics when not done for consideration;”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “Face painting at carnivals or fairs; or”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “Beautifying, cleansing, cosmetic preparations, exfoliating, facials, makeup,”
apps.legislature.ky.gov “In order to practice in Kentucky you shall obtain a specialty permit or professional license.”
kbc.ky.gov - Also good to know
“technician shall practice in an establishment licensed by the board.”
apps.legislature.ky.gov - Also good to know
“Yes, all permits require a minimum of a 3 hour infection control course.”
kbc.ky.gov - Also good to know
“Any individual found engaging in the practice of threading, makeup artistry, eyelash artistry, or providing homebound care or event services prior to the permit issuance shall be ineligible to receive a permit from the board for a period of one (1) year”
apps.legislature.ky.gov
Questions
Kentucky makeup artist licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do makeup in Kentucky?
Can a makeup artist work at weddings or in clients' homes in Kentucky?
Is theater, film or photo-shoot makeup exempt in Kentucky?
Can you apply makeup at a cosmetics counter in Kentucky without a license?
What do you need to open a makeup studio in Kentucky?
Plan the rest
Ready to fill your calendar
- Hours, exams and fees for each Kentucky cosmetology and esthetician license
- What a Kentucky esthetician may and may not do
- Lash extensions, brow tinting and waxing rules in Kentucky
- Permanent makeup and microblading rules in Kentucky
- What Kentucky requires to open a salon or studio of your own
- A deposit and cancellation policy for bridal bookings
Makeup artist rules in other states
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