It can get expensive keeping up with the best products for your makeup kit, especially if you’re buying everything retail. And as long as you’re a working makeup artist, you’ll always be restocking your inventory. Luckily, some brands offer makeup pro discounts to make it easier on your wallet. Keep reading for a guide on finding the best brand discounts on the market, including what to look for, how to apply, and a makeup pro discount list. 

What Are Makeup Pro Discounts?

Makeup pro discounts are special savings and promos exclusive to professional makeup artists. Many discount programs require an application and proof of expertise, or may involve a membership (with or without fees). Brands offer these programs to pros and students not just for career support, but to help promote their own products and form partnerships with professionals. 

Requirements to Get Makeup Pro Discounts

Not everyone will be eligible for a makeup pro discount. Some programs are limited to makeup artists and students, while others allow a range of other professions to claim their discounts, such as estheticians, hair stylists, and nail techs. When applying for a makeup pro discount, you’ll need to show certain credentials to prove your professional status, such as:  

• Professional cosmetology license or certification
• Makeup school diploma
• Makeup union card
• Composite card 
• Business website
• Social media account for your business (with a certain number of followers and engagement, in some cases)
• A recent service contract
• Your name on a recent call sheet
• Online company listing
• Agency representation 

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Best 18 Pro Makeup Discounts for Professional Artists

Pro discounts for makeup artists can save professionals thousands of dollars a year on supplies. Read on to check out our makeup pro discount list: 

1. MAC Cosmetics Pro program

The MAC pro program is a membership program that offers makeup artists industry event access, exclusive communication with fellow pros, and discounts on products online and in stores. To be eligible, you have to be a professional makeup artist with makeup as your primary work. Makeup artists receive 40% off all purchases. 

2. Bobbi Brown Pro program

Bobbi Brown provides pro discounts for makeup artists and students. To qualify, you’ll need to present two forms of criteria, such as a professional license, employer reference, business or union card, or editorial page. Bobbi Brown offers a 40% discount for online and retail stores, but there is also a $500 value limit per order (maximum $10,000 per year), and pros cannot buy more than six of the same item per order. 

3. Laura Mercier Pro program

Laura Mercier offers makeup pro discounts to makeup artists actively working in the film, television, or editorial space (40%), as well as makeup artist students and assistants (25%). You cannot purchase more than six of the same items in a single order, or more than $3,000 worth of product per year. 

4. NARS PRO program

The NARS makeup pro discounts are for professionals working in the film, television, celebrity, or editorial space (which you’ll have to prove through agency representation, call sheet presence, union card, or editorial shoot credit). Makeup professionals that fit this criteria are eligible for 40% discounts. 

5. NYX Cosmetics Makeup Crew PRO program

The NYX Makeup Crew PRO Membership is a free program for active makeup artists and students enrolled in a makeup college. Members get access to partnership opportunities with NYX, plus 30% off any purchases that aren’t marked “new” or “sale” on the NYX online shop. Members are limited to a $2,000 yearly maximum for purchases.

6. Urban Decay (UD) Pro program

The UD Pro program offers benefits like exclusive artistry deals, members-only website access, and 40% discount on most UD products with a maximum of $500 in purchases per quarter. Anyone who is actively working as a makeup artist or enrolled in a makeup school is eligible for this free program. 

7. Makeup Forever’s Backstage Pro program

For two years, you can have access to 40% discounts if you’re a pro currently working in the bridal, film, television, celebrity, or editorial industries. You’ll need two forms of credentials, such as a service contract, makeup union card, professional website, active professional license, business social media, or any other proof of experience. 

8. Dermalogica ProInsider

Dermalogica’s ProInsider program offers makeup artists special offers, industry updates, launch previews, and exclusive samples. Members also receive 30% off up to six retail products every 30 days. 

9. Hourglass PRO program

Hourglass offers a free pro program that provides member benefits such as new launch early access, private events, classes, and exclusive content. With valid ID and credentials, members can get 30% off products. 

10. Naked Cosmetics Pro Artistry Program

Reserved for makeup professionals, the Pro Artistry Program gives members exclusive promotions and discounts, plus first looks on new products. Unlike some pro programs, makeup purchases are not limited to personal use – members can also purchase products for resale to their clients. 

11. Charlotte Tilbury Professional

Charlotte Tilbury’s pro program for makeup artists and makeup students offers access to exclusive content, masterclasses, and pro events. Once your application and credentials have been accepted, members will also receive 30% off makeup and skincare. 

12. Smashbox Pro

Smashbox Pro has a discount program for makeup artists, freelancers, and students. With Smashbox, makeup pros get exclusive event invites, early access to new products, and helpful insider tips. Makeup artists can also enjoy a 40% off discount on the Smashbox website. 

13. Tarte

Tarte cosmetics has a simple application process, requiring some basic information like your organization name, address, and date of birth. You will also have to verify your professional status through their third-party SheerID verification system. Once you’re approved, you can get 40% off retail products. 

14. Benefit Pro

With no annual fee, the Benefit Pro program offers makeup pros and cosmetologists 40% off products and 15% off all Benefit services. Their application process requires items of proof like a professional license, union card, or business website. 

15. Naimie’s PRO+MEMBER program

Naimie’s discount program offers beauty deals for makeup artists, students, and other beauty industry pros. Members will also gain access to a special newsletter, notifications for special events, plus 40% off on exclusive makeup and beauty brands. 

16. Beautyblender Artistry Program

Beautyblender requires a valid US photo ID and active makeup union card, or a screenshot of your name and portfolio on your agency’s website. After approval, you’ll get 40% off pro-kit orders on the Beautyblender website. 

17. Patrick Ta Artistry Program

The Patrick Ta Artistry Program is available for makeup artists working in fields such as television, film, theater, celebrity, editorial, special events, bridal, and fashion. You’ll need to provide credentials like proof of agency representation, makeup union card, or cosmetology license. Once you’re accepted into the program, you can enjoy 30% off on Patrick Ta’s online site. 

18. Camera Ready Cosmetics

Not sure which brand’s pro program you want to join? Camera Ready Cosmetics partners with several different makeup brands that offer pro discounts such as Kiehl’s, Viseart, RCMA, and more, so artists can stock their kits without breaking the bank. Purchases are limited to $3,000 per year and cannot be used for resale purposes. 

How to Get a Makeup Pro Discount in 3 Steps

As a professional makeup artist with plenty of expenses to manage, it’s always worth it to check to see how you can maximize your savings on makeup essentials. Below, we detail a step-by-step guide on how you can obtain your very own pro brand discount. 

1. Do your research

There are plenty of makeup brands that offer pro discounts, but not all of them will be the best fit for you. When sorting through your options, it’s important to note any spending limits or term conditions that may inhibit your purchasing abilities. A discount of 30% to 40% may sound generous, but if you can only spend it on starter kits or are limited to a certain amount of items per year, the membership might not be worth it. Also note any future renewal requirements or fees associated with your pro membership of choice.

2. Prepare your documents

As noted above, many of these makeup pro discounts require proof of employment, business, expertise, licenses, diplomas, or certification. Each beauty pro program has different requirements, though they all essentially revolve around submitting a valid photo ID and some type of confirmation of your professional legitimacy. 

3. Fill out and submit an application

Beauty pro programs often have an application you can fill out to determine your eligibility. In some cases, you may be required to send an email with all the necessary information. An online application may also have additional steps like ID verification or the option to attach any necessary documentation. Double-check your application to ensure all your details are correct (and if you’re emailing, that you’ve included the right recipient). 

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Boost Your Makeup Artist Brand with GlossGenius

Makeup pro discounts are how aspiring artists and seasoned pros alike can save money on supplies. With less money spent on products, you can invest in more ways to grow and enhance your business like professional software, studio improvements, marketing, new staff, and other expenses. 

GlossGenius allows makeup pros to take control of their careers by serving as an all-in-one tool to help them manage their day-to-day. Fill your schedule with Online Booking, and keep track of all your products with Inventory Management. You can also improve your customer satisfaction and relationships with Client Management, boost your business with Marketing, and even fund your business with our Genius Loans feature. 

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