[martygreene]

This is going to sound harsh, but it is like the square::rectangle thing.

A makeup artist can also happen to work at a retail position, but a retail position individual is not nessicarily a makeup artist.

There are many talented individuals working at retail cosmetic positions, and some of them may be working independantly as professional makeup artists. However, there are also a large number of people out there who believe that because they can apply makeup to themselves/friends/a retail drop-in customer and that they have all the products from their retail line, that they are a makep artist by profession. Unfortunately, this is not the case. They are a retail sales associate, and have a passion for makeup.

Back when I frequented MAC I would go in on occasion to have my makeup done, and every time I had to adjust it because the application was shoddy. I've had numerous clients who have had their makeup done at such-and-such a counter (even with pre-scheduled appointments) and come out looking shoddy with poor application and color placement. Same goes with Sephora, in fact I've had more ladies come from there to me because their bridal makeup application was so poor. Particularly when these individuals who claim to be makeup artists by profession begin to do work intended for photography, with their brand-loyal kits, is when you really see the issue. Consumer cosmetics generally are not suited for professional use, and simply just don't cut it.

Much like there is a difference between a photographer by profession and a "guy-with-a-camera", there is a difference between a makeup artist by profession and a "girl-with-a-kit". This isn't to say that these passionate people aren't being artistic with makeup, or that they can't live their pipe dreams of being a makeup artist by profession, it's just that they aren't there yet. There is a lot of talent out there, but talent alone doesn't cut it.