Bestie, Have you ever recommended a product to a client and thought, Why am I sending them to another brand when I could be selling my own? If so, you’re already thinking like a beauty boss.
As a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist, you’ve built trust with your clients, mastered your craft, and know exactly what products work best. So why not take that knowledge and turn it into a profitable side hustle by launching your own makeup line?
Now, I know what you might be thinking: That sounds amazing, but where do I even start? Trust me—I get it! The idea of launching a cosmetics brand can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: It’s easier than you think when you have the right plan in place.
So, let’s break it down and get you one step closer to owning your own beauty brand.
Why Beauty Pros Should Start Their Own Makeup Line
We all love what we do, but let’s be real—our income is often limited by time. There are only so many hours in the day, and you can only take so many clients before burnout hits.
This is where having a beauty-based side hustle comes in. A makeup line can:
💄 Create passive income—you make money even when you’re not in the treatment room.
💄 Keep clients coming back—if they trust your skills, they’ll trust your products.
💄 Build your personal brand—stop promoting other brands and start promoting your own.
💄 Set you up for long-term success—because let’s be honest, no one wants to be working on their feet forever.
Sound good? Great—let’s talk about how to actually make it happen.
How to Start Your Own Makeup Line (Without the Overwhelm!)
1. Pick Your Signature Product
Don’t try to launch a full cosmetics line all at once—that’s a fast track to stress. Instead, start with one signature product that makes sense for your business.
Are your clients always asking how to cover blemishes? A concealer palette might be the perfect launch. Want to enhance your lash service upsells? A custom lash line could be a game-changer. The key is to start small and expand later.
2. Find a Trusted Supplier
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to create formulas from scratch. Many private-label manufacturers allow you to customize high-quality products with your own branding and packaging. The trick is finding a supplier that aligns with your values, whether it’s vegan, cruelty-free, or formulated for diverse skin tones.
3. Brand It Like a Boss
Your makeup line should be an extension of you and your business. Think about:
✔️ Your brand colors and logo
✔️ Product names that reflect your personality
✔️ Packaging that stands out
Branding is what makes people feel connected to your products. You want them to buy because they love the product and because they love you!
4. Launch & Market the Right Way
A successful product launch isn’t just about having great products—it’s about getting them in front of the right people. Start by:
✨ Talking about it on social media—bring your audience along for the journey!
✨ Offering exclusive pre-orders—build excitement before launch day.
✨ Selling in your treatment room or salon—clients already trust your recommendations!
And if you’re not sure how to market your products effectively, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered in my Side Hustles for the Beauty Industry eBook (more on that in a sec!).
Ready to Start Your Own Makeup Line? Here’s Your Next Step!
If you’ve been thinking about launching a cosmetics brand but don’t know where to start, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Inside my eBook, Side Hustles for the Beauty Industry, I break down:
✔️ How to choose the right products for your brand
✔️ Where to find trusted vendors & manufacturers
✔️ The best pricing & marketing strategies
✔️ How to sell and scale your beauty brand
🔗 Grab your copy here: Side Hustles for the Beauty Industry
Trust me—your future self will thank you when your business is thriving, your income is growing, and you’re making money beyond the treatment room.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it! Start your makeup line and secure that extra income today!
📲 Follow me for more beauty business tips:
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I can’t wait to see your brand take off—tag me when you launch so I can hype you up! 🚀