On-Set Etiquette for Makeup Artists - 13 Tips With Advice Every New Makeup Artist Should Know

Key Takeaways

• 13 Tips for Makeup Artists:
  • Show up on time and be camera-ready
  • Keep the chatter low & the focus high
  • Be available when you’re expected to be available.
  • Devices on-set should always be set to silent
  • Study the script to prep like a pro
  • Keep a set-friendly kit, case, or bag
  • Be organized for safety & efficiency
  • Sanitation is non-negotiable
  • Respect the chain of command
  • Touch talent with consent & purpose
  • Continuity is your responsibility too
  • Be careful what you post on social media
  • Skip heavy fragrances and loud food packaging on-set

Walking onto a set for the first time is equal parts exciting and nerve-racking. You’re there because you can do the work, but how you work matters just as much as the work itself. Departments move quickly, talent needs calm energy, and the AD team has a schedule to make. Good on-set etiquette keeps everything smooth, earns trust fast, and often gets you re-hired.

Here are 13 tips for makeup artists hoping to wow crewmates with their on-set conduct that gets them noticed for all the right reasons.

1. Show Up On Time and Be Camera-Ready

For “On time” arrival, you need to be early enough to find parking, reach your basecamp, set up and organize your station for the day, and still be 15 minutes early before anything is needed from you.

Arrive dressed and looking professional with neat, neutral, and appropriate footwear. Pack layers (as sound stages run hot and cold) and stash a compact rain shell into your set bag. First impressions are everything, which is why this is a great tip for makeup artists who want to show that they’re reliable right from day one.

The idea is to build a set-friendly kit that moves with you. Shop lightweight set bags and compact makeup cases that fit over a walkie, leaving your hands free to create masterful looks.

2. Keep the Chatter Low & the Focus High

Being friendly is great, but being loud is not. Limit chatter and steer clear of gossip when you’re working with clients. On a live set, even small sounds can carry, and communication chatter belongs to the AD team, which means that if a conversation can wait, let it.

When in doubt, just listen more than you speak.

3. Be Available When You’re Expected To Be Available

A handy tip for makeup artists is to be early and not just on time. If the call sheet says you’re with the first team for last looks at 10:15, be standing by at 10:10. Park your set bag in a safe, out-of-traffic spot, keep your walkie on (Channel 1 unless told otherwise), and monitor for “first team to set,” “last looks,” and “moving on.”

If you must step away (e.g., to use the bathroom or for cleaning brushes, etc.), please let your department head or key personnel know where you’ll be and for how long.

Following this advice can earn you the respect of senior makeup artists and other crew members counting on your availability.

4. Devices On-Set Should Always Be Set To Silent

Basic on-set etiquette, and a tip that also applies to makeup artists, is to set your phone to silent. This means fully turning off all ringtones, keytones, and vibrations since that can still be audible. Keep your brightness low and avoid glancing at it mid-take. If you use your phone for continuity photos, set up a dedicated album and remember to keep the flash off.

5. Study The Script To Prep Like A Pro

Read the sides and relevant script pages before your day starts. Note timelines (fresh, broken down, flashback), environments (interior day under practicals vs. exterior night under sodium vapor), and any action that affects makeup.

Prep your kit accordingly so you’re not scrambling for a bruise wheel or anti-shine gel at the eleventh hour.

Friendly Tip for Makeup Artists: Break down your script well in advance so you have time to check expiration dates, restock essentials, and replace any products that have dried out, especially creams, liquids, and adhesives. This also gives you time to shop for any new items you’ll need to cover every scene throughout the project. Please account for the delivery time needed for any item(s) required to order online.

Stock up on makeup touch-up palettes, makeup FX touch-up palettes, blotting papers, and anti-shine products in advance so they can live in your on-set pouch.

6. Keep A Set-Friendly Kit, Case, or Bag

Here’s a tip for makeup artists who commute between basecamp and set repeatedly. Use a functional set bag with all the essentials:

• Powder, disposable puffs and sponges, and essential brush sets
• Eye and lip palettes
• Blotting and setting products
• Alcohol and hand sanitizer
• Spoolies, various Q-Tips, and breath mints
• Mini hairspray and an assortment of hairpins
• Lint-free tissues
• A small disposable bag

A popular tip and the top piece of advice from leading makeup artists is to keep your kit’s weight light and make sure items are secured. Any open jars and loose caps might spill when you’re sprinting to last looks.

Explore clear pouches and modular organizers for easy visibility and faster resets between takes.

7. Organization Equals Safety & Efficiency

Makeup artist etiquette also means ensuring that your station is safe for other crew around you and clean for the talent you’ll be dressing.

Lay out brushes by function, decant liquids into labeled bottles, keep disposables within reach, and separate clean vs. used tools.

Wipe surfaces often, seal lids before you move, and keep cables, bags, and cases tidy so the crew can pass without risk.

Another tip for makeup artists is to refresh your sanitation with disposables, 70% alcohol, 99% alcohol, and brush cleaners.

8. Sanitation Is Non-Negotiable

Since ensuring hygiene is a must, makeup artists should follow this advice on-set:

• Use disposables for mascara and lip product application.
• Sanitize palettes and tools between talent.
• Wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask if you’re working very closely.
• Label personal sponges per actor and store in breathable containers.
• Clean surfaces and chair arms at breaks.

9. Respect The Chain of Command

If you’re a makeup artist requesting a change of any kind, here’s a great tip to help you do so. Since your point of contact is your department head or key, route all requests for changes through them, and not directly to the director or producers (unless invited).

On set, the AD team controls pace and safety. So, if they call “last looks,” be quick and efficient. When they call “settle,” step out.

This is basic courtesy and professional etiquette that makeup artists and all other crew members need to follow.

10. Touch Talent With Consent & Purpose

Here are a few tips for makeup artists who want to build a respectful relationship with talent:

• Announce your approach
• Always ask permission (“Is touching your face, okay?”)
• Move hair aside only with clean hands or a comb, and keep touches minimal during takes.
• For on-camera adjustments, coordinate with sound and wardrobe so you’re not blocking mics or disturbing continuity.

11. Continuity Is Your Responsibility Too

Take clear, consistent continuity photos (front, ¾, profile) in the same light when possible.

Another tip for makeup artists to maintain continuity is to note down products and placements, as well as the time of day in story, sweat/shine levels, and any special effects stages. Back up your photos daily.

12. Social Media And NDAs

When in doubt, the best advice for makeup artists is to assume that you cannot post anything online. However, if production permits, only share approved content. Make sure you’re sharing things only after wrap and without revealing story points, talent details, or proprietary looks. But the rule of thumb should be that when in doubt, simply don’t share anything online.

Following this helps makeup artists avoid compromising the project’s integrity.

13. Food, Fragrance & Personal Presence

A great tip for makeup artists working in proximity with artists on any set is to skip heavy fragrances and always keep breath mints on hand.

Avoid loud snack wrappers near sound input devices, and wash your hands after eating oily foods.

Your physical presence should be clean, calm, and nearly invisible to the process until you’re needed.

Artist Etiquette 101

The bottom line of on-set etiquette for makeup artists is about respecting time, space, safety, and story. Showing up early, dressing professionally, and staying organized and sanitary help you appear polished and professional.

Our tip to makeup artists looking for advice is to always be ready when you’re called and stay calm to stand out during stressful productions.

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