Make Money as a Makeup Artist | Dawn Maloney

Sep 19, 2025

Dawn Maloney, a trailblazing makeup artist and educator with over 25 years in the industry, shares her inspiring journey from earning $4.25 an hour to transforming the beauty landscape. She reveals her innovative Anatomical Makeup Method™ and discusses the importance of personal responsibility and resilience in business. Dawn emphasizes mastering your craft over chasing trends and offers practical advice for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, highlighting that discipline and adaptability are key to overcoming setbacks.

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ANECDOTE

From $4.25/hr To TV Makeup

Dawn started her career earning $4.25/hour at Glamour Shots and kept pushing despite little experience.
She landed a $40/hour TV makeup job in 1998 by ignoring self-doubt and seizing opportunity.

INSIGHT

Anatomical Makeup As A Differentiator

She developed a patent-pending Anatomical Makeup Method focused on facial proportions and lighting.
This method led to a 230-page book and specialized teaching that differentiates her brand.

INSIGHT

People Are The Reward

Dawn values the human connection from working in Manhattan TV and learning from thousands of clients.
The conversations and relationships have been the most rewarding part of her career.

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Dawn Maloney is a trailblazing professional makeup artist, educator, and business owner transforming the beauty industry since 1997. Founder of MakeupClasses.com and Dawn Till Dusk Cosmetics, Dawn is celebrated for her patent-pending Anatomical Makeup Method™, her new book for artists, and 25+ years working on national TV, fashion, and celebrity sets. Her story is one of grit, innovation, and empowering others—having beat homelessness, single parenthood, and adversity to build a brand that inspires authenticity and resilience.

On this episode we talk about:

How Dawn built a meaningful beauty career from $4.25/hour to national TV and entrepreneurship
The power of personal responsibility, discipline, and failing forward in both life and business
Her revolutionary Anatomical Makeup Method™ for personalized artistry (and her new book)
The real challenges (and opportunities) of launching and scaling beauty brands in 2025
Advice for aspiring artists and small business owners—especially women in the beauty sector

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Start small, stay persistent, and always reinvest in yourself and your business growth.
2. Real, lasting impact comes from mastering your craft and prioritizing authenticity over trends.
3. Discipline, resilience, and the ability to pivot are non-negotiable for overcoming setbacks and building your own brand.

Notable Quotes

“Money is all about decision making. Where do you put it at the end of your workweek?”
“If you fail, you fail forward. The trick is staying in the game after the worst setbacks.”
“Personal responsibility is your air mask—you have to put yours on first before helping others.”

Connect with Dawn Maloney:

LinkedIn: Dawn Maloney
Website & Classes: makeupclasses.com

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