Pro Discounts!

Posted by: Aneasha Categories: Being a MUA

Any makeup addict already knows that makeup can get rather expensive. It is important to have good quality products in your kit, but it is also important to not break the bank.Thankfully, most major makeup companies understand this and they offer discounts off of their products through a professional or PRO program. It takes a little bit of legwork from the artist to get into such programs, but the savings offered after being accepted makes it all worth it.

I began applying to PRO programs soon after I began doing makeup for profit. I applied to MAC first, and then Urban Decay. I was nervous to apply at first, but that all turned into excitement after being accepted. I now receive upwards of 40% off of all of their products. That is a HUGE savings! Since then I have been accepted into PRO programs for the following companies:

• Tarte
• Bobbi Brown
• Anastasia
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
• Frends Beauty Supply
• Smashbox
• Nigel’s Beauty Emporium
• Stila
• Sigma

All of these discounts range from 20% to 40% off including sale items. Often times the companies also give breaks on shipping costs. Now I am not saying all of this to brag or boast. I am saying this to say YOU CAN DO IT TOO! If you are an aspiring makeup artist I strongly urge you to start applying for these programs. To further help I’ve created a listing of companies that offer PRO programs and how to get them! Most companies will require proof of identity (drivers license) and at least one piece of documentation proving that you are an artist. This could include business cards, union cards, valid professional license, comp cards, tear sheets, editorial pages with credit, letter of reference, IMDB listing, or a website.

• Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (40%):

1. Valid photo identification.
2. Two items of professional proof.

• Cinema Secrets (15%-25% depending on product)

1. Valid photo identification.
2. Two items of professional proof or proof of student status.
3. “30% (with proper returned form and proper credentials) or 40% ($50/Black Pearl annual membership fee and returned form with credentials). Once approved (usually within 24 hours) you can start to use your discount. We request that you place your artist discount order via telephone at 212.223.2229.”

• Frends Beauty (up to 40%):

1. Valid photo identification.
2. Two items of professional proof.

• Illamasqua (discount depends on qualifications):

1. CV/Resume, ID Card, Contract Cover Letter, Call/Tear Sheet, or College Acceptance Letter

• MAC Cosmetics (30% — 40% depending on profession)

1. Payment of annual fee.
2. Valid photo identification.
3. Two items of professional proof.

*Business licenses, websites, pay stubs or tax forms are not accepted

• Make Up Forever (20%-40% depending on profession):

1. Valid photo identification.
2. Two forms of professional proof OR
3. Pro membership card from another company OR
4. Proof of student status.
5. Valid photo identification.
6. One form of professional proof.
7. Valid photo identification.
8. A copy of your active cosmetology license OR
9. A copy of your business card, 3 trade references, 3 of the latest projects you are working on or have worked on, and a copy of a bill or invoice for work

• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

1. “Email us a link to your website or online portfolio, along with your mailing address, phone number and preferred email address. Don’t have a website yet? Send us a scan of your comp card, a tear sheet (with printed name credit), professional license or diploma or union card instead. Still a student of makeup artistry or cosmetology? Send us proof of your enrollment at your current school, and you’ll qualify as well.”

• Smashbox Cosmetics (20%-40% depending on profession):

1. Valid photo identification.
2. Proof of current enrollment at an artistry based school or certificate program (for 20% discount) OR
3. Two forms of professional proof (for 30% discount) OR
4. Valid union card (for 40% discount).

• Stila Cosmetics (20%-40% depending on profession):

1. Valid photo identification.
2. Two forms of professional proof.

• Temptu (10% pro kits; 30% Temptu products *excluding kits*)

1. Two forms of professional proof.

• Urban Decay Cosmetics (40%; $250 max per quarter)

1. Valid photo identification.
2. Two forms of professional proof.

See! There are a ton of discounts out there for our disposal. I hope all of this information is helpful and thank you for reading! Stay beautiful!

*This will be a working post. I will add to it as I find more information on each PRO discount.*

Originally published at www.abtfacemua.com on March 20, 2014.