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How can you combine science and makeup as a career?

I want to do science and make up but I don't know how they work together? #science #makeup #beauty #beauty-industry

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Greg’s Answer

I'm not sure science and doing makeup have anything in common, but there's definitely a science of makeup--several of them, in fact: organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science all play a part in the creation and testing of potential makeup ingredients or of entire makeup formulations. Nanomaterials and nanostructures are responsible for such things as iridescence in a butterfly's wings, absolutely jet-black materials, hydrophobic (water-resistant) materials, etc., and will undoubtedly play a much bigger role in the future. At the same time, there are all sorts of questions about their interactions with human skin, lips, eyes, and noses, not to mention with each other, with clothing, with cleaning products, and even with insects (think mosquitoes), microbes, and solar radiation.


I'm sure there are other angles I'm overlooking, btw. I'm speaking mostly on the basis of a background in physics (quite a while back) and more recent, general-purpose science updates/awareness via Science News and various online sources.

Thank you comment icon Thanks, Mr. Greg! Caitlin
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Eva’s Answer

One option can be working in R&D or Manufacturing for a cosmetics company. Depending on what aspects of make up you are interested in, another option could be in animation or VR. Another direction could be working for pigment or scent companies.

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Eva! Caitlin
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Ken’s Answer

Hi Caitlin!


Here are two sites that will give you much information regarding education to become a cosmetic scientist:


http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Cosmetic_Chemist_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html


http://learn.org/articles/What_is_Cosmetic_Science.html


Here is a link to a professional organization to which many people in this career area belong:


http://www.scconline.org/


Send thank you notes to those who help you. Please keep me posted as I would like to help you further if I can.

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for these resources, Mr. Ken! Caitlin
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Renata Lynette’s Answer

One career option where you would use both science and makeup would be to work with the FBI to create disguises. Also working with morticians to do makeup on the departed. You would have to know how to use certain products to color-correct or rebuild the appearance of the departed. Its definitely a segment of the business where there is job security. Learning SFX (special effects) makeup would be perfect for that type of job.
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Prithwika’s Answer

You Can become a Cosmetic Chemist. Please go through the link below:
http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Cosmetic_Chemist_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html

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Addison’s Answer

Someone has already mentioned R&D (research and development), which is a large part of any successful cosmetic company today. This said, you can also work with laboratories that handle clinical testing for many cosmetics companies. This is a great behind-the-scenes job that will give you in-depth knowledge about product ingredients and testing methods.

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Simeon’s Answer

You could work as a chemist who tests and synthesizes different beauty compounds. There are many variations on skin products that need additional chemical testing, such as for people with sensitive skin.
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Samantha’s Answer

There are tons of opportunities to combine science and makeup as a career! Every major beauty company has a big research & development (R&D) function with lots of scientists who are working on the next big innovative products.
From an education perspective, I would look for schools with strong chemistry or chemical engineering programs. Then, apply for internships at some of the big beauty companies who are known for their R&D (e.g., L'Oreal, Unilever, Estee Lauder). These internships often convert into full time job offers, helping you start your career in science and makeup.
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