Makeup Artist

Perfect your Irish tax return as a self-employed makeup professional.

Allowable Expenses

• Professional Makeup Products — Foundation, palettes, brushes, setting sprays, and all products used on clients.
• Professional Kit Maintenance — Brush cleaning products, sanitising sprays, and brush replacement.
• Travel to Clients — Mileage at Revenue's approved rate to wedding venues, film sets, or client locations.
• Portfolio & Marketing — Website costs, Instagram advertising, and professional photography of your work.
• Training — Advanced makeup artistry courses, editorial techniques, and brand masterclasses.
• Insurance — Makeup artist public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Tax Tips

• Wedding makeup income peaks in summer — use a monthly savings plan to set aside tax throughout the year.
• Film and TV work may be subject to specific Revenue guidance on artists' exemption — check if you qualify for the artists' exemption from income tax.
• Revenue's artists' exemption (Section 195 TCA) provides income tax relief on certain creative earnings — check eligibility.
• Mileage between clients is deductible — use the Revenue approved rate and keep a daily log.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I handle wedding season income in Ireland?

Set aside 30-40% of every payment for income tax, PRSI, and USC. The 40% income tax rate applies once taxable income exceeds €42,000. Disciplined saving ensures you can meet your October Preliminary Tax payment.

Can I claim professional makeup products on my Form 11?

Yes. All professional makeup products, brushes, and kit maintenance supplies used on clients are deductible as a cost of delivering your service. Personal cosmetics or skincare used on yourself are not deductible.

Are travel costs to wedding venues deductible?

Yes. Travel to wedding venues, film sets, photoshoots, and client locations is deductible. Use Revenue's approved mileage rates and keep a mileage log for all business journeys.

What if I sell products (skincare, cosmetics) as well as makeup services?

Product sales are taxed as trading income alongside your service income. Declare product revenue and deduct the cost of goods. The VAT treatment of retail beauty products (23%) differs from beauty services (23% or reduced rate) — ensure you charge and account for the correct rate on each.