18 Business Ideas For Makeup Enthusiasts [2024]
Are you passionate about makeup and dreaming of turning your hobby into a business? In 2024, there are more opportunities than ever for makeup enthusiasts to create successful ventures. Whether you're interested in starting your own product line or offering personalized services, the possibilities are vast.
You could explore launching a subscription box filled with your favorite beauty products or start a YouTube channel offering makeup tutorials. Alternatively, freelance makeup artistry, beauty blogging, and custom cosmetics formulation are other viable paths. This article will guide you through some exciting business ideas tailored for makeup lovers like yourself.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other makeup enthusiast businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a makeup enthusiast could be a creative and effective way to supplement your income and share your passion for beauty with a wider audience. With minimal initial investment, you could begin producing engaging audio content centered on makeup tips, product reviews, industry trends, and beauty interviews. By leveraging social media and online communities, you could build a loyal following, attract sponsorships, and possibly monetize your content through advertisements or affiliate marketing.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- You could share your makeup expertise and passion with a global audience, creating a personal connection.
- Starting a podcast requires minimal initial investment, making it an accessible side business for beauty enthusiasts.
- By attracting sponsorships and advertisers, a popular podcast could become a significant revenue stream for you.
For more inspiration and to see how others have turned podcasting into a successful business, check out podcast success stories here.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
2. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is a fantastic opportunity for makeup enthusiasts looking to turn their passion into profit. These businesses cater to a niche market by offering curated monthly boxes filled with exclusive makeup products. This model not only allows you to share your love for makeup with others but also enables you to generate consistent revenue and potentially scale your business over time.
Why consider starting a subscription box business?
- Subscription boxes are in high demand and can be highly profitable, especially in niche markets.
- You could provide customers with exclusive products, offering them a unique experience and increasing customer loyalty.
- This business model allows you to build a strong brand while making meaningful connections with your subscribers.
To get inspired, check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
3. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As a makeup enthusiast, starting a dropshipping business could be a perfect way to turn your passion into profit without the hassle of managing inventory. By choosing a niche within the makeup industry, you can curate a collection of beauty products that cater to a specific audience, ensuring your store appeals to fellow makeup lovers. Plus, with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce making it easy to set up an online store, you could focus on connecting with suppliers and crafting a seamless shopping experience for customers.
Why consider starting a dropshipping business?
- You could turn your expertise into a curated product selection, creating a niche market for specific makeup products.
- Initial costs are lower since you won't need to invest in inventory upfront.
- You could leverage your knowledge of makeup trends to market your store effectively, attracting a dedicated customer base.
For more details and inspiration, you might want to explore successful dropshipping business ideas.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
4. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an excellent way for makeup enthusiasts to supplement their income or even create a thriving side business. With a knack for creating compelling video content, you could turn your passion for makeup into a platform where you share tutorials, product reviews, and beauty tips. Not only does this offer the potential for revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, but it also provides a versatile and creative outlet.
If you’re ready to put in the time and effort, the opportunities are substantial. A good understanding of video SEO and social media marketing will further enhance your channel’s growth, turning your passion into a fulfilling and potentially lucrative venture. For more insights, visit Starter Story.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You’ll reach a global audience, expanding your influence far beyond your local circle.
- You can diversify your income streams through ads, sponsorships, and product sales.
- Sharing your makeup expertise can help you build a dedicated community of followers who trust your recommendations and look forward to your content.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
5. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
As a makeup enthusiast, starting a niche website focused on beauty and makeup allows you to blend your passion with entrepreneurial ambition. You could create content like tutorials, reviews, and beauty tips to attract an audience who shares your interests. Additionally, leveraging SEO and targeted marketing strategies will help you grow a dedicated following, making it easier to monetize through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling your own line of digital products.
Inspiration and ideas can be found through successful stories on platforms like Starter Story.
Why start a niche website?
- You'll engage with a like-minded community while sharing your expertise and passion for makeup.
- A niche website can turn into a reliable source of passive income through diversified monetization strategies.
- The creative freedom allows you to explore and innovate without the constraints often found in traditional business models.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business can be a fantastic way for makeup enthusiasts to share their expertise and generate income. Imagine creating engaging tutorials, makeup hacks, and beauty routines that others can benefit from. With the rapid growth of the e-learning industry, it's a prime opportunity to capitalize on this trend and turn your passion into profit.
Not only can this be a source of passive income, but it's also a way to establish yourself as an authority in the beauty industry. To get started, all you need is to identify your target audience, create high-quality content, and select an online learning platform to host your courses. For more insights, you can check out some success stories here.
Why start an online course sales business?
- The e-learning market is booming, creating a lucrative opportunity for those willing to share their skills.
- You can earn passive income as people continue to enroll in your course over time.
- Sharing your makeup expertise helps others while establishing you as an authority in the beauty industry.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
7. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is an excellent way for makeup enthusiasts to turn their passion into profit. By sourcing popular beauty products and reselling them online, you could launch a business without the hefty cost of developing your own makeup line. Thanks to platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you don’t need a website right away—focus on building a strong social media presence and consider creating a website as your business grows.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- As a makeup enthusiast, you already know the products that are trending and in demand, giving you a competitive edge.
- You can easily start this business with minimal upfront costs by leveraging social media platforms for sales.
- Reselling offers flexibility, allowing you to manage inventory and operations on your own terms while potentially providing a substantial income.
Learn more about the possibilities and success stories in ecommerce reselling businesses here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning your passion for makeup into a mobile app can be an exciting avenue for supplementing your income or even starting a full-fledged business. Imagine an app where you share makeup tutorials, provide virtual consultations, or recommend products catered to individual skin types and preferences. With the growing demand for beauty-related apps, your unique insights and skills could attract a dedicated user base and generate substantial revenue.
Developing a mobile app might seem daunting, but with a clear vision and either basic coding knowledge or a developer's help, you could create an engaging and functional app that meets users' needs. Effective marketing will also be key to attracting downloads and driving user engagement. For more insights into the potential of mobile app development, see mobile app success stories on Starter Story.
Why consider creating a mobile app?
- You could reach a broader audience by offering beauty tips and tutorials directly on their phones.
- There’s potential to generate passive income through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or advertisements.
- A well-designed app could become a powerful platform for building your brand and establishing authority in the makeup community.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
9. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
As a makeup enthusiast, starting a print-on-demand business can be a fantastic way to monetize your creativity and passion for all things beauty. Imagine designing unique, trendy products like makeup-themed apparel, home goods, or phone cases, and selling them without the upfront inventory costs. By leveraging platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience from the comfort of your home. This business model allows you the flexibility to operate at your own pace while maintaining a steady stream of income (learn more).
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could showcase your creativity and love for makeup by designing custom products that resonate with fellow beauty enthusiasts.
- With minimal startup costs and no need for inventory, this is a low-risk way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship.
- Running your business from home provides you the freedom to balance this venture with your daily life, making it an ideal side hustle.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
10. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business can be a seamless fit for a makeup enthusiast looking to supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged business. Leveraging your passion for makeup, you could create tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data to help beauty influencers, makeup artists, and cosmetic brands optimize their social media presence. Not only will this save your clients valuable time, but it will also allow them to enhance their strategic social media engagement using your expertise.
With the rising demand for consistent and strategic social media management, your technological skills and marketing insights as a makeup enthusiast can become highly valuable. For more details on how lucrative this idea can be, check out some success stories of social media automation businesses here.
Why consider starting a social media automation business?
- You could tap into a growing market by offering valuable services to beauty influencers and brands, boosting their online presence.
- By automating tasks, you could free up your clients' time, allowing them to focus more on creating makeup content.
- Your dual expertise in makeup and social media could give you a unique edge in understanding and targeting the needs of beauty-focused accounts.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
11. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business as a makeup enthusiast capitalizes on your artistry and industry insight. By capturing high-quality images of your makeup designs and techniques, you could build a profitable portfolio that appeals to businesses needing visually striking content for marketing. This venture allows you to combine your passion for makeup with a knack for photography, enabling a seamless blend of creativity and entrepreneurship.
Why start a stock photography business?
- The demand for professional makeup photos is high across bloggers, brands, and businesses, providing a lucrative market to tap into.
- Your unique perspective as a makeup enthusiast could set your stock photos apart, showcasing innovative designs and trends.
- Building a stock photo portfolio offers a passive income stream, allowing you to earn money long after the pictures are taken.
For more detailed marketing ideas on starting a stock photography business, you can explore this link.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
12. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business would make sense as a makeup enthusiast because it allows you to monetize your passion by recommending products you love and use daily. By promoting makeup products from brands you trust, you can earn commissions on sales made through your unique affiliate links. Whether you have an existing blog, YouTube channel, or social media following, affiliate marketing is a low-cost way to generate passive income while sharing your favorite beauty finds with your audience.
To get started, you'll need to find the right products and brands to partner with. Learn more about the earnings potential and profitability of an affiliate marketing business.
Why starting an affiliate marketing business?
- You'll earn passive income by promoting products you already love and use.
- It's a low-risk, low-cost way to start a side hustle since many affiliate programs are free to join.
- You can leverage your existing social media presence to reach a wider audience and increase sales.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
13. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a makeup enthusiast could be a great way to share your passion and expertise with a broader audience while supplementing your income. By focusing on specific topics like makeup tutorials, product reviews, and beauty trends, you could attract a dedicated readership interested in your unique insights. This can also open up monetization opportunities through affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and even paid speaking engagements at beauty events. For more inspiration, check out these niche blog marketing ideas.
Why start a niche blog?
- The beauty industry is booming, and a dedicated blog can help you capitalize on this growing market.
- You could build a loyal audience who values your opinions and expertise in makeup.
- Monetizing your blog through affiliate links and collaborations offers the potential for sustainable income while doing something you love.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
14. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution could be a strategic move for makeup enthusiasts looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. By incorporating AI, you could streamline various aspects of your operations, such as inventory management, customer service, and personalized marketing campaigns, allowing you to focus more on the creative aspects of your business. The growing demand for AI solutions means there's a significant market opportunity, and many AI platforms offer user-friendly interfaces that are accessible even to those without a tech background.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- Increase efficiency and reduce costs by automating repetitive tasks like inventory management and customer inquiries.
- Gain valuable insights into customer preferences, allowing you to offer personalized product recommendations and marketing campaigns.
- Stay ahead of market trends and enhance your competitive edge by leveraging data-driven decision-making.
For more insights, check out how profitable AI-based business solutions can be here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
15. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Creating an AI writing tool could be a lucrative side business for makeup enthusiasts who are also tech-savvy. Given the constant demand for high-quality content in the beauty and fashion industry, an AI tool that generates blogs, product descriptions, social media posts, and reviews can meet business needs dramatically. Transitioning your creativity from makeup artistry to content generation with AI could offer an innovative edge in the competitive beauty market.
Why dabble in AI writing tools as a makeup enthusiast?
- You could streamline your content creation, giving you more time to focus on makeup artistry.
- There's a growing demand for engaging, error-free, and time-efficient beauty content.
- Developing an AI writing tool allows you to merge your passion for beauty with tech innovation, leading to unique business opportunities.
Interested in knowing more about startup costs and profitability for an AI writing tool? Check out this detailed guide.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
16. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a makeup enthusiast, starting a health and wellness app could be a natural extension of your passion for beauty and self-care. By creating an app that provides personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could offer holistic wellness solutions that complement your existing expertise in makeup and beauty. This venture not only allows you to leverage your knowledge but also helps you tap into the growing market of self-improvement and digital health.
Building a health and wellness app involves extensive market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. However, the potential to positively impact lives and create a thriving business makes it an exciting opportunity. Imagine providing a virtual coach that helps users drink more water, follow yoga routines, and meet their wellness goals.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could combine your passion for beauty and wellness, creating a comprehensive platform that addresses all aspects of self-care.
- The market for digital health solutions is rapidly growing, offering vast potential for business success.
- Helping people achieve their wellness goals can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally.
For more information, you can explore success stories and startup ideas related to health and wellness apps on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
17. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
A WordPress plugin business can be a unique way for makeup enthusiasts to leverage their creativity and tech-savviness in the booming beauty industry. Imagine developing plugins specifically tailored for beauty bloggers, makeup artists, or beauty product reviews. By identifying common challenges or needs—like easy-to-use portfolio displays, appointment bookings for makeup sessions, or even product review templates—you could create valuable tools that makeup professionals and enthusiasts alike would find indispensable. This way, you're not only turning a passion into a profit but also contributing to the beauty community in a meaningful way. For more information about the business, you can visit Starter Story.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- Market demand is high. Makeup artists, bloggers, and beauty professionals constantly seek new tools to enhance their websites.
- Versatility and creativity. You could develop plugins that solve specific problems in the beauty industry, from portfolio displays to appointment scheduling.
- Passive income potential. Once developed, plugins can be sold repeatedly, generating you a steady stream of income with less ongoing effort.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
18. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
Starting a web scraping API as a makeup enthusiast might seem like an unconventional path, but it can be a rewarding endeavor for those with a keen interest in technology and data. By leveraging your knowledge of the makeup industry, you could create specialized APIs that gather data on beauty trends, product reviews, and competitor pricing, providing invaluable insights to businesses ranging from emerging cosmetic brands to established retailers. This would not only offer a unique income stream but also place you at the intersection of beauty and tech, two vibrant and rapidly evolving industries.
Why start a web scraping API?
- You'll provide valuable data: Companies rely on accurate data for market research and competitive analysis; your API can offer them just that.
- Diversify your skill set: Developing and maintaining a web scraping API will enhance your technical expertise and open up new career opportunities.
- Capitalize on industry trends: As someone passionate about makeup, you’d understand what data points are most valuable, giving you a competitive edge.
For more insights on starting a web scraping API, take a look at real success stories and detailed guides on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
