Accountants Makeup Artists

Helping You Stay Financially Polished While You Perfect Your Craft

As a makeup artist, your work is all about creativity, precision, and enhancing beauty—but behind the scenes, managing your finances is just as important. Whether you’re a freelance MUA, a bridal specialist, a cosmetics influencer, or running a salon, keeping on top of your accounts is essential to ensure your business thrives.

At Swan Books, we provide specialist accounting services tailored to makeup artists, helping with everything from self-assessment tax returns to VAT compliance, expense tracking, and business growth strategies. Let us handle the numbers while you focus on perfecting your artistry.

Key Accounting Considerations for Makeup Artists

📌 Registering with HMRC – Whether you’re a self-employed MUA or running a beauty business, you must register with HMRC. We help you choose the best structure for tax efficiency.
📌 Income Tax & National Insurance – Self-employed makeup artists must pay Income Tax and National Insurance. We ensure you set aside the correct amount to avoid unexpected tax bills.
📌 VAT & Thresholds – If your income exceeds £90,000 per year, you’ll need to register for VAT. We manage your VAT registration, returns, and help you claim VAT on business expenses.
📌 Bookkeeping & Record-Keeping – Keeping accurate financial records is crucial for HMRC compliance. We provide simple solutions to organise your income and expenses.
📌 Avoiding Late Filing Penalties – Your self-assessment tax return is due by 31st January each year. We ensure all filings are submitted on time to prevent fines.
📌 Working From Multiple Locations – Many makeup artists travel to clients, work in salons, or rent beauty spaces. We help you track expenses like travel costs, kit purchases, and chair rental fees.
📌 Tax Deductible Expenses – From makeup brushes to training courses, knowing what you can claim as an expense can significantly reduce your tax bill.

Why Choose Swan Books?

With over 17 years of experience in providing accounting services to the beauty industry, Swan Books understands the unique financial challenges of your industry. Our friendly and professional service ensures you remain tax-efficient while growing your business.

There’s a reason we have nothing but 5 star reviews on Google.

     EXCELLENT  
     Based on 132 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Kirsty Baker 
 2026-02-11
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow what can I say, Stacey and her team are absolutely amazing, Stacey constantly goes above and beyond to help me and explain all details in a way I actually understand it. She is always available and is super flexible. On top I know she will do her best to help my business in any way possible. Highly recommend, if you are on the fence don't be, sign up you honestly won't regret it. Thank you Stacey so much, Kirsty
  
 
       
   Kirsty Pile 
 2026-02-02
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stacey is so knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Rowan Shrimpton 
 2026-01-27
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful and easy to talk to with fast response and was very smooth start to finish very happy
  
 
       
   Lily Burford 
 2026-01-20
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Stacey Hooper at Swan Books Finance Essex, highly enough! As a self-employed professional, navigating taxes can often feel overwhelming, but Stacey makes the entire process seamless and stress-free. From start to finish, she combines exceptional professionalism with a personal touch that is rare to find.

Stacey is incredibly efficient, always meeting deadlines and ensuring every detail is accurately handled. What really sets her apart is the clarity and patience in her communication—no question is too small, and she explains everything in a way that makes the whole process reassuring rather than daunting.

Working with Stacey feels like having a trusted partner in your business—someone who genuinely cares and is committed to helping you succeed. For anyone self-employed or needing guidance with taxes, you will be in the best possible hands. They also use great automated and online apps/websites that make the whole process to easy.
  
 
       
   Annabel Agbo 
 2026-01-12
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service from Stacey. She explained the whole process in terms for me to understand and it was so much easier and less stress having her support with annual taxes. Would highly recommend anyone to come to Stacey. Thank you!
  
 
       
   Renee France 
 2025-11-06
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a new business, Stacey's support has been invaluable.  Her no nonsense clear advice and easy to use systems have helped us to get the financial side of things running smoothly - and she does our self assessments too!
  
 
       
   Ian Bement 
 2025-10-29
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service, kept fully informed of when things would happen. Can't fault Stacey for the way she dealt with our tax returns. First time using Stacey, everything straight forward and all information presented to us in an easy to read/understand format.
  
 
       
   Lash Twenty One 
 2025-10-21
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stacy has been absolutely amazing. She took the time to go through everything with me and helped me figure out what was best for my business. She answered all my questions so quickly and her prices are really affordable too. On top of that she’s genuinely lovely and friendly to deal with, which makes such a difference. I’m really glad I found her and would 100% recommend.
  
 
       
   Rachel Saxon 
 2025-10-11
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Swanbooks made my tax return so easy, everything easy to understand with broken down checklists to follow. Will recommend Stacey to everyone!
  
 
       
   Dolly 
 2025-10-07
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stacey is like a breath of fresh air.  Nothing is a problem, and she makes everything so straightforward.    Such a relief to have found her.  Thanks Stacey.

Our Process

Initial Consultation

Understand your business, your challenges, and your aspirations.

Onboarding

Seamless integration with your existing systems, training provided if necessary.

Tailored Solutions

We propose a bookkeeping solution adapted to your unique needs.

Regular Check-ins

Periodic reviews to ensure your financials are on track and to address any concerns.

Year-End Finalisation

Ensure everything is aligned, compliant, and ready for HMRC submissions.

Solutions We Use

We leverage cutting-edge accounting software to provide seamless financial management and reporting:

Xero: For real-time financial tracking and insights, ideal for small businesses that value accessibility and efficiency.
QuickBooks: Offering an intuitive platform for bookkeeping and financial management, perfect for keeping small businesses informed.
Sage: Known for its comprehensive features that cater to more complex small business needs, from payroll to inventory management.
Dext: Streamlining document management and expense tracking, ensuring that every financial transaction is captured accurately.

What Can Makeup Artists Expense?

Understanding your allowable expenses can significantly reduce your tax liability. Here’s a breakdown of common deductions:

Makeup & Kit Essentials

💄 Brushes, sponges, and applicators
🎨 Foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and other cosmetics
👜 Makeup cases, organisers, and storage solutions
💡 Mirrors, ring lights, and portable studio setups

Studio & Work Expenses

🏠 Chair rental fees for working in a salon or shared space
🔌 A portion of home rent or mortgage if you have a home studio
📡 Business Wi-Fi and phone bills
🛠 Repairs and maintenance of salon or studio equipment

Marketing & Client Growth

📢 Advertising on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Google
📸 Professional photography for your portfolio
🌐 Website hosting, domain fees, and booking software

Travel & Transport

🚗 Mileage and fuel costs for mobile makeup artists
🚕 Taxi fares or public transport to client locations
🛏 Hotel stays for bridal makeup bookings and events

Training & Professional Development

🎓 Courses for makeup techniques, bridal styling, or SFX makeup
📚 Beauty trade magazines and online tutorials
🎟 Entry fees for beauty expos and networking events

Personal Presentation & Maintenance

💆 Skincare and facial treatments (if required for client-facing work)
🖌 Hairdressing, nail treatments, and grooming for professional appearances

Employee & Business Costs (For Salon Owners)

👥 Wages and PAYE contributions for staff
📅 Pension contributions for employees
📝 Public liability and professional indemnity insurance

💡 Tip: Always keep receipts and records of your expenses to support your claims with HMRC. We can help you track and manage your expenses efficiently.

💡 Keeping receipts and accurate records is essential when claiming expenses. We ensure all your costs are recorded properly for tax efficiency.

Accountants for Semi-Permanent Makeup Artists

If you specialise in semi-permanent makeup, such as microblading, cosmetic tattooing, or scalp micropigmentation, your tax and business structure may have additional considerations. Some aesthetic treatments may or may not be VAT exempt, depending on whether they’re classified as medical or cosmetic procedures. We provide tailored tax advice to ensure compliance and help you claim the correct expenses for specialised equipment, training, and licensing.

After initially speaking to Stacey in October, I left everything until the last minute. Despite this, Stacey was incredibly understanding and patient, and even though she chased me for things, I never felt under any pressure. Would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs help with their tax affairs.

Anonymous

Should You Register as a Sole Trader or a Limited Company?

Deciding whether to remain a sole trader or register a limited company depends on your income and business goals.

✅ Sole Trader – Quick to set up and simple tax filing, but you are personally liable for business debts.
✅ Limited Company – More tax-efficient as profits are taxed at 19% Corporation Tax rather than higher self-employed tax rates, plus limited liability protection.

💡 Not sure which is best for you? We can advise on the best business structure for your needs.

Our Pricing

At Swan Books, we tailor our pricing to fit your business’s specific needs. Our bookkeeping services ensure that your business finances stay up-to-date using leading cloud accounting software like Quickbooks or Xero. Whether you prefer monthly or quarterly updates, we keep you informed about your business profits consistently. We cover all areas of bookkeeping, ensuring thoroughness and precision.

The pricing for our bookkeeping services varies based on the volume of transactions each month. For a customised quote and a detailed breakdown, please contact us.