abbreviation
MUA
em-yoo-AY
MUA (abbreviation) means Makeup artist, a person who applies makeup professionally, especially for weddings, photography, film or social media. Example: “She booked an MUA for the wedding morning.”
abbreviation
1
Makeup artist, a person who applies makeup professionally, especially for weddings, photography, film or social media.
"She booked an MUA for the wedding morning."
"His bio reads 'MUA and beauty educator, London'."
interjection
1
informal Written representation of the sound of a kiss, used affectionately in messages.
"Goodnight, see you tomorrow, mua!"
How to use MUA
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShort for makeup artist.
When to use it
Informal industry shorthand; write it out in full in formal contexts.
Memory tip
Use 'an MUA', not 'a MUA', because the letter M is said starting with a vowel sound.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
book an MUA
MUA credit
bridal MUA
freelance MUA
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She booked an _____ for the wedding morning.
Etymology
In the beauty sense, an initialism of makeup artist.
Rhymes for MUA
See all rhymes for MUA →Frequently asked questions
What does MUA mean on Instagram or TikTok?
In a bio or a photo credit it almost always means makeup artist, naming whoever did the makeup in the shot. Tagging the MUA is standard etiquette in beauty and fashion posts.
Is an MUA the same as a cosmetologist?
No. A makeup artist specialises in applying makeup and often works freelance on shoots and events. A cosmetologist holds a licence covering a wider range of beauty services, typically including hair, skin and nails, with the exact scope set by local regulations.
How do you say MUA?
As three separate letters, em-you-ay. The kiss sense is pronounced as a single syllable, like 'mwah'.
What is the meaning of MUA?
"MUA" (abbreviation) means makeup artist, a person who applies makeup professionally, especially for weddings, photography, film or social media.
