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The Global Insight

Can I write off makeup as a business expense?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 24, 2026

Like the clothing and haircuts deduction, you can write off makeup used for stage or photo shoots, but not if you wear the same makeup outside of work. Another important thing to remember is makeup supplies should be purchased from professional suppliers (rather than the drugstore) if you pan to claim the expense.

Is makeup a tax write off?

5. Makeup Kit Supplies: All of the makeup you buy for your professional kit is tax deductible. This even includes brushes, disposable applicators, and makeup wipes. Remember: you are not allowed to write off makeup you buy for personal use!

Can I claim makeup for work?

You can’t claim a deduction for hairdressing, cosmetics, hair and skin care products, even though: you may be paid an allowance for grooming. your employer expects you to be well groomed when at work.

Is cosmetic dental work tax deductible?

Only medically necessary dental treatments are deductible, such as teeth cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, and dental-related prescription medications. Cosmetic procedures (like veneers and teeth whitening) and non-prescription medicines are not tax-deductible.

Can I write off a Rolex?

Even if Rolex was a qualifying charitable organization, you wouldn’t be able to deduct the purchase price of the watch. In the case of Rolex, if you buy a watch for $10,000 at retail, the fair market value of that watch is considered $10,000, and you receive no deduction.

Are toiletries tax deductible?

You may not deduct funeral or burial expenses, nonprescription medicines, toothpaste, toiletries, cosmetics, a trip or program for the general improvement of your health, or most cosmetic surgery. You may not deduct amounts paid for nicotine gum and nicotine patches that don’t require a prescription.

Is Netflix a tax deduction?

Even services like Netflix and software can be deducted as long as you prove that it’s needed to stay relevant in your industry. As a rule of thumb, don’t try to fool the IRS. But, if you keep a written log that details that you do use hardware and software for work too, you claim the business percentage.

Can I deduct my insurance premiums?

Health insurance premiums are deductible on federal taxes, as these monthly payments for coverage are classified as a medical expense. The general rule is that if you pay for medical insurance with out-of-pocket money, then you would be allowed to deduct the amount from your taxes.

Can you use makeup as a tax deduction?

The rules surrounding makeup as a tax deduction are strict. Similar to the clothing deduction, you can write off makeup used for stage or photo shoots, but not if you wear the same makeup outside of work.

Can a makeup artist write off business expenses?

As a makeup artist, you can save hundreds (even thousands!) of dollars at tax time by deducting business expenses. That’s because every time you write off an expense, you lower your taxable income – putting the money you spend on your business back in your pocket.

Can a professional athlete deduct the cost of makeup?

However, athletes generally can’t deduct the cost of dietary or nutritional supplements, because the benefits are personal as well as professional. The rules surrounding makeup as a tax deduction are strict.

Can You claim cosmetic surgery as a tax deduction?

Cosmetic surgery Claiming the cost of cosmetic surgery as a tax deduction is almost always a no-go, but it has been done in extremely specific circumstances.