Starting a career in makeup artistry can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially for those new to the industry. If you’re a beginner looking to develop your skills as a makeup artist, one of the most important steps you can take is finding the right makeup artistry school. But with so many options out there, how do you determine what are the best makeup artistry schools for beginners?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect makeup artistry program as a beginner. We’ll provide tips on what to look for in a quality school, highlight the key skills you’ll learn as a student, and profile our top 10 picks for beginner-friendly makeup artistry schools. Whether your interests lie in fashion, film, special effects, or bridal makeup, we’ll help you launch your career by finding the ideal program fit.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the factors that matter most when evaluating makeup artistry schools as a beginner. With the right education, you can gain the foundational skills and experience needed to thrive in this exciting industry. So let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
- Look for schools that offer certificate, diploma, or degree programs in makeup artistry
- Seek out schools with excellent teacher-to-student ratios and strong career placement services
- Make sure beginner classes are available in areas like hygiene, facial anatomy, theory, and portfolio-building
- Consider makeup artistry schools in major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and London
- Expect programs to range from 5 months to 4 years depending on degree/certification
- Aim to invest $5,000-$30,000+ on tuition and supplies, depending on program type
If you want to learn more about starting a career from scratch, check out this comprehensive guide on how to become a makeup artist.
What to Look for in a Makeup School
So you’ve decided to pursue a career in makeup artistry – congratulations, you’re about to embark on an exciting and rewarding journey! As a beginner, choosing the right makeup school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when establishing your career in this competitive industry. But with so many options out there, how do you determine which school is the best fit?
Here are the key factors savvy beginners should consider when researching and comparing makeup artistry schools:
1. Types of Makeup Artistry Programs
When considering a makeup artistry program, it’s essential to understand the different types of educational offerings available, ranging from certificates to degrees. Here’s a breakdown of the programs and their respective characteristics:
| Program Type | Duration | Focus | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Less than 1 year | Hands-on makeup techniques | Short-term programs emphasizing practical skills. Ideal for quick entry into the field. |
| Diploma | 1-2 years | Makeup artistry and business/career-readiness skills | Comprehensive training in both makeup techniques and essential business skills. Takes a bit longer for a more well-rounded education. |
| Degree | 2-4 years | Makeup, theory-based concepts, specialization options | In-depth education covering makeup theory and specialized areas such as fashion, film, or prosthetics. Offers a comprehensive understanding of both practical and theoretical aspects. Perfect for those aiming for a specialized and detailed expertise in the field. |
When deciding on a program, it’s crucial to align your choice with your long-term career goals. Consider the duration, curriculum, and specialization options to ensure you’re building a strong foundation as an emerging makeup artist.
2. Length of Program
Closely related to the type of program is its length. Makeup programs can range from as short as 5 months up to 4 years for an in-depth degree.
Short certificate programs work well if you’re looking for a quick entrance into the field. But longer diploma and degree programs give you time to hone your skills and specialize.
Aim for a program length that fits with your goals and schedule – make sure to get hands-on practice included!
3. Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of makeup programs also varies widely. A short certificate course may cost $2,000-$5,000, while a degree could be $20,000 or more per year.
Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans. Do your research to find an option that fits within your budget constraints. Some schools even assist graduates with student loan repayment plans.
Don’t forget to account for supplies! Makeup kits and tools will be another investment. Look for schools that connect students with discounts.
4. Teacher-to-Student Ratio
With hands-on creative fields like makeup, working directly with instructors is crucial. Seek out schools touting low teacher-to-student ratios for maximum personal attention, feedback, and guidance. Many leading schools promote 5-10 students per teacher.
Small class sizes allow you to refine techniques, troubleshoot problems, and collaborate on real client projects under instructor supervision. Don’t underestimate this factor!
Top Skills Taught at Makeup Schools
Okay, so you’ve researched the best makeup artistry programs for beginners and are ready to apply. But what exactly will you learn as a student? Here’s an inside look at the most vital skills taught at quality makeup schools:
1. Sanitation and Hygiene
Any reputable program will drill the fundamentals of sanitation and hygiene. This includes:
- Disinfecting tools and makeup kits
- Avoiding cross-contamination
- Safe product storage
- Proper hand-washing techniques
- Client health screening
Mastering sanitation best practices is crucial for delivering professional, safe services to clients in any industry setting.
2. Facial Anatomy
A core classroom topic is developing an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. This includes:
- Bone structure
- Muscles and contours
- Skin types and tones
- Face shapes
Knowing how to contour cheeks, play up eyes, and balance facial features relies on a mastery of underlying anatomical structures.
3. Makeup Theory and Application
Hands-on practice in foundational makeup techniques is a central focus. Expect training in:
- Base application – primers, foundation, concealers
- Blush, bronzer, highlight placement
- Eye makeup – shadows, liner, mascara
- Brow shaping
- Lip shapes, colors, and finishes
Gaining expertise across all major makeup categories is key for versatility as an artist.
4. Building a Portfolio
Top schools assist students with portfolio development – a must for landing jobs after graduation.
Common portfolio essentials include:
- Headshots showcasing looks created
- Before and after photos
- Editorial/fashion spreads
- Bridal looks
- Special effects makeup
A strong portfolio is key to getting into top makeup schools. Get tips on how to build a makeup artist portfolio that makes your talents shine.
5. Professional Development
Look for business and career-focused coursework such as:
- Creating a resume and branding kit
- Building clientele and networking
- Pricing and payment structures
- Salon or freelance business operations
- On-set etiquette
Business training ensures you can translate your makeup talents into a thriving career. Check for these key skills when researching leading makeup artistry schools for beginners!
Makeup Artistry Programs for Beginners
Once you’ve narrowed down prospective makeup artistry schools, look at the programs and courses offered – especially ones tailored to beginners. These introductory programs teach core skills and provide a springboard for advancing your talents.
Here are some common beginner-friendly programs you’ll find at leading cosmetology schools:
1. Fundamentals of Beauty Makeup
This type of intro program teaches universal techniques applicable to any industry track. Expect training in:
- Skin analysis and base matching
- Color theory
- Product selection and tools
- Face shape techniques
- Day, evening, and corrective application
It establishes core competencies to set up beginners for success across all arenas – from bridal to editorial.
2. Master Makeup Artistry
This program dives deeper into building stylistic techniques. Coursework covers:
- Contouring and highlighting
- Airbrushing
- Avant-garde and editorial looks
- Focus on eyes, lips, and complexion
- Makeup for headshots and video
It advances key skills for those pursuing fashion, media, and celebrity makeup.
3. Hairstyling for Makeup Artists
This course teaches how to:
- Style hair for makeup application
- Match hair and makeup for cohesive looks
- Set and finish hair around makeup
- Collaborate with hair professionals
Gaining crossover hair and makeup skills makes you more marketable.
4. Fashion and Photographic Makeup
Specialized education in makeup for photoshoots and fashion shows includes:
- Working with photographers and models
- Analyzing lighting and angles
- Dramatic and precise application
- Avant-garde styles
- Runway technique
Essential for anyone pursuing a fashion focus!
5. Bridal and Wedding Makeup
Ideal for aspiring wedding artists, this covers:
- Bridal styles for photography
- Consultations and trial runs
- Natural glam techniques
- On-site wedding services
- Working quickly under pressure
This specialty course prepares beginners to excel in the profitable wedding industry.
Many beginner programs teach bridal makeup techniques. Once you gain experience, read up on how much a makeup artist costs for weddings.
Top 10 Makeup Artistry Schools for Beginners
Now that you know what to look for in a leading makeup program, let’s profile our top 10 picks for beginner-friendly schools. These schools stand out for quality of education, hands-on training, and launching successful careers.
1. Make-up Designory (MUD)
With campuses in LA, NYC, and Vegas, MUD is renowned for rigorous multifaceted training integrating both classroom theory and hands-on lessons. They offer 3 beginner-level certificates in beauty, fashion, and special effects makeup tailored to launch industry careers.
2. Cinema Makeup School
Located in LA, this school focuses squarely on techniques for TV, film, and media makeup. Their 6-month Master Makeup Artistry program covers fundamentals like color theory, tools, anatomy, and business skills. Graduates earn a certificate.
3. Vancouver Film School
VFS has both 1-year certificates and 2-year diplomas combining makeup for film, fashion, bridal, and effects. Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and mentorship.
4. Blanche MacDonald Centre
This renowned Canadian center offers a 1-year certificate in the Creative Makeup Artistry Program, steeping students in creative beauty essentials from tools to photography to airbrushing.
5. American Academy of Dramatic Arts
The AADA in LA partners with Cinema Makeup School for their 1-year conservatory teaching all facets of makeup artistry for stage, TV, and film.
6. London College of Fashion
Their 1-year Fashion, Hair, and Makeup pathway certificate prime beginners in core techniques, portfolio building, and industry skills centered on editorial work.
7. Marinello Schools of Beauty
With campuses across the LA area, Marinello’s cosmetology diploma includes a strong makeup concentration in both day and evening courses open to beginners.
8. Make-up Institute
This New York academy offers a 6-month certificate program focused on preparing aspiring makeup artists for fashion print, bridal, headshots, and media.
9. Quarter Moon Inc.
Located in Vancouver, this academy has taught some of the world’s top makeup artists. Their Makeup Artistry Diploma covers beauty, bridal, avant-garde, and special effects makeup.
10. Gorton Studio
This prestigious LA makeup school has trained Oscar and Emmy-winning artists through their comprehensive Master Makeup Artistry program open to beginners.
This list provides a great starting point for researching acclaimed makeup training grounds to launch your artistic career! Each offers foundational skills tailored for emerging artists.
After graduating, learn more about starting a makeup artist business from home as a freelancer.
FAQs about Makeup Schools
As you evaluate potential makeup artistry schools, you likely have plenty of questions! Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions by beginners about finding the right makeup program:
How long are makeup artistry programs?
Program length varies widely. Certificates can be under 6 months, diplomas 1-2 years, and degrees 2-4 years. Consider your goals – longer programs allow more extensive hands-on practice.
What is the typical cost of attendance?
Expect to invest $2,000-$5,000 for shorter certificate courses, $10,000-$20,000 annually for diploma/degree programs, and $5,000+ for supplies over the length of your education. Many schools offer financial aid.
What are the admission requirements?
Each school differs, but many seek a high school diploma or GED. Some have entrance exams or require a basic makeup skills assessment. An artistic portfolio is a plus!
What supplies and makeup kits do you need?
Schools provide guidance on makeup kits tailored to their curricula. Expect to invest $1,000-$5,000+ in professional quality tools, brushes, and cosmetics. Many schools partner with kit suppliers to offer discounts.
Do schools assist with job placement after graduation?
Top schools offer career guidance including portfolio reviews, resume workshops, industry referrals, and job boards. Building connections during your education is key to career success!
Some programs offer training in permanent makeup application. See how to become a permanent makeup artist.
Still have questions? Reach out to admissions at potential schools. They can provide personalized advice on finding the perfect fit as a beginner. Now you’re ready to launch your makeup dreams!
Launch Your Makeup Artistry Dreams
If you’re a beginner seeking to break into the competitive makeup industry, finding the right training program is invaluable. An education from a leading makeup artistry school equips you with the fundamental skills and experience needed to thrive.
In your research, prioritize schools offering:
- Beginner-level courses in core techniques
- Small class sizes
- Hands-on lessons and portfolio-building
- Business and career-readiness training
Consider the program type, length, and cost and how it fits your goals. Look for schools with excellent reputations for graduating successful working artists.
Once established, find out how much makeup artists can make at different career levels.
With this guide about what are the best makeup artistry schools for beginners, you now understand how to evaluate prospective makeup artistry schools and find an exceptional fit as a beginner. An investment in quality education will pay dividends, providing you with a solid foundation of expertise to launch a rewarding career in this creative field.
The possibilities are endless – from celebrity and fashion editorials to film and bridal. Now get out there, pursue your training, build an impressive portfolio, and bring your artistic visions to life!
