12 Best Makeup Artistry Schools in the World |

What makes a makeup artist great? Is it their talent or skill? Or maybe it’s their experience? Whatever it is, they should always be able to provide clients with high-quality services.

Makeup artists are professionals who specialize in applying cosmetics to enhance beauty. They can create beautiful looks for special occasions such as weddings, proms, parties, etc.

There are several schools offering courses in makeup artistry globally. Some of them provide certificate programs, while others offer diploma programs. The duration of these programs varies from 3 months to 2 years.

In this blog post, I’ll show some of these schools’ best. Meanwhile, here’s the table of content for an overview of what to expect in this article.

Is Makeup Artistry Offered In College?
Steps To Becoming A Certified Makeup Artist
Subjects Needed To Be A Certified Makeup Artist
Cost Of Going To A Makeup Artistry School
Duration Of Becoming A Makeup Artist
Best Makeup Artistry School
Conclusion
Recommendations
References

Who is A Make Up Artiste?

A makeup artist is best described as applying makeup on a medium, such as a human, as transforming their skin or enhancing its appearance. They can also be referred to as cosmetologists or beauticians.

They could diversify their skill by applying prostheses for theatre appearances, fashion, and modeling. Several awards are given to makeup artists in the entertainment industry, awards as Emmys awards.

Historians have it that makeup artistry started in Egypt about 6,000 years ago. The Egyptian Pharaohs would employ trained experts to make them appear like gods.

Recently, makeup has been a significant tool for beauty and acting as another character amongst individuals, personalities, and entertainers.

Makeup artists possess certain traits of being creative, articulate, sensitive, diplomatic, social, patient, empathetic, and intuitive. They are artistic and amiable.

Is Makeup Artistry Offered In College?

Makeup artists go to a specialized makeup school that specializes in makeup application. By taking courses on makeup, you learn to apply makeup professionally.

On completion, a certificate is awarded that qualifies you to be a certified makeup artist. Other specialized makeup professionals, such as Cosmetologists, would specialize in cutting and coloration of hair and different related hair makeup.

They would require taking advanced courses beyond makeup application to receive a degree certificate of completion proving mastery in skin, hair, and nail makeup.

Esthetician focuses on the appearance, maintenance of skin care, and treatment. They also receive degree certification beyond makeup application on completion, becoming skincare specialists in facials and various other skin treatments.

Also, classes can be done online to acquire the skill, but it must be proven to become a certified makeup artist.

Read: 15 Makeup School In Toronto 2024 | Study Abroad

Steps To Becoming A Certified Makeup Artist

To become a certified makeup artist, you must have a state license meeting the criteria. The requirement includes having basic education of 8th to 10th grade at a reasonable age of about 16 years and above and completing the required training hours and exams.

Enrolling in a makeup school is the first step to becoming a certified makeup artist. Issuance of state licenses varies between states. Some states require you to be qualified as a cosmetologist or esthetician before issuing a license of operation.

During the cause of study, it is required to spend quality time of practice on live models and mannequins, known as the training hours. Training hours include setting up workstations, maintaining tools, and applying products. The average training hours vary from 600 to 1,000 hours for effective learning.

Finally, in becoming a certified makeup artist, you are expected to pass the exams. The exams come in two forms, the written form or theory to test for knowledge and the practical section to test for hands-on experience on the skill practiced.

The practical experience occurs in a salon, spa, and another professional work environment.

Subjects Needed To Be A Certified Makeup Artist

In actualizing the dream of becoming a makeup artist, there are subject courses that must be done to become a certified makeup artist. Varieties of those subjects include:

Fashion Makeup: Fashion makeup is a unique field designed to be highly impactful and meant to show the best model design. It is highly experimental as it is used in most activities relating to fashion runways and fashion magazines.

Theatrical Makeup: Theatrical makeup assist in creating and bringing out the appearance of the supposed character the actor portrays during a theatre production. Having a good knowledge of such is essential as it is imperative in makeup artistry.

Prosthetic Makeup: Prosthetic makeup is also known as special effects or FX. Prosthetic sculpting, molding, and casting techniques achieve advanced cosmetic effects. It is applied in filmmaking.

Airbrushing: Airbrushing involves the use of a small device called an airbrush. It uses the principle of pressure due to the compressor present to spray makeup on the skin.

Bridal makeup: Bridal makeup is essential during the planning and designing of a wedding. It is about applying makeup, bringing out the glamour and style of the couples during wedding events.

High definition: High definition makeup process gives the skin a flawless finish. It uses light reflectors, formulas, and pigments to beautify the skin.

Other subjects include identifying the skin color and tones, techniques for using makeup, safety measures and procedure, corrective application techniques, using lighting and makeup techniques for photography, selection, and makeup brushes and tools, the science behind the skin, analysis of facial characteristics, airbrushing, applying false eyelashes and shaping eyebrows.

Also, read: Top 15 Makeup Schools in Dubai 2024

Cost Of Going To A Makeup Artistry School

Investment is profitable when channeled to the right and good business. Makeup school is one form of profitable investment.

The cost of becoming a certified makeup artist varies, whether it is done online or physically in a makeup school. Most folks underestimate the cost of attending a makeup school.

Tuition fee ranges from $4,000 to $50,000, all package inclusive, depending on the school. Various factors determine the cost of studying in a makeup school.

Lifetime access to updated course materials: The best part of attending a makeup school is the availability of updated course materials that last a lifetime. Materials are given online. For every trend update, the materials are updated even after graduation.

Lifetime certification: Non-shady makeup school offers a lifetime certification after study, which would serve throughout the years of practice after graduation. False makeup school offer subscribed certificates but for only a period. When the stipulated period is expired, a token amount is paid for renewal. Therefore stands as a factor in the cost of schooling.

Accredited school: Most fashion schools are accredited, while others are not. The accredited ones have proven to be worthy of training compared to the non-accredited ones, thereby a factor in the price of tuition fees.

Makeup Kit: On enrollment into the makeup school, you must have a complete set of makeup kits for practice during training hours. The makeup kit is a factor in the cost of schooling.

Duration Of Becoming A Makeup Artist

The duration of studying in a makeup school shouldn’t be a problem if you are all out to become a certified makeup artist. Yet, it is important to know how long it takes to study in such an institute of learning.

The duration period varies, ranging from a few weeks to two months for taking up singular courses, while participating in the full course program could take about eight months to a year. The duration of the study also varies amongst schools.

Best Makeup Artistry School

Many good makeup schools are available, but some are regarded as the best among them. The ethics and values are top-notch, including theoretical pieces of training and practical hands-on experience.

Read: 15 Best Esthetician Schools In NY (New York State)

1. Makeup Designory (MUD)

Makeup Designory was established in 1997 by a group of professional makeup artists to educate others interested in their craft. As one of the best makeup artistry schools, they offer various programs, from simple cosmetology courses to mastery-level courses, that vary in duration.

The program lasts about 3 weeks to 6 months and covers makeup applications concerning theatre production, filmmaking, and retail and fashion makeup. The requirement for admission is completing 8th grade. Tuition ranges from $7,000 – $19,000, depending on the program choice.

Enrollment link: https://mud.edu/admissions

2. Cinema Makeup School

Popularly known for its achievements in the Hollywood industry, it is undoubtedly one of the best makeup artistry schools with the best professional teachers and instructors that have received the Oscars award for their works.

It is best known for its strive in beauty, prosthetics, special effects, airbrushes, and digital makeup that fits the desired characters in the play. The duration of the program is about four weeks to eight months. An intending makeup artist must be 17 years and must have completed 10th grade. Tuition ranges from $5,000 to $30,000.

Enrollment link: https://cinemamakeup.com/apply-now

Also Read: 15 Free Online Nursing Courses with Certificates

3. Huxley School of Makeup

Having practiced for 25 years in the makeup industry and attained international recognition and accreditation, Huxley makeup school is one of the best in the world and the best in Australia.

The selection process during admission is strict, with admitting the best talents as the requirement for entry. They offer programs such as fashion and beauty makeup, special effect makeup, and hairstyling program which are taught in about 7 months. The cost of schooling is about $15,000.

Enrollment link: https://huxleyschoolofmakeup.com/apply/

4. Academy of Freelance Makeup

Academy of Freelance Makeup is renowned as one of the best makeup schools in New York, Paris, Dubai, and London. It has practiced in the makeup industry for over 20 years, graduated about 9,000 students with a good number of makeup experts enough for the students.

The beauty of this institute is room for placement after graduation. Little is required to gain admission into the institute except being mature enough. It takes about 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the program. It offers various programs such as airbrushing, bridal makeup, special FX makeup, and hairstyling. Tuition is about 1,000 to 4,000 euros.

Enrollment link: https://aofmakeup.com/makeup-courses/#apply_now

5. Makeup Institute

Due to the quality of tutorship, Makeup Institute has marked huge success ranking as the best makeup school in Sweden, and accommodation is being arranged for international students.

As one of the best makeup artistry schools, there is a variety of makeup programs like airbrushing, oriental makeup, and hair styling offered. An aspiring makeup artist intending to school must be 17 years or older. It takes about 4 to 5 months to complete the program. The tuition fee is about 8,000 euros.

Enrollment link: https://makeupinstitute.com/application

6. The Makeup For Ever Academy

Founded in 2002 by professional makeup artists, the makeup forever academy is undoubtedly one of the best. It has a network relationship between alumni and newly graduated students creating room for easier employment.

To gain admission, the standard age is 16 years with basic education. It offers the basics of makeup artistry with prosthetic and bridal makeup for 1 month to 13 months, depending on the program. It cost about 2,000 to 17,000 euros.

Enrollment link: https://academy.makeupforever.com/int/admission/signin

7. London College of Fashion

London College of Fashion, founded in 1974, is distinguished because it offers bachelor’s degree honors. Graduates from this citadel of learning have worked on set in popular movies like Harry Potter, and the teachers and instructors are highly professional.

As one of the best makeup artistry schools, the requirements to gain entry into the college of fashion are a high school graduate, including art and design, with a certificate in English. It offers programs like beauty and fashion, prosthetics, basic makeup, and hairstyling, which last for 2 years. Its fee ranges from 9,000 to 23,000 pounds.

Enrollment link: https://arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/study-abroad/study-abroad-course-application-search

8. Chic Studios Makeup School

Chic studios makeup school is an artistry school that offers beginners, intermediate and top-level courses. It was founded in 2009 in Denver, Los Angeles, and New York, the main district.

It offers various programs, such as basic makeup application, beauty and fashion runway makeup, airbrushing, bridal makeup, and hairstyling.

The requirement for enrollment is up to 18 years with fluency in English, it takes about 4 weeks to 6 weeks to finish the program, and the tuition is about $1,000 to $4,000.

Enrollment link: https://chicstudiosmakeup.com/courses/fast-track-enroll/

9. Delamar Academy

Delamar Academy is highly regarded in the UK and has been established for 35 years. Won many awards and trained award winners in the make-up and entertainment industry. It is one of the best makeup artistry schools.

The institution is one amongst others that awards a Cert HE Professional Makeup Design certificate, offering a wide range of courses and programs such as beauty and fashion makeup, special effect and prosthetic makeup, bridal makeup, and hairstyling.

It takes 3 weeks to 1 year to perfect makeup skills with the institute, depending on the program. The requirement for admission is 18 years of age with basic education, and the tuition ranges from 1,000 to 20,000 pounds depending on the program choice.

Enrollment link: admissions@delamaracademy.co.uk

10. Gorton Studio

Gorton Studio was founded in 2003 by Neill Gorton, a multi-award-winning prosthetics designer. The institute is one of Europe’s best Makeup Artistry Schools. Entry requirements include being 18 years of age and having a good understanding of English.

The amount payable to study in the specialized institute is about 11,000 pounds and 16,000 pounds for international students for 7 weeks.

11. Toni Malt Makeup School

Toni Malt Makeup School, having spent fulfilling years of over a decade in the makeup industry, is one of the best Makeup Artistry Schools famous for her works displayed in popular beauty and fashion magazines like Vogue and Bazaar, based in Dubai with a large space for each student to be able to work on their workstation.

The institute specializes in beauty and fashion makeup and also reveals secrets to becoming the star makeup artist whose works would be displayed in popular beauty and fashion magazines. There are no specific entry requirements. Tuition ranges from 4,500 to 23,500 AED for 6 weeks, afterward an accelerating career for 3 to 5 years.

12. Christine Blundell Makeup Academy

Christine Blundell Makeup Academy is a leading makeup institute in the United Kingdom and has won the Oscar and BAFTA award. Many programs are offered, such as basic makeup application, special effect makeup, and hairstyling.

A basic age requirement is needed to enroll in the institute; the program duration ranges from 3 weeks to 4 months at 3,000 to 12,500 pounds depending on the interested program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which makeup course is best?

There is no one “best” makeup course. Different courses offer different things, so finding one that matches your interests and needs is important. Some popular makeup courses include the Sephora Pro Artist Course, the Makeup For Ever Academy, and Bobbi Brown University. Do your research to find the course that’s right for you!

What is the highest qualification in makeup?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people might say that the highest qualification in makeup is an advanced degree from a prestigious makeup school. In contrast, others might say that the highest qualification is years of experience working as a makeup artist. Ultimately, it depends on the individual and what they seek in a makeup artist.

Is a makeup artist a good career?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the career prospects for makeup artists vary depending on their experience and skill level. However, in general, makeup artistry is a highly creative and rewarding field with many opportunities for professional growth.

How many years does it take to be a makeup artist?

Becoming a professional makeup artist can take one to four years, depending on your experience level and the program you choose. Many makeup artists start by working as assistants to experienced professionals, then gradually learning the trade and building their clientele.

Conclusion

Makeup is essential today and applicable in almost all activities dealing with the human body. Therefore, there is a need to have a more trained makeup artist to carry out these activities, considering the census of the world today.

Best makeup schools are selected by factors such as the awards and recognition of work from the graduated students and the institution, such as the Oscars and Emmys, the variety of makeup programs being taught, and intense practice sessions. Aside from the sets mentioned above, other makeup schools are also good at what they do.

Being a certified makeup artist, one must meet the requirements of gaining admission into the institution and pass rigorous training through intense study and practice.

Recommendations

References

Artistry (cosmetics) – Wikipedia