So, you want to make a career out of beauty. But how to get started? A surefire way to start your journey toward a professional life in makeup is to invest in your training. Yes, it’s possible to start a beauty career even if you don’t go to college for makeup, but it’s always worth it to develop your skills, learn the tricks of the craft, and network with experienced educators of your trade. 

This article will explore a list of some of the best makeup schools, cover what you’ll learn in these programs, plus how much it costs to go to college for makeup, and what to look for in a school. 

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What Will You Learn in Makeup School?

There are a few different subjects makeup artist colleges can teach you. While each program will vary in their specifics, some topics they cover include: 

• Foundation techniques: How to apply makeup to the skin, the various tools for applying makeup and how to use them, contouring, blending, and techniques for different parts of the face. 
• Color theory: How to complement and correct colors, plus identifying and utilizing tones, shades, and tints. 
• Special effects makeup: How to do special effects makeup for television and film productions, including prosthetics, molds, and bald cap application. It may also cover ways to create creatures or monster-style makeup effects. 
• Skincare basics: The different types and textures of skin, how to prep skin for makeup, and how to improve skin conditions. 
• Business management: The basics of the beauty business, such as starting a career in makeup, deciphering market analytics, using social media, understanding etiquette, and any other professional tips to help beauty hopefuls get started on their professional ventures. 

Makeup artist colleges give students the chance to learn a variety of skills so they can properly prepare themselves for real world clientele, exposing them to the different elements of makeup application and skincare, plus running a beauty business.

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How Much Is Makeup School?

So how much is makeup school exactly? Well, there isn’t just one answer. Makeup program costs vary widely depending on the school and type of curriculum you’re after, and whether you pursue a full diploma or select courses. Some schools charge only a few thousand dollars for a makeup education, while others can cost over $30,000 – and this may or may not include kits and supplies (which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars on their own). 

If you have a challenging financial situation but aren’t ready to give up on your dreams, some schools may offer helpful financing options like installment plans or loan servicing. It’s also always worth it to check out cosmetology scholarships to see if you’re eligible to attend at no (or reduced) cost. 

6 Best Makeup Schools You Should Know About

Finding the best makeup school to suit your needs can be a challenge, but we’ve got a list to help get you started: 

Best overall makeup schools

Makeup schools that cover a broad range of subjects. 

1. Michael Vincent Academy

The Michael Vincent Academy is one of the best makeup schools in the United States, offering students an extensive curriculum including bridal makeup, film and television makeup, airbrush makeup, and digital makeup (a.k.a., retouching photos). Depending on your course package, you may also learn about makeup trends of the previous decades (plus how to execute them), bodypainting, avant garde styles, red carpet glam, lip art, drag makeup, and more. 

2. Paul Mitchell School

The Paul Mitchell School isn’t just for hair – they offer a robust makeup program that can help you get on track to a thriving career. Students will learn all about makeup hygiene and building a professional makeup kit, plus makeup techniques for casual, bridal, fashion, editorial, television, and film looks. You’ll get hands-on training with experienced makeup specialists who will also guide you in portfolio development, retail skills, and other forms of career support. 

*Paul Mitchell has several schools located around the United States and makeup program details may vary by location. 

Best fashion makeup schools

Schools that teach the art of makeup application on fashion models. 

3. Make-up Designory (MUD)

With locations in both Los Angeles and New York City, MUD offers aspiring artists an education in high fashion makeup. These programs will teach you the basics of makeup artistry, like facial analysis, skin tone matching, color theory, and makeup hygiene, plus studio hairstyling to complement your cosmetic skills. You’ll work with real models in realistic industry settings to help give you a taste of what your future holds. 

4. Cosmix Makeup School

Located in Florida, the Cosmix Makeup School offers a variety of courses, as well as a nine-week program focused on fashion makeup artistry. This program will thrust students into a collaborative setting, where they’ll not only learn about photoshoots and editorial work, but team up with fashion models, designers, and creative directors to craft the perfect look. Students will also learn how to design successful editorial spreads and advertising campaigns, plus how to build a standout portfolio. 

Best film and television makeup schools

Schools that focus on makeup application for those looking to work on television and film sets. 

5. Cinema Makeup School

This private makeup school located in Los Angeles is one of the premier institutions for learning the craft of cinema makeup. At the Cinema Makeup School, you can choose to complete a degree program, certificate course, or workshop/summer camp in your focus of choice. Their Master Makeup Program will teach you everything you need to know about both beauty makeup and character makeup, plus airbrush makeup, prosthetics, and special makeup effects. 

6. Vocational Academy of Makeup and Prosthetics (VAMP)

Led by working makeup artists in the television, film, theater, and photography industries, this Florida-based school has one of the top makeup programs in the country for cinema makeup. You’ll learn the art of prosthetics and working with textures like latex, silicone, and dental molds. Students will also learn how to create bloody wounds, injuries, monster masks, plus hyper-realistic and other practical effects.

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4 Aspects to Look for in a Makeup School

Before you start filling out applications for all the best makeup schools in the country, it’s important to do your research and determine which school will actually be the best fit for your career path. Below, we detail a few aspects to look for when selecting the institution for your makeup artist education. 

1. A varied curriculum

If you’re looking for a well-rounded education, your school should offer a curriculum that covers many different techniques and styles, from basic beauty makeup to bridal makeup to advanced special effects makeup. Even if you’re certain about your focus, a program that can teach you a range of basic skills will prepare you best for the unpredictable beauty business world ahead. 

2. Teachers with experience

The right makeup school instructors have proven experience and qualifications in the makeup field. They should come with a wide range of expertise, and offer hands-on training to their students to help them get the most out of their program.  

3. Networking opportunities

A good makeup school will provide opportunities for networking with other students, industry professionals, and potential clients. Plus, they should offer career support like alumni networks, professional mentoring programs, or industry access to help you break into the professional beauty world. 

4. A positive reputation

Just because a program boasts experienced instructors does not automatically mean the school has a stellar reputation. Look for real student reviews and note any potential red flags or concerning feedback to help you make a determination. Also, it helps to see how many successful professionals have graduated from that particular program in the past. 

Elevate Your Makeup Artistry with GlossGenius

Selecting the best makeup school can be a difficult choice, but it’s one that can ultimately shape the future of your makeup career. The professional beauty path is a challenging one full of learning, trials, and competition – hopefuls like you dreaming big and hustling hard so it all eventually pays off. The right makeup artist education can transform your skill set and lead to tremendous networking opportunities, allowing you to push forward in your career and turn your passion into a thriving business. 

GlossGenius can help makeup pros like you scale your business. With comprehensive Online Booking features, you can ensure your calendar is always packed with appointments. Genius Loans are another way GlossGenius can help you grow, by offering business owners (must be GlossGenius customers!) loan amounts between $1,000 and $250,000 to improve and enhance their business. Features like Finances can help you track your expenses and profits so you always have an accurate snapshot of the health of your business. 

Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial!