They are three types of make-up artists (MUA):
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the one that is born with natural skills and is good at performing any aspect of the art of makeup (let’s call him “Gifted”)
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the one that has some skills and has a passion for the art of makeup (let’s call him “Passionate”)
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the one that really does not have any skills but is more passionate about this art than Gifted or Passionate (let’s call him “Ambitious”)
Whether your name is Ambitious, Gifted or Passionate or just a combination of these three, you can be a successful makeup artist and gain knowledge in the world of beauty just by following a few guidelines.
Note: I do not portray myself as a “master”, but I can tell you that the following advice helped me a lot in my career…
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PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! Whether you have skills or not, practice as much as you can. Do makeup on your friends, sisters etc.
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Go to your local makeup counter and be that annoying customer that no MUA wants to have! That means ask questions; have them show you how to use products etc. But please purchase at least 1 item when you leave (and do not return it the following week 😉 …)
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Read makeup books, magazines, blogs etc. Check my list under BOOKS
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Try to get a part time job even if it’s just on weekends. Sephora for example is a great place to work at if you are a beginner. Try also to apply at any makeup lines in the mall. If you are not successful, keep trying. If they ask you the key question: “Do you have any makeup experience?” Answer: YES you do and you are willing to take brushes now and prove it (make sure you practice home because some managers will take you on the word and have you do an application)
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If you know a MUA that freelances, offer to be her/his assistant at no cost. That’s the best mentoring you can get.
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If you feel like you want to go to school to actually learn more, try to find the best makeup schools in your area. I do not recommend these 2 days seminars as you will not learn as much as if you go to a MUA and just ask him/her questions. If you need a list of good makeup schools, tell me what region you live in and I will tell you which one to look at.
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Last but not least, have the right tools and make sure you test and buy as much makeup as you can, that’s the best way to learn about colors…
Tiff, let me know if you have more questions in regards to this…
Les 3 types de maquilleurs
- Celui qui est né avec un atout naturel et arrive à bien reproduire n’importe quel aspect de l’art du maquillage (appelons le « le doué »)
- Celui qui a quelques aptitudes et a une passion pour l’art du maquillage (appelons le « le passionné)
- Celui qui n’a pas vraiment des aptitudes mais est beaucoup passionné par cet art que le doué ou le passionné (appelons le « l’ambitieux »)
Si tu t’appelles l’Ambitieux, le doué, le passionné ou que ton nom est une combinaison de ces trois, tu peux être un maquilleur bien établi et acquérir un savoir sur le monde de la beauté en suivant simplement ces quelques directives.
Nota Bene : Je ne me considère pas comme « une experte », mais je peux vous dire que les conseils suivants m’ont beaucoup aidé au cours de ma carrière…
- PRATIQUE, PRATIQUE ET PRATIQUE!!! Que tu aies des aptitudes ou non, il faut pratiquer autant que possible. Fais le maquillage de tes amis, sœurs, etc…
- Va au comptoir de maquillage le plus proche et sois ce client chiant qu’aucun maquilleur n’aimerait avoir ! En d’autres mots, pose des questions ; demande-leur de te montrer comment utiliser les produits etc. Mais s’il te plaît, achète au moins un article avant de partir (et ne le rends pas la semaine prochaine ;)….
- Lis des livres sur le maquillage, des magazines, des blogs etc. Jette un coup d’œil à ma liste sous la catégorie BOOKS
- Essaie d’obtenir un travail à mi-temps même si c’est juste les week-ends. Par exemple, Sephora est un endroit idéal pour travailler si tu es un débutant. Essaie aussi de faire une demande à n’importe quelles lignes de maquillage au centre commercial. Si tu n’as pas de succès, essaie toujours. Si on te demande la question-clé : « As-tu de l’expérience dans le maquillage ? » Réponds : OUI, j’en ai et que tu es même prêt à prendre des pinceaux sur le champ et le prouver (assures-toi de pratiquer à la maison car certains managers te croiront sur parole et te demanderont de faire une application.
- Si tu connais un maquilleur qui fait du freelance, offre tes services en tant que son assistant (e) gratuitement. C’est le meilleur mentoring que tu peux recevoir.
- Si tu as envie d’aller à l’école pour en apprendre plus, essaie de trouver les meilleurs écoles de maquillages dans la zone où tu vis. Je ne conseille pas ces séminaires de 2 jours où tu n’apprendras pas autant que si tu allais voir un maquilleur et juste lui poser des questions. Si tu as besoin d’une liste de bonnes écoles de maquillages, dis-moi la région où tu vis et je te dirigerai vers une école
- Et finalement, aie les bons outils et assures-toi de tester et d’acheter autant de maquillage que tu peux, car c’est la meilleure façon d’apprendre les couleurs….
Tiff, tiens moi au courant si tu as d’autres questions à ce sujet.
Hey Eva,
I totally agree with this post. I am licensed and at the stage in my artistry where I think I need a part-time job doing makeup so that I can keep my skill up. I also want to be completely comfortable applying makeup on others. We so need to talk offline. Any who great blog great posts as always
See you Saturday !!
HEY EVA GREAT POST!
I really love makeup and wanted to find a way to make money at it with out spending tons of money on some school. I found this DVD that teaches you everything you need to know about beauty makeup, since that is where most artist make most of their money. It’s really great, comes with a whole package of stuff and is sooo cheap. They even teach you about the business end of it.
http://www.eventmakeupartist.com
-Julia Krane
Hi, I am looking in to MUA school and am not sure where I should look. I like In Glen Burnie, MD
Thanks
Hello Dee,
I am not sure how far Glen Burnie is from Von Lee school of Makeup, but I can assure you that it is the best school in the MD/DC/VA area. Try also Chesapeake School of Esthetics in Arnold, MD. It can be closer to you…
Hi Eva I live in the boston area. Can you guide me to the best school in my area?
Thanks.
Bridget
Hi Bridget,
I had a co-worker at MAC who used to live in Massachusetts. She told me she went to Alicia Makeup Academy Inc. in North Andover. I am not sur ehow close it is to Boston but you may want to check them out…
XoXo
eVaDiVa
Hey! I am thinking about going to the Chesapeake school of Esthetics but Im moving a few weeks after I would become board certified, will that transfer to a different state?!? this may be a stupid question! lol..and also do I have to take another test to become board certified even after I complete the class?! help!!!
Hello Catherine,
Usually, when you are certified in one state, your certification is good for you to practice in that state if you work for certain makeup retailers. If you work for yourself, it should be ok if you go to another state. However, you may have to apply for one in the state you will live in if you are planning on opening a business etc. You should contact your local State board of Cosmetologists and find out the rules and regulations.
Also, if you complete the class, you should be able to get your license through the school. You usually do not have to take a test (unless it’s a class test at the makeup school). Your makeup school is the one that usually applies for your license by certifying that you indeed took makeup classes and that you are qualified.
Check this link it may be helpful: http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/faq/state_req.php
XoXo
eVaDiVa
Hey! Great article! Thanks for going through the trouble to write it. Aspiring makeup artists such as myself appreciate good advice from people who have been in the business and know what they’re talking about!
I live in Sacramento, but I could definitely travel or take up schooling abroad. I would like to go to a school that will make a future employer say “WOW!” when they look at my resime, if you know what I mean. Do you have any advice for schools that are renown for the makeup/cosmetology industry that will really look impressive to future employers?
Another thing, if I wanted to become an assistant to a MUA to learn a few things, how would I go about finding one and asking them? How can I find an experienced one who really knows a lot about what they’re talking about?
Thank you very much!
Hi Eva,
I live on the south side of Chicago. Can you please tell about a good school. am also interested in your listing of books to aid in the learning process.
Eva: I live in Andover, MA. I looked up Alicia Makeup Academy and could not find a website or phone number. Do you know if they still exist? Thanks!
Thank you so much for this article, I stumbled across it a the PERFECT time. I live right outside of NYC and while there are soo many schools in the area, I have no idea how to weed out the good from the not so good. Any suggestions? Thanks
i am currently working at Sephora and want to further my make up techniques and was wondering what school you would recommend in the North Shore of Boston. I also heard of Alicia Academy Inc in North Andover and was curious about hearing more about it if you have any info or advice.. thank you !
Hi I am very interested in becoming a make-up artist and need to find the best school to attend in the Washington Metropolitan Area, meaning Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Please email the info to me at maganda766@yahoo.com. Thank you!!
Great Article. I would like to know which school is best in Canada.. I do not mind which province as I am willing to move out. Thanks
Hi I am very interested in becoming a make-up artist and need to find the best school to attend in the Washington, DC.
Could you please help me in my search? I’m not finding many quality programs.
Thanks,
genesisofme@yahoo.com
Thank you for this posting I am aspiring to become a makeup artist and while I live in NYC I am not finding that many schools I dont have 10,000 to spend at makeup designery and Im considering attending Christina Valmy have you heard good things about that school? And also can you recconend other schools. Thanks!!!
did you ever figure out which school you were going to attend? i am looking @ christine valmy, chic studios in DUMBO brooklyn or lia schorr. i can’t find any reviews on christine valmy’s make up artistry program and am stuck making the final decision.
thank you
jess
Thanks for the post. I am also looking for a career in being a makeup artist as well. I live in NYC. Can you please recommend me some great schools. Thank you!!! xoxo Liz
I JUST FOUND A PROGRAM FROM HEX PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY MAKEUP CLASSES HERE IN N.Y. THEIR CLASSES ARE STARTING IN FEB 2008. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THEM? I DON’T KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT THE BUSINESS BUT I KNOW I’M VERY VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKEUP & IT’S MY DREAM CAREER. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME OUT WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE. THANKYOU!!!
LIZ
FROM NYC
im in dallas texas. any particular school/training around here that you recommend? thanks.
Hey! Awesome blog I just stumbled upon it and am now in love 🙂
I currently live in Toronto Canada and have no prior training in make up other than my own application. I’m looking for the world renowned school. I want to go to the best there is. I would love to get into film and photography make up but would like a solid base of every aspect which would lead to a killer portfolio :). I am willing to travel anywhere.
So lets have it. whats the best school?? 🙂
Nicolebellavance@hotmail.com
What do you think the best school in LA is?
I am looking for a MUA school. I was wondering if you could help me pick a good one in my area. I live in Amesbury, MA.
Hi,
I am wondering if you could give me a couple good tips on makeup schools in or around San Diego???? Anything would help so much! Thank you! 🙂
Brittney
Any schools around the Rhode Island, Massachusetts areas? There are cosmetology schools but nothing just focusing in Makeup. Please help as i have done much research and am getting frustrated at this point 😦
I’m from Southern California. Are there any good places to go to for seminars or and legitimate make-up schools around here?
Any help would be amazing, thank you!
i live in Las Vegas/ Henderson, Nevada. Are there any seminars or makeup schools that would be good for me to go to?
My dad lives in Las Vegas my mom lives in Henderson haha, hence the Las Vegas/Henderson haha.
Anyways, thanks.
Hello,
Do you have any suggestion on a good school in Columbus, Ohio area?
Thanks
Hi Eva!,
Do you know of any good schools in the Chicagoland area?
Thanks!
::::Guidelines To Picking The Best Schools for Becoming A Professional Make-up Artist::::
I really want to become a professional make up artist in Hollywood.
i was thinking bout going to school for nursing, but then i realized i love doing make up and i can make money while doing it. so I want to go to beauty school to become a professional make-up artist. i want a school that can give me a good foundation. I have been constantly searching for the perfect beauty school. Trying to Making sure they are accredited and professional and one where i can get a cosmetology license . But when i look online i see thousand of schools availible with many different cirriculums but i wanna know which school provides their students with an impressive variety of skills. one that can teach me air-brushing and more… And a school that is well known and will look impressive on my resume. Or is there a series of College Courses you could recommend. Do you have any schools mind ? I just want something beyond the normal experience of a basic beauty school.
I want to work with celebrities, models, photographers, etc… Or just exciting people who are willing to take the ordinary outside of the box and challenge my creativity. i also wanted to know is it a hard as the say it is to move up & is it a steady income that you can depend on and support a family with?
so any information you have about the industry would really help!
P.S. i live in Lakewood Ca, sorrounding areas hollywood,los angeles, orange county,& riverside. but wiling to drive 1 hour 1/2 max. ill travel the distance to get the right education! 😉
Thank You!
Tamu3L
i live in salt lake city, and i consider myself talented, but i would like further education and a “certificate”. i have been looking online but there is alot to choose from. i have looked into the online courses for hollywood expressions. is this a good option? if not what do you recommend?
I live in a rural area of Northeast PA. There are no schools remotely close to me so I have been searching for a good online one. I found this site. http://www.nomausa.com/NOMAcademy.html
Can you give me your opinion of it?
im all 3. :]
i want to go to MUschool this year.
i live in NY, and i want to
go to the best, most respectable school
in NYC. id love it if u can email me
and give me a list of schools i can
check out. expensive and non expensive
are fine. i just want a great school i
can put on my resume that people can look
at and go “wow u went to this school? thats
a really good school, im impressed.” please
help me. google didnt help much. :]
Hi i love makeup ilove doing makeup on myself and others,I’m not a makeup artist but i would love to be one,i live in Dartmouth Mass and im having a hard time finding a makeup school thats near by.I’m willing to drive but where its not a hour away,ijust need a littel help,I watche all of makeup by tiffany D on you tube,and also pixiwoo,they are all great if anyone could give me a hand to get this started that would be great> xoxoxo
First of all thanks for offereing to help. I am looking info beauty shcool in the Houston TX area and was wondering if you knew of any good ones. Thanks in advance for your help.
hey thanks for the advice, i live in phoenix/scottsdale arizona. Know of any good make-up schools around here?
Hi, I live in southern California and would like to know if you recommend any schools in my area.Ive been doing freelance makeup and really don’t like it and would prefer to be a full time makeup artist and do some freelance events on the side.
Thanks!
I was wondering if there are any schools in Washington state that have make-up programs? All I can find are cosmetology schools which are all about hair and nails. Help please! I want to do this so bad but I would love to have more training. Thanks!
Hi there,
Where are the best Make Up Artist schools in Northern NJ (Paramus, NJ area)
Im planning on attending JLS makeup artist school but cant find any reviews on it. Please advice if this a good school. appreciate it.
Hello EvaDiva
I’m new to this field. I live in Michigan. I do have some experience in this field. But want to learn more. Somebody said I can become a freelance artist. But I dont know where to start and how?
Can you please guide me for the make-up school in my area.I did finish my esthictics school but it was not a big help for makeu. Thank you.
Bhumika.
hi Eva!
Ive read your post and its veryyy informative!! =]
My name is Asia and i have been searching everywhere to become a make-up artist. I have put in Apps every Mac place i know & have been constantly on them to hire me in. Ive even taken tim ein to hand them over pictures of my own make-up art. I figured if i took a make-up class that would better my chances of getting me in there and also i would freelance myself and get my own clients!! but im having trouble finding a school in Michigan near the Detroit area. i live in the thumb area. Also close to Windsor Canada bout 30 min so it wouldnt bother to cross the border for school!! i need as much help as i can. So please help me out im stuckk!!! It would be greatly appreciated!!
p.S im really good with make-up but knowing more is never too much.. i could gain more experience because everyone can always be better at what they do!!!! Thank you!!!
hi there! any advise on a school/seminars here in las vegas? what do you think of hollywood expressions?
Hi. Im interested in attending a good makeup school in nyc. Any suggestions as far as the best school out the it coule be expensive to non expensive. I would like to go to a well name amd respectable school. Thank
I live in the Detroit, Michigan area and would also appreciate info regarding an accredited school for makeup artistry. Thanks.
HI! i was just wondering if you could suggest some makeup schools in the philadelphia, pa area?? not having any luck finding ones other than a 2 day seminar. thank you!
Hi, I’m interested in a good MUA school in Miami, FL… The only school I saw in this area is Beauty Schools of America. The program covers basic, advance and theatrical make up, facials, and hair removal. The other schools like Aveda are in Ft.Lauderdale or other Broward county areas. I’m interested in Miami (South Miami, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables… southwest area). Do you have any suggestions? What do you think of Beauthy Schools of America (established 20 yrs ago)? I really appreciate your time and help!!!
would you recommend getting a cosmetology license as well?
I’m having such an internal crisis because I can afford cosmetology school, but the nicest makeup school in my area is $8,000. or is that normal, and i’m cheap? lol
I live in Buffalo, New York do you know of any MUA in my area. The closest ones I have found are in Toronto Canada or New York City both are a bit to far.
Hey eVaDiVa
I live in Western Australia and was wondering if you knew any make-up schools there
TNX
Hello!
I am trying to find a makeup school in my area but im having no luck! I live in missouri so there isnt alot of makeup schools around here and i have a 1 yr old son so i can go a long distance for school! please help! I was looking on the HEX International makeup school website (distance learning course) and the EPRO image distance learning courses and was wondering if you could check them out and see what you think!
Thanks!
Tayler
This Blog is Awesome!!!
Hey, I am going to school to become a medical assitant But I realized that I want to become a professional make up artist. I would love to find a really good school that can teach me the right skills. I would appreciated if you could recommend a good school in new york city which I know in the city there is alot But I need something I could afford.
Any information would help.
Thank you!!
Maribella Burgos
I was in a similar situation when looking to become a makeup artist in NYC. I ended up training at Chic Studios NYC in Brooklyn but it’s only one stop from the City.
I took an evening class so I could keep my “day job” and I REALLY found this to be the best path. As much as I thought I was “self taught” or “practiced on my friends” it really gave me a lot more comfortable confidence to go out there and pursue this as a career.
The instructor Ruthie Weems was so amazing and talented, I cannot even begin to explain how she changed my life! And I kept practicing, through rotations with students as well as models brought in. They also went over the business of makeup, so I knew exactly how to start my career. I even get gigs through being an alumni!
It was affordable, with makeup kit, under $3000. I highly recommend it!
If anyone ever has any questions, please e-mail me! I was where you are!
Good luck!!
Jen
Hi Jen,
I live in NYC and I always want to get into makeup, but don’t know where to start. A lot of a schools at very expensive. Are you working in the makeup industry now? Did you attend any other school after chic studio?
Thanks!
Im in the cincinnati ohio area i was wondering the best options for me?
Hi,
I live the NYC area. There are so many schools here that I am not sure which one to attend.
I have been applying make-up for a long time and now I would like to make it a profession. I do have the skills but would like to refine them. Should I start working with photographers on a TF basis?
Thank you,
Saray
HELLO,
I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE WEB LOOKING FOR BEAUTY SCHOOLS IN MY AREA. I WANT TO LEARN MAKEUP I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING ON ME AND MY FRIENDS AND I AM VERY INTERESTED. I WANT TO BE CERTIFIED IN IT. JUST INCASE. I ONLY WANT TO DO MAKEUP ONLY. CAN U HELP ME FIND A BEAUTY SCHOOL IN MY AREA. I AM WILLING TO DRIVE FAR IF NEED BE. I LIVE IN CLINTON TOWNSHIP,MI. THIS IS A AWESOME WEBSITE
Thank for the wonderful tips! I would like to attend a MUA school. I was hoping that you could recommend one in or around Nashville, Tennessee. Thank you very much! Melissa
Hello Melissa,
I am not that familiar with Nashville, but I always recommend to try to have some experience working. It is always better and it helps you have more confidence in your skills.
XoXo
Hi,
I am looking into the business. I’m 22 and worked for Mary Kay for 2 years. I have SOME experience and do makeup for my friends and family and would like to move onto clients. I would like to go to a school! I live in Columbus, Ohio. Any schools that you know of in my area?
THANKS!!
Anna
Hello Anna,
I would suggest you try to get a job at a makeup counter if you already have some experience. This is the best way to learn and some makeup line will even send you to training classes. I first got certified by Lancome when I started doing makeup…
XoXo
i live in brooklyn ny and need to know what is the best school for the money. i have been wearing makeup since i was about 18 and im 29. but lately (last 3yrs) ive been getting so many compliements. people aways ask who does my makeup. im really excited to get basics down,cause im sure there are things i dnt know. so please point me in the rite direction. thx in advance!
hey,
I live in the best city in the world nyc!! lol and i would like to take up some make up classes. I wanted to know which online school i should take since i dont have much time i work and go to school. plz help!
xoxo Dani
Hello Dear,
If you live in NY, you have plenty of choice as far as makeup school.You can check the Make-Up Designory (MUD). As far as taking online classes I will not recommend it as makeup can only be learned hands on application…not online…
Good luck!
I am interested In getting you’re opinion on schools, I am located In Los angelos
Hi Eva, Can you please help me find the best school in my area? I live in NYC and I don’t know which ones are good/well known. Also, can you pls find some part time classes. Thanks!
Hi eva,hv read abt your make advice, am one that is passionate abt makeup nd I really want to take ma interest to another level.I wud lyk u to help me grw in th make industry by sharing with me some of your ideas and skils.your reply wil be highly aprreciated.
I live in sterling heights, Michigan and am looking for a school in my area for makeup artistry please help!!x-(
Thank you, I have been looking for information about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have located so far.