The Artist · Makeup schools
Every makeup school promises the same three things: a certificate, a kit and a career. The brochures are interchangeable. The outcomes are not. A graduate of a three-year state-recognized program in Berlin leaves with a piece of paper. So does a graduate of a 62-hour evening course in Manhattan. Both can work. What separates them is what the paper cost, who taught the classes, and which doors the school’s name opens. For the wider career picture, start with the full Makeup Artist’s Guide.
This guide ranks and lists the best makeup schools in the world as they stand in October 2026. We checked every school’s own website this month and dropped the ones that have closed. Tuition is recorded in US dollars wherever a school publishes it, and we say so where it does not. The list covers 120 schools across North America, the UK and Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa. It ends with the online programs that have earned a place.
What is the best makeup school in the world?
The short answer
The best makeup school in the world, on accreditation, program depth and graduate credits, is the Make Up For Ever Academy in Paris. Make-Up Designory in Burbank and London College of Fashion at the University of the Arts London follow. Each runs a program of at least four months and publishes who teaches and where graduates work. All three hold a credential that an employer outside its home city recognizes. The ten schools in the next section pass the same test.
That answer carries a caveat the usual top 10 lists skip. The right school depends on the work you want. A bridal artist in Houston needs a local client base, not a Paris diploma. A prosthetics artist needs a workshop with a foam oven and a tutor with film credits. That rules out most beauty academies. So read the ranking first, then read the regional sections. The school that fits the career you are building is rarely the one with the best brochure.
In this guide
The 10 best makeup schools in the world
Ranking basis: four tests, applied to each school’s own site. First, a credential that travels: accreditation, state recognition or a university degree. Second, program depth of at least four months full time. Third, named tutors or graduate credits in film, television or fashion. Fourth, longevity, meaning at least a decade of continuous teaching. Schools that pass all four are ranked by how convincingly they pass them. Tuition was not a factor. Several strong schools lower in this guide miss one test only because they publish too little.
Make Up For Ever Academy Paris
Founded in Paris in 2002, the brand academy runs courses from one day to twelve months. Some are eligible for French CPF funding. Full entry in the regional list below.
Make-Up Designory (MUD)
ACCSC accredited and licensed by the California BPPE, with a Burbank flagship and a New York campus. Its site names it a 2024–2025 ACCSC School of Distinction. Graduates are recruited through the school’s own career service and job board, and the school runs the MUD Talks series and an annual Prosthetics Invitational. Full entry in the regional list below.
London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London
The only entry here that confers a university degree in the craft. Two three-year BA (Hons) programs cover performance and prosthetics, and fashion. Placements have included English National Opera, Royal Ballet School, National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Shepperton, Pinewood and Leavesden; alumni include Nirvana Jalavand (2023 Emmy, Wednesday) and Stuart Bloomfield (Doctor Who); graduate credits cited on Bridgerton, Stranger Things, The Last of Us and Poor Things; collaborations with Warpaint Magazine and Kryolan. Full entry in the regional list below.
Delamar Academy
Teaching since 1986 with classes capped at 12. Its graduate credits page runs from Bridgerton to Oppenheimer. Film, TV and West End credits listed on site; BAFTA scholarship link. Full entry in the regional list below.
Vancouver Film School
A twelve-month film and television makeup diploma inside a film school. Students work alongside the directors and actors who will later hire them. Students collaborate with the Film Production and Acting programs; graduate credits cited include Face Off Season 8 winner Darla Edin, Fargo, The Revenant and True Blood. Full entry in the regional list below.
Cinema Makeup School
A Los Angeles school founded in 1993 with a 1,030-hour Complete Track and about 10,000 alumni, according to its site. It has a Board of Advisors, a Hire Our Grads service and career pages, and cites alumni credits on film and television productions. Full entry in the regional list below.
Blanche Macdonald Centre
A Vancouver institution since 1960, regulated by the BC PTIRU, with a 920-hour Global Makeup diploma and an Emmy-winning makeup director. Alumni listed as film and TV department heads and cosmetics-counter professionals at MAC, Sephora and Holt Renfrew; guest speakers have included Oscar and Emmy winners. Full entry in the regional list below.
Christine Blundell Make-up Academy (CBMA)
Founded by Oscar- and BAFTA-winning makeup designer Christine Blundell. The January 2027 four-month course is already full. Graduate credits cited on Wicked: For Good, Kraven the Hunter, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Napoleon, plus National Theatre productions; tutors are working professionals, many award nominees or winners. Full entry in the regional list below.
Hasso von Hugo Maskenbildnerschule (Makeupschool Germany)
The Maskenbildner qualification is a state-recognized profession in Germany, examined by the Berlin IHK after three years. Few makeup credentials carry that weight. The school carries an endorsement from international makeup artist Barney Nikolic, whose credits include Harry Potter. Full entry in the regional list below.
Huxley School of Makeup
A Gold Coast and Brisbane school teaching since 2011, delivering nationally recognized diplomas with TAFE Queensland, from beauty through to screen makeup. Work experience listed with YSL, MECCA, Sephora, Mercedes-Benz, Lorna Jane, Moana Bikini; crew credits cited on Thor, Aquaman and Elvis; university pathway partners include Griffith, QUT, JCU, SCU, UC and USQ; SFX taught by Rick Connelly. Full entry in the regional list below.
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make Up For Ever Academy Paris | Paris | not stated | tuition not published |
| Make-Up Designory (MUD) | Burbank, Los Angeles (also New York) | hybrid | tuition not published |
| London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London | London | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| Delamar Academy | London (Ealing) | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Vancouver Film School | Vancouver | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Cinema Makeup School | Los Angeles | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Blanche Macdonald Centre | Vancouver | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| Christine Blundell Make-up Academy (CBMA) | London | in-person | tuition not published |
| Hasso von Hugo Maskenbildnerschule (Makeupschool Germany) | Berlin | in-person | tuition not published |
| Huxley School of Makeup | Gold Coast (Burleigh Heads) and Brisbane | hybrid | tuition not published |
Studying in the United States? Start here
Two of the ten schools above teach in the US. Make-Up Designory, ranked second, runs programs in Burbank and New York. Cinema Makeup School, ranked sixth, is in Los Angeles. If you need to train in the US, start with those two. Then work through the United States section below, which lists programs city by city: New York and Long Island, Los Angeles, Florida, Las Vegas, Texas and Chicago. Multi-campus schools and degree programs follow at the end of that section.
How this ranking was built
Every school was measured against the same four tests. First, accreditation or state recognition, where the school’s country offers one. Second, program depth: full programs of four months or more rank above short courses. Third, teaching: schools that name their tutors, and show that those tutors still work, rank higher. Fourth, outcomes: published graduate credits and employers count, as does a credential recognized outside the school’s home city.
We checked every school’s own website in October 2026. Tuition appears in US dollars where a school publishes it; where it does not, the entry says so. Where a school’s website no longer loaded when we checked, the entry stays but the link is removed and the entry is marked. In short, the ranking rewards evidence a student can check before paying, rather than marketing claims.
How to choose a makeup school
Five questions sort the best makeup schools in the world into the few that are right for you. Take them in order.
Licensing comes first
Licensing decides which schools are even relevant. In the United States, makeup artistry on its own is unlicensed in most states. You can charge for bridal or editorial work with no state credential at all. The moment you touch skin care, lashes or hair, that changes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that all states require barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed, and that qualifications vary by state (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025). A few states go further and license paid makeup services too. Check your state board before you pay a deposit anywhere.
Accreditation is not certification
An accredited school answers to a regulator. In the US that means ACCSC or NACCAS, or a state license such as California’s BPPE. In Dubai it is the KHDA; in Australia, a registered training organization number. Accredited schools usually qualify for student loans. A certificate, by contrast, is simply the school’s own document. Most schools below issue their own, and many of the best say so openly. That is not a flaw. It means the school’s name carries the value, not the paper. So the name had better be one that hiring artists recognize.
Count the hours and name the tutors
A 60-hour evening course and a 600-hour program both call themselves professional. Ask for the tutor list, then look those people up. Working artists with current credits are the only guarantee that you learn what sets are doing this year.
Decide what the portfolio must look like at graduation
Schools that build in shoots with professional photographers send you out with usable images. Schools that do not leave you paying for test shoots afterward. Our guide to building a makeup portfolio explains what an agency looks at.
Price the whole thing
Tuition is the headline. The kit, the exam fees, the months without income and the relocation are the rest. The table below gives the tuition bands used throughout this guide. Convert any school’s figure into a band, add the kit if it is not included, and compare the total against your expected first-year day rate.
| Tuition band | What it usually buys | Typical credential |
|---|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | Short courses of one to eight weeks, evening and weekend programs, most online schools | Certificate from the school |
| $5,000–15,000 | Full-time programs of three to six months, many Canadian diplomas, UK home-fee degrees per year | Diploma or school certificate; sometimes accredited |
| Over $15,000 | Six to twelve month programs, film and prosthetics schools, international degree fees | Accredited diploma or degree |
Bands are in US dollars at October 2026 exchange rates, taken from each school’s published figures. “Tuition not published” means the school did not state a price on its site when we checked.
Before you compare tuition
Know your numbers first. The Cossèt Môi Rate Calculator turns your target income, kit costs and working days into a day rate. Run it once with the tuition band of each school you are considering, and the payback period becomes a number rather than a hope.
One more filter before the lists. If a school’s site has no address, no named tutors and no dated intake, treat the silence as information. We removed more than thirty schools from the previous edition of this guide for exactly that reason. Two had quietly closed. One domain now hosts a gambling site. Schools change, so check the link before you fly anywhere. And whatever you choose, the mindset that carries a makeup artist through the first lean years matters more than the logo on the certificate. Above all, keep the first conversation practical. A school that answers plainly before you pay usually answers plainly after you enroll. That single test removes most weak programs before tuition enters the picture.
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Best makeup schools in the United States
The United States has more makeup schools than any other country and the least consistent regulation. Dedicated academies sit alongside cosmetology schools that teach makeup as one module. Community colleges run theatrical makeup certificates for a fraction of the price. Each has its place. The academies are fastest. Cosmetology schools confer a state license. Colleges, listed in their own section below, are the answer for anyone searching for a makeup college rather than a course. New York and Los Angeles remain the two cities where a school’s alumni network does most of the work. That is why they lead this section. For what to pack on day one, read the professional makeup artist kit checklist.
New York and Long Island
Founded in 1965, Christine Valmy was, according to its site, the first school of esthetics in the United States. It operates campuses in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square and in Wayne, New Jersey. The school reports more than 20,000 graduates. The New York campus offers a makeup program covering color theory, facial anatomy and bridal and film/TV application. The company also sells its own professional skin care line. Credentials: Footer links to the Council on Occupational Education, New York State Education Department, New Jersey Consumer Affairs and CIDESCO.
Programs: Basic with Advanced Makeup (New York campus; duration not stated); Esthetics (in-person and hybrid).
MUD opened in 1997, and its flagship campus is in Burbank, California. The campuses page also refers to a New York City campus. Programs span fashion, film and television, multimedia and master makeup artistry, with online courses offered through makeupdesignory.com. The school runs a MUD Talks speaker series and an annual Prosthetics Invitational. An open house was scheduled for October 10, 2026. Credentials: ACCSC accredited (named 2024–2025 ACCSC School of Distinction); licensed by the California BPPE.
Programs: Fashion Makeup Artistry; Film & Television Makeup; Multimedia Make-Up.
Chic Studios opened in 2009 in New York City, which remains its flagship in-person location. It also runs pop-up schools in Los Angeles and Denver and an online academy. NYC courses are sold in blocks of 3 to 36 hours. According to its site, it has more than 4,000 graduates and offers pro discounts with over 25 beauty brands. The Chic Collective is a program for artists running their own businesses.
Programs: NYC in-person lessons of 3, 12, 22 or 36 hours; LA pop-up classes in beauty, bridal and fashion/TV; Denver 3-day quarterly course.
Paul Mitchell The School sits at 187 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island. Its 80-hour makeup program covers color theory, contouring, airbrush, bridal, editorial, film and period styles. Marketing and social media are also included. Students build a hard-copy portfolio and receive a professional kit. Start dates appear from January 5 to November 23, 2027. Credentials: School nationally accredited by NACCAS; makeup program itself stated as not accredited, not NACCAS-approved, not Title IV eligible and does not lead to licensure.
Programs: Makeup Program (80 clock hours; part-time day or evening).
The campus is at 545 8th Ave, Suite 1015, Manhattan, with a Philadelphia campus also referenced. The flagship Master program includes three portfolio photoshoots. Weekday, evening and weekend schedules are available. Students receive makeup and hairstyling kits, plus sanitation training with a certificate. Alumni run lifetime access to studio and classroom space. Credentials: States program is licensed by NYSED (New York State Education Department).
Programs: Master Makeup Artistry Program (100 hours makeup + 18 hours hairstyling, 20 lessons, 3 portfolio shoots); Beauty and Bridal; ICON International PRO.
The 62-hour Professional Makeup Program runs across 14 modules. It includes two portfolio photoshoots, homework and tests. An evening schedule meets on Tuesdays for 15 weeks, and a weekend schedule runs 7 weeks. Both run alongside the standard program. Start dates appear through November 2027, with enrollment open.
Programs: Professional Makeup Program (62 hours; Diploma Level 1 & 2); Pro Evening Makeup Course (15 weeks).
The school is at 11 Oval Drive, Suite 180, Islandia, in Suffolk County. The 84-hour Beauty Essentials makeup course runs Monday to Wednesday. Day sessions run 9:00–4:30 and evening sessions 6:00–9:30. Students practice on each other and receive a Certificate of Attendance. No prerequisites are required. Credentials: License and accreditation page referenced on site; details not stated on course page.
Programs: Beauty Essentials Make-Up Course (84 hours; day or evening) offered in partnership with Makeup Designory; Special Makeup Effects Course.
The campus is at 3274 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, Nassau County. A Makeup Artistry program is listed alongside licensure-track cosmetology and esthetics programs. The academy operates a student-run salon where students work on real clients under licensed supervision. It is open six days a week, with evening hours. Credentials: Displays NYSED licensing and NACCAS logos; page title describes school as accredited.
Programs: Makeup Artistry; Hairdressing & Cosmetology; Esthetics.
Los Angeles
The Michael Vincent brand opened in 2004. The academy opened in 2013 at 5535 Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood. Online courses are pre-recorded with teacher assistance and no fixed schedule. In-person Elite courses focus on portfolio building in the academy’s studio. The academy operates alongside a working production studio and runs a five-week on-set Affiliate Program by invitation.
Programs: Online: Master Beauty Artistry (73 lessons), Bridal, Film & TV, Hair Artistry, Airbrush, Special FX, Beauty & Business. In-person Elite courses in beauty, hair, airbrush and special FX; microblading; advanced barbering.
Cinema Makeup School opened in 1993 and sits at 3780 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. Its longest diploma, the Complete Track, is 1,030 clock hours over 28 weeks. The school cites a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and about 10,000 alumni worldwide. Short courses include one-week professional crash courses and summer camps. Credentials: Site links BPPE and SEVP pages; no license number stated in text. Operated by Cinema Art College Corp.
Programs: Complete Track (1,030 hours, 28 weeks); FX Track (910 hours, 25 weeks); Master Makeup (630 hours, 18 weeks).
Bosso Intensive Makeup Academy runs a private course in Los Angeles every month with no more than four students. A second location operates in Tampa, Florida. The six-day program combines three two-day courses. These cover traditional and airbrush makeup, bridal and high-fashion looks, lash application and business. Products, tools and models are included, and online certification courses are also offered.
Programs: 6-Day Makeup School; 4-Day Makeup School; 2-Day Makeup Class.
12Hollywood Makeup School
The five-day intensive certificate class runs roughly 10am–5pm daily. Weekday and weekend sessions are scheduled through December. The curriculum covers color theory, foundation, eyes, brows, lashes, contouring, cut crease, mature skin and bridal business. Students practice on each other in small classes. According to its site, the school has over 1,000 graduates since 2005.
Programs: Professional Beauty and High-Definition Makeup Artist Class (5-day intensive, certificate); Airbrush Makeup Training; Hair Styling Class.
The Melrose Avenue studio in Hollywood caps classes at five students. Courses include a one-week intensive, evening and weekend options, and advanced courses. A live online masterclass comes with a mailed kit. Monthly start dates appear from January through December 2026. Each course awards a certificate, and the Pro course includes a photoshoot. Credentials: Site states it has met State of California requirements and is overseen by the Private Postsecondary Vocational Department of California since 2001.
Programs: Intensive Pro Make-up Course (1 week, Mon–Fri 10am–3pm); Pro Make-up Evening & Weekend; Advanced Pro Make-up Course.
Matt Winston, Stan Winston’s son, co-founded the online school with Erich Grey Litoff to carry on the legacy. Live Webcourses are broadcast from a Los Angeles studio. Watch & Chat and Online Workshop tiers run, the latter including homework and certificates. The school won a 2013 Webby Award for Best DIY Channel. A student film was an official selection at Sundance 2015.
Programs: On-demand library (400+ hours) and Live Webcourses across 23 subjects including Makeup Effects, sculpting, mold making, puppet making and animatronics; monthly, annual and group subscriptions.
The Burbank school is at 1011 West Olive Avenue, part of Adamis Group USA. The group has bases in Milan, Rome and Los Angeles. Short hour-based courses range from a 6-hour master class to a 72-hour beauty makeup program. According to its site, the teaching blends Italian tradition and American innovation with crossover training.
Programs: Artistry of Beauty Makeup (72 h); TV Film Fashion Makeup (24 h); Airbrushing (8 h).
The private academy is at 28914 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills. Classes hold at most four students, with evening sessions. Tiered programs run from a 3-evening beginner course to a 16-evening Master course with a certificate of completion. The instructor’s background is stated as film, TV and celebrity artistry. International students are welcomed, with accommodation help.
Programs: The Master (16 evenings); The Elite (9 evenings); The Pro (6 evenings).
Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando
Cosmix sits at 3440 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale. According to its site, it has trained makeup artists for over 25 years. Programs range from a 300-hour fashion course to a 1,200-hour Master Pro program. Skin care students train with Dermalogica products, and fashion students use an in-house photography studio. The next class start listed is October 19, 2026. Credentials: Accredited by ACCSC; licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 3170; Master Pro and Skin Care graduates eligible for Florida Skin Care Specialist licensure.
Programs: Master Makeup Artistry Pro (1,200 hours, 9 months); Master Makeup Artistry (900 hours, 29 weeks); Fashion Makeup Artistry (300 hours, 9 weeks).
La Belle Beauty School operates two campuses, in Miami and Hialeah. According to its site, it has served South Florida’s beauty industry for over 50 years. Makeup instruction is included in the Cosmetology and Full Specialist programs. The site is available in English and Spanish. A job services department assists graduates. Credentials: Accredited by NACCAS; licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education; approved for Title IV federal financial aid.
Programs: Cosmetology (includes makeup); Full Specialist (skin care, makeup, nail technology); durations not stated. No standalone makeup program.
VAMP is an Orlando school offering a 22-week special effects program and a 10-week beauty program. Site posts reference a ten-year anniversary. Student work has been demonstrated at MegaCon Orlando. Training uses materials such as Smooth-On Ecoflex silicone and Chavant clay. The school publishes an online catalog and runs a teen summer camp. Credentials: Described as a licensed makeup school; approved Vocational Rehabilitation Post Secondary School in Florida. No license number or accreditor named.
Programs: Modern Effects Makeup Artistry (22 weeks); Beauty Professional Makeup Artistry (10 weeks); seminars and classes.
Boca Beauty Academy operates campuses in Boca Raton (7820 Glades Road) and Parkland, Florida. According to its site, it has operated for over three decades. It offers a combined Makeup and Skin Care program alongside cosmetology and spa programs. Students train in an on-site salon and spa with real clients, with a maximum student-teacher ratio of 25:1. Training products named include MATRIX, OPI, Pevonia and OFRA Cosmetics. Credentials: Lists Council on Occupational Education, FAPSC, BBB and Barbicide under a combined accreditations/affiliations heading; Spa Therapy prepares for Florida licensure.
Programs: Makeup and Skin Care program (duration not stated); Cosmetology; Hybrid Cosmetology.
Campuses are at 855 SW 79th Ave, Miami and 5090 W 12th Ave, Hialeah. The flagship Miami campus opened in 2022. The 600-hour Makeup Artistry program includes a makeup center and a special effects makeup lab. Students receive a customized kit and build a portfolio through professional photoshoots. Classes are small, with one-on-one training. Credentials: Program leads to a Makeup Artistry certificate in Florida; eligible for federal financial aid; license and accreditation page referenced.
Programs: Makeup Artistry (600 hours; as little as 24 weeks; AM Mon–Fri 9–2 and PM Mon–Thu 6–10 listed).
The school is at 8150 SW 8th St, Suite 220, Miami. A Makeup Technician program runs alongside Florida-licensure cosmetology and specialist programs. The hybrid schedule is described as three days in class and two days of home learning. The school publishes a 2026 school catalog. Credentials: Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education; licensed and regulated by Florida DBPR; accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Programs: Makeup Technician; Cosmetology; Full Specialist Technician.
Las Vegas
L Makeup Institute operates campuses in Las Vegas (440 S Rampart Blvd) and Southlake, Texas. Classes run Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The Beauty Makeup program is 845 hours and the SFX program is 1,072.5 hours. The school was founded by Las Vegas makeup artist Lissette Waugh. It accepts federal financial aid and VA benefits. Credentials: Accredited by ACCSC; ACCSC School of Distinction (Las Vegas 2017, Dallas 2022) and School of Excellence (Dallas 2024).
Programs: Beauty Makeup Program (845 hours, 25 weeks); SFX + Makeup Program (1,072.5 hours, 32 weeks); Advanced Prosthetics Course (170 hours, 5 weeks).
The academy is at 6543 S Las Vegas Blvd in Town Square Las Vegas. The six-week hybrid program combines five weeks of online coursework with a six-day live practical week on models. Monthly Zoom calls and 12 months of material access are included. Graduates receive an academy certificate and a color theory certification with Terri Tomlinson. A pro-discount certification is also included. Credentials: States it is licensed to operate as a Private Postsecondary Educational Institution in Nevada by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Programs: Beginner to Pro Makeup Program (6 weeks: 5 weeks online + 1 week in-person practical on models); Barbering listed.
Houston, Austin and Texas
Ogle School operates 11 campuses across Texas and Georgia. According to its site, it has served students for over 50 years. Programs run Monday through Friday with full-time and part-time schedules. Every program includes business, wellness and financial training, and students work with clients in a salon-modeled student clinic. The school reports a 99% licensure rate and a 76% job placement rate. Credentials: Accredited by NACCAS; programs prepare students for state licensing exams.
Programs: Cosmetology (about 7 months full-time, 13 months part-time); Esthetics (about 5 months full-time, 10 months part-time). No standalone makeup program.
Avenue Five Institute has two Austin campuses. North Austin is at 8620 Burnet Rd and South Austin at 500 E Ben White Blvd. Its YourTime schedule combines four hours of daily on-campus training with ten hours per week of distance learning. According to its site, it is a Wella Signature School. A CIDESCO certification option is also offered. Credentials: Accredited by NACCAS.
Programs: Cosmetology; Esthetics; Nail Technology.
The Houston-based academy offers short, hands-on ‘bitesize’ makeup and wig-making classes. Topics include ventilating, sewing and lace-fronting. Summer 2026 classes in Houston are advertised. The site also references a Las Vegas Makeup and Wig Design School. It links to student highlights, press coverage and philanthropy pages.
Programs: Makeup Courses; Wig Courses (e.g., Intro to Ventilating & Sewing 2-day; Intro to Lace Fronting a Wig 3-day).
Chicago
Tricoci University operates 15 campuses across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. According to its site, it has over 15,000 graduates and more than 20 years of experience. Makeup is taught within the Cosmetology and Esthetics programs. The school won the AACS Golden School Award for School of the Year in 2022 and 2023. It was listed on USA Today’s America’s Top Vocational Schools 2026, and classes start October 26. Credentials: Accredited by NACCAS for Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barber and Nail Technology; FAFSA-eligible.
Programs: Cosmetology (includes makeup artistry); Esthetics (includes advanced makeup); Barber.
The school is at 1144 West Randolph Street in Chicago’s West Loop. It offers an in-person certificate program and an online certificate program, plus workshops and private lessons. It also runs First Looks Artistry, an in-house bridal, commercial and theatrical/SFX services arm. Instructor-led, hands-on studio time is emphasized. Credentials: Consumer Disclosure Information page referenced; no accreditation statement on homepage.
Programs: Certificate Program (in-person, Chicago); Online Certificate Program; Programs & Workshops.
The 144-hour, 12-week professional artistry program runs in day and evening cohorts. The Fall 2026 session starts September 8, 2026. The program includes a professional kit, headshots, a portfolio shoot and a Certificate of Completion. Some business classes are held via Zoom. Three free refresh classes run after graduation.
Programs: 12-Week Professional Artistry Program (144 clock hours; Tue–Thu day or evening sessions); workshops.
The school is at 1870 Busse Hwy, Des Plaines, near Chicago, as a division of New Age Spa Institute. It offers 60-hour Professional and Master makeup certifications, short specialized classes and self-paced online courses. Classes hold at most 14 students, with live demos and student-to-student practice. Enrollment requires a diploma or GED and valid ID. Credentials: States a school certificate is not an Illinois state professional license; links to IDFPR licensing information; no accreditation stated.
Programs: Professional Makeup Certification (60 hours); Master Makeup Certification (60 hours, advanced); specialized short classes.
Other US cities and multi-campus schools
The aveda.edu school selector lists 53 locations, including some in Canada. According to the site, the institutes are independently owned and operated by parties unaffiliated with Aveda Corporation. Cosmetology training combines an online-based curriculum with hands-on learning. The Esthiology program incorporates Ayurvedic concepts alongside anatomy, physiology and chemistry.
Programs: Cosmetology (includes makeup application); Esthiology (skin care). Durations not stated. No standalone makeup program.
Empire Beauty School lists 76 locations across 21 states and works from Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Makeup is taught as a unit within the Esthetics and Cosmetology programs. A Hybrid Cosmetology option runs as well. The school’s esthetics kit includes a skin and makeup kit. Credentials: Accredited by NACCAS.
Programs: Cosmetology; Hybrid Cosmetology; Esthetics (includes a makeup artistry unit).
The Art of Makeup moved its in-person Portland curriculum to an online certification course. The course combines self-paced video, live sessions, virtual group coaching and mentorship. According to its site, it has trained makeup artists for over a decade. Students receive lifetime access to course videos, manuals and an alumni community. Internship opportunities on Fashion Week runway shows appear.
Programs: Online Certification Course in professional makeup artistry (self-paced with live streaming, group coaching and one-to-one mentorship; duration not stated).
Before reading the degree programs, it helps to separate two kinds of US training. Certificate programs teach makeup as a trade, usually over weeks or months. They suit artists who want to start working quickly. Degree programs take longer and cost more, but they add general education and a broader credential. Neither route is better in itself. Instead, the right choice depends on the work you want and the years you can give it. For example, an artist aiming at bridal work rarely needs a degree. By contrast, someone planning to teach, or to join a theatre department, may find one useful. Therefore, decide on the destination first, then choose the format.
Makeup colleges and degree programs
Douglas Education Center opened in 1904, and the Special Make-Up Effects Program began in 2000. The 16-month program totals 1,650 hours and leads to an associate degree. Classes are mostly on campus Monday through Thursday, with some general education courses online or hybrid. Students collaborate with the George A. Romero Filmmaking Program on student film sets. Classes start in February, June and October. Credentials: Accredited by ACCSC.
Programs: Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program: 16 months, 4 semesters, 1,650 hours, Associate in Specialized Business degree.
Foothill is a public community college at 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. The campus lies in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Theatre Arts department offers a Theatre Costume and Makeup career certificate and a non-credit certificate of completion. Career certificates range from 13–35 units. Students gain hands-on production work on departmental shows, and a production of Almost, Maine runs November 2026. Credentials: Public California community college; accreditation page referenced on site.
Programs: Theatre Costume and Makeup (Career Certificate and non-credit Certificate of Completion); Theatre Technology AA and certificates; Theatre Arts AA/AA-T.
The public community college is at 1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa. The 30-unit Makeup Design certificate took effect Fall 2022. It prepares students for entry-level and apprentice makeup work in stage, film and television. Coursework covers special effects makeup, wigs, masks and production labs. Students are assigned a faculty advisor and taught self-marketing and portfolio preparation, and Fall 2026 theatre classes appear. Credentials: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Programs: Theatre Arts: Makeup Design Certificate (30 units; includes Makeup Design for Stage and Screen, two Special Effects Makeup/Wigs/Masks courses, costume technology and makeup crew production labs).
Red Rocks is a public community college in the Denver metro area. The Stage Makeup Certificate is a six-credit, one-semester program offered in spring. It consists of Stage Makeup I and II. The catalog lists entry-level roles such as makeup assistant, makeup designer or special effects makeup designer. A grade of C or higher is required in all theatre courses. Credentials: Public Colorado community college.
Programs: Stage Makeup Certificate (6 credits: Stage Makeup I and Stage Makeup II; one-semester, spring).
Mesa is a public community college in the Phoenix metro. Its campuses are at 1833 W Southern Ave and 7110 E McKellips Rd, Mesa. The Hair and Makeup CCL is a 10–11 credit part-time sequence. It covers stage and screen makeup, advanced techniques and wig and hair production, plus a production practicum. The degree pathway map is labeled 2026-27. Credentials: Public Arizona community college (Maricopa County Community College District); program not eligible for Title IV aid.
Programs: Certificate of Completion in Technical Theatre: Hair and Makeup (10–11 credits: Makeup for Stage and Screen, Advanced Makeup Techniques, Wig and Hair Production, production practicum); CCL Technical Theatre; CCL Technical Theatre: Costuming.
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christine Valmy International School | New York | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Make-Up Designory (MUD) | Burbank, Los Angeles (also New York) | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Chic Studios Makeup School | New York / Los Angeles | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Paul Mitchell The School (New York and Austin) | Staten Island NY; Austin TX | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| The Makeup Academy of NYC (by Nina MUA) | New York, NY | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| New York Makeup Academy | New York, NY | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| New York Institute of Beauty (NYIB) | Islandia (Long Island), NY | in-person | tuition not published |
| Brittany Beauty Academy (Levittown campus) | Levittown (Long Island), NY | in-person | tuition not published |
| Michael Vincent Academy | Los Angeles | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Cinema Makeup School | Los Angeles | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Bosso Beverly Hills Makeup Academy | Los Angeles | hybrid | $5,000–15,000 |
| Hollywood Makeup School | Los Angeles, CA | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| JLS Professional Makeup Artist School | Los Angeles (Hollywood), CA | hybrid | Under $5,000 |
| Stan Winston School of Character Arts | Los Angeles, CA (online) | online | tuition not published |
| Institute of Makeup (Adamis Group USA) | Burbank (Los Angeles) | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| Kiss N Makeup Artistry Academy | Agoura Hills (Los Angeles County) | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry | Fort Lauderdale | in-person | tuition not published |
| La Belle Beauty School | Miami | in-person | tuition not published |
| VAMP (Vocational Academy of Makeup and Prosthetics) | Orlando | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Boca Beauty Academy | Boca Raton FL | in-person | tuition not published |
| Celebrity School of Beauty | Miami, FL | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| American Beauty & Trade School | Miami, FL | hybrid | tuition not published |
| L Makeup Institute | Las Vegas | in-person | tuition not published |
| Glam Sophisticated Makeup Academy | Las Vegas, NV | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Ogle School | Texas and Georgia | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Avenue Five Institute | Austin TX | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Academy of Makeup and Wig Design (AcademyMWD) | Houston, TX | in-person | tuition not published |
| Tricoci University of Beauty Culture | IL / IN / WI | in-person | tuition not published |
| Make Up First School of Makeup Artistry | Chicago, IL | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Chicago Makeup School | Chicago, IL | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| Art Institute of Makeup (division of New Age Spa Institute) | Des Plaines (Chicago area), IL | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Aveda Institutes | US multi-campus | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Empire Beauty Schools | US multi-campus | hybrid | tuition not published |
| The Art of Makeup School | Portland OR | online | tuition not published |
| Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program, Douglas Education Center | Monessen PA | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Foothill College – Theatre Costume and Makeup Career Certificate | Los Altos Hills, CA | in-person | tuition not published |
| Santa Rosa Junior College – Theatre Arts: Makeup Design Certificate | Santa Rosa, CA | in-person | tuition not published |
| Red Rocks Community College – Stage Makeup Certificate | Lakewood, CO | in-person | tuition not published |
| Mesa Community College (Maricopa) – Technical Theatre: Hair and Makeup CCL | Mesa, AZ | in-person | tuition not published |
Best makeup schools in Canada
Canada punches above its size because of Vancouver’s film industry and Ontario’s polytechnic system. Vancouver schools are built around screen work. Toronto offers public polytechnic diplomas with published fees. Montreal adds French-language training and some of the lowest prices in North America. Tuition is converted from Canadian dollars at 0.73.
Vancouver
Founded in 1960 as the Blanche Macdonald Modelling School, it became the Blanche Macdonald Centre in 1988. The Global Makeup diploma runs 920 hours over one year at 20 hours per week. International students may take a two-year co-op option. The curriculum covers 14 levels, including special effects, prosthetics, airbrushing and digital makeup design. Makeup director Todd McIntosh is a two-time Emmy winner. Credentials: Approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU), BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Programs: Global Makeup full-time diploma (920 hours); International Makeup Studio; International Makeup Essentials.
The 12-month diploma covers beauty, hair and wigs, character, special effects and prosthetics in one program. The Makeup Production Centre at 400 W. Hastings St. includes a prosthetic application studio and custom ovens. It also holds a 64,000 cubic foot motion capture volume. Applicants submit a portfolio and a 500-word letter of intent; no prior professional makeup experience is required. Start dates listed are January, May and August 2027. Credentials: Displays BC Private Training Institutions designation and BC EQA certification badges; no accreditation body named in text.
Programs: Makeup Design for Film & Television diploma (12 months, 6 terms, full-time).
JCI Institute opened in 1978 and operates from 200–1155 Robson Street in Vancouver. The Multimedia Makeup Artistry program runs eight months. It covers beauty, editorial, bridal, film and television and special effects. The campus also includes a student salon that is open to the public. Credentials: Described on site as a designated institution eligible for government student funding; no accrediting body named.
Programs: Multimedia Makeup Artistry (8 months) covering beauty, editorial, bridal, film and television and special effects makeup.
The Granville Street campus is in downtown Vancouver, and a one-year Film Makeup Masters diploma runs. According to its site, this is the most advanced SPFX TV and film makeup program in Canada. A 22-week Professional Makeup Artist certificate is also offered. Co-Op versions for international students combine study with Vancouver work experience. The college also runs acting and esthetics programs. Credentials: Designated Learning Institution certified by BC’s Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU); displays PTIB and BC EQA logos; EduCanada authorized institution.
Programs: Film Makeup Masters (1-year diploma); Film Makeup Masters Co-Op (2-year, international); Professional Makeup Artist (22-week certificate).
Toronto and Ontario
The diploma runs at the Trafalgar Campus in Oakville and totals 75 credits over four semesters. Second-year students complete a 40-hour field placement assigned by career interest. Coursework covers live-model makeup for special event, period, drag and special effects work. It also includes fashion and editorial makeup, theatrical rendering, character design and prosthetics. Credentials: Public Ontario college granting an Ontario College Diploma; no additional accreditation stated on program page.
Programs: Makeup for Media and Creative Arts, Ontario College Diploma (2 years; January-start option runs 16 months continuous); also Advanced Special Effects Makeup, Prosthetics and Props.
The college sits at 110 Lombard Street in downtown Toronto. According to its site, more than 5,000 makeup artists have graduated in the past 30 years. The Complete Makeup Artist diploma runs 35 weeks full-time, Monday to Friday. Diploma credits can be applied toward a Bachelor of Creative Arts at Yorkville University. Start dates appear for 2026 and 2027. Credentials: Site links Ontario private career college KPI reporting and states it is OSAP-approved; shows EduCanada logo. No accrediting body named.
Programs: Diplomas: Complete Makeup Artist (35 weeks); Comprehensive Makeup Artist; Global Makeup Artist.
The college operates five campuses in the Greater Toronto Area: Vaughan, Ajax, Mississauga, Newmarket and Toronto. Each campus has a medi-spa that is open to the public. The Toronto, Vaughan and Newmarket campuses accept international students. The founding year is not stated on the site. Credentials: Footer links Ontario private career college (PCC) KPI 2023 report; no accrediting body named.
Programs: Makeup Artist Diploma; Makeup Certificate (durations not stated); also esthetics, nails, laser and medi-spa programs.
The program runs at the Newnham Campus in Toronto within the School of Fashion. Makeup technique, product knowledge and skincare analysis sit alongside courses in customer service, marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Some courses are taught in person and streamed to online students at the same time. Some coursework must be completed on campus. Graduates receive lifelong access to the Seneca Works job board and career coaching. Credentials: Public Ontario polytechnic granting an Ontario College Diploma; no additional accreditation stated.
Programs: Cosmetic Techniques & Management, Ontario College Diploma (four semesters; two-year September start or 16-month January fast-track).
GLOW has four Ontario campuses: Toronto (Yorkville), Brampton, Waterloo and Ottawa. The 400-hour diploma runs about six months, with online theory lessons and on-campus practical classes. Classes typically run Monday to Thursday, with morning and evening options. The curriculum was developed with bridal and media industry professionals. Career paths listed include bridal, salon and spa, fashion and skin care. Credentials: Approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005; member of Career Colleges Ontario and the National Association of Career Colleges.
Programs: Advanced Makeup Artistry Diploma (6 months; 400 hours: 336 hybrid theory/practical + 64 in-class/industry practice).
The program runs through George Brown’s Continuing Education division at the St. James Campus, 193 King St. E., Toronto. The certificate comprises seven courses mixing hybrid, online and on-campus delivery. It prepares students for beauty, fashion, film and television work. Resume and interview preparation are included. Credentials: Public Ontario polytechnic (college) continuing education certificate.
Programs: Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program (certificate; seven courses in hybrid, online and on-campus formats); Special Effects Makeup course.
Montreal
The school works from Olympic Park, 4545 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue, Montreal. The ten-week film and TV makeup program includes an introduction to the AQTIS-514-IATSE union. Students also visit a working film set. Partners and sponsors listed include Nomad Productions, Simplex, the Gouvernement du Québec, Banque Nationale, Parc Olympique and Film Laurentides.
Programs: Professional Makeup Training for Cinema & TV (10 weeks: 3 weeks general skills + 7 weeks specialized).
The esthetics and makeup academy has Montreal and Laval locations. Makeup I (119 hours) covers color theory, bridal, day, evening and glamour makeup, and mature skin. Makeup II-III cover aging, rejuvenation, transformation and artistic makeup. Delivery is hybrid, with online theory videos and in-class practice. Dates appear from September 2026 through June 2027. Credentials: Describes itself as a recognized private school issuing tax-deductible tuition receipts; member of the Canadian Esthetic & Spa Association.
Programs: Makeup I (119 hours); Makeup II-III specialized (16 days); Combo I-II-III (10 or 20 weeks, day or Friday evening).
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanche Macdonald Centre | Vancouver | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| Vancouver Film School | Vancouver | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| John Casablancas Institute | Vancouver | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| New Image College | Vancouver, BC | in-person | tuition not published |
| Sheridan College | Oakville ON | not stated | $5,000–15,000 |
| CMU College of Makeup Art & Design | Toronto | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Canadian Beauty College | Toronto | in-person | tuition not published |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Toronto | hybrid | Under $5,000 |
| GLOW College (Advanced Makeup Artistry Diploma) | Toronto, ON | hybrid | tuition not published |
| George Brown Polytechnic (Continuing Education) – Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program | Toronto, ON | hybrid | $5,000–15,000 |
| MONDEL – l’Atelier du Cinéma | Montreal, QC | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| Académie Edith Serei | Montreal / Laval, QC | hybrid | Under $5,000 |
Canada rewards a clear plan. If film is the goal, the Vancouver schools are built around screen work and the city’s production calendar. If a recognized public credential matters more, the Ontario polytechnic diplomas publish their fees and admission rules. Meanwhile, Montreal adds French-language training at some of the lowest prices in North America. For US students, remember to convert every fee on the same day and to add living costs for the full program. In addition, check whether a program’s schedule allows part-time work, since that changes what you can afford. Then compare the shortlist against the four tests in the ranking method above before you apply. Two or three strong options are enough.
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Best makeup schools in the UK and Europe
London is the densest makeup-training city in the world. It runs from a university degree at UAL to independent academies within reach of Pinewood and Elstree. Paris has the Make Up For Ever Academy and ITM. Berlin has the state-recognized Maskenbildner route. Smaller national schools from Madrid to Stockholm publish prices that make Europe the best-value region in this guide. UK fees are shown at 1.30 USD per pound, euro fees at 1.08 to 1.10.
London
This three-year honors degree is taught at London College of Fashion’s East Bank campus. It combines theory and research with practical hair, make-up and prosthetics training for stage and screen. Facilities include wig-making and hair styling, prosthetics, make-up, sculpting and plastics studios. Students may take an optional diploma or placement year between years two and three. The next intake starts September 2027, with a 13 January 2027 application deadline. Credentials: University degree awarded by University of the Arts London; UCAS code W452.
Programs: BA (Hons) Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Performance; BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion (both three-year degrees).
Founded in 1998 and marketed as the London Makeup School, AOFM runs in-person intensives in London and Dubai. It also has a campus in New York and a self-paced online diploma. According to its site, it has more than 15,000 graduates and over 40 specialist teachers. Alumni receive lifetime free aftercare masterclasses. Next London intakes appear for 9 November 2026 and 11 January 2027; Dubai intakes start 11 January 2027. Credentials: Site describes courses as globally recognised with an International Qualifications page and references to 7 accreditations; no accrediting body named.
Programs: Complete Artistic Pro Creative Specialist in Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry (London, 6+1 weeks); Artistic Professional in Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry (Dubai, 6 weeks); Complete Artistic Pro Plus (Dubai, 8+1 weeks).
The academy was founded about 20 years ago by Oscar- and BAFTA-winning makeup designer Christine Blundell. It trains for film and television from a London studio, with classes of around 16 students. Modules run from one day to five weeks alongside a flagship four-month hair, makeup and SFX course. According to its site, eligible UK-based graduates are guaranteed paid on-set experience. The January 2027 four-month course is fully booked, with the next intake on 26 April 2027.
Programs: 4-Month Film & TV Hair, Makeup & SFX course; Complete Media Makeup; Special Effects and Prosthetic Makeup.
Brushstroke describes itself as the first makeup school to operate from a film studio. It teaches full-time at Longcross Studios, Surrey, and Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire. Longcross has about 5,000 sq ft of training space and 65,000 wigs. Operating for roughly 35 years, it offers BTEC, ITEC, VTCT and HNC/HND-accredited routes; these run from a 20-day barbering course to a two-year diploma; alumni get free lifelong learning. The next 7-month ITEC intake at Elstree starts 19 October 2026. Credentials: BTEC (Pearson), ITEC, VTCT, HNC/HND qualifications; ASIC Premier Accredited logo shown; 2-year course BAFTA scholarship-eligible.
Programs: 2-year Make-up & Hair BTEC Level 3 Diploma; 7-month Make-up & Hair ITEC Level 3 Diploma; 6-month ITEC (international students).
Kristina Gasperas Beauty Academy, registered in London, specializes in bridal makeup and hair education. Teaching runs through an online membership academy, live online workshops, self-paced bootcamps and in-person masterclasses. According to its site, it has taught thousands of students globally. The live wedding-hair workshop uses non-professional models with varied hair types to simulate real wedding mornings. The next in-person event listed is a Bridal Makeup Masterclass in London on 2 November 2026.
Programs: Online Academy membership (200+ tutorials, monthly challenges, weekly feedback, business/social/photography training); LIVE Online Wedding Hair Workshop; Online Bridal Hair Bootcamp (self-paced).
The academy works from inside Pinewood Studios, giving students a working film and TV environment. It partners with the National Film and Television School (NFTS). It also takes part in the BAFTA Scholarship Programme. Regular open days are held, including a Nov 2026 virtual open day. Credentials: Advanced Certificate accredited by ScreenSkills Select (stated as the only independent FE media makeup course with this accreditation).
Programs: Advanced Certificate in Makeup and Hair Artistry (30 weeks); Industry Ready Certificate (15 weeks); Certificate in Makeup and Hair Artistry (7 weeks).
LCBT is a government-funded further education college at 3-5 Fashion Street, London E1. It offers one-year Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Hair & Media Make-Up. Industry masterclasses and a careers team support the courses. Courses are free for 16-18 year olds and loan-eligible for adults. Credentials: Ofsted-rated Good provider; government-funded FE college with Advanced Learner Loans for 19+.
Programs: Level 2 Diploma in Hair & Media Make-Up (1 year); Level 3 Diploma in Hair & Media Make-Up (1 year).
59LBTA (London Beauty Training Academy)
LBTA has two academies, in Chiswick (West London) and Borehamwood (Hertfordshire). The VTCT Level 3 Diploma is modular, with start dates available through the year. Entry requires a math and English assessment at Entry Level 3. Graduates can go on to join BABTAC for professional membership and insurance. Credentials: VTCT Level 3 qualification based on National Occupational Standards; recognised by BABTAC.
Programs: VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Make-up Artistry: 1 day/week for 40 weeks or 2 days/week for 20 weeks.
Delamar has taught in London since 1986. According to its site, it is the longest-running independent makeup and hair academy in the UK. Classes hold at most 12 and tutors work in the industry. Graduate credits listed include The Crown, Bridgerton, Barbie, Oppenheimer and House of the Dragon. Full courses include a kit valued at over £1,500, and enrollment is open for January 2027.
Programs: The Complete Makeup Artist (16 weeks); Advanced Complete Makeup Artist (22 weeks); 10 Month Professional Makeup Design.
If you are coming from the United States, the tuition band is only part of the price of studying in Europe. Housing, travel and visa costs change the real figure, often by more than the course itself. In addition, many UK programs are shorter and more intensive than US ones, which can lower living costs. Similarly, check the language of instruction. London programs teach in English, but several schools elsewhere in Europe teach in their own language. Finally, ask what the certificate is worth back home. A respected European name can open doors, yet some employers still ask for local credentials. Price the whole stay, then decide. Meanwhile, keep the four tests from the ranking method in view, because they apply in Europe exactly as they do at home.
Manchester
KLMA has trained makeup artists since 2015 from a studio in Greater Manchester. It offers a five-day intensive Become a Makeup Artist course, on-demand online training and one-to-one tuition. According to its site, it is multi-award-winning, citing nine awards and nominations. It also cites more than 1,000 graduates and a five-star Google rating. Lead trainer Kiera’s listed credits include London Fashion Week, RuPaul’s Drag Race, MAC Cosmetics and Beauty Bay campaigns. Credentials: Site claims 6 pro accredited courses and full accreditation for the pro course; accrediting body not named.
Programs: Become a Makeup Artist (5-day intensive pro course); Master Your Own Makeup (online, self-paced); bridal, hair styling, SFX and drag specialist courses.
The Manchester academy runs 10-day intensives in SFX, prosthetics and fantasy makeup, and TV and film hair and makeup. Courses are open to ages 16+ with no experience required. The SFX course ends with a timed character challenge and a professional photo shoot. It also includes a freelancing business module. Part 2 of the SFX course is led by a 38-year special effects veteran. Credentials: SFX course and Introduction course described as CPD-accredited.
Programs: SFX, Prosthetics & Fantasy Makeup (10 days, two parts); Complete TV, Film & Media Hair & Makeup (10 days); Introduction to Makeup (3 days, evenings/weekends).
Paris
The MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy opened in Paris in 2002 and has run more than 20 years. Makeup courses range from one day to 12 months. They serve beginners who want to become makeup artists and beauty professionals improving their skills. The academy reports 98–99% satisfaction ratings for its welcome, team availability, facilities and equipment. Some courses are eligible for CPF funding in France.
Programs: Makeup courses from 1 day to 12 months for beginners wishing to become makeup artists and for beauty professionals upskilling; site says it trains in all makeup professions.
ITM Paris is a private makeup school at 9 rue des Arènes in the 5th arrondissement. It is part of the Galileo Global Education group. Two- and three-year programs include dedicated Bachelor tracks in fashion and beauty makeup and in cinema and special effects. Courses are taught by working professionals, with case studies and internships. Credentials: Private technical higher-education institution; Qualiopi certified; part of Galileo Global Education.
Programs: Formation Make-Up Artist (2 years, compulsory internship); Bachelor Maquilleur Mode & Beauté (3 years); Bachelor Maquilleur Cinéma & Effets Spéciaux (3 years).
Milan
BCM is a long-established Milan beauty school at Via Revere 15. Its 620-hour regionally recognized artistic makeup course covers beauty, fashion, film and TV, theater and special effects. Full price lists appear for every module. Special projects include the Best Make-up Awards and a Master Makeup Summer Intensive in New York. Credentials: Trucco Artistico course recognised by Regione Lombardia (l.r. 19/07, DDUO n. 8486/2008); other courses carry an internal certificate.
Programs: Trucco Artistico (regionally recognised, 620 hrs: beauty, fashion, film/TV, photographic, theatre, SFX); Beauty & Bridal Make-Up (64 hrs); Fashion Make-Up & Hairstyling (170 hrs).
Elsewhere in Europe
Operating for about 29 years in central Stockholm, its next signature course intakes start 11 January 2027. Courses run in person, with a Distance Flex option of live-streamed or recorded sessions; the final certification exam requires attendance. The Master program adds SFX, airbrush/UV, bodypainting and theatre makeup modules; each program includes three to five professional portfolio photo shoots. It names itself Best Luxury Makeup & Education Academy in Sweden at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2025 and 2026. Credentials: Certifications approved by the International Union for Makeup and Hairstylist Education (IUM) and the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYh).
Programs: International Master Makeup Designer Program (20 wks, incl. hairstylist course); International Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Program (14 wks); International Makeup Artist Program (14 wks).
This Porto makeup school and beauty lounge describes itself as the largest makeup school in Portugal. According to its site, it has more than a decade of training experience. It teaches in small groups, one-to-one and via an online e-learning platform. It runs both professional and self-makeup workshops. The site lists a Google rating of 5.0 from more than 150 reviews.
Programs: Professional makeup courses in small groups; individual courses; online makeup courses.
The MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy’s Brussels branch sits at Mont des Arts in central Brussels; its motto is Create, educate, elevate. Programs range from a 30-hour Beauty Basic course to a 10-month Full Master Program, four days a week. Specialist masterclasses cover stage, television, cinema and special effects makeup. Teaching combines demonstrations, theory, supervised practice and photo shoots with professional photographers; internships include film sets. The next listed All Round Beauty MUA intensive starts 13 December 2026.
Programs: Full Master Program (10 months); Master Program (6 months); Master Program (3 months).
Art of Colors has trained makeup artists exclusively since 2005 on the Singel in central Amsterdam. A second location operates in Hoorn. Practice-oriented courses run seven days a week, from personal makeup through PRO and ADVANCED artist tracks and on-set hairstyling; an online learning environment supports them. It runs its own makeup artist agency and hosts brand job-selection interviews on site. It holds CRKBO registration and the NRTO quality mark; open days appear for 8 and 23 November. Credentials: CRKBO-registered institution; NRTO quality mark.
Programs: PERSONAL Makeup; PERSONAL for Men; PRO Makeup Artist.
Stick Art Studio is a Barcelona makeup school with in-person training at its Poblenou-area premises; its online school launched in January 2021, with demonstrations filmed on professional cameras. The catalog runs from Essential and Pro Beauty Makeup through artistic makeup and special-effects prosthetics. It also includes a master’s track in characterization for film and theater. Pro Beauty Makeup starts on 5 October 2026; Essential Beauty Makeup and the film/theater master start on 11 January 2027.
Programs: Formación Completa (full training, levels 1 and 2); Pro Beauty Makeup; Essential Beauty Makeup.
Operating since 2010, the academy has campuses in Zürich-Schwamendingen and at Lausanne station. It is a brand of Swiss Education Company GmbH, which also runs Swiss Fashion Academy and Swiss Nutrition Academy. Teaching is in small groups, with theory offered in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese; a free half-day trial lesson runs. The make-up artist course runs about six months within a wider hairdressing, cosmetics and nail-design catalog. The school holds eduQua certification. Credentials: eduQua-certified adult-education provider; Kundenversprechen.ch quality seal; school diploma/certificate on completion.
Programs: Make-up artist/visagiste course (about 6 months); hairdressing (3 semesters); barber course.
MUD Berlin is the European headquarters of the Los Angeles-based Make-Up Designory. It has operated in Berlin for over 12 years, with courses taught in English or German. The 210-hour SFX 201 course covers aging, hair work, injury and prosthetic units and ends with a photo-shoot project. It runs only in Berlin and Los Angeles. Full-time 2026 course dates and a complete EUR price list appear.
Programs: SFX 201 Character Make-up Artistry (210 hrs, 6 weeks); SFX 101 (70 hrs); SFX Make-up Program (2 months, 294 hrs).
73INCLOVER Hair & Make-up Academy
INCLOVER is a Berlin hair and make-up academy founded by Sam Hill. Its site gives two founding dates, operating since 2010 or 2012. Full-time, part-time and digital tracks are taught in small groups. A sister agency, INCLOVER Agency, places graduates on jobs. According to its site, the academy has 600+ graduates. Credentials: Describes itself as a “zertifizierter Bildungsträger”; certifying body not stated.
Programs: Full-time Make-up Ausbildung; part-time (evenings/Saturdays) Make-up Ausbildung; digital Make-up Ausbildung (live trainings + video lessons, optional shooting camp in Berlin).
MAF is a Munich make-up and visagist school at Belfortstraße 8. According to its site, it has operated since 1989. The school offers four program tracks, each combining make-up with hairstyling. Training includes shoots with professional models in a photo studio, show and event experience, and business coaching. Credentials: Own certificates: Internationales Zertifikat Make-up Artist Pro, Geprüfter Visagist Pro; no state accreditation stated.
Programs: Make Up Artist Professional incl. Hairstyling (12 weeks per city listing); Make Up Artist Pro Weekend Intensiv; Visagist Professional incl. Hairstyling (6 weeks).
75Mak School
Mak School is a Madrid school at C/ Elfo 141, founded by make-up artist Oksana Maksakova. The core offer is a 400-hour, six-month máster split into social and advanced levels. Each level is 200 hours, including external practice. The next Nivel I intakes appear for 18 January and 3 May 2027. The school also operates as a make-up agency, so students work real events. Credentials: School diploma (Diploma final de Mak School); no official accreditation stated.
Programs: Máster de Maquillaje Completo (6 months, 400 h); Máster de Maquillaje Social Nivel I (3 months, 200 h); Máster de Maquillaje Avanzado Nivel II (3 months, 200 h).
JDO Academy is an Amsterdam academy founded by hair and make-up artist Juliette den Ouden, part of JDO Collective. The Make-up Artist Class runs as an online, hybrid or immersion path. It comes with 12 months of online access and 4–6 hours of weekly homework. The next hybrid cohort starts 14 October 2026, with a final shoot on 28 March 2027. Immersion on-site days run 15–19 June 2027. Credentials: CRKBO-registered educator (VAT-exempt); UWV training partner.
Programs: Make-up Artist Class in three paths: Online Guided, Hybrid (evenings in Amsterdam + final shoot), Immersion (online + 5 on-site days); Discover taster.
The Istanbul training academy is in Şişli and offers a professional makeup course in small groups. Groups hold at most about five students. Classes run 9:30–13:30 or 13:30–17:30 on weekdays and weekends. Graduates receive a MEB-approved certificate. According to its site, the academy provides career support to all students. Credentials: MEB (Turkish Ministry of National Education) approved certificate per site; also claims an international certificate (issuer not named).
Programs: Profesyonel Makyaj Eğitimi (Professional Makeup Course): hygiene, colour and light theory, day/night, bridal, smokey eye; morning and afternoon groups, weekday and weekend.
Founded in 1990 in Berlin, the school has been family-run, with the founder’s son managing it since 2018. According to its site, it is one of the first professional makeup-artist training centers with didactically structured content. The three-year Maskenbildner program leads to a state qualification via the Berlin IHK. Roughly 60% of training covers hair, wigs and beards, and 40% covers makeup and SFX. Students get a fully equipped workstation, a supplies flat rate and free wig and hairpiece loans. Credentials: State-recognised profession since 2002; state qualification examined through the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Berlin).
Programs: Three-year makeup artist (Maskenbildner) training; content is 60% hair, wigs and beards and 40% makeup and SFX; 85% practical, 15% theory.
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London | London | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM) | London | hybrid | $5,000–15,000 |
| Christine Blundell Make-up Academy (CBMA) | London | in-person | tuition not published |
| Brushstroke Make-up & Hair Academy | London | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Kristina Gasperas Academy | London | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Iver Makeup Academy | Iver (Pinewood Studios), Buckinghamshire near London | hybrid | tuition not published |
| London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) | London | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| LBTA (London Beauty Training Academy) | London (Chiswick) and Borehamwood | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| Delamar Academy | London (Ealing) | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| KLMA Makeup Academy | Manchester | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Dilla Academy (Dilla Hair and Makeup Academy) | Manchester (Urmston) | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| Make Up For Ever Academy Paris | Paris | not stated | tuition not published |
| ITM Paris (Institut Technique de Maquillage) | Paris | in-person | tuition not published |
| BCM Scuola (Beauty Centre of Milan) | Milan | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| Make Up Institute Stockholm | Stockholm | hybrid | $5,000–15,000 |
| Estúdio de Maquilhagem | Porto | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Make Up For Ever Academy Brussels | Brussels | in-person | tuition not published |
| Art of Colors | Amsterdam | in-person | tuition not published |
| Stick Art Studio | Barcelona | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Swiss Beauty & Hair Academy | Zurich | in-person | tuition not published |
| MUD Make-Up Designory Germany (MUD Berlin) | Berlin | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| INCLOVER Hair & Make-up Academy | Berlin | hybrid | tuition not published |
| MAF – MakeUp Artist Factory (Visagistenschule München) | Munich | in-person | $5,000–15,000 |
| Mak School | Madrid | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| JDO Academy | Amsterdam | hybrid | Under $5,000 |
| Marmara Academy (Marmara Akademi) | Istanbul | in-person | tuition not published |
| Hasso von Hugo Maskenbildnerschule (Makeupschool Germany) | Berlin | in-person | tuition not published |
Best makeup schools in the Middle East
Dubai is the region’s training hub. It is also the one Gulf city where private academies are licensed by a government regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Every school below holds a KHDA approval according to its own site. Several Dubai academies in older guides have closed or moved online since 2023, including two from the previous edition of this one. The four here were operating when we checked. Fees are shown at 0.27 USD per dirham.
Dubai
The Dubai academy was founded by fashion makeup artist Toni Malt, a Chanel Beauty Ambassador. She has over a decade in fashion and wrote TRANSFORM — 1 Model 60 Looks (Assouline). The academy runs 5-, 10- and 30-day intensives. The five-day masterclass ends with a photo shoot using a professional photographer and agency model; student kits include MAC’s latest launches. An Open Day is advertised for 1 September (year not stated), and a GRAZIA giveaway offers free masterclass seats.
Programs: 5-Day Intensive Makeup Masterclass (includes a photo-shoot day with photographer and agency model); 10-Day Intensive Master Program (beginner to intermediate, freelance-career focus); 30-Day Fashion Makeup Master Program.
The academy works from Dubai Design District (Zabeel 2, Bldg 6). Courses are taught in Arabic and English, with a maximum of six participants per session. Students must be 18+ and pass an exam to receive the certificate. The academy is fronted by Middle East makeup artist Elham (Instagram elhambeauty). Credentials: Approved and certified by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai).
Programs: Beauty Makeup Course (45 hrs); Grim/Top Fashion Makeup Course (58 hrs); Special Effects Course (34 hrs).
81Alruba Beauty Training Centre
The compact 10-day professional makeup course covers 13 looks, skin types, and eye and face techniques. Models and products are supplied by the school. According to its site, the center has 5+ years in the Dubai market. Students sit a theory and practical exam on the final day. Credentials: KHDA certificate plus Alruba international certification.
Programs: Professional Makeup Artist Course: 10 days, 3 hrs/day, 13 looks, theory + practical exam on day 10.
The academy is in Garhoud, Dubai (Arcade Building 211-212). Each course runs around a theory class, a live demo class and an extra special topic. Opening hours are Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm. The academy also runs CIBTAC-linked beauty therapy and semi-permanent makeup training. Credentials: Each makeup course carries a KHDA Dubai Training Certificate plus an unnamed international certificate; listed in KHDA training directory as Alondra Training Institute.
Programs: Professional Makeup Course (3 weeks); Eye Makeup Course (5 days); Self Makeup Course (1 day).
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toni Malt Makeup Academy | Dubai | in-person | tuition not published |
| ELI Makeup Academy | Dubai | in-person | tuition not published |
| Alruba Beauty Training Centre | Dubai | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| Alondra International Beauty Academy | Dubai | in-person | tuition not published |
Best makeup schools in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific splits into two markets. Australia has the most regulated system in the region, with nationally recognized diplomas and published fees. Southeast and South Asia run on brand academies and independent studios. Many are excellent, few are accredited, and almost none publish prices. Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta both have active schools serving a large regional demand. Seoul and Tokyo offer the K-beauty and Japanese professional routes through artist-led academies and vocational colleges.
Australia
Elite Hair & Makeup Academy works from Mitchell House, 358 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD. According to its site, it is celebrating 20 years. It describes itself as an award-winning multicultural school with small face-to-face classes. Students get work experience at runway shows, photoshoots and the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It also offers “mentorship for life”.
Programs: Intro To Makeup; Certified Makeup Artist Course; Certified Master Makeup Course.
ACMUSE sits at 233 Broadway, Glebe, Sydney. According to its site, it has trained makeup professionals for over 40 years. It describes its Advanced Diploma as an industry-first course in prosthetics and special effects. It is a government-registered training organization with CRICOS registration for international students. Enrollments are open for 2027. Credentials: RTO 90910; CRICOS 02522B; nationally accredited training; approved VET Student Loans provider.
Programs: Certificate IV in Screen & Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Screen & Media (CUA51020); Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media (CUA60620).
Huxley has operated since 2011, with campuses at Burleigh Heads (Gold Coast) and TAFE Queensland Mt Gravatt (Brisbane). Study runs on campus, blended and fully online. According to its site, it is the “#1 makeup school in Australia & Asia Pacific”. It also reports being a five-time education award winner. The program includes a 12-month post-graduate support program, a student kit and up to 14 portfolio shoots. Credentials: Nationally recognised training delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275); Huxley’s own RTO status not stated.
Programs: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services); CUA60620 Advanced Diploma; SHB20121 Cert II Retail Cosmetics and SHB30221 Cert III Make-up (school students).
AACM is a nationally accredited makeup academy trading as AMAB Training Services. It has face-to-face campuses in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, plus an online diploma option. The Diploma of Screen and Media splits into an Editorial stream and a Prosthetics stream. Four 10-week terms run each year, starting January, April, July and October. Credentials: Registered Training Organisation RTO 31527 (ASQA); nationally recognised qualifications.
Programs: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media in Specialist Makeup Services (Editorial stream or Prosthetics stream; 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time, 6-9 month fast-track; on-campus or online).
Melbourne Polytechnic is a public TAFE institute. Its Prahran campus delivers a 10-month Diploma of Screen and Media in Specialist Make-Up Services. Facilities include a make-up studio, prosthetics lab, computer lab and the on-campus David Williamson theatre. Students work on real events such as the Victorian State School Spectacular, and on film projects with the VCA. Entry is by interview and folio presentation. Credentials: Nationally recognised, government-accredited training; RTO 3075; CRICOS 111347E.
Programs: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media – Specialist Make-Up Services (10 months full-time).
The Sydney CBD academy is named after make-up artist Cameron Jane Thomas. It offers full-time, nationally coded Diploma and Certificate IV of Screen and Media. Part-time fashion, bridal and hair courses are also offered. According to its site, it is Australia’s most awarded make-up academy. It runs a job placement program, work experience and equipment hire for students. Credentials: Delivers nationally recognised CUA-coded qualifications; RTO number not shown on page.
Programs: Full-time: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media; CUA41220 Certificate IV in Screen and Media; Fashion & Editorial Make-Up Artist Course. Part-time: Intro into Makeup, Freelance Bridal, Freelance Hair Stylist, Industry Fast Track, Drag Masterclass, Face Chart and Social Media Skills.
The Asia-Pacific region mixes very different training systems. Some countries recognize makeup qualifications nationally, while others leave training to private academies. As a result, two certificates with similar names can carry very different weight. Before enrolling, ask three questions. First, is the qualification recognized by a national body, or only by the school? Second, does the program include supervised work on real clients? Third, where did the last intake find work? Schools that answer all three in writing are worth a closer look. Those that avoid the questions usually have a reason. In addition, compare program length carefully. A six-week intensive and a two-year diploma can share a title, yet they prepare students for very different work. Finally, read the entries below with your own destination in mind.
Kuala Lumpur
The Kuala Lumpur makeup and image academy has a Cheras HQ, a Kepong branch and a Puchong (Selangor) branch. Teaching is one-to-one, with hands-on and outdoor training and overseas study camps. The Higher Diploma includes a Personal Branding Bootcamp. Short SFX and body-painting certificates sit alongside multi-year diplomas. Credentials: States it offers the TQUK Level 4 International Diploma in Fashion Makeup (Ofqual-regulated, UK); claims international certification.
Programs: Higher Diploma in Image Design & Image Management (2 years); Advanced Diploma in Image Design (1 year); Diploma in Professional Bridal Image (6 months).
The fashion and image education academy has operated in Kuala Lumpur since 2002. It sits at Pudu Impian IV. The four-month Certificate in Makeup is project-based and culminates in graduation works. The academy also runs higher diplomas in fashion styling and a hair-styling certificate. Credentials: Lists SkillsMalaysia, TQUK (Training Qualifications UK), JPK (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran) and Guangdong Business and Technology University as accreditation bodies.
Programs: Certificate in Makeup (4 months); Higher Diploma in Fashion Styling; Certificate in Hair Styling.
Singapore
The Singapore academy is at International Plaza, Anson Road. Its 216-hour blended Diploma in Professional Make Up combines classroom training, e-learning and mock tests. Assessment is by theory exam, practical and portfolio. The academy also delivers the UK VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-up. A Mandarin-medium version is available. Credentials: Registered private education provider (ERF registration valid to June 2032); offers VTCT/ITEC Level 3 qualification.
Programs: Diploma in Professional Make Up (216 hrs, 8 months part-time, blended); VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-up (6 or 10 months, English or Mandarin); Professional Make Up Master Class.
Jakarta
The makeup school sits within the Rudy Hadisuwarno Group, founded by Indonesian hairstyling figure Rudy Hadisuwarno. According to its site, the group has trained Indonesian students for more than 40 years. The Jakarta campus is at Jl. Cideng Barat 117C. Further regular classes run in Yogyakarta and Bali, plus live-streamed online classes. A limited scholarship program is also offered.
Programs: Diploma Program (basic to advanced international makeup); Certificate Program (specialised); curriculum covers daily, bridal, client and character makeup.
Japan and Korea
The academy sits at 4F, 216 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and its site says “Trusted since 2014”. Founder and lead instructor Vivian Kim is described as a BBC-featured artist with 23 years’ experience. An online K-Beauty school runs alongside offline courses, with about 30% theory and 70% practice. Airport pickup and lunch are mentioned for course attendees. It also sells Made-in-Korea cosmetics via an OEM partner and offers franchising. Credentials: Site describes itself as an ISO-certified institute registered and approved under the Korean Ministry of Education; lists business registration no. 225-90-12940 and links to registered-academy and insurance documents.
Programs: Skincare (10-day Korean skin care diploma); cosmetic tattoo / permanent makeup; non-surgical aesthetics (fillers, Botox, threads).
The vocational college is one minute from Niigata Station west exit (Hanazono 1-1-12, Chuo-ku). According to its site, it is the only school in Niigata Prefecture with dedicated hair-make and nail programs. It also cites a contest record it describes as the nation’s highest. It is a member of the NSG College League (30 schools). It offers a beauty-plus-university-degree pathway and runs the BM Fes hair-make show and overseas training. Credentials: Approved beauty-technician (美容師) training facility; site links to Professional Practical Vocational Course (職業実践専門課程) and government tuition-support scheme pages.
Programs: Beauty (cosmetology); Hair & Make-up; Make-up & Nail Beauty.
Tokyo Beauty Art College is a MEXT-recognized vocational college in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. It is run by the Sanko Gakuen educational corporation. It reports 44,000 graduates and a 97.8% employment decision rate (221 of 226) for March 2025 graduates. On-site training takes place at major brands and hair-makeup studios. A dedicated one-year department serves international students. Credentials: Vocational school (senmon gakko) certified by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT) as eligible for the free higher education programme.
Programs: Makeup Course (2-year vocational programme: year 1 beauty fundamentals, year 2 makeup specialisation); Department of Hairdesign & Makeup (2 years); Beauty Business International Department (1-year programme for international students).
The Gangnam academy is at 4F, 25 Dosan-daero 81-gil, and is the education arm of the Jungsaemmool beauty brand. It runs Korean professional and semi-professional courses. A one-week International Master Course with English interpretation runs in February, May, August and November. Jung Saem Mool gives a special lecture in the international course. Credentials: Site references national qualification (국가자격증); International Master Course issues an academy certificate.
Programs: Professional Course; Semi-Professional Course; Skill-Up.
India, Thailand, Philippines and Myanmar
This beauty training network operates under the Lakmé brand and is “Powered by Aptech”. The site offers a Locate A Centre tool with state and city dropdowns, indicating multiple centers across India. It has Placement, Partner and Student Zone pages and a certificate-verification tool. No placement figures appear.
Programs: Make-Up; Hair; Skin.
The academy is run by bridal makeup artist Parul Garg. According to its site, she has made up 25,000+ brides. The studio is next to Powergrid Township Gate, Sector 43, Gurgaon, Haryana. Admission for the 21 December 2026 batch is open; the 2 October 2026 batch is marked full. The course ends with a professional photo shoot and a possible internship at the academy’s discretion; brochures run in English and Hindi. Credentials: none stated; certificate of completion issued after final assessment.
Programs: Professional Makeup & Hair Course (20 classes: makeup, bridal and party hair, saree/lehenga draping, eye techniques); short academy courses.
BC Makeup Academy opened in 2021 in Pyin Oo Lwin by Phoo Pwint Moe (Mina). Campuses followed in Mandalay (2022) and Yangon (2024). It reports 200+ graduates. The academy runs cross-border workshops with Chinese educators; Season 2 is scheduled for 29 September 2026 at Wyndham Grand Yangon. The site is in English and Chinese. Credentials: BABTAC (UK) accreditation covers only days 5-7 of the 7-day course; no academy-wide accreditation stated.
Programs: Basic to Bridal Makeup Course (~35 training days); Advanced Makeup Masterclass (2 days); BABTAC Advanced Makeup Course (7 days).
Pearl Academy is a multi-campus Indian design and fashion institution. Its Delhi-West campus offers an 11-month professional certificate in fashion and celebrity makeup and hair. The course runs in collaboration with MAC, with practical modules, portfolio building and photography integration. Eligibility is age 17+ with 10th grade passed. The site shows 2027 admissions open.
Programs: Professional Certificate Course in Fashion and Celebrity Makeup & Hair (11 months, Delhi-West campus).
The Bangkok academy is in the Vanissa Building, Chit Lom, and is linked to the Singapore cosmetics brand Limboss. Short intensive courses run from three days up to a 500-hour 360° Beauty Professional Program. That program covers makeup, SFX, body painting and hair. The website is published in English and Thai. Top graduates may be invited into the ICA Pro Team agency.
Programs: Beauty Expert (2 weeks); Signature Makeup Course (1 month, weekends); Master Makeup (5 days).
The academy is in Quezon City, at Tierra Verde 2, Tandang Sora. Training runs in three levels, from foundations through professional training to specialty masterclasses. Specialty masterclasses cover airbrush, prosthetics and SFX. Training uses branded cosmetics and follows professional workflows. Schedules are released on request.
Programs: Level 01 Foundations (Basic Fundamentals, Personal Makeup, Basic Hairstyling); Level 02 Professional (Advanced Professional Makeup, Bridal Masterclass, Corporate Signature Look); Level 03 Specialty (Airbrush, Eye Makeup, Prosthetics, SFX Masterclass).
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Hair & Makeup Academy | Melbourne | in-person | tuition not published |
| Australian College of Make-Up and Special Effects (ACMUSE) | Sydney | in-person | tuition not published |
| Huxley School of Makeup | Gold Coast (Burleigh Heads) and Brisbane | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Australian Academy of Cinemagraphic Makeup (AACM) | Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney | hybrid | Over $15,000 |
| Melbourne Polytechnic | Melbourne (Prahran campus) | in-person | Over $15,000 |
| Cameron Jane Make-up Academy | Sydney | in-person | tuition not published |
| Backstage Academy (Backstage International) | Kuala Lumpur | in-person | tuition not published |
| Celebre Image Design Academy | Kuala Lumpur | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| SOQ International Academy | Singapore | hybrid | Under $5,000 |
| Rudy Hadisuwarno School of Make Up | Jakarta | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Korea Mikwang Beauty Academy | Seoul | hybrid | tuition not published |
| International Beauty Mode College (BM 国際ビューティモード専門学校) | Niigata | in-person (a separate correspondence course page also exists) | tuition not published |
| Tokyo Beauty Art College (Sanko Gakuen) | Tokyo | in-person | tuition not published |
| Jungsaemmool Art & Academy (JSM Art & Academy) | Seoul | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech | Mumbai (national network) | in-person | tuition not published |
| Parul Garg Academy | Gurugram | in-person | tuition not published |
| BC Makeup Academy | Yangon (also Mandalay) | in-person | tuition not published |
| Pearl Academy | Delhi | in-person | tuition not published |
| ICA Makeup Academy (ICA by Limboss) | Bangkok | in-person | tuition not published |
| Makeup Academy Manila | Quezon City (Metro Manila) | in-person | tuition not published |
Across Asia-Pacific, the strongest programs share the same signs as the best schools elsewhere. They publish their tutors and their fees. They keep classes small enough for correction, and they end with a shoot that produces portfolio images. Meanwhile, the weakest programs lean on celebrity endorsements and vague promises of placement. If you are comparing schools across borders, convert every fee to US dollars on the same day, then add living costs for the full program. That way, a cheap course in an expensive city and a costly course in an affordable one can be compared fairly. The next region follows the same pattern, with fewer schools and lower fees.
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Best makeup schools in Latin America and Africa
Both regions are underserved by English-language guides and overserved by schools that exist only on Instagram. Each entry here has a working site with named programs. São Paulo and Mexico City have the strongest institutions. Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi and Cairo each have an established academy with multi-week professional courses.
Latin America
103Escola Madre
Escola Madre is a creative-education school at Avenida Pacaembu 1701, São Paulo. It spans beauty, fashion, makeup, hairstyling and visual arts. The school promotes its 2026 course intakes and its own teaching methodology. It also produces corporate training content for sales teams in beauty products. Credentials: none stated.
Programs: Makeup courses; hair courses; content creation for beauty creators.
Instituto IDIP is a professional image-design institute in Polanco, Mexico City. It has trained makeup professionals since 2008. A second campus is in Querétaro, with online and on-demand formats also available. The institute acts as a SEP-CONOCER evaluation center for competency standards. Students take part in brand masterclasses and shoots. Credentials: SEP-CONOCER certification; registered as a Centro de evaluación for competency standards.
Programs: Diplomados, cursos, talleres and especialidades in Maquillaje Profesional; summer intensives; IDIP Online and On-Demand.
Instituto Krizek is a São Paulo school in Vila Mariana, operating since 2007. It is led by make-up artist and author Alexandre Krizek, whose book is Maquiagem profissional. The professional makeup track includes advanced, bridal, editorial, runway and airbrush courses. The professional brands used in class appear. Credentials: Site says professional course gives “certificação profissional reconhecida”; certifying body not named.
Programs: Maquiagem Profissional; Maquiagem Profissional Avançado; Masterclass com Alexandre Krizek.
Africa
Face to Face opened in 1965 by Rhona Greaves and is still privately owned by the same family. The site cites 58 years of excellence. According to its site, it is the longest-established specialist beauty, make-up design and special effects academy in South Africa. Credentials: Site says it offers nationally registered and internationally accredited qualifications through “the largest and most well respected international awarding body” but does not name it on the homepage.
Programs: Make-up Design & Artistry; Make-up short courses; Beauty short courses.
The academy is the training arm of Mazaya, which describes itself as Egypt’s biggest beauty retailer (2,000+ products). Professional course graduates receive a Mazaya certificate, a 1,000 EGP gift voucher and a lifetime 15% VIP loyalty discount. Course topics include skin types, contouring, bridal and dramatic looks, and lash workshops. Credentials: none stated.
Programs: Professional Makeup Course (15 hours over 5 days); Flash Makeup Class (4 hours, self-application).
Vera Beauty College is headquartered at Agrho House, 7th floor, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. Campuses appear in Eldoret, Thika and Mombasa. It is a broad vocational college; makeup sits inside cosmetology and beauty therapy rather than as a standalone program. According to its site, it has affiliations with local, regional and international institutions of higher learning. Credentials: none stated on site.
Programs: Cosmetology; Beauty Therapy (~20 sub-courses incl. nail technology, microblading, massage); Hairdressing (8 sub-courses incl. barbering, weaving, colouring).
The Johannesburg academy is at Hammets Crossing, Fourways. It delivers UK VTCT Level 2 and Level 3 international diplomas. These cover makeup artistry, fashion and photographic makeup, and theater and media makeup. Itemized 2026 fees for registration, kit and course appear. Students build portfolios with professional photographers and get brand discounts with Ben Nye, Mehron, Temptu, MAC and Kryolan. Credentials: VTCT (UK) international diplomas and certificates.
Programs: Professional Makeup & Body Art (VTCT Level 3 Int. Diploma in Makeup Artistry, 22 weeks FT / 10 months PT); Complete Makeup Artist (VTCT Level 3 Int. Diploma in Fashion, Theatre, Media, Hair and Makeup Studies, 22 weeks); Advanced Makeup & Body Art (VTCT Level 3 Cert, 15-16 weeks).
House of Tara is a Nigerian makeup brand founded in 1998 by Tara Fela-Durotoye. The school is its training arm. According to the brand site, it operates a makeup school with flexible classes and campuses across Nigeria. A directory listing gives a Lekki Phase 1 address.
Programs: Makeup artistry training; site describes flexible classes, starter packs and campuses across Nigeria (programme names not stated).
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escola Madre | São Paulo | not stated | tuition not published |
| Instituto IDIP (Instituto de Diseño de Imagen Profesional) | Mexico City | hybrid | tuition not published |
| Instituto Krizek | São Paulo | in-person | tuition not published |
| Face to Face Beauty & Make-up Design School | Johannesburg | not stated | tuition not published |
| Mazaya Makeup Academy | Cairo | in-person | tuition not published |
| Vera Beauty College | Nairobi (also Eldoret; Thika; Mombasa) | not stated | tuition not published |
| Kohl Makeup Academy | Johannesburg (Fourways) | in-person | Under $5,000 |
| House of Tara Makeup School | Lagos | in-person | tuition not published |
Best makeup schools for film and special effects
Film and special effects training is a different trade from beauty makeup. The schools, the kit and the employers are all different. The programs below have dedicated prosthetics, character or screen-makeup tracks of several weeks or more, taught in workshops rather than at a beauty counter. For the craft itself, read our guide to becoming a special effects makeup artist. For what the kit costs, see the professional kit checklist.
Three of these appear in the top 10 above: Delamar, CBMA and Hasso von Hugo. Tom Savini’s program at Douglas Education Center is the only one attached to a US college. Stan Winston School is online only. It is a masterclass library rather than a certificate program, but its instructors are the people whose work the other schools teach.
Film training is also where the gap between schools is widest. A strong program puts you in a workshop with sculpting tools, molds and adhesives, under tutors who still work on productions. A weak one shows you a few demonstrations and hands you a certificate. Therefore, ask to see student work from the last intake, not the school’s showreel. In addition, ask how much practice time each student gets with prosthetic materials, because those materials are expensive. Finally, check whether graduates have joined crews. That single answer tells you more than any brochure. Similarly, ask whether the school helps students meet working artists, because most film careers begin with an introduction rather than an application. Online study can support this work, but it rarely replaces it.
Best online and accredited makeup schools
Online makeup school is a real option for theory, color, product knowledge and business. It is a poor one for hands-on speed. None of the schools below is accredited by a government education body. Each issues its own certificate. Judge them on tutor feedback, the kit included, the refund policy and the honesty of their marketing. We have been specific about QC Makeup Academy because it is the most searched online school, and the one readers ask us about most.
Gorton Studio opened in 2003 by Neill Gorton, a multiple BAFTA and RTS winner. He is CEO of Millennium FX and has led prosthetics on Doctor Who since 2005. The studio describes itself as Europe’s original prosthetics and SFX makeup school. The company is registered in Redruth, Cornwall (no. 04856064). It publishes Prosthetics Magazine (23 issues) and the book Dick Smith: The Godfather of Makeup.
Programs: Online prosthetics and SFX makeup courses (100+ lessons, newcomer to advanced); MA Prosthetic Effects with Falmouth University; academic support for colleges.
QC Makeup Academy is a faculty of QC Career School, a distance-education company operating since 1984. The company’s address is 38 McArthur Ave, Ottawa. Study is fully online and self-paced, with tutors giving personalized audio feedback; Master Makeup Artistry is taught by celebrity artist Nathan Johnson. According to its site, it has 8,000+ students and graduates. Enrollment includes an 8- or 10-piece Luminous Collection kit; the page gives both counts. On legitimacy, it is a real, long-running company with a published address and a BBB A+ rating. Its written money-back guarantee is 21 days per the About page and 14 days per the course page; the kit is non-refundable. Its certificates are its own, not government or industry-body accredited; course prices were not visible on its site.
Programs: Master Makeup Artistry; All-Access Program; Skincare Consultant.
Study is online and self-paced, with 24+ hours of HD video and live online workshops. A personal tutor marks assignments. The course was written by Rachel Dal Santo, who has 30+ years in the industry. It offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, a free online portfolio site and a students’ Facebook group. According to its site, it operates in 10+ countries; the business address is 4407/4 Daydream Street, Warriewood NSW. Credentials: Diploma described as nationally accredited; Registration Code 45423 shown; accrediting-body logos are images, not named in text.
Programs: Certificate of Makeup Artistry (12 modules, 12 months); CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services) (18 months); Advanced Modules.
Vizio is an online, self-paced academy at 9440 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. According to its site, it has 15 years in business and 120,000+ students. Enrollment includes a pro kit with 130+ colors and the academy’s own formulas and brushes. Students also receive lifetime course access and instructor feedback. The academy works with California charter schools. Credentials: Calls its courses “accredited” without naming a body; cites a BBB rating (A), a University of California A-G approved course listing for high-schoolers, and California Charter Schools Association affiliation.
Programs: Elite Makeup Course with FX; Premier Makeup Course; Master Makeup Course.
Bombshell is a small academy and beauty-supply retailer at Shop 12/137 High Street, Wodonga, Victoria. The shop and academy are open Tuesday to Friday. According to its site, over 55,000 students have enrolled since 2018. Students run free workshops, mentoring and discounts from industry brands. Credentials: none stated.
Programs: Special Occasion Makeup Course; Lash Lift and Tint Course; student workshops and events.
Makeup Geek Academy is an online course platform fronted by Marlena Stell. She personally reviews customer photos for the 19-page Personal Beauty Profile. The curriculum spans color theory, application for diverse skin tones, video production, brand building and monetization for beauty creators. The site is built on Shopify, and no company address is given. Credentials: none stated.
Programs: Cinematic Beauty Creator Academy; Foundational Artistry Academy; Beauty Business Academy.
The Online Makeup School is a Sydney-based, 100% online, self-paced school. It was founded by Irish-born Australian makeup artist and influencer Sharon Farrell. Lessons are HD video, with downloadable guides and one-on-one tutor support. There is a 7-day refund guarantee, and the school is hosted on Kajabi. Credentials: Registered/certified member of MAGAP (Makeup Group of Asia Pacific); tutor Charlotte Ravet described as TAE-certified; no qualification-awarding body named.
Programs: Kickstart Your Pro Makeup Career; Become Your Own Makeup Artist (90+ lessons); Beautiful Bridal Makeup Made Easy.
Elizabeth Sands Beauty School Ltd is a UK online beauty-course retailer offering dozens of short certificate courses. Makeup is only one line among many. The site lists “Beauty School of the Year” awards for 2019 and 2021-2024. It also lists a 2026 Acquisition International award and a Prestige Awards title. Contact is by phone and email; no street address is given. Credentials: Says courses are “approved, validated and fully accredited”; image filenames reference ABT and AIT but bodies are not named in text.
Programs: Online courses in lashes, nails, brows, fineline tattooing, hair extensions, facials and aesthetics, waxing, massage, no-needle filler, makeup, pedicure, holistic; Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology; teaching courses.
Live, interactive small-group online classes are run from Bosso Makeup Beverly Hills (311 N Robertson Blvd). They are led by celebrity makeup artist Kimberley Bosso. Private one-on-one options are available, and no special equipment is needed. The site calls itself the best makeup school in Los Angeles, a self-described claim. Credentials: none stated; issues its own “Pro Certificate”.
Programs: 2-Day Intensive Online Makeup Course with Pro Certificate (Essential, Artist or Master track); 4- and 6-day intensives; 1-hour and 2-hour lessons.
The self-paced online makeup certification school offers six programs, including Special FX and Bridal tracks. Students submit work for personalized video feedback from faculty. Each student receives a professional kit, and the Master kit is valued at $399. Payment plans via Affirm start from $269 down.
Programs: Master Makeup; Advanced Makeup; Elite Career Path.
| School | City | Format | Tuition band (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorton Studio | Redruth (Cornwall) UK / online | online | Under $5,000 |
| QC Makeup Academy | Ottawa (online) | online | tuition not published |
| The Institute of Makeup Artistry | Warriewood NSW (online) | online | tuition not published |
| Vizio Makeup Academy | Beverly Hills (online) | online | tuition not published |
| Bombshell Beauty Academy | Wodonga VIC (online) | not stated | tuition not published |
| Makeup Geek Academy | online | online | tuition not published |
| The Online Makeup School | Sydney (online) | online | tuition not published |
| Elizabeth Sands Beauty School | online (Northern Ireland-linked) | online (a face-to-face collection is also listed) | Under $5,000 |
| Kimberley Bosso Online Makeup School (Bosso Makeup) | Beverly Hills (online) | online | Under $5,000 |
| Online Makeup Academy | New York (online delivery, worldwide) | online | tuition not published |
What makeup artists earn, according to the data
Sourced data
Tuition only makes sense against income, so here is the most recent federal data. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 2,340 theatrical and performance makeup artists in May 2025. The median annual wage was $97,150 and the mean $102,240. The spread is wide: the 10th percentile earned $23,360 and the 90th percentile $167,470. Motion picture and video industries employed about 1,140 of them, and California, Florida, Georgia and New York had the most (BLS OEWS 39-5091, May 2025). For comparison, the Occupational Outlook Handbook puts the 2025 median for barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists at $35,880 a year (BLS OOH, 2025).
Two things follow. First, the 2,340 figure counts employees in theatrical and performance work only, and mostly in screen work. The far larger freelance bridal and commercial market is not in it, which is why a school’s placement claims deserve scrutiny. Second, the federal estimate moves a lot between years. In May 2023, the same survey counted 4,130 artists with a median of $47,390 (BLS OEWS, May 2023), and the 2025 employment figure carries a relative standard error of 13.9%. Therefore, treat any single number with caution. A $15,000 program is a reasonable bet only if the school’s name shortens the years it takes to reach paid work. That is the question to ask on the open day.
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Choosing well
The schools that keep appearing in working artists’ biographies are not always the expensive ones. They are the ones where the tutors were still working. The class was small enough to be corrected. The final shoot produced images good enough to send to an agency. Use that as your filter, and most of the best makeup schools in the world sort themselves quickly.
Then do the unglamorous part. Email two graduates. Ask what they are earning and whether the school helped. Ask the school for its tutor list and its last intake’s placement figures, and notice how it answers. Read our interview with MAC global artist Netta Szekely on what the first years look like. Our notes on growing on Instagram and building a personal brand cover what the school will not teach. The program is a year. The name you build afterward is the career. For the theory no school has time for, the best makeup books make a working artist’s reading list. In the end, the school matters most in the first two years, and your own habits matter after that.
Tools and library
Use the three tools in order. Start with the calculator, because it turns a tuition band into the number of paid days needed to earn it back. Next, take the quiz to check which route suits you, since a film program and a bridal course lead to very different first years. Then open the library, where the full career guide covers pricing, contracts and agencies. More from the Cossèt Môi artist series covers the professional makeup artist kit and how to build a makeup portfolio. Read those before the open day, and your questions will be sharper than most applicants’. Above all, take notes during every school visit, because the details blur quickly once you have seen three or four campuses.
From the Artist Library
School is the first year. The career is the next thirty. The guide covers what the schools do not: pricing, contracts, agencies, kit economics and the first five clients. Read it before you enroll and you will ask better questions on the open day.
Questions worth asking
What is the best makeup school in the world?
On accreditation, program depth and graduate credits, the Make Up For Ever Academy in Paris leads. Make-Up Designory in Burbank and London College of Fashion at UAL follow. The best school for you depends on the work you want: film, bridal, fashion or counter.
How much does makeup school cost?
Short courses run under $5,000. Full-time programs of three to six months usually fall between $5,000 and $15,000. Film, prosthetics and degree programs run over $15,000. International degree fees in London exceed $40,000 a year. Kits add $1,000 to $2,000 where not included.
Do you need a license to be a makeup artist in the US?
For makeup alone, most states do not require one. Services that touch skin care, lashes or hair fall under cosmetology or esthetician licensing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms every state requires those licenses. A few states also license paid makeup services. Check your state board before enrolling.
Is QC Makeup Academy legit?
Yes, in the sense that it is a real distance-education company. QC Career School of Ottawa has operated since 1984, with a published address, a BBB A+ rating and a written money-back guarantee. Its certificates are its own and are not accredited by an education authority. Its site is inconsistent on details such as the guarantee period. Treat it as a structured self-study course with tutor feedback, not a licensed qualification.
Can you become a makeup artist online?
You can learn theory, color, product knowledge and business online, and several schools here do that well. Speed, hygiene habits and working on real faces under time pressure need in-person practice. The usual route is an online foundation, then short in-person intensives and assisting work.
3 comments
School in mumbai
Studio Crush School of Makeup in Atlanta Georgia!!! A makeup school with a work while learning approach. It’s a portfolio building makeup school where students work on 8 fully styled photoshoots while learning the art and business of makeup.
Studio Crush School of Makeup in Atlanta Georgia!!! A makeup school with a work while learning approach. It’s a portfolio building makeup school where students work on 8 fully styled photoshoots while learning the art and business of makeup.
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