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12 Best Makeup Schools: Learn How to Glam It Up

by Louise W. Rice
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Are you always left in awe of the makeup seen in various TV shows and movies? Would you give anything to learn from the best and find out everything there is to know about cosmetics, prosthetics, and the proper way of using them? If that’s a solid yes, you must want to learn more about the best makeup schools in the world.

Luckily, here is a list of top schools that are bound to let you hone your skills and become a world-renowned makeup artist!

12 Best Makeup Schools the World Has to Offer

#1. Make-Up Designory

As a makeup school founded by professional makeup artists to educate others in their craft, Make-Up Designory is the crème de la crème in the USA. The school offers extensive programs for those who want to learn everything there is to know about film, TV, fashion, theater, and retail makeup artistry.

With two major campuses in New York and LA, it has been educating new talents since 1997. Since then, it has also branched out with its MUD Studio and MUD Extension into other locations all over the world.

#2. Cinema Makeup School

As one of the best makeup schools in Hollywood, Cinema Makeup School enjoys a sort of prestige. Founded in 1993 by a professional makeup artist, it paved the way for other schools to offer up-to-date education for budding artists in the USA. Back then, the most complicated makeup couldn’t be learned in a classroom setting, only through apprenticeships.

Now, CMS makes sure its students are able to accomplish various beauty looks, as well as master special effects. And really, with educators such as Joel Harlow and Ve Neill, it’s no wonder many CMS students have gone on to win a number of awards and enjoy true acclaim.

#3. Huxley School of Makeup

With 25 years of industry insight and international accreditation, Huxley is one of the best makeup schools for aspiring artists in Australia. This exclusive school offers unbiased education to the most talented by focusing on constructive teaching methods and intense learning.

That’s precisely why it’s so selective when it comes to its students too. The application process may indeed seem like a bit of a challenge. However, that’s only because Huxley has high standards not only for its teachers and courses but the talent as well.

If you do get in, though, expect to master makeup skills and go on to have a lucrative career. Plus, the school offers an extensive special effects education and hairstyling courses, too. Thus, you can offer multiple services to your clients once the time comes to cash in your expertise.

#4. Academy of Freelance Makeup

If you happen to live in London, Dubai, or New York, one of the best makeup schools to opt for would definitely be the Academy of Freelance Makeup. Yet, the rave reviews this institution gets aren’t only down to its educators and the level of mastery you can achieve through one of its numerous courses.

Of course, the skills you’ll gain are incredible, but you will also get many work opportunities. This is a school that continues to support its artists. It aims for them to have wonderful, long careers by gaining experience in fashion shows, for instance, and in magazines.

But don’t despair — even if you live somewhere else, you can still get certified by AOFM. One of the best parts about it is that it offers live and personalized one-on-one training. For those who need their mentor’s undivided attention, this may be the right choice!

#5. Christine Blundell Make-up Academy

Have you watched Wonder Woman, About Time, or perhaps Topsy-Turvy? If the makeup in any of those movies sparked some interest in you, know that there was one incredible woman behind it — Christine Blundell.

Fortunately, she isn’t selfish with her knowledge but wants to share it with the world. You can attend her intensive four-month hair and makeup course, for example. It should give you an insight into the whole industry. Moreover, it ought to show you what it’s like to be a major movie and TV makeup artist and what the job entails.

On top of that, there is an incredible group of educators for courses in special effects, theatrical hair and makeup and afro and curly hair styling, among others. These should definitely give you an advantage in your career and set you apart from your competition. After all, not many makeup and hair experts can boast with such a thorough education!

#6. Make Up Institute

Make Up Institute must be one of the best makeup schools in Sweden, if not in all the Nordic countries. Of course, its success is all due to the quality of the education the students get.

For one, there are clearly defined levels of artistry a student can reach. They start with the simplest Makeup Artist and go up to International Master Makeup Artist. Furthermore, there are some rather interesting specialized courses, such as Oriental Makeup, Airbrush and Advanced Dark Skin Makeup. These should give you a leg up in your career, as not many makeup artists are so well versed in these techniques!

And as if that weren’t enough, Make Up Institute also has online courses, as well as non-makeup related ones, such as waxing, eyelash, and hairstyling courses. You can also train directly at the school, even if you don’t live in Sweden. In fact, they may even be able to organize accommodation for you. The vacancies are limited, though, and fill in fast!

#7. The Make Up For Ever Academy

Quality makeup goes hand in hand with some of the best makeup artists in the world. Thus, it’s no surprise The Make Up For Ever Academy has wound up on this list. With a great variety of courses to choose from, including the basics for beginners and specialized ones like bridal makeup, the academy offers all-encompassing education and the highest standards.

But that’s not the best part. Though the skills you gain will surely help you advance your career, it is the alumni network, the Make Up For Ever Academy Tribe, that should give you the greatest advantage in the industry. This exclusive network allows students and alumni to exchange experiences, reconnect, and get access to incredible new job opportunities!

#8. Glauca Rossi

Established in 1989, the Glauca Rossi School of Make Up has a world-renowned reputation and is a popular choice even today. The school actually claims that it has educated more professional makeup artists than any other institution. Plus, its alumni consist of the likes of Charlotte Tilbury. That definitely plays a key role in students applying for this school!

Still, Glauca Rossi’s education is rather exclusive, as each class can have only 16 lucky students. After all, to maintain the highest of standards, the school has to offer personalized and rather thorough programs!

#9. Toni Malt Makeup School

Some makeup artists aren’t into special effects and would rather their makeup grace the covers of the most popular magazines. In that case, their best bet is the Toni Malt Makeup School. There, they will learn not only how to perfect beauty makeup but also how to get published on the most famous covers (Elle, Vogue, and the like!).

Based in Dubai, the Toni Malt Makeup School boasts a huge 2,200 square foot classroom near Alserkal Avenue. Naturally, all that space is absolutely necessary; each student needs to have their own makeup station and all the tools they may require to perfect their skills.

As far as the courses go, the school mainly focuses on editorial makeup. If you dream of becoming the go-to artist for magazines like Vogue and Grazia, Toni Malt is your greatest ally.

#10. Gorton Studio

In contrast to Toni Malt, Neill Gorton is the best educator for prosthetics and special effects makeup. Gorton Studio’s 7-week course ought to help you become a master at creating various characters for films, TV, and other media with a bit of silicone and some glue.

The school also has a master’s course in prosthetics and some intensive, quick courses for those in a bit of a rush. In short, this is the place to be if you want to conjure the next Night King or elf. Neill Gorton will jumpstart your FX makeup artistry career and help you become a skillful and creative professional.

#11. The London School of Beauty and Make-Up

For those who aren’t just interested in makeup and would like to add to their education by getting access to other beauty-related courses, The London School of Beauty and Make-Up is a perfect choice. Equipped with both full-time and part-time options, LSBM London will help you become a MASA certified makeup artist. If you don’t already know, this is a qualification endorsed by the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia).

You can also attend hairstyling and specialized makeup courses at LSBM London (Asian bridal, for instance). What’s more, you can even expand your knowledge by going into beauty therapy and massage as well.

And the career prospects? Since it’s a respected institution, LSBM London makeup artists gain valuable experience by working in the TV, film, and fashion industry, as well as for corporate cosmetic houses. The school also encourages students to join their LSBM Events Team. That gets them access to high-level projects and further career advancement.

#12. Delamar Academy

With an impressive list of credentials and award-winning alumni, Delamar Academy is definitely one of the best makeup schools the UK has to offer. Fortunately, it welcomes students from all over the world. It also offers complete makeup artistry and design courses, as well as an extremely useful afro hair course.

On top of that, the academy loves hosting free masterclasses. Expect to learn from experts like Mary Greenwell (Princess Diana’s makeup artist) and Richard Redlefsen.

Naturally, it takes care of its graduates as well by offering further education. They will get to do hands-on work on movie sets, commercial shoots, theater productions, etc. The tutors themselves actually add students to their working teams, allowing them to receive unique mentorship and hone their skills further, even after receiving the most extensive qualification, Cert HE Professional Make-Up Design.

Final Thoughts

Of course, there are other institutions in both the US and Europe that deliver exquisite results. However, these 12 best makeup schools are the ones most professionals talk about, and that have yielded incredible artists, most of which have gone on to win Oscars, Emmys, and Baftas for their work.

It’s safe to say you won’t go wrong by choosing any one of them. So take your pick and start your makeup artist career the right way, by learning from the very best in the industry!

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