Make-up Artistry Courses

By Frank Bolger - Last update

Get Daily news and updates directly to your Email

Make-up artistry courses teach about a diverse and creative field. A make-up artist is someone for whom the human body is a canvass. This is especially so in relation to the facial features a skilled make-up artist is trained to identify the subtle interplay between skin tones, textures and contours, taking into account the unique set aesthetic relationships that exist between each person s eyes, nose, lips and bone structure. It is through such understanding that they can balance, conceal, highlight or manipulate features, either according to their own expert discretion or to the direction of their clients. Makeup artistry courses teach everything you need to know about this exciting area.

What’s involved in makeup artistry courses?

The global make-up industry is huge. Indeed, according to research carried out in recent years, the British industry alone was valued at over 17 billion, with a predicted growth rate of 3. 5 per cent per year over the current decade. Naturally, such a high growth rate means that the demands on industry professionals to stay abreast of developments can be great. As the trends and advances in beauty products themselves are continuous, so too are the huge amount of techniques that are associated with their use. For instance, industry professionals must be knowledgeable in areas such as skin analysis, colour theory, lighting techniques, cosmetic science and best hygienic practice (i. e. sterilisation techniques). Having an extensive knowledge of the contents of one’s toolkit primers, blushers, shaders, concealers, eye- and lip-liners, glosses, and so on is also vitally important. Not only that, it is also essential that make-up artists develop a high degree of familiarity with the huge range of specific market brands. Knowing exactly what product will produce the best result on a particular skin type, for example, is what differentiates the work of the professional from that of the amateur – and that is where training and courses come in.

Why enrol in makeup artistry courses?

Make-up artistry is for lovers of innovation and craft; and with the right preparation it can lead to exciting roles in fashion, theatre, film and TV. Those with a sufficient amount of talent and application may end up working with top-class directors, photographers and stylists. At a less rarefied though no less important level, a good make-up artist can roll the years back for a client, or they can help a blushing bride become a glowing beauty. Though talent and motivation are key requirements, training and practice are perhaps the most vital prerequisites. Evening courses in make-up artistry can be short or long term (ranging from a single day to a year for a Diploma in Make-up Artistry), and their intensity depends on whether they are being taken as full- or part-time options. For those hoping to work in the fashion or make-up industry, it is worth bearing in mind that the longer a make-up course is, the more time it will afford participants to practise the various techniques they have learnt. This, in turn, will help foster confidence, which is another crucial component for a successful make-up artist.

What comes next?

The make-up industry will continue to expand, and for a number of reasons. The male makeup market is an area of steady growth. Because the average age expectancy is now greater than ever, there is a greater demand for anti-ageing products. Getting a foot in the door of the make-up industry typically involves undergoing an apprenticeship, often in an unpaid capacity. To even be considered for such a position, it is important that applicants obtain as much training through courses as they can. Having a good portfolio, whether for progression towards further education or a job, is another crucial requirement, as it is a record of not only of a candidate s ability, but of their commitment too.

At a glance

Make-up artists can work in the fields of fashion, film, TV or theatre. High-quality make-up artists possess multiple skills, so ongoing training and practise are essential. Consider what you want to learn before deciding on a course. Comprehensive make up artistry courses take significantly longer than courses designed for fun or personal use.

Frank Bolger

Graphic Design Courses
Acting Courses and Classes