Inside a School for Makeup

Inside a school for makeup may be unlike any other educational programs you have attended. Makeup artistry is a specialized art form that requires specific tools, equipment, and facilities.

Most makeup schools include a makeup kit with your tuition fees. Typical contents in the makeup kit include:

  • Brushes for: foundation, powder, socket, pencil, lip, and angle
  • Foundation
  • Loose and blot powder
  • Bronzer
  • Eye shadows
  • Eye pencils
  • Liquid eyeliner
  • Mascara
  • Paint pots (eye primer)
  • Lip pencil
  • Lipstick

Generally, a selection of colors is provided for the makeup products.

You may be surprised by the class size. Several schools limit class sizes to less than 20 students; some schools have limits below 10. Realizing that individuals learn at separate paces is vital. You may find yourself impatient to move on with course materials you have mastered, but the instructor is bound to teach according to the speed of the slowest learner. Smaller classes enable increased feedback opportunities.

School policies may be quite stringent. A minimum passing grade, based on practical and written examinations, of 70 percent and higher is standard. Excessive absenteeism may result in discharge from the program.

Students can expect exposure to a variety of teaching methods. Lectures, demonstrations, videos and guest speakers (cinematographers, photographers, models) might be utilized. Some schools use a few approaches, while others employ multiple modes. Instructors are typically working professionals and, as such, have practical knowledge that they can pass onto students.

Students have access to workstations that mimic those found in studios, theatres, and set productions. Students get a realistic feel for what it is like to perform their craft and have the opportunity to become comfortable with the setup. They can develop a system that will assist them in perfecting their routine until it feels like second nature. Students attending special effects makeup programs will have a lab at their disposal, complete with tools and equipment.

Most education programs concentrate on teaching students theory and practical applications. A makeup school does this too, but has the added bonus of real-life experience. In many instances, models are available for students to practice their analysis skills and application techniques. The best strategy to developing one’s craft is repetition in authentic circumstances.

The atmosphere inside a makeup school is one of concentration. Students pay tuition fees. This is a motivator for taking the program seriously and conscientiously practicing and studying. The programs are intense, incorporating a maximum amount of materials into a matter of months. Programs can extend from 3 months to one year; however, 6 month programs are median range.

Portfolio development is an enlightening process. Students apply the principles and practical applications covered during the program to create a portfolio. They must make decisions based on their newly acquired knowledge to design and achieve an outstanding portfolio that will impress prospective clients.

Together with the design and practical application work, students obtain an inside view of what it is like to work with professional models and photographers. While this may be stressful at times, it is an invaluable learning tool in several regards. Protocol and etiquette are strictly adhered to in the working world and familiarity with these concepts will be of benefit in the future. In addition, professionalism and communication capabilities are essential to building a clientele base and prospective makeup artists will have the advantage of preparedness.

Awareness of the environment inside a school for makeup will make your learning experience richer and fulfilling.