Top 11 Freelance Makeup Artist Certifications

Certifications are essential for freelance makeup artists in the job market. They demonstrate a professional level of knowledge and skill in the field and can help differentiate them from other candidates. Certification also provides proof to potential employers that the artist is knowledgeable about safety and sanitation guidelines, product knowledge, and basic makeup application techniques. Additionally, certifications can provide access to exclusive events, products, and discounts that are often only available to certified makeup artists. Finally, certifications may be required by certain venues or clients in order to work with them.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Freelance Makeup Artists and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Freelance Makeup Artist Certifications?

Freelance makeup artist certification is a professional training program designed to provide aspiring makeup artists with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pursue a career in the beauty industry. This certification program can help individuals gain the confidence, knowledge, and technical abilities needed to create stunning makeup looks for their clients. It covers topics such as color theory, product selection, application techniques, sanitation and safety protocols, client consultation and communication, and more. By taking a freelance makeup artist certification course, individuals will be able to develop their skills beyond what they could learn from books or YouTube videos. Additionally, those who complete this certification will have a competitive edge over other freelancers in the market who have not taken the time to invest in formal training. Furthermore, many employers prefer to hire certified freelancers as it shows that they are committed to providing quality work.

Pro Tip: When considering a freelance makeup artist certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly and read reviews from other professionals. Look for certifications that are accredited and up to date with the latest trends in makeup artistry. Additionally, be sure to check the program's curriculum and determine if it will provide you with the skills necessary for a successful career in freelance makeup artistry.

Related: What does a Freelance Makeup Artist do?

Top 11 Freelance Makeup Artist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Freelance Makeup Artists today.

1. Professional Makeup Artist Certification from the International Makeup Association

The Professional Makeup Artist Certification from the International Makeup Association (IMA) is a comprehensive program designed to provide makeup artists with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful professionals. The certification is available in both online and in-person formats, and can be completed in as little as four weeks.

To get certified, applicants must complete an intensive course that covers topics such as makeup application techniques, product selection, color theory, sanitation and safety protocols, client communication skills, and business practices. The course also includes hands-on practice sessions where students learn how to apply makeup on a variety of skin types and tones. Upon completion of the course, students must pass a final exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the Professional Makeup Artist Certification varies depending on the format chosen; however, it generally ranges from $400-$600 USD for the online version and $800-$1000 USD for the in-person version. Additionally, there may be additional fees for materials or supplies used during the course.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive their IMA Professional Makeup Artist Certificate along with access to exclusive discounts on makeup products from leading brands such as MAC Cosmetics and Sigma Beauty.

2. Certified Professional Makeup Artist Certificate from the American Institute of Beauty

The Certified Professional Makeup Artist Certificate from the American Institute of Beauty is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of makeup artistry. This certificate is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in professional makeup artistry.

The program consists of three courses, which can be completed in as little as two months. The courses cover topics such as color theory, product selection, application techniques, and sanitation practices. Students will also learn about facial anatomy and how to create various looks for different occasions. Upon completion of the program, students will receive their certificate and be eligible to work as a professional makeup artist.

To get the Certified Professional Makeup Artist Certificate from the American Institute of Beauty, students must first complete an online application form. Once accepted into the program, they will need to pay tuition fees and purchase course materials before beginning their studies.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether or not you are enrolled in one or all three courses at once. For example, if you choose to take all three courses together it would cost $1,095; however, if you choose to take one course at a time it would cost $395 per course.

Once you have completed all three courses and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your Certified Professional Makeup Artist Certificate from the American Institute of Beauty.

3. Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from the London College of Fashion

The Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from the London College of Fashion is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in makeup artistry. The program covers a range of topics including basic makeup application, advanced techniques, product knowledge, hygiene and safety, and professional practice.

The program is offered as a full-time or part-time course over one year. It consists of three modules: Introduction to Professional Makeup Artistry (10 weeks), Advanced Professional Makeup Artistry (10 weeks) and Professional Practice (6 weeks). Each module includes practical classes as well as lectures and tutorials.

To get the certificate, you must successfully complete all three modules and pass the final assessment. You will also need to attend an interview with the college’s admissions team before enrolling on the course.

The cost of the Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from the London College of Fashion is £3,450 for UK/EU students or £5,500 for international students. This fee includes tuition fees, materials costs and assessments.

4. Certified Freelance Makeup Artist Program from the Academy of Freelance Makeup

The Certified Freelance Makeup Artist Program from the Academy of Freelance Makeup is a comprehensive program designed to equip aspiring makeup artists with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful freelance makeup artists. The program consists of three levels, each taking approximately two months to complete.

Level 1 focuses on basic makeup techniques, including foundation application, contouring, eye shadow application, and lip color selection. This level also covers basic business concepts such as setting up a business plan and marketing your services.

Level 2 focuses on advanced techniques such as airbrush makeup application and special effects makeup. This level also covers more advanced business topics such as pricing structures, client management, and networking.

Level 3 is the final level of the program and focuses on portfolio building and professional development. This level also covers topics such as product knowledge, health & safety regulations, and professional ethics.

The cost of the program varies depending on which level you choose to enroll in. Level 1 costs $1,500 USD; Level 2 costs $2,000 USD; and Level 3 costs $2,500 USD. All levels include access to online tutorials and resources as well as one-on-one mentoring with an experienced freelance makeup artist.

To get started in the Certified Freelance Makeup Artist Program from the Academy of Freelance Makeup you must first complete an online application form which can be found on their website. Once your application has been approved you will be able to select which level you would like to enroll in and make payment for that course.

5. Advanced Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from The School of Professional Makeup Artistry

The Advanced Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from The School of Professional Makeup Artistry is a comprehensive program designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional makeup artist. This program consists of three courses: Introduction to Makeup Artistry, Advanced Makeup Artistry, and Professional Makeup Techniques.

The Introduction to Makeup Artistry course covers the basics of makeup application, such as color theory, product selection, and sanitation. Students learn how to create different looks for various occasions, such as weddings and special events. The course also covers skin care basics and how to apply makeup for photography.

The Advanced Makeup Artistry course focuses on more advanced techniques such as airbrushing, contouring, corrective makeup techniques, and creating special effects with makeup. Students also learn about product selection for different skin tones and types.

The Professional Makeup Techniques course teaches students how to work with clients in a professional setting. It covers topics such as client consultation, communication skills, marketing strategies, and portfolio development.

This certificate program takes approximately six months to complete if taking all three courses consecutively or up to one year if taking each course separately. To get the certificate upon completion of the courses students must pass a final exam with a score of 75% or higher in each course.

The cost of this certificate program varies depending on which school you attend but typically ranges from $2,500 - $3,500 USD for all three courses combined.

6. Airbrush Makeup Certification from Dinair Airbrush Academy

Dinair Airbrush Academy offers a comprehensive airbrush makeup certification program that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to become professional airbrush makeup artists. The program is designed to help students learn the fundamentals of airbrush makeup application, from basic techniques to advanced techniques. The course covers topics such as color theory, product selection and application, skin preparation, airbrush maintenance, and more.

The certification program consists of an online course and a hands-on workshop. The online course is self-paced and includes video lectures, written tutorials, quizzes, and assignments. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online portion of the certification. The hands-on workshop is held at Dinair's facility in Los Angeles and takes two days to complete. During this time, students will practice their skills on live models under the guidance of experienced instructors.

In order to get certified by Dinair Airbrush Academy, students must successfully complete both the online course and the hands-on workshop. Upon completion of both courses, students will receive a certificate of completion from Dinair Airbrush Academy that can be used to demonstrate their proficiency in airbrush makeup application.

The cost for Dinair Airbrush Academy's certification program is $1,295 USD for both the online course and the hands-on workshop. This fee covers all materials needed for the program as well as access to Dinair's customer support team for any questions or assistance during or after completion of the program.

7. Bridal and Special Occasion Makeup Certification from QC Makeup Academy

Bridal and Special Occasion Makeup Certification from QC Makeup Academy is a comprehensive online course that teaches you the skills and techniques needed to become a professional makeup artist. The certification covers all aspects of bridal and special occasion makeup, including color theory, application techniques, product knowledge, client consultation, and more.

The course takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on your learning pace. You can access the course materials at any time and work through them at your own pace.

To get certified in Bridal and Special Occasion Makeup from QC Makeup Academy, you must first register for the course. Once registered, you will be given access to the course materials which include video tutorials, written lessons, practice quizzes and exams. After completing all of the coursework requirements, you must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost for this certification is $399 USD.

8. Hair and Media Styling Certification from TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy

The Hair and Media Styling Certification from TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy is a comprehensive program designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to become successful hair stylists. This certification program covers all aspects of hair styling, including cutting, coloring, styling, braiding, and more. It also includes instruction on media styling for television and film.

The Hair and Media Styling Certification takes approximately 12 weeks to complete. During this time, students will learn the fundamentals of hair styling through hands-on practice in the classroom as well as theory lessons. They will also be exposed to advanced techniques such as balayage, ombre, and color blocking. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of how to style for different media platforms such as television and film.

To get the Hair and Media Styling Certification from TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy, you must first apply for admission by submitting an application form online or in person at one of their campuses. Once accepted into the program, you must complete all course requirements within 12 weeks in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the Hair and Media Styling Certification from TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy varies depending on location but typically ranges between $3,000-$5,000 USD.

9. Special Effects & Character Design Certification from CinemaMakeUp School

The Special Effects & Character Design Certification from CinemaMakeUp School is a program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful in the special effects and character design industry. The program covers topics such as prosthetics, sculpting, mold making, airbrushing, painting, fabrication of props and costumes, and much more.

The program takes approximately 8 months to complete and consists of both online and in-person classes. Students must complete all coursework before they can receive their certification. To get started, students must first apply for admission to CinemaMakeUp School. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to pay a tuition fee which varies depending on the type of program chosen.

Once enrolled in the program, students will take courses such as Introduction to Makeup Artistry & Special Effects; Sculpting & Mold Making; Prosthetics; Airbrushing & Painting; Fabrication of Props & Costumes; and Advanced Makeup Artistry & Special Effects. At the end of each course, students must pass an exam in order to move onto the next level. Upon completion of all courses and exams, students will receive their certification from CinemaMakeUp School.

The cost for this certification varies depending on the type of program chosen but typically ranges from $4,000 - $6,000 USD for tuition alone (not including any additional fees or supplies).

10. Prosthetic and Character Design Certification from CinemaMakeUp School

Prosthetic and Character Design Certification from CinemaMakeUp School is a professional certification program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to create realistic prosthetic makeup effects for film, television, theater, and other media. The program consists of an intensive three-week course that covers topics such as sculpting, mold making, casting, painting, airbrushing and application techniques. Students will also learn how to design characters for special effects makeup projects.

The Prosthetic and Character Design Certification from CinemaMakeUp School can be completed in just three weeks. During this time, students will attend lectures and workshops on topics such as anatomy drawing, facial structure analysis, character design principles, prosthetics materials selection and fabrication techniques. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills in a supervised lab environment.

To get the Prosthetic and Character Design Certification from CinemaMakeUp School you must first complete an online application form which includes a personal statement outlining your interest in the field of special effects makeup artistry. Once accepted into the program you will need to pay tuition fees which vary depending on the length of the course you choose.

The cost of the Prosthetic and Character Design Certification from CinemaMakeUp School varies depending on the length of the course you choose but typically ranges between $2,000 - $3,500 USD. This fee covers all tuition costs including materials and supplies needed for completion of the program.

11. Master Course in Professional Hair, Wig and Costume Design for Film & TV from The London Centre for Theatre Studies

The London Centre for Theatre Studies (LCTS) Master Course in Professional Hair, Wig and Costume Design for Film & TV is a comprehensive two-year course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful professionals in the fields of hair, wig and costume design. The course is intended to give students an understanding of the creative processes involved in designing hair, wigs and costumes for film and television.

The course consists of two modules: Module 1 covers the fundamentals of hair, wig and costume design and includes topics such as colour theory, texture analysis, wig construction techniques, styling techniques, hairstyling methods and costume design principles. Module 2 focuses on advanced topics such as period styling, fantasy styling, special effects makeup application, prosthetics application and creating unique looks for characters.

In order to get this Master Course from LCTS you must first apply online or by post. Once your application has been accepted you will be invited to attend an interview at LCTS where you will be assessed on your suitability for the course. If successful you will then be accepted onto the course which takes two years to complete.

The cost of the Master Course in Professional Hair, Wig and Costume Design for Film & TV from The London Centre for Theatre Studies is £9000 per year plus additional fees such as registration fees, materials fees etc.

Do You Really Need a Freelance Makeup Artist Certificate?

No, you do not need a freelance makeup artist certificate in order to become a successful freelance makeup artist. While having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when it comes to getting hired by clients, there are many other ways to prove your qualifications and experience as a makeup artist.

The most important thing for any aspiring freelance makeup artist is to have a portfolio of work that they can show potential clients. This should include pictures of their work, as well as testimonials from past clients if possible. Having a website or social media presence is also helpful for potential clients to get an idea of the kind of work you do and how professional your services are.

In addition to having a portfolio, it is also important for freelance makeup artists to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and products in the industry so that they can offer their clients the best possible results. Staying connected with other professionals in the field through networking events or online communities can be very beneficial in this regard.

Finally, having additional certifications or licenses related to the beauty industry such as cosmetology or esthetics may help boost your credibility with potential employers and give you an advantage over other applicants competing for the same job opportunities.

Overall, while having a freelancer makeup artist certificate may be helpful, it is certainly not necessary in order to become successful in this field. With dedication and hard work, anyone can have success as a freelance makeup artist without necessarily needing any formal certification or qualifications.

Related: Freelance Makeup Artist Resume Examples

FAQs About Freelance Makeup Artist Certifications

1. What is a freelance makeup artist certification?

A freelance makeup artist certification is an official recognition of a person’s professional qualification and expertise in the field of makeup artistry. This certification is typically obtained through courses, workshops, or other forms of training.

2. What are the benefits of getting a freelance makeup artist certification?

Having a freelance makeup artist certification can allow you to better market yourself as an expert in the field and gain more credibility with potential clients. Additionally, it can open up new opportunities for career growth and higher pay rates.

3. How do I become certified as a freelance makeup artist?

In order to become certified as a freelance makeup artist, you will need to complete a course or program that meets certain criteria set forth by the certifying authority. This may include attending classes and workshops, taking tests, completing projects, and/or submitting portfolios for review.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a freelance makeup artist?

The amount of time it takes to obtain your certification will depend on the type of program or course you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, programs range from three months to one year in duration with some even offering accelerated options for those who want to complete their certifications faster.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as a freelance makeup artist?

Yes, most certifying authorities require applicants to have basic knowledge and skills related to the field prior to beginning their coursework or program requirements. These may include having knowledge of skin tones and color theory, understanding basic facial anatomy, and being familiar with different types of products and tools used in makeup artistry.