Top 10 Makeup Artist Certifications

Certifications are important for makeup artists in the job market because they provide a way to demonstrate that an artist has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful. By obtaining certifications, makeup artists can prove to potential employers that they have a working knowledge of key techniques, products, and trends, as well as safety protocols. With certifications, makeup artists can also become more competitive in the job market and stand out from other applicants who may not have the same level of qualifications. Certifications provide assurance to clients that their makeup artist is properly trained and knowledgeable about their craft. Additionally, having a certification can help differentiate a makeup artist from the competition and give them an edge when it comes to landing jobs.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Makeup Artists and explains how they can help advance a makeup artist's career.

What are Makeup Artist Certifications?

Makeup artist certification is a way for makeup artists to demonstrate their professional qualifications and skills in the makeup industry. It can be obtained through formal education or by taking a specialized course that focuses on makeup artistry. Certification can help makeup artists gain credibility and recognition in the field, as well as provide them with the necessary knowledge and experience to work professionally. It also helps employers determine an individual's ability to perform various tasks related to makeup artistry, such as creating different looks, using color theory, and understanding skin types. Additionally, it can help make an artist more marketable as many clients prefer certified professionals when hiring for special events or photo shoots. In addition, certification may also give access to discounts on products and services from certain brands, which can help save money.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and compare different makeup artist certification courses before enrolling in one. Look for courses that offer hands-on training, provide comprehensive instruction, and are taught by experienced professionals. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited and recognized in your area.

Related: What does a Makeup Artist do?

Top 10 Makeup Artist Certifications

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

1. Professional Makeup Artist Certification from the International Academy of Beauty and Aesthetics

The Professional Makeup Artist Certification from the International Academy of Beauty and Aesthetics (IABA) is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful makeup artist. The program covers all aspects of makeup artistry, including color theory, product selection, application techniques, sanitation, safety, and client consultation.

The duration of the program is approximately three months. During this time, students will learn about makeup products and techniques as well as receive hands-on training in the application of makeup. Upon completion of the coursework and exams, students will be awarded a Professional Makeup Artist Certification from IABA.

To enroll in the Professional Makeup Artist Certification program from IABA, applicants must submit an online application form along with proof of completion of high school or equivalent education. Additionally, applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee which includes access to all course materials and exams.

The cost for the Professional Makeup Artist Certification program from IABA is $1,399 USD. This fee includes all course materials and exams needed to complete the program as well as access to an online learning platform where students can review their progress throughout the course.

2. Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from the American Institute of Beauty

The Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from the American Institute of Beauty (AIB) is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful makeup artists. This certificate program includes courses in basic makeup application, color theory, product selection, and techniques for creating various looks. The program also provides instruction in marketing and business practices for makeup artists.

The Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate can be completed in as little as 6 months, depending on how quickly you complete the coursework. To get started, you will need to submit an AIB application form along with your transcripts or GED scores. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to take a series of online classes that cover topics such as skin care basics, airbrush makeup application, and special effects makeup. In addition to the online classes, you will also have access to video tutorials and hands-on workshops taught by experienced professionals.

The cost of the Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package starts at $2,000 and includes all of the required course materials plus access to AIB’s online library of resources and tutorials. If you choose one of the more advanced packages, prices can range from $3,500-$5,000 depending on which additional courses or workshops you select.

Once you have completed all of your coursework and passed your final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from AIB. With this certification in hand, you will be ready to start working professionally as a makeup artist!

3. Certified Makeup Artist Program from the Makeup Designory

The Makeup Designory Certified Makeup Artist Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional makeup artist. The program consists of both online and in-person classes, and covers topics such as makeup artistry fundamentals, color theory, product knowledge, application techniques, and more. The program takes approximately 8 months to complete, depending on the student's commitment level.

In order to get certified through the Makeup Designory program, students must first complete an online application form. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to attend in-person classes at one of their campuses located in Los Angeles or New York City. During these classes, students will learn from experienced instructors who have worked in the industry for many years. After completing all of the necessary coursework and passing a final exam, students will receive their certification from the Makeup Designory.

The cost of the Makeup Designory Certified Makeup Artist Program varies depending on which campus you choose to attend. In Los Angeles, tuition costs range from $3,000-$7000 USD while tuition costs in New York City range from $4200-$9000 USD. Additionally, there are additional fees for materials and supplies that may be required for certain courses.

4. Professional Makeup Artist Certification from QC Makeup Academy

Professional Makeup Artist Certification from QC Makeup Academy is a comprehensive online training program that provides aspiring makeup artists with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful in the industry. This certification program covers topics such as makeup application techniques, color theory, product selection, and more. The program consists of 11 modules that can be completed at your own pace.

The Professional Makeup Artist Certification from QC Makeup Academy typically takes 4-6 months to complete. To get certified, you must complete all 11 modules and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the certification program is $499 USD.

5. Certified Freelance Makeup Artist Program from the London School of Beauty & Make-Up

The Certified Freelance Makeup Artist Program from the London School of Beauty & Make-Up is a comprehensive course designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to become successful freelance makeup artists. The program consists of five modules, each focusing on a different aspect of makeup artistry. The modules include: Professional Makeup Artistry, Bridal and Special Occasion Makeup Artistry, Creative Hair Styling, Airbrushing for Makeup Artists, and Advanced Media Makeup.

The program takes approximately three months to complete with classes being held twice a week for two hours each session. Students must attend all classes in order to successfully complete the program and receive their certification.

To get started in the program, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed 10th grade or higher in school. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work if they have any prior experience in makeup artistry. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to purchase a kit which includes all necessary tools and materials needed for the duration of the course.

The cost of the Certified Freelance Makeup Artist Program from the London School of Beauty & Make-Up is £1,500 (approx $1,800). This fee includes tuition as well as access to online resources such as video tutorials and additional course material.

6. Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from EI School of Professional Makeup

The Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from EI School of Professional Makeup is a comprehensive program designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional makeup artist. The program includes instruction in makeup application techniques, color theory, product knowledge, and business practices.

The program takes approximately 10 months to complete. Students attend classes two days per week for five hours each day. During this time they learn the fundamentals of makeup artistry including skin care, color theory, product knowledge and application techniques. They also receive hands-on training with professional makeup products and tools.

To get the certificate, students must pass all coursework with a minimum grade of C or better. They must also complete an externship in which they work with a professional makeup artist in a salon or studio setting. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive their Professional Makeup Artistry Certificate from EI School of Professional Makeup.

The cost of the program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $3,500 - $6,000 USD for tuition and supplies.

7. Certified Professional Makeup Artist Course from Complections International

Complections International’s Certified Professional Makeup Artist Course is a comprehensive program designed to provide aspiring makeup artists with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful in the industry. The course is divided into two levels: Level I and Level II.

Level I focuses on developing fundamental makeup techniques, such as color theory, product application, and sanitation practices. This level also covers topics related to professional development, including portfolio building, networking, and client relations. The Level I course takes approximately 10 weeks to complete and requires a minimum of 100 hours of instruction.

Level II builds upon the concepts learned in Level I by teaching advanced techniques such as airbrush makeup application, special effects makeup design, wig styling, and body painting. This level also includes an intensive hands-on workshop where students can practice their skills on real models under the guidance of experienced instructors. The Level II course takes approximately 12 weeks to complete and requires a minimum of 120 hours of instruction.

In order to receive Complections International’s Certified Professional Makeup Artist certification, students must successfully complete both levels of the course with a passing grade of 80% or higher in each module. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate from Complections International that recognizes their achievement as well as access to exclusive job opportunities within the industry.

The cost for Complections International’s Certified Professional Makeup Artist Course is $3999 CAD (approximately $3050 USD). This fee covers tuition for both levels of the program as well as all supplies needed for instruction.

8. Master Class in Professional Airbrush and Special Effects Make-Up from the Academy of Freelance Make-Up

The Master Class in Professional Airbrush and Special Effects Make-Up from the Academy of Freelance Make-Up is a comprehensive course designed to teach students the fundamentals of airbrushing and special effects make-up. The program covers a wide range of topics, including airbrush techniques, color theory, product knowledge, facial structure and anatomy, application methods, safety protocols and more.

This course is offered as an intensive three-day workshop that takes place over two weekends. It includes hands-on instruction from experienced professionals in the field as well as demonstrations on how to apply airbrush make-up for different occasions. Students will also have access to professional equipment and supplies during the class.

To enroll in this course, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID or passport. You must also submit a completed application form along with payment for the tuition fees. The cost of the Master Class is £1,100 (including VAT).

Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate from the Academy of Freelance Make-Up confirming their qualification as a Professional Airbrush and Special Effects Make-Up Artist.

9. Certified Master Artist Program from Cinema Secrets Pro

The Certified Master Artist Program from Cinema Secrets Pro is a comprehensive educational program designed to provide professional makeup artists with the knowledge and skills needed to become a master of their craft. The program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced.

At the Foundation level, students learn basic makeup techniques such as color theory, product knowledge, application methods, and more. This level takes approximately 8 weeks to complete and costs $399.

The Intermediate level focuses on more advanced techniques including airbrush makeup application, special effects makeup, body painting, and prosthetics. This level takes approximately 6 weeks to complete and costs $499.

At the Advanced level, students will learn about advanced character design, sculpting techniques for prosthetics and special effects makeup applications. This level takes approximately 4 weeks to complete and costs $599.

Upon completion of all three levels of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Cinema Secrets Pro as well as access to exclusive discounts on products and services offered by the company.

10. Advanced Diploma in Creative Hair and Media Make-Up from The London College of Fashion

The Advanced Diploma in Creative Hair and Media Make-Up from The London College of Fashion is a two-year, full-time course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful hair and make-up professionals. The course covers topics such as creative styling, colouring, cutting, airbrushing, facial contouring, wig making, prosthetics application and special effects make-up. Students will also learn about the business side of the industry, including marketing and promotion.

The Advanced Diploma in Creative Hair and Media Make-Up from The London College of Fashion takes two years to complete. During this time students will attend classes at the college’s Bloomsbury campus in central London. Courses are taught by experienced professionals from the industry who are passionate about helping students reach their goals.

To get an Advanced Diploma in Creative Hair and Media Make-Up from The London College of Fashion you must first apply for a place on the course through UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants must have five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications) as well as a portfolio demonstrating their creative work. Successful applicants will then be invited for an interview which will assess their suitability for the course.

The cost of studying for an Advanced Diploma in Creative Hair and Media Make-Up from The London College of Fashion is approximately £12,000 per year for UK/EU students. International student fees may vary depending on nationality but can range between £14,000 - £18,000 per year.

Do You Really Need a Makeup Artist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and ambitions. If you want to become a professional makeup artist, then having a makeup artist certificate is essential. This type of certification will demonstrate your knowledge and skill level in the field, which can be invaluable for getting jobs and securing clients.

However, if you are simply looking to do occasional freelance work or makeup for special occasions, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it is important to determine what level of experience and skill you possess without any formal training. You may need to take some classes or workshops in order to gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed for doing makeup professionally.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if a makeup artist certificate is right for you. If you choose not to pursue formal training, it is important that you continue developing your skills through practice and research so that you can ensure the highest quality of results when applying makeup on others.

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FAQs About Makeup Artist Certifications

1. What is a Makeup Artist Certification?

Answer: A Makeup Artist Certification is a credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of an individual in the field of makeup artistry. It typically involves completing an accredited program, passing an exam, and obtaining professional experience in order to become certified.

2. How do I become a Certified Makeup Artist?

Answer: To become a Certified Makeup Artist, you must complete an accredited program related to makeup artistry, pass an exam, and obtain professional experience in the field.

3. What kind of jobs can I get with a Makeup Artist Certification?

Answer: With a Makeup Artist Certification, you may be able to find employment as a freelance makeup artist, or in the film and television industry, fashion shows and photo shoots, cosmetics counter salesperson, or as part of special events teams.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Makeup Artist?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a Makeup Artist varies depending on the program chosen and your level of experience. Generally speaking, most programs require between 6 months and 1 year to complete all necessary requirements for certification.

5. Are there any additional certifications I can pursue after receiving my initial Makeup Artist Certification?

Answer: Yes! After becoming certified as a Makeup Artist, you may choose to pursue additional certifications such as airbrush makeup techniques or special effects makeup techniques.