FAQs

  • Why do I need to do a course at all?

    Learning from working makeup artists gives you the confidence to handle all the varied challenges you’ll come up against on freelance jobs. We train you in handling clients; understanding the brief, shoot etiquette, trouble-shooting and a vast array of lessons that are learnt in the course of a long makeup career.

  • I only want to work on fashion shows, why should I learn everything?

    Makeup artistry is by its very nature varied work. Even after years of experience specialising in one type of makeup, artists find they have to re-train to accommodate new styles and trends or a new avenue of work they haven’t tried before. It’s important to learn makeup holistically, so that you’re prepared for any job that comes your way. Besides which, fashion shows are seasonal, and often don’t pay a great deal!

  • Do I need any previous makeup experience?

    No, we train you from scratch. But an interest or experience in a related field won’t hurt either! We often re-train people - such as beauty therapists and hair stylists - looking to broaden their skill set.

  • How many students will there be in my class?

    The Makeup School is a boutique-learning environment, so as a rule we never enrol more than 12 students to any class. That way, we can provide an intimate group dynamic with focussed one-on-one training.

  • Will there be any class excursions?

    Yes, we take students on an exclusive 'shopping day' in a cosmetics outlet, such as BECCA Boutique in South Kensington, where we'll be given a demonstration by one of their Pro Artists who takes us through the range and advises on the best products for your kit. After that, students are offered 30% discount on all products purchased on the day.

  • Do I need to bring my own brushes?

    No, we provide you with your very own set - including a brush roll - for you to use on the Intensive Course and keep. For the shorter Intensive Mini, we suggest you either buy a set of brushes from The Makeup School, or if you have your own then bring those. Starting with the correct tools, and learning how to use them and care for them is the basis for a good understanding of makeup artistry.

  • Do I get a qualification at the end of the course?

    You will receive a certificate of completion once you’ve finished the course. However, it’s important to note that no certificate from any makeup academy anywhere will be a guarantee of work in the field. A makeup artist’s portfolio is always best proof of their skill, artistry and experience. Our guidance is aimed at helping you build your own body of work for this reason.

  • What products will we be using at The Makeup School and will I receive any brand discounts upon completing a course?

    Only the very best! We use a range of products that includes the best from every top line, including MAC, BECCA, Stila, Nars, Laura Mercier and others. You will automatically receive a 30% discount card from BECCA cosmetics and a 15% discount with Stila after completing a course with us.

  • Does The Makeup School guarantee work after course completion?

    No training institute can guarantee work after a course has been completed. However, the school does guarantee that you will leave equipped with skills, tools, contacts, and the business advice you’ll need to gain access into this highly competitive industry.

  • Where is the course held?

    The course is held at a busy professional studio called FILMPLUS. FILMPLUS is located on 77-81 Scrubs Lane, 10-15 minutes walk from Willesden Junction Tube station - find FILMPLUS on Google maps. You will be learning right in the heart of a working studio, so will be able to watch the action as you learn! Our rooms are both beautiful, with great natural light, perfect for makeup work. The studio is also expanding; they will be opening an organic café, so it will be a cool place to hang out as well!

  • Will I get to do makeup for a shoot during the course?

    We offer students the chance to take part in shoot day after course completion, where we enlist professional photographers and stylists to help you create your very first images for your book.