The 7 Best Online Makeup Courses for Beginners
The beauty industry of today has been positively bombarded with easy-to-follow beauty hacks, pro-styling tips, and let’s not forget the infamous online makeup tutorial. With these major trends, it’s no surprise that a lot of makeup basics can be learned all from the comfort of your own home. But what about credible courses?
In fact, there are numerous credible makeup courses readily available online.
To save you time and money in looking for online makeup courses, I’ve compiled a list of the 7 best makeup courses online for beginners, certifications, and licenses here:
- Vizio Makeup Academy
- School of Makeup Artistry – Makeup Artistry 101
- International Open Academy – Makeup Artistry
- The Institute of Makeup Artistry
- Trendimi – Makeup Artist Online Course
- QC Makeup Academy – Makeup Artistry Course
- Create Makeup Looks for Any Moment
- IAP Career College – Makeup Artist Certificate Course Online
If you’re interested in honing your past knowledge of makeup basics or simply looking to get involved in the industry, these 7 online makeup courses will provide you with the adequate training you need to become a makeup professional. Succeeding in these courses will have your clients looking great in no time!
How Do I Become A Licensed Makeup Artist Online?
Finding your passion in the makeup industry is certainly exciting on its own and pursuing it can be even more exciting. While pursuing a career in the makeup industry is exciting, getting started can be quite daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the training requirements and other important steps to become successful.
Being a beginner is nothing to be ashamed of. You can learn to apply make-up online in no time! Every successful person has been labeled a beginner at one point or another in their career or passion. So, why should you feel any different? Starting is usually the hardest part of any process, but there are many resources available, especially on online platforms.
There are many flexible approaches to becoming a licensed makeup artist online and although it takes time and dedication, it will certainly be worth it in the end! While a license is not necessarily required to become a makeup artist, it will give you access to work in higher positions and further serve as proof that you are both certified and licensed to do so.
A license is proof that you have completed the required actions and are appropriately competent in the field of makeup artistry, cosmetology, or esthetics based on certain guidelines set by your state. Some states require you to have a license in order to work as a makeup artist. You don’t need a license to be a certified makeup artist, just simply a certificate.
While certification is available through online training, obtaining a license online is fairly uncommon and possibly not available as an option at all. Because makeup artistry and cosmetology licenses are distributed at the state level, you are required to complete training in person.
In addition to in-person training, you must complete a vigorous amount of task including:
- Finding out if your state requires a license for makeup artistry or a similar profession and what the requirements are to become licensed.
- Finding out what schools are available in your state and if they provide licensing for makeup artistry (if there are no schools in your state you may able to attend another one in a nearby state that has one).
- Fully completing the program as well as all hours of training, required apprenticeships and/or fellowships.
- Completing all required exams with a passing grade.
- Applying for and receiving your license.
- Maintaining the status of your license by completing continuing education courses and renewing it on whatever basis your state requires.
For more information on the licensing process and requirements for makeup artists, visit here.
Do I Need A License to Be A Makeup Artist?
As with many forms of licensing, the requirement to have one in order to practice can be a bit of a grey area. One cause, for this reason, is that the requirement to have one varies from state to state.
For example, while it’s generally not required to have a license to be a makeup artist in most states, Louisiana is the only state that requires you to have a specified license to work as a makeup artist.
“Several states will vary, without clear or concise regulations for applying makeup professionally, and not requiring any form of license to work as a professional Makeup Artist. While other states will require a license as a Cosmetologist or Esthetician, even if you only want to practice makeup artistry (and not skin or haircare).” Source
The generalized answer is “no,” however you should first understand what type of environment you are looking to work under before considering obtaining licensing to work as a makeup artist. For instance, working as a freelance makeup artist generally does not require you to have a license.
The freelance field of makeup artistry can include working professionally as a freelance makeup artist for private clients or in the entertainment industry like film and television. Either pathway comes with a lot of opportunities and the potential to become a well-established makeup artist.
As a freelance makeup artist, you also have the option to establish your own business with private clients and all. You also don’t need a license to perform other duties in the makeup industry such as selling cosmetic products.
When it comes to working in a salon or similar work environment, however, you may be required to obtain a license depending on the state and company policies. This is even more likely to be the case if you also plan to work beyond makeup duties such as applying skincare products, which would require a cosmetology or esthetician license.
For a comprehensive list of individual state licensing requirements, visit here.
The 7 Best Makeup Courses Online
Given the vastness of the worldwide web, there are hundreds of makeup courses online offering certification, basic education and training for beginners, and so much more. Some courses offer full basic training while others focus on specific makeup techniques such as mastering a great smoky eye or how to properly contour someone’s face.
The great thing about taking a makeup course online is that you can learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. Some courses also offer one-on-one training opportunities that allow you to receive help and guidance through course lessons.
Here are 7 of the best makeup courses online, each offering their own specialized training routines.
1. Vizio Makeup Academy
Vizio Makeup Academy offers four types of Makeup Artistry Courses, each one coming with its own requirements, benefits, topics covered, and the amount of time needed to complete the course.
The 4 courses are:
- Introductory Makeup Course (Click here)
- Master Makeup Course (Click Here)
- Premier Makeup Course (Click Here)
- Elite Makeup Course (Click Here)
Use our PROMO CODE: LARIVIERE for a 5% discount on all courses!
All courses offer professional certification at the time of completion.
The prices of each course can only be obtained after submitting your name, email, and phone to the website. Each course is offered completely online and can be accessed from all types of devices including desktops, laptops, phones, and tablets. Literally, you can learn from anywhere!
This introductory makeup course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and comes with basic access to content such as the history of makeup, the color theory of makeup, how to contour and highlight, and sanitation guidelines to name a few.
The master makeup course takes approximately 65 hours to complete. With this course, you receive an HD makeup kit as well as unlimited access to all course-specific material.
With the master makeup course, you also receive a bit more access to premium content compared to the introductory course such as eyeliner techniques, how to do Hollywood celebrity makeup, and vintage makeup looks to name a few. You also have the opportunity to attend a makeup artist marketing/social hosted by the Vizio academy.
The premier makeup course takes approximately 150 hours to complete. As a student enrolled in the premier makeup course, you automatically receive a 24-piece professional brush set. If you haven’t noticed the pattern yet, with each level up of the makeup course, you receive more access to premium course content.
The bonus content offered as part of the premier makeup course includes lip liner techniques, airbrush application tips, men’s makeup basics, and eye shadow coloring techniques. As a premier makeup course student, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the makeup artist marketing/social.
The most comprehensive course offered by Vizio Makeup Academy is the elite makeup course. This course is the longest and takes approximately 220 hours to complete. This course gives you premium access to all lessons as well as bonus makeup courses and the opportunity to participate in the makeup artist marketing/social held by the academy.
With the elite course, you also receive an HD makeup kit and a 24-piece professional brush set.
For a full description of what’s offered in each makeup course,
2. School of Makeup Artistry
The School of Makeup Artistry offers 5 different makeup courses:
- Makeup Artistry 101 (Click Here)
- Professional Makeup Artistry (Click Here)
- Master Makeup Artistry (Click Here)
- Professional Bridal Makeup (Click Here)
- Rock Your Beauty Biz (Click Here)
Makeup Artistry 101 is taught by senior instructor Toni Thomas. Toni Thomas is described as, “an award-winning beauty industry professional, freelance editorial makeup artist, and a top U.S. beauty influencer.”
This course costs $197 US dollars is comprised of 23 instructional videos (including microblading videos for beginners) and 31 texts. The estimated time it takes to fully complete this course is around 40 hours from start to finish.
This course covers about 19 different topics from perfecting a smoky eye to evening makeup, knowing how to properly contour and highlight, concealing and correcting, and more. It’s quite comprehensive and walks you through all aspects of applying makeup as well as basic skincare knowledge.
This is a beginner non-certificate course. You can find more information about the instructor Toni Thomas.
The Professional Makeup Artistry course costs $297 US dollars and is a beginner certificate course taught once again by Toni Thomas. This course is comprised of 21 videos, 1 survey, 33 required texts, and 1 PDF. It should take an estimated 40 hours total to fully complete this course from start to finish.
A total of 19 lessons makes up this course which covers the basics of professional makeup artistry. The course takes you on a comprehensive journey through each topic, starting with the history of makeup and its influence during the Victorian Era and ending with the steps needed to build your own makeup artistry business.
Additionally, you can find a full description of Toni’s remaining courses here.
One thing to think about, check out our article on how much the average woman spends on makeup. Remember, this is a booming industry and has been for years. Any of these courses are great first steps to a potentially fruitful career!
3. International Open Academy - Makeup Artistry
Makeup artistry is a terrific and gratifying job in which you are paid to help other people look and feel beautiful. And the best thing is that you can customize your work schedule to your personal lifestyle.
If you’ve always wanted to work as a makeup artist, this course from International Open Academy is the perfect starting point for you. In this course you’ll learn practical techniques that you may apply right away!
This course is divided into 14 modules for deeper learning:
Module 1: Skin Types
Module 2: Contouring
Module 3: Tools
Module 4: Foundations and Corrections
Module 5: Color
Module 6: Eye Makeup
Module 7: Eyebrow Grooming
Module 8: Lip Makeup
Module 9: Makeup Styles
Module 10: False Eyelashes and Eyelash Extensions
Module 11: Makeup For Different Ages
Module 12: Health and Safety
Module 13: Creating Your Makeup Kit
Module 14: Getting Started
Maybe you want to become a beauty blogger or improve your talents for personal use… Well, this course will assist anyone in learning the fundamental skills and building on them in order to obtain amazing results!
4. The Institute of Makeup Artistry
Another great course is The Professional Makeup Artistry Course by The Institute of Makeup Artistry. This course is 100% online only and allows you to study in your own time, at your own pace. You’ll get 24/7 support and become a part of an exclusive Facebook community of other students and professionals. Covering all aspects of Makeup Artistry – from glamour to special effects – this course provides you with the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career or hobby in any area of the makeup industry!
More reasons to study with IMUA:
- 1:1 mentorship with a professional MUA
- 7-day money-back guarantee
- No set start dates
- 24+ hours of HD video Tutorials
- Kit Advice: purchase the IMUA Student Kit or build your own!
- Exclusive discounts on big brands, like M.A.C Cosmetics.
- Further your skills in specific topics with their Advanced Modules (available only to students and graduates).
“I have learned so much and I feel I have taken a big step towards my future career goals.” – Samantha Y.
“I’m so excited to venture into the world of makeup artistry and I feel confident in my skills thanks to this amazing course.” Nicolette C.
Click below to become an #IMUAstudent today!
5. Trendimi - Makeup Artist Online Course
Trendimi is an online platform that offers numerous beauty courses online! If becoming a makeup artist is the career you’ve been dreaming about, then this course is the perfect foundation for you. On Trendimi you can find a makeup artistry course that fits your budgets, interests, and professional needs.
Their most popular makeup artistry course is the Makeup Artist Online Course.
In this course you’ll learn professional makeup artistry through a comprehensive course on makeup. You’ll develop a firm understanding of:
- Face shapes
- Skin tones
- Facial Features
- Contouring makeup
- Choosing eye makeup shades
- Picking colors
- How to accent, highlight, and enhance the face
- Different types of products, tools, makeup brushes, and how to utilize them
- Information on skin care routines
- How to build your makeup kit
- Choose the right makeup for different occasions
- And more!
This course is made-up of 14 modules and is designed for anyone with an interest in learning. Their courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume!
Plus you’ll receive a certificate of successful completion which will be emailed to you immediately after you finish the course.
6. QC Makeup Academy - Makeup Artistry Course
This QC Makeup Academy course is a fully prepared online course that will provide you with all of the skills you need to begin a career in makeup!
All instructional videos for QC makeup classes include your executive makeup instructor Nathan Johnson, a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist with over 18 years of industry expertise. He will teach you step-by-step via video tutorials while delivering expert insights into working as a professional makeup artist by showcasing professional makeup artistry skills.
This course will equip you with:
- A free makeup kit
- Personalized feedback from your tutor on every makeup assignment you submit
- Professional business resources with access to real-world templates, self-study assignments, and bonus materials.
- And so much more!
You’ll be able to use these materials to boost your marketing and customer service abilities to the next level!
You’ll have lifetime access to all of the tools and resources accessible to QC students once you become a member. You’ll receive a certificate of accomplishment at graduation, confirming that you’ve finished the Makeup Artistry course at QC Makeup Academy and have a core knowledge and skill set in makeup artistry.
7. Create Makeup Looks for Any Moment
Another great course by Masterclass is this makeup course authored and led by none other than Sir John. From art school kid to world-renowned makeup artist, Sir John shares the inspiring story of how he made it to where he is today.
In just 30 days you’ll learn to transform your makeup skills. In addition, you’ll build confidence with your skincare routine, curate your makeup kit, and learn three of Sir John’s most sought-after looks:
- The “No-Makeup” look
- The “Everyday” look
- The “Icon” look.
What Sir John believes is that you don’t have to look too far for inspiration—just stand in front of the mirror!
8. IAP Career College - Makeup Artist Certificate Course Online
In this Online Makeup Artist Certificate Course by IAP Career College you will learn how to become a makeup artist, including key ideas and practical step-by-step techniques for getting started in a career as a professional makeup artist!
In this course you will learn what a makeup artist does, how to develop your skills to succeed in a makeup artist career, how to be recruited for a makeup artist job, and how to establish your own makeup artist business and get clients.
Topics covered in the Makeup Artist Certificate Course include the following:
Introduction: What a Makeup Artist Does
- Supplies and Tools
- Steps of Applying Makeup
Getting Ready
- Developing Your Skills
- Ways to Learn the Job
Getting Hired
- Types of Employers
- Finding Job Openings
Starting Your Own Business
- Getting Started
- Setting Up Your Business
Freelancing as a Makeup Artist
- Getting Ready
- Promotional Materials
Imagine having a pleasant, well-paying profession that allows you to express yourself by making people look wonderful. Hello and welcome to this IAP course and to the world of make-up artistry!
Is a Certified Makeup Artist and Licensed Makeup Artist the Same Thing?
Before you do anything in the field of makeup artistry, including taking a course, you should first understand the difference between a certified makeup artist and a licensed makeup artist. It’s important to know this difference, especially if you’re unsure of which one you want and which one, you’re required to have.
Being a certified makeup artist means that you have completed a certain amount of training and practicing hours successfully. Having certification lets your employer or client know that you are well versed in makeup artistry and are capable of displaying the proper skills required for makeup artistry as well.
Being a licensed makeup artist means that you have completed a certain number of hours and training as well completed a state-required exam to receive a license issued by the state you live in.
A license is not generally required to be a makeup artist, and neither is a certificate, however, you are able to practice as a professional with just a certificate. And there are infinite certifications online, from nail technician courses to professional make-up. Nowadays you can become an expert from your home in whatever area you are looking for.
The Best Course for Learning How to Apply Makeup for Beginners
As mentioned before, Vizio Makeup Academy offers an introductory makeup course for beginners which teaches the basics of how to apply makeup. Finishing this course, you’ll know how to choose the right foundation for different skin types, how to build your own makeup kit, and how to contour, highlight, and blend to name a few.
With this course, you’ll be able to become a certified makeup artist professional and have your clients looking great and spreading the word about your hidden talent!
You can find more information about this introductory course here.
Get Those Makeup Brushes Going!
Now that you’ve seen all that the online web has to offer when it comes to makeup courses online, you’ll have those makeup brushes working their magic in no time.
Taking a course, whether for certification or just for fun, requires time and dedication so be sure to stay committed once you start. You’ll want to get your money’s worth out of the course and even more importantly, you’ll want to gain the most knowledge as well.
The great thing about the makeup industry is that anyone can get involved and build a successful career regardless of whether you’re just getting started as a beginner or more advanced. Soon you could be helping friends with their makeup on special occasions or getting your first bridal makeup client or even opening up your own makeup business. The options are endless.
