From Classroom to Career: How The Makeup Academy NYC Launches You Into the Beauty Industry

If you’re dreaming of a career in makeup artistry, you’re not alone. But not all beauty schools are created equal. At The Makeup Academy NYC, we believe in doing more than just teaching you how to blend eyeshadow. We’re here to shape your craft, build your confidence, and open doors to a career you love.

Whether your goal is to work backstage at New York Fashion Week, run your own bridal business, or create viral editorial looks, our programs are designed to get you there.

Why Professional Makeup Training Matters

Anyone can watch tutorials. But professional makeup artistry is about technique, precision, sanitation, and artistry under pressure. Our students don’t just learn looks. They master client etiquette, on-set workflow, and real-world execution.

At The Makeup Academy NYC, we provide:

• Hands-on, in-person training with expert instructors
• Small class sizes for personalized learning
• Pro studio access to build your portfolio
• Masterclasses taught by top working professionals

Ready to explore our offerings? Check out our full program lineup here.

Graduate Success Stories: From Student to Pro MUA

Our alumni are proof that this isn’t just school. It’s a launchpad. Here are a few standout journeys.

Maya – From Student to Bridal Studio Owner

After graduating, Maya built a six-figure bridal business and now books clients 6 to 12 months in advance. She started with zero experience.

“This school gave me the confidence to launch, price my work, and build a brand.”

Jordan – Working Backstage at NYFW

Jordan got involved in fashion show opportunities through our Industry Insight events and now travels nationally with pro artist teams.

These stories are just a glimpse. Want to hear more? Book a call and let’s chat about your goals here.

Curriculum Designed for Real Careers

We don’t teach fluff. We teach skills that pay the bills. Your experience includes:

• Bridal, editorial, and fashion makeup techniques
• Color theory, lighting, and working with different skin types
• Proper sanitation and product handling
• Career guidance and brand-building for freelancers
• Professional portfolio development
• Opportunities for pro artist team placement

Every class is structured to help you walk away with real results and a portfolio you can use immediately.

Industry Access You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

Being in the heart of New York City matters. Our students get access to:

• Editorial shoots
• Fashion week productions
• Brand campaigns
• Influencer collabs
• Bridal expos
• Networking with working MUAs

This kind of industry experience turns makeup school from theory into action. The Makeup Academy NYC is proud to offer students opportunities to work alongside seasoned professionals from day one.

How to Apply

The first step is to schedule a call with our team so we can learn more about your goals and help guide your next step. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, we’ll show you how The Makeup Academy can help turn your passion into a paycheck.

Contact us here to get started.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience to apply?
No prior experience is required. Our programs are beginner-friendly and designed to take you from foundation-level knowledge to professional artistry.

How long are the programs?
Programs vary in length depending on the curriculum. Most students complete the core program within several weeks, with options to add specialty masterclasses.

Can I build my portfolio while in school?
Absolutely. We offer on-site shoots, studio time, and creative direction so you can graduate with a working portfolio.

Is job placement available?
While we don’t guarantee placement, we offer career coaching, industry events, and opportunities to work backstage at real productions. Many of our students build strong freelance careers immediately after graduating.

What makes The Makeup Academy NYC different from other schools?
Our school is intimate, hands-on, and rooted in real industry access. Unlike traditional beauty schools, we focus exclusively on makeup artistry and offer direct opportunities to work with brands, publications, and professional teams.

Explore

Join the $550 billion beauty industry! Enroll at our internationally recognized school for makeup artists!

Download our
FREE Course Catalog

Career & Personal Discovery Events

Learn about the Makeup Industry and Careers, Participate in Makeup Demos, Chat with Instructors & Alumni, And more.

Learn How You Can Join The $575 Billion Beauty Industry

Seats Limited – Register Today!

Professional Hairstyling Kit

  • Black Tote Bag
  • Notebook
  • Black Elastic Bands – 250 Pack
  • 3.5″ Brown Small Hair Donut
  • 1.75″ Black Hair Pin – 100/Card
  • Black Heat Safe Gloves
  • 2″ Black Bob Pin – 60/Card
  • Double Prong Slide/Curl Clip – 80 Pack
  • Duckbill Clips – 12 Pack
  • Black Ponytails – 12 Pack
  • 4.5″ Gator Clips – 6 Pack
  • 3 Row teasing Brush w/Tail
  • 100% Boar Med Firm 5 Row
  • Styling Brush
  • Aqua Cushion Brush
  • 9.25″ Carbon Rat Tail Comb
  • Clipper-mate Hard Rubber
  • 816cm Comb
  • Bone/Black Shampoo Comb
  • 1.75″ Elite Ceramic Round Brush
  • Wig Block Holder
  • Fromm Flat Iron
  • 1″ Ceramic Curling Wand
  • 3/4″ Hot Tools Spring
  • Curling Iron
  • Blowdryer
  • Eva Brown Human Hair
  • Mannequin

Professional Makeup Kit

  • Makeup Forever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation – 4 Shades
  • Makeup Forever Full Cover Extreme Cream Concealer – 3 Shades
  • Makeup Forever Brow Gel
  • Makeup Forever Step 1 Hydrating Primer
  • Makeup Forever Lash Arresting Volume Mascara
  • Inglot Translucent Loose Powder
  • Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel 77
  • Inglot Duraline
  • Lorac Pro Palette – 25 Shade Lip Palette
  • Imagic Camouflage Cream Palette
  • BH Classic Blush – 10 Color Palette
  • LA Girl Contour Palette – 2 palettes
  • 24-Piece Set: Professional Makeup Brush Kit
  • Metal Plate with Spatula
  • Inglot Makeup Brush 31T
  • Zuca Artist Backpack
  • Ardel Demi Whispies Strip Lash
  • Individual Lashes – Small, Medium and Large
  • Duo Lash Glue
  • Waterproof Makeup Remover
  • Micellar Water
  • Carmex Lip Balm

Sanitation Class and Certificate

EXCLUSIVE TO THE MAKEUP ACADEMY STUDENTS

Sanitation Standards online training teaches sanitation at a health-grade level. A health grade level means we mirror protocols that hospitals use to prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and blood-borne pathogens. This training supersedes any state mandates or cosmetology licensing. Unlike most sanitation programs or protocols, the training was created in partnership with a microbiologist. Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments. The training was designed for all learning styles, with interactions and videos as content delivery compositions.

INCLUDES:

  • ONLINE TRAINING
  • BEAUTY, SPECIAL FX & THEATER MAKEUP PROTOCOLS
  • CERTIFICATION*
  • PRESTIGE PIN*
  • ADDED TO THE SANITATION SPECIALIST DATABASE
  • DIGITAL BADGE*

 

*Digital Certification Badge—After successfully completing the training and the course feedback, your customized digital badge will be available once you exit the training.

*Certificate of Completion and Prestige Pin – Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and Prestige Pin.

Schedule A Campus Visit Today!

Learn more about our programs, see our makeup kit, meet the instructors and students, and tell us all about your makeup goals! We look forward to meeting you!

After you’ve requested your time slot, our admissions team will contact you to confirm your visit. Please only visit the campus once you confirm.

I am looking forward to helping make your dreams come true.

Julie Clapsaddle,
Director of Admissions
332-334-8848

2022
portfolio

From the basics to advanced techniques, insider secrets, importance of the consultation, expert techniques, insider tips, and how to market your services to brides and others.

Please note: Photos sitewide reflect student work from their in-class photoshoot(s).

2022
portfolio

From the basics to advanced techniques, insider secrets, importance of the consultation, expert techniques, insider tips, and how to market your services to brides and others.

Please note: Photos sitewide reflect student work from their in-class photoshoot(s).

Behind
The Scenes

Model for our school

Professional Model
Class Demo Model

Are you a Professional Model looking to add new photos to your portfolio? Please complete this form.

As part of our student’s curriculum, they participate in portfolio photoshoots working with professional models to showcase their makeup! If you are selected to join us, you will get 2-3 looks and 4-6 retouched photos and lunch is provided! These opportunities are unpaid, however, you will network with photographers, artist and other models and have a great experience on campus with us! Looks are at the discretion of our artists based on what they are looking to add to their portfolios. You will be on campus from 8:30 – 3 for a typical shoot and we have both weekday and weekend shoot dates.

Name(Required)
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: png, gif, jpg, jpeg, pdf, Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 10.

    We’d love to hear from you

    New Student Offer

    10%OFF

    Leave your details below and receive a discount coupon in your inbox
    Name