Our Story
At The Makeup Academy, we’ve always held firm to the philosophy that dreams come true with hard work. We wouldn’t have been able to become the international school of makeup in New York City, NY, without the determination and passion of our founder, Nina Mua, who moved from Moscow to NYC to pursue makeup artistry fully. Now, we want to help other artists discover this same drive and fearlessness so that they can become the next inspirational hair and makeup specialist.
What began as a small makeup school by Nina Mua in New York City is now an internationally known makeup academy in the heart of NYC. Women and men from all over the world travel to NYC to pursue their dreams of becoming a professional makeup artist, grow in their skills and knowledge, and work for major makeup brands, behind the scenes for fashion or editorial shoots or join bridal teams all over the world…just to name a few of the opportunities for makeup artists. Discover all that The Makeup Academy has to offer today!
Become a professional makeup artist in as little as 5 weeks
Our Extensive Makeup Artistry Program focuses on developing an understanding of transitioning everyday looks to evening, bridal, and creative looks. This international makeup training gives you an introduction to professional makeup artistry.
Refine your skills with personalized instruction in this course provided by our international beauty academy. We offer private sessions where students work one-on-one with their instructor.
Our Graduates Work with the likes of
Launching Careers
For 10 Years
The Makeup Academy offers the most comprehensive classes in NYC. Enroll today at our internationally recognized school for makeup artists.
Dare to Join
The Makeup Academy in New York City
At our internationally recognized makeup artist school, hands-on, in-person classes are taught by elite, in-demand instructors that are MUA’s in New York City.
Graduates of our makeup academy in New York City earn industry-recognized certification backed by New York State.
Our makeup academy in New York City has been designed for makeup artists in all stages of their careers. Whether you’re new to the industry or have been practicing as a makeup artist for some time, you could benefit from our hair and makeup classes. If one of the following descriptions fits you, you’re ready to enroll in our makeup artist school.
Launch: Students who are new to the makeup industry and/or straight out of high school
Maintain & Advance: Students who have some experience, already work within the industry, or have completed cosmetology school
Enhance: Students who are already accomplished makeup artists and want to take their skills to the next level and/or add a new skill set to their resume
At our international makeup academy, we are proud to offer a range of hair and makeup classes to help students excel in their freelance makeup artist careers. As a student at our international MUA school, you will develop a number of skills, including applying makeup in different styles, selecting products and materials for your makeup kit, working with creative professionals, and networking with industry professionals to generate business. Whether your ideal clients are brides, models, or actors/actresses, you’ll feel fully prepared to showcase your artistry after our courses for makeup artists and hairstylists.
Personalized Courses: Our courses for makeup are personalized to ensure you have hands-on training as a makeup artist. We believe in giving you the opportunity to learn from well-established professionals in the field so that you have much-needed exposure to the business.
Elite Instructors: We thrive on knowing that our instructors are able to give you one-on-one attention throughout the program to warrant your success and understanding of our curriculum. This is why we keep our classes for makeup artists small. You will never see a class bigger than eight students per instructor.
Tools Supplied: We provide all our students with the tools they need to excel in their education and jumpstart their careers. Our professional makeup and sanitation kits contain items handpicked by the professionals at our international beauty academy, so you can rest assured you’ll have the latest products and tools in your makeup arsenal.
Alumni Support: We continue to provide support even after you graduate. We will work with you throughout your time in school to ensure we have a clear understanding of your career goals. Through our agency partnerships, we will connect you with opportunities like New York Fashion Week, the United States Olympic Team, amazing bridal teams, major beauty brands, and much more.
Knowledge. Tools. Experience.
Invest In Your Future
During your classes at a makeup school for national and international students, you’ll learn the fundamentals of makeup application — from color blending, shading, and contouring to analyzing skin types and the basics of skincare.
Once you have a firm foundation under your feet, you can build on these techniques with the support of seasoned professionals at our international beauty school. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of makeup application as well as hairstyling so that you can thrive as a professional makeup artist.
Schools for makeup artists serve as the perfect place to experiment and discover your distinctive edge. No judgment will be placed on your work as you adapt the techniques you learned into styles that are uniquely yours. In fact, your instructors will push you out of your comfort zone, so you’ll be able to develop your creativity. Once you graduate from an international HMUA school, you’ll be ready to let your creativity shine as you create stunning new looks.
Makeup artistry is a service industry, which means it’s not enough to simply master the fundamentals of makeup application. You also need to know how to manage your business, build a client base, and market your skills. The best makeup schools will teach you how to succeed as a freelance makeup artist.
Stand out from the crowd with a certificate from one of the best makeup schools. It’s not simply a piece of paper; it’s a recognition of your mastery of makeup artistry from a school of makeup licensed by the New York State Education Department. It shows you’re dedicated to your art and you have the experience to perform well. This certificate also earns you the ability to get up to 40% off makeup with your PRO discounts!
student benefits
Pro Cards & Discounts
Upon graduation we provide guidance with PRO Card Applications as well as enable students to obtain memberships at our partners, Frends Beauty and Nigels Beauty Emporium. Just these two online companies will provide up to 40% off in brands such as Make Up For Ever, L’Oreal, Stila, Naked Cosmetics, Becca, Beauty Blender, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Morphe, Zuca, NYX, Smashbox, Too Faced, Temptu and much more.
We understand that as you grow as a makeup artist, building and adding on to your collection is a vital part of your success.