ABOUT US

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.

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Submit Your Model Portfolio Today

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!

GET SCOUTED TODAY

Jumpstart Your Hair & Makeup Artist Career

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.

We are on Instagram
Throwback to last year at Art Basel with our hair and makeup team, rocking the runway with @puma and @membersonlyusa 🔥

#artbasel #puma #nycmakeupartist #makeup #makeuptutorial #makeuptraining #promua
POV: You’re backstage at @nyfw , bringing the vision to life like our hair and makeup team did for the @falgunishanepeacock.nyc show last year. 💄✨ From flawless makeup to show-stopping hair, every detail was pure runway magic. Ready to turn your passion into a career and create iconic moments like this? 🚀 Enroll now—next class starts in Jan and seating very limited! #makeupdreams #hairgoals #nyfw #makeupclass #nycmakeupartist #promua
Thursday night Makeup Forever invited us to their scholarship event! Their scholarship is available to the entire LGBTQIA+ community and everyone that applies is able to select a make up school of their choice and it includes a full kit of makeup forever products. ✨

We were honored to watch as they did a demo as well. Makeup Forever had goodie bags & we connected with the Makeup Forever team! 🤍

Don’t forget to visit the link in our bio to apply for the scholarship. 

#makeupschool #nycmakeupschool #nymakeupschool #makeupacademy #nycmakeupacademy #makeup #makeupartist #muas #softglam #mua #glam #makeupforever #inglot #nars #maccosmetics #makeuplover #makeuplooks #makeupinspo #nycmua #nycmakeupartist #newyorkmua #nymua #models #philadelphiamakeupschool #phillymua #phillymakeupschool #philadelphiamua #philadelphia
This is your last chance to be trained as a freelance makeup artist and be ready to go for 2025 shows, bridal season and more! ✨

Master and Beauty & Bridal courses schedules available: 

Weekends: Nov 23rd Saturday & Sunday 9 am - 2:30 pm
Weekday: Nov 25th Monday through Friday 9 am - 2:30 pm

Don’t miss your chance to enroll for our LAST class starts of the year, dare to dream and turn your dreams into a reality!💄

#makeupschool #nycmakeupschool #nymakeupschool #makeupacademy #nycmakeupacademy #makeup #makeupartist #muas #softglam #mua #glam #makeupforever #inglot #nars #maccosmetics #makeuplover #makeuplooks #makeupinspo #nycmua #nycmakeupartist #newyorkmua #nymua #models #philadelphiamakeupschool #phillymua #phillymakeupschool #philadelphiamua #philadelphia
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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.

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Accepted file types: png, gif, jpg, jpeg, pdf, Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 10.

    Behind
    The Scenes

    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).

    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).

    Download our
    FREE Course Catalog

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